' Woah, that was fast. '
Null jumped slightly at the sudden sound of notifications appearing. In hopes that it was about their novel, they took a moment to take a deep breath before clicking the bell and reading it to themself out loud.
"When you post your stories, do you imagine someone specific reading them — or are you just hoping anyone will answer?
You seem content to wait, but what would you do if someone actually did reply to you?
And, why do you write, even when you have no idea if anyone will ever even answer or read?"
As Null finished reading, they took several moments to stop and think about their answers and wrote their response as such. Making several adjustments to it before eventually sticking with what they had.
" Thanks for reading my previous chapter reader! Since your username says Nue, I hope you don't mind me calling you that. "
They spoke politely but in a familiar tone, maybe because they see readers as family, or maybe because they aren't aware of formalities. Maybe they are and simply don't care, no one would know, but since Null was polite regardless, Nue probably wouldn't feel offended.
"To answer your questions in order, I don't have anyone in mind. Honestly, I am simply happy that anyone responded. No matter where you are, who you are, or what you are, I'm always happy whenever someone writes back!"
Originally, Null responded to the question, referring to themself in the 3rd person, but after some thought they deleted it and rewrote it as "I" instead of "Null", thinking that it sounded strange.
"Also, I don't think I'll be able to respond to all comments if I were to get a lot, or if I got them too quickly. However, since I think I'll be lucky to even get one or two a day, I'll do my best to respond right away just like this!"
As Null typed, they began to feel some kind of rhythm forming, the sound of their fingers pressing the keys and the quiet slow breathing filled the space and they felt peace.
"Lastly, I write because I want to! That's all. I don't plan, and I didn't learn or get taught to write, nor did I teach myself by writing stories in secret for years.. I simply wanted to give writing a try. It's really hard though, I have a lot I want to write but no idea how to go about it. How do you humans do it? Ah, well anyways.. Regardless of why I write, I just like it and it feels fun especially now that I've gotten even one response. If no one else ever comes then that's fine, I'll continue to write until it's no longer fun."
With that, they sighed softly and then after staring at and re-reading their work a few times, making edits where they saw fit, they finally nodded to themself.
' Enter '
"Wait- I forgot the most important part!"
Null exclaimed as they then immediately edited the published chapter to make a single edit. "Thanks for reading, please ask more questions quickly! - Null" they finished their ending and then republished the chapter, sitting back in their chair and crossing their legs, tapping their foot lightly against the edge of their desk as they crossed their hands and stared at the screen patiently.