This is not an update. It makes me upset to write this, but I feel like this needs to be said.
I write my stories for fun. I have a life outside of them - one filled with school and work. I do not have time to update my stories on a schedule as many authors do, and so I update whenever I have a free moment. I rotate through the stories depending on however long I have, since different story chapters have different lengths.
Normally I love reading your reviews. I love knowing that you like my story, and especially delight in those who tell me their favorite parts and say that they're so excited for the next chapter. I even appreciate constructive criticism that I can use to improve future chapters.
However, one thing I do not like is when someone reviews with no intent other than to tell me to update my story. I work very hard to have some free time to update my stories, and I do not appreciate when someone just tells me to update my story. And furthermore, I do not appreciate private messages ALSO telling me to update the story.
I keep my messages allowed because I enjoy corresponding with readers who have questions pertaining to the story and the plot. But if I keep getting messages that tell me to update my stories, and nothing else, I will have to turn them off because it makes me sad to read them. If you like my stories and are looking forwards to the next chapter, please tell me. I'd love to hear your thoughts.
But telling me to update is not kind or respectful. Please remember that we authors are very busy people, and we are doing the best that we can. When you review, your goal should be to send a nice message that will make the author smile when they read it. Those messages are what empowers me to keep writing and update my stories, not messages that have no other words than 'update' or 'update discovering death'.
Thank you to everyone for your positive reviews, and I'm so glad that so many of you like my stories.