Children Shouldn't Live Like This – Final Author's Note

I am trying to make it a habit of mine to leave behind an author's note that is longer than the others at the end of my stories. Unfortunately, this objective is frequently marred by my fickle-mindedness when it comes to the plots of my own stories. I frequently lose interest halfway through most of my writing projects, to the point that I have only completely one other large piece of fiction on this website. The story belongs to a category that is completely apart from Les Miserables. It was the first story where I had sustained my interest throughout and made a piece of work that I had actually been satisfied with.

I am proud to say that Children Shouldn't Live Like This is my second such work, and I am pleased to say that I thoroughly enjoyed every second of writing it. For readers who had faithfully read through every word and honestly enjoyed it, I pray that you will indulge me by reading through this final Author's Note. I am far from a perfect writer, but I wish to share ideas that I hope some of you will take along in your writing endeavors and apply them as you wish.

As I had mentioned to talk-ape in a private message, I have, thus far, been exposed to Les Miserables only through the new feature film. I am therefore pleased to read your positive reviews with regards to my characterization of the students and Gavroche. A very fortunate coincidence, I'd like to call it. I wish to read Victor Hugo's original novel at some point, though I am thus far satisfied with how the characters came out in this little story. I trust you all are too, and if you're not, I understand where you come from.

I understand, at the very least, the message that Hugo and all other interpretations of the work, musical or otherwise, try to convey through Les Miserables. Therefore, though I had mentioned right at the beginning of the story that I might change some little details, I had always been resolute in fixing one plot detail.

Gavroche would have to die.

I understand that many write fanfics that speak of his survival, and I applaud all who do. Personally, however, I am deeply affected by Gavroche's death and what it means to the entirety of the novel. I therefore decided to kill off Gavroche at the end of my story, which, to me at least, had always been one that was meant to re-dramatize the character and explore his life and the plot of the musical. His life ended in the actual story, and I stuck with that. I trust that all of you who wished for me to do otherwise will understand, and if you don't, I apologize.

Aside from the many mistakes (historical, grammatical or otherwise) I have made on the course of writing the story, my artistic decisions I stand by resolutely. Be it the dialogue-less chapter sixteen, the sixty-five word chapter seventeen, or my decision to not include the immediate reactions of the students after Gavroche's death, I made the decision to do so and I will stand by these decisions. I appreciate all the comments that have asked me for reactions from the other students, but I have no intention to write anything about that. Doing something like this leaves much to the imagination, which I would prefer, instead of laying out every single detail. Treat it as an annoying artistic quirk of mine, if you will.

It had been an absolute joy, writing this fanfic, and I'm stupefied by the sheer magnitude of positive responses (including all genuine criticism and opinions) that had been showered upon it. I urge all readers, whether you stumble upon this story tomorrow or three years from now, to drop a review after finishing the story with your honest opinion. Criticism or praise will still have a positive effect on me whether in the present or the future. Your reviews delight me every morning when I switch on my computer and check my email. To all the reviewers who had been here during my little project (which I finished in less than a month, I just realized), I thank you all sincerely from the bottom of my heart.

I cannot say if I will release any more fiction under this category, but if I do, I pray that you will click on it and try to enjoy my musings. The thought of all of you doing so brings me much joy.

~SUITELIFEFAN