Sci-Fi, fantasy and speculative Indie Authors Review discussion

One of the reasons I joined this group is to help other authors, and I think the best way I can help is with work in development. Anyone working on something they want feedback with, let me know.

I can do both the "encouraging, success-building" read, or the "is this really pro-quality, bookstore ready" read, at the author's choice. (Of course, with really good books, those are the same.)

Hi Eugene,

Thanks for the post! I'm currently working on my second book in The Meechan Chronicles, and would be appreciative of an extra set of eyes on this rough WIP. I'm 55K into an 80K (ish) work, so things aren't completely set in stone yet.

The premise for the first book is below:

In the future, Nuclear War has ravaged the planet. Slade Meechan, an Emissary for iCorps embarks on a Delivery to find Randy Herman - a man who's escaped from a Penal Territory.

Beset by hurdle after hurdle, Slade must reach his Target before time runs out. His journey sends him far from his home, and into a land outside the Government. Accompanied by a loyal and mischievous Diplomatic Corps officer, and an array of mechanical gadgets, Slade crosses the world to fulfill his mandate.

What happens when the hunter becomes the hunted? Slade will have to use all of his skills and all of his connections to stay ahead of the one who wants him dead. But is there more to the story?

The second book details Slade's mission to bring down the enemy. Sound like something up your alley?

Thanks in advance!

A.J.

It has potential. :) What I have usually done is read the first chapter or two, then come back with either A) I'm hooked, I'm in! B) Maybe a good story, but doesn't appeal to me, or C) I'm adrift. In outcome B I could only give limited feedback, because my brain isn't going where you're going. Outcome C could mean that I don't feel the story has started yet, or that I don't know why I should care about the characters or problem. In that case, I would focus my feedback on those first chapters, since, if they don't grab the reader, it doesn't matter how great the rest of it is.

My rule in feedback is I never argue over points. I can explain them, but if the writer tells me I'm wrong I won't make a case for my view. Why? Well, it's my view, and if I bought the book, the writer can't explain it to me, I just see what I see. And, of course, it's only my view. 98% of people could disagree with me. So I say what I saw, and you either use the feedback if it's useful, or don't.

So... Are you looking for a coach-type response, someone who will help you build your work, or a critic who will say what is wrong and let you deal with it?

Hi Eugene,

I prefer the brutal honesty - especially if there's a plot hole or something just doesn't make sense. I've been writing for a long time, but Death's Twilight is the first work I've released into the general population.

If you're willing to read the first couple chapters, the prologue will catch you up with what happened in the first book. You should be hooked :)

Thanks!

A.J.

You want to email it to me? the address is bw (at) uliante dot com.

Will do. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks! :)

Hey Eugene,

I write mythological sci-fi novels and would love your opinion on my first e-book entitled Power Play. It is about a minor league hockey player who ends up in Asgard and could be the possible trigger to start Ragnarok. If you are interested or would like more information, let me know!

Thanks,
Jeremy

Mythology is a particular appeal to me. Sports, not so much, but that isn't necessarily an issue. Valiant is one of my favorite books, and is about a lacrosse player (turned homeless drug-addicted sword-fighting troll-lover...). It sounds like it could have a humorous edge. Hockey in Asgard?

If you haven't yet, read upstream for my review style. (and options). I'm going to go first-come, first-serve, (and I don't promise to be speedy) so I may be a few weeks before I'm available, but I'll hold you as first on the waiting list if that all works for you.

I checked it out and it sounds good. Feel free to let me know when your available and I'll send you over copy!

@AJ: BTW, let it be known for the record that I started writing my current book a year ago, and had already named the male lead "Alien Jack," or "AJ" for short.

I've been called worse :). That's pretty cool! Good luck with your writing.

Hi Eugene,

Thanks for the feedback. Very interesting observations. I'll be doing some editing :). Would you be willing to read the adjusted chapters once I'm done?

Absolutely.