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."
hummm..:)
ReplyDeleteI hope the feedback hasn't pre-disposed you, Glenn ;)
ReplyDeleteI hope the feedback was at least a little helpful for you! The expert reviewer seems genuinely impressed. Congratulations on getting as far as you did, and thanks for sharing this with us.
ReplyDeleteThanks Davin. I think the feedback is helpful. I just recieved it this morning, so it needs to go through the incubation period before I can objectively apply it.
ReplyDeleteOf course, what one reviewer found intriguing left the other ambivilant. Perhaps it's just one of those areas where one person gets it and the other didn't...
...boy, do I need spellcheck...
ReplyDelete...ambivalent, not ambivilant...
(I should just leave type-o's alone, I know, but I can't help myself)
Well, that's some pretty great feedback if you ask me. There's lots of positives in there.
ReplyDeleteTo make it even this far among all the competition is commendable, so congrats to you! It's nice too that you were able to see the feedback, to know a little of what went into the judging, and maybe be able to take something from that.
ReplyDeleteSusan, overall, yeah, I'm taking it as positive (and it's not as if we don't know that I overwrite!)
ReplyDeleteJoanne, the feedback really is one of the perks--far more than what agents provide with their rejections. I think to make it to the next round, an entry needed 2 reviewers who 'get' the story. I'm just grateful one of them did! :)
Bridget, congrats on your success...and it was one, don't doubt it! Feedback is a wonderful thing...
ReplyDeleteThanks Liza. Yeah, I guess it's a matter of how I choose to look at it. To view it as anything but a positive experience at this point would be self-defeating.
ReplyDeleteI didn't make it either. The feedback is definitely helpful and interesting. I was expecting mine to be much more harsh!
ReplyDeleteBeating out 4,000 other people is satisfying enough for me. :)
Well, that;s some awesome feedback! I think you should be very proud. :)
ReplyDeleteTiffany,
ReplyDeleteSince I didn't make it to the next round, I figured my feedback would be a lot harsher, so I'm pleasantly surprised.
I'd love to see your feedback, too...
Michelle,
I feel better about it all with each passing day.
Excellent feedback in that second one, Bridget. Congratulations on that, even if the novel didn't go through to the next round.
ReplyDeleteThanks Simon. Of course, the second critique is my favored review! May as well emphasize the positive!
ReplyDelete