A Sequel to Prom Changed Everything?

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Almost two years ago I published a little book called Prom Changed Everything. It was, honestly, a passion project that initially I hadn't even thought about publishing. Back during those days and long before them, while I loved to write I never considered myself good enough to actually publish. Whether that was due to self-esteem issues, not feeling what I wrote was anywhere good enough quality to consider publishing (which in all honesty most of it probably wasn't), or I simply didn't see a means to accomplish it in the first place, I held off on even attempting such a feat. It really was only because of some really supportive people on story sharing sites (many of whom are here as well) that I felt what I produced was good enough to elevate my stories to the level of actually asking people to pay money to read them.

Which is why I wanted to address something that is commonly asked or brought up in reviews of Prom Changed Everything: When's the sequel?!?!?

Honestly, there probably won't be one. Prom was... I was in a very unique mindset when I wrote that book and isn't something I can artificially recreate. Erika's story in Prom Changed Everything is one that I sort of wrote to completion. Yes, it ended with a slight opening for a sequel, but at the time I felt her story had concluded and I don't have anything more to tell with it. To try and force a sequel would, quite frankly, likely result in disaster and I absolutely refuse to do that to a cast of characters that all hold very special places in my heart. Will I never write a sequel to it? No, I can't say that. There is a very real possibility that lightning will strike a second time and I'll suddenly get inspired to continue Erika's story in some way. However, the only way the world will see it if that does happen is if I feel the quality is at a level that doesn't insult the original in any way. I can't and won't tarnish a story that I put my heart into just to make a few extra bucks with a half-assed sequel and feed off my readers' eagerness for a continuation of a good story.

So, there's a very good chance that there will never be a continuation of Erika's story because right now I don't think there needs to be one. Her story was told and from what all of you have indicated it was told well, and in the end that's all I ever wanted from Prom Changed Everything.

Comments

Even though I am one of those

Even though I am one of those who would desperately love a sequel I understand your point of you appreciate it and know that you’re doing the right thing I loved Erica story and would love to see another one but I understand honoring the character and the story to the fullest I personally hope one day there will be a sequel but I know that should you not feel it worthy then know that I still love erica’s a story

Rereading it Now.

This is a great story, and well written. I've only seen a couple of grammar errors, but those could easily be regional.

This is really painful to read at times. My own transition was involuntary, and I know what it is like to be raped and beaten, though not at the same time. The argument about returning to life as a man is very conflicting and two sided. At 72, I'll likely just live it out as a woman.

Very good.

Gwen

There is something you may haven't considered though

AuPreviner's picture

A spin off wouldn't be a bad idea.

You have so many well developed characters in your novel. Any one of them could go off to college, a family trip, or another high school and have an encounter with someone like Erika and who would use their experience with her to guide them.

It might make for an interesting spin off.

Just a thought,

AuP


"Love is like linens; after changed the sweeter." – John Fletcher (1579–1625)

Sequel to "Prom"?

I've read "Prom" 5 times and I appreciate it more and more each time. I would love to see a movie made of it. I will purchase the sequel if you ever write it but you have to put your stamp of approval into it to make it happen. To do otherwise would not be "being true to one's self". Thank you for writing "Prom".