The ending of this volume was a storyline I had always wanted to write.
So even though I knew the final chapter would be very controversial, I figured that the further I went, the less I would dare to indulge myself, and chose to keep writing in my own direction.
Of course I knew some people would find it unacceptable.
Of course I knew that writing this way amounted to "filtering readers," as people like to call it these days... even though I never had that many readers to begin with.
As my editor put it, I was straying further and further off course, departing from readers' expectations of established formulas.
Writing this way, I was very likely digging my own grave, then stamping down the mound of dirt for good measure.
But whenever I thought about writing something that made me happy, something that at least some readers would want to read, I thought... write it!
Leave no regrets.
Regardless of how well or poorly it performs.
Reading a book is, in itself, a journey where the reader and author run toward one another.
If, along the way, you discover that the author is a nose-picking hulk with a face full of bumps, it is perfectly understandable to let loose a stream of curses, turn around, and leave.
Of course, the unpleasantness of disappointed expectations does not erase the emotional value you gained along the way... so I can apologize, but there is no way I am giving you a refund!
That was just a little personal rambling.
Now, on to a review of this volume.
Of all the volumes so far, this one had the most chapter content, and in Fish Head's plans, it was also the most important period of development in the entire book.
Over the