HOW DO WRITERS USE READER RESPONSE AS A STRATEGY IN WRITING DIGITAL NOVELS?

Abstract

This study aims to investigate how reader responses are used as a strategy in the process of writing digital novels. Using a descriptive qualitative method, the research conducted in-depth interviews to outline the steps authors take when integrating reader feedback into their work. The results show that reader feedback is not only used to develop story ideas and refine plots, but also to correct narrative errors and provide fresh ideas for subsequent chapters. The authors' creative process, which is divided into 11 stages, is significantly influenced by this interaction with readers. According to the authors, this strategy is crucial because reader responses contribute significantly to the refinement of the story, making it more polished and detailed. Thus, the collaboration between author and reader becomes a central element in the construction of digital novel writing strategies.