23: Chat with Everyone for a Bit
As per tradition, I should have shared a few words with everyone before starting this book. The reason I’ve delayed until today is… well, it’s rather embarrassing…
With my previous book, I wanted to experiment with a new approach to historical writing. As everyone knows, it ended in complete failure, hitting the lowest point in Monk’s twenty-year career. For a writer who still carries some pride in his heart, the torment was unimaginable.
Truth be told, I spent a full six months preparing for that last book. The reference materials I went through stacked up taller than a person. The opening alone underwent eight major revisions, with countless minor adjustments – I couldn’t have been more dedicated. Yet the result was deeply disappointing. That New Year I spent… let’s just say it was utterly miserable…
Fortunately, my longtime readers never abandoned their support… Many old friends have been following my work for over a decade. Quite a few of them don’t actually enjoy historical stories with supernatural elements, but they continued subscribing purely to support poor Monk. And dear Old Niu and others kept diligently writing chapter reviews to build momentum – Monk is truly endlessly grateful.
With your support and encouragement, I eventually completed that previous book with full commitment, proving my professional integrity and living up to the readers who stood by me during my lowest point.
During this time, I’ve conducted thorough reviews and reflections. Some issues were technical – like how the so-called historical fantasy ended up as neither fish nor fowl; or thinking that earnest writing alone would guarantee quality. But the reality is, there are many diligent writers, while truly excellent works remain rare. The two clearly can’t be equated – it’s more of an inclusive relationship.
Moreover, during all those revisions, I forgot that this was first and foremost an online novel, and nothing should violate the fundamental rules of online novels. Yet I foolishly cast this aside…
And so on, I’ve summarized many points.
The purpose of this summary is to learn from these lessons and avoid repeating the same mistakes.
Hence, we have this new book, “The Top Scholar.”
Right from the start, some readers said, “The stubborn kid is back.” I take this as affirmation, showing that I can recognize and correct my mistakes. As long as I maintain this precious quality, I won’t become complacent, and can still shamelessly sit at the same table with younger writers!
Furthermore, many are concerned about how “The Top Scholar” can bring something new when “The First-Ranked Official” set such a high standard. There’s no need to worry about this. “The First-Ranked Official” was written in 2009 – a full sixteen years ago. The world has undergone earth-shaking changes in these sixteen years – both our lives and our values have completely transformed.
Therefore, whether it’s the protagonist or the author’s understanding of the story’s world, everything is entirely different now. So “The Top Scholar” will definitely be a completely different book. As for what exactly will be different, you’ll naturally sense it as the story unfolds.
Mainly because even I can’t fully articulate it right now – I can only write from my heart and gradually understand these changes myself.
Additionally, I must say, it feels so much better to return to writing in my area of expertise! No need to tread carefully like walking on eggshells. How to arrange all the plot developments, how characters should make their entrances – it’s all crystal clear in my mind, absolutely authentic.
Although due to my previous book, the early promotions for this one will definitely be significantly affected – for example, the featured cover promotion on the premium page only lasts one day now… Sob, it’s really too harsh.
But rules are rules, and even the Monk can’t change them. All he can do is put his all into writing the book well, striving to earn everyone’s support. Then, relying on that support, he’ll climb the New Book Rankings step by step.
The good news is that after a week of hard work, we’ve climbed from beyond 80th place last week to 12th place now. Unfortunately, the mobile display only shows up to the top 10, so I’m asking for your support—please vote! If you haven’t read it yet, check out the latest chapters and boost the follow-up readership. Let’s aim to squeeze into the top 10!
Normally, asking for votes should come with extra updates. But this time, to ensure everyone enjoys the reading experience from the start—unlike the usual new book period with only 4,000 words per day—the Monk has switched to two chapters totaling 6,000 words daily.
Right now, I’m still a one-eyed man, and I’m meticulously polishing this book, not daring to be the slightest bit careless. Coding for eight hours a day with just one eye, I can only manage around 6,000 to 7,000 words. Then, each chapter requires over an hour of revision, basically finishing up late at night, and by the end, I’ve practically turned into a Sharingan eye…
So I think maintaining the current update pace while asking for votes isn’t too shameless.
Alright, maybe I am a bit shameless…
Anyway, please, this time we must rise up strong!!!