Well, this is what I would have done

We've all heard it at some point. Whether you're a reader or writer you've heard someone say what they think should have happened in a story or series. I recently saw a post by another author talking about this and it has continued to bother me.

While I've only received one letter of this nature, it did bother me. I had someone proceed to tell me what the heroine should not do and she should be "better than that," etc. First of all, I don't think the reader fully understood the character's powers or the fact that she was not in a committed relationship. Dating someone who knows about your needs (as they are clearly told in the story) is much different than cheating. If everyone knows the score, it isn't cheating. And on a slightly different note, please do not write to tell me who she should never date again.

But all that aside, this is my series. I have planned what will happen to these characters and the choices they will make in order to become who they are supposed to be. I have done this for years. After reading the post I mentioned I re-read the letter I received and realized how much it rankled.

I have certainly read books over the years where I didn't like what happened. But I would never write to the author and tell them what "should" happen. If they wrote what I thought was supposed to happen then it wouldn't be their story anymore, it would be mine. Same goes for this person here. If the heroine was supposed to be with who they think, the series would have ended after three books. As it is I'm working on the sixth.

Here's a heads up to any who might not be expecting it: The Lilith Mercury series will not have Lilith end up with ONLY ONE MAN. It isn't her destiny. Personally, I think that's hot, and so do a lot of other people. I won't reveal more, but this is not a one man, one woman kind of story. However, I write plenty of stories with only one hero and only one heroine.

Someone saying they didn't care for a story is one thing, but telling me how it should be written is another. All I can say is, "I'm sorry you didn't like it." Seriously. What more could be expected? The story will be told as it was always meant to be: in MY words.

On the positive side, everyone else has so far understood and enjoyed the direction the story has taken. Thank you to everyone who has written to me about this series. Many have expressed opinions and I am grateful. Only one thought I should re-write the story. Please, don't take my opinion here personally. After all, I do have feelings and I certainly do have opinions, just like everybody else.