Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Some Quiet Time

Well, I’m headed off to the hills—to the land of the technologically deprived and environmentally-imposed blogging hiatus—for a few weeks. Happily, I will have plenty of time to work on a new project or two…in a pretty little office…


See you all when I get back...

Thursday, April 1, 2010

ABNA Feedback

Well, in case anyone’s wondering—I didn’t make it through to the quarterfinalists of the ABNA. Disappointing, yes—but surprisingly, a relief. I won’t have a tense month, laboring over whether or not I made it through to the next round, worrying about a good or bad review from Publishers Weekly. One thing I’ve confirmed is that I do not have a temperament that fares well with competition.

Another thing the ABNA confirmed is that opinions are very subjective, on every level. A few of those who visit this blog have also read Story for a Shipwright—the entire thing. Therefore, I thought I’d go ahead and share the feedback I received from the two Amazon’s Vine Reviewers who read the first 5,000 words of my novel:

Feedback
Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Reviews

ABNA Expert Reviewer
What is the strongest aspect of this excerpt?
The knowledge of ship building and restoration, and the hints of nautical history, provide an interesting theme -- one that can appeal to both male and female readers. My favorite character in this excerpt is Buck; he is the one who seems most "real" at this point.

What aspect needs the most work?
The main character, Sammy, seems very distant. He will be hard to get to know. I am having difficulty understanding his perspective -- he is alternately dismissive and intrigued.

What is your overall opinion of this excerpt?
This excerpt is a good start, but I don't have a feel for where it might be going. So far there isn't a compelling "hook", or a strong connection to a character, to make me want more.

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ABNA Expert Reviewer
What is the strongest aspect of this excerpt?
The mystery that surrounds the characters - who is Marlena and why is she so odd. Why hasn't Sammy been on the sea? What is the relationship between Buck and Sammy? I also found the voice used to be authentic - Sammy has a certain gruffness that you would expect from a single man in rural Maine. The author seems to be true to the region and the people who live there.

What aspect needs the most work?
A few passages seem to be over-written, such as, "As I approached, plodding through deep and unavoidable furrows of softening earth, she glanced up at me with delight" While the prose looks nice it just doesn't seem natural. Ultimately, to me, it serves as a distraction - I am not saying that it needs to be watered down to a 5th grade level, but could be a little less dramatic. Again, this is my opinion, but the heavy prose slows down the plot development.

What is your overall opinion of this excerpt?
My criticism may seem harsh, but ultimately it is minor point. The author has done a great job at delivering an unique and original premise which is delivered in an authentic voice. The msytery surrounding each of the characters quickly captures the interest of the reader. I walk away being very impressed with, "Story for a Shipwright."