Get Reviews! discussion

Feel like sharing? What is your current work-in-progress? Is it going well or are you slaving over every word? Are you deep into it or are you staring at a blank screen looking for that right opening sentence?

What's new?

My current work in progress has the working title of "Prince of the North Tower". It started out as a writing exercise, but after ten or twenty thousand words, I realized I'd done an awful lot of mental worldbuilding for this exercise, and figured out the general arc it needed to go through to be a completed book.

The main problem is, I've reached 87,055 words, and instead of the usual increase in momentum from being that far along, it's getting bogged down. I have to finish the current battle scene, have the characters make their way out of the territory they're in, rally some allies, and go try to rescue a beseiged city. This may end up being my longest book in word count, as well as the longest in terms of time spent writing it (I started in 2016).

And as I mentioned elsewhere, the second book in the series is already done.

Speaking purely for myself, but with the idea that you may possibly find the thought helpful:
When I get bogged down with a book, I frequently discover that I've taken some sort of wrong turn with it, My subconscious knows it, and won't let me go on until I've fixed whatever it is that was wrong. Most often, with me, a particular wrinkle in the plot.

David wrote: "Speaking purely for myself, but with the idea that you may possibly find the thought helpful:
When I get bogged down with a book, I frequently discover that I've taken some sort of wrong turn with..."

I've thought about that, and already ruled it out in this case. It's closer to the reason I can't write with an outline. I've gone over the lay of the land so often it feels like I've already written the book, so my mind wants to know why I'm writing it again. Once I kick it into gear the words flow just fine until I'm interrupted.

For instance, I'm now at 89,031 words, and wrapped up most of the current battle.

I get a very different feeling when I've taken a wrong turn. It's not 'ugh what a slog' it's 'something's not adding up.'

Kathleen wrote: "Feel like sharing? What is your current work-in-progress? Is it going well or are you slaving over every word? Are you deep into it or are you staring at a blank screen looking for that right openi..."

Hey Y'all -

So a couple months back I finished my latest. Was supposed to be a dark coming-of-age set in 80's San Francisco. Punks and Goths. HIV. A jolly time being had by all. But then the damn thing decided it was being too gloomy and somehow turned into a tale of second chances and redemption. What's a mother to do? Beat it back into submission or figure The Book knows best? Feel free to respond with advice.

In the meantime, I'm puttering around with another music-themed novel, albeit a lighter one. The Grateful Dead meet the Rat Pack. Be there when worlds collide!

Where's my pirate book?

This is all I need to know.

No pressure, Kathy, but I'm also waiting for it... ;)

Alas mateys, she be becalmed. Eversearching an ending that don't suck.

Well, and a middle too, for that matter. :o)

Hallo Everyone.
My book went live today on amazon, and i could really use the reviews!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...

Anybody willing to read a parenting book aimed at ADD/ADHD kids?

Brian wrote: "Hey Y'all -

So a couple months back I finished my latest. Was supposed to be a dark coming-of-age set in 80's San Francisco. Punks and Goths. HIV. A jolly time being had by all. But then the damn ..."

Hi Brian,

You've caught my interest with both tales. Have you published the first one? What's the title?

And a mashup of The Dead with Old Blue Eyes--it's irresistible!

Hi everyone. I just finished my fourth book (45 min ago). It is based on a true story with focus on ADHD and friendship. I need to go again through the manuscript and find an editor.... But tonight I will celebrate. :)

Nico wrote: "Hi everyone. I just finished my fourth book (45 min ago)"

Congrats!

Kathleen -

First off, do you prefer Kathy or Kathleen? Much of my life has revolved around K(C)athys, so you're in good company.

As to the SF book, I have a writer-friend who thinks it still needs some tweaking, and so I'm bowing to his wisdom. Hope to get it out there sometime this spring. Title is Choosing the Dark. And you're right - the juxtaposition of Garcia and Sinatra says just about everything you can about the evolution of American popular music. I just don't know if I have the wherewithal to pull it off. Then again, nothing ventured . . .

Robert wrote: "Nico wrote: "Hi everyone. I just finished my fourth book (45 min ago)"

Congrats!"

Thank you, Robert!

Congratulations, Nico! What a wonderful accomplishment.

Now comes the really hard part. :o)

But before long we'll see it posted on the review daisy chain. Good job!

Brian wrote: "Kathleen -

First off, do you prefer Kathy or Kathleen? Much of my life has revolved around K(C)athys, so you're in good company.

As to the SF book, I have a writer-friend who thinks it still need..."
Hi Brian,

Please call me Kathy. It's become an old-fashioned name that immediately dates anyone that goes by it. And there are lots of us. (Thank you, baby boom.) But that's ok. I like old-fashioned things and don't mind being an antique.

Trust your friend and trust your instincts about your story. It's great to have someone who knows their stuff critique your work, especially when they point out areas you know in your heart to be in need of or missing something. But the vision and the story are ultimately yours. I'm looking forward to enjoying both.

Thank you so much, Kathleen. Yes the hard part is here but I am used to it. Have a great Sunday!

Sonja wrote: "Hallo Everyone.
My book went live today on amazon, and i could really use the reviews! ..."

Congratulations Sonja. Always nice to get another book published.

The $4+ ebook review thread is open if you want to sign up. Then your book is next in line for a review.

I'm (still) working on my first and no doubt only book of short stories--cover reveal here.
Well, it was due out in the fall....then I thought "Since I'm not going to make that, I might as well add a couple more stories I've been thinking about..." and now it's 'out in the spring--maybe'. My family is also moving sometime in the summer, so we'll see!

Eric wrote: "I'm (still) working on my first and no doubt only..."

Only? There is never only for a writer, only only at the present time. I think I may have confused myself.

Anyway, gimme. I have become a massive fan of the short form.

It's spring now. :o)

June, maybe? :)

HEY GUYS! :D thought I'd share a bit about what I'm working on. :D

I just published my first novel. "The Shadow in the Swing."

And now I'm working on a new short story called "The Broken Hearted Bride". I just finished a rough draft of it, and I'm waiting for my editor to look over it for me. It should be ready early next month. :D

I'm also working on a new novella called "She Watches You Sleep".

And Spooky Shorts Vol #2 should coming out soon! :D :D :D

Lennie wrote: "I just published my first novel. "The Shadow in the Swing.""

Congratulations.

Eric wrote: "June, maybe? :)"

June is almost here. Where's the book, Eric?

Congratulations, Lennie. I really like those titles too. Immediately intriguing.

Michael wrote: "Eric wrote: "June, maybe? :)"

June is almost here. Where's the book, Eric?

Congratulations, Lennie. I really like those titles too. Immediately intriguing."
:D :D :D :D :D I try. I'm looking forward to sharing them with everyone!

Yikes. "She Watches You Sleep." Ain't nothin creepy about that. :D

Good choice. And good luck and great sales to you too!

Michael wrote: "Eric wrote: "June, maybe? :)"

June is almost here. Where's the book, Eric?


I know, I know. We're not in the new house yet and juggling tons of move related projects. The book is done, just needs the formatting etc. We'll see!

Well, if no one else is going to, I'll deliver a book by the end of June. Beyond the Edge of the Map has gone up for pre-order, and will be available come June 30th.

Hurray! Congratulations, Robert! May good readership and great sales be always yours!

Nice, Robert. Congrats on getting a new title out. The rest of us had better get out act together and finish something.

I'll add it to our books for new members and put it on my to read list.

And they said it couldn't be done...
My short story collection is finally available here, though not as polished as I'd like.

How about a book listing, Eric? I'm currently reading it.

Do you mean a paperback edition? If so, hoping to get to it soon.

No, a Goodreads listing. Can't find the book listed and want to put it on my 'Currently Reading' list.

Right, I've got to set that up. Thanks for the reminder.

I still can't find it, Eric. Can you post a link?

Just added it: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...