Ann Christy's Blog, page 18
September 7, 2013
Beta Readers for Silo 49: Deep Dark Wanted
Howdy All!
Intense re-writes have been going on for part 2 of the Silo 49 trilogy even though my original plan was to actually have it live and in your hands by now.
I read every review with care and try to parse out what the words mean in terms of the reading experience for each person. I'm certainly not the only author to do that, but I really do appreciate now how hard it can be to figure out what a reviewer really means in terms of the work.
Of course, I'm tickled pink...no, flaming neon pink with racing stripes...when I read a 5 star review and very sad when I read one that is less than complimentary, but each one also has a lesson for me to use. I'm trying to improve the series, not just continue it.
I'm a scientist, not a professional writer. Who knew it was this hard?
So, back to the point. After reading the reviews I took a hard and critical look at Deep Dark, got feedback from an experienced author and then set to chopping it up. I'm closing in on something I can be happy with but what will readers think?
If you've read Silo 49: Going Dark and are looking forward to Silo 49: Deep Dark, then you might be just the reader I'm looking for. For those not familiar with the Beta Reader process; in brief, I'll send you an advance copy of Deep Dark via email and you read it. That's pretty much it except that in return you tell me what you thought, where you felt it was slow, redundant or especially good. There is generally a very short window of time to read and return your thoughts, like a week. You also agree not to share the file with anyone, ever.
If you're interested, you can leave a comment and I can comment back. You can also write me directly at ann(dot)christyauthor(AT)gmail(dot)com. I also have that handy "Contact Me" form to the right.
On a side note, W.J. Davies has finished up his series with a new release, "The Watcher", and it is fantabulous! If you haven't read that Wool based fan fiction series, I can heartily recommend it. Tight writing, intense storyline and broad finish. Good stuff.
Intense re-writes have been going on for part 2 of the Silo 49 trilogy even though my original plan was to actually have it live and in your hands by now.
I read every review with care and try to parse out what the words mean in terms of the reading experience for each person. I'm certainly not the only author to do that, but I really do appreciate now how hard it can be to figure out what a reviewer really means in terms of the work.
Of course, I'm tickled pink...no, flaming neon pink with racing stripes...when I read a 5 star review and very sad when I read one that is less than complimentary, but each one also has a lesson for me to use. I'm trying to improve the series, not just continue it.
I'm a scientist, not a professional writer. Who knew it was this hard?
So, back to the point. After reading the reviews I took a hard and critical look at Deep Dark, got feedback from an experienced author and then set to chopping it up. I'm closing in on something I can be happy with but what will readers think?
If you've read Silo 49: Going Dark and are looking forward to Silo 49: Deep Dark, then you might be just the reader I'm looking for. For those not familiar with the Beta Reader process; in brief, I'll send you an advance copy of Deep Dark via email and you read it. That's pretty much it except that in return you tell me what you thought, where you felt it was slow, redundant or especially good. There is generally a very short window of time to read and return your thoughts, like a week. You also agree not to share the file with anyone, ever.
If you're interested, you can leave a comment and I can comment back. You can also write me directly at ann(dot)christyauthor(AT)gmail(dot)com. I also have that handy "Contact Me" form to the right.
On a side note, W.J. Davies has finished up his series with a new release, "The Watcher", and it is fantabulous! If you haven't read that Wool based fan fiction series, I can heartily recommend it. Tight writing, intense storyline and broad finish. Good stuff.
August 27, 2013
Re-writes!
Silo 49: Deep Dark is undergoing additional rewrites. That's a whole lotta paper!
August 24, 2013
The Things We Do for Realism!
Just look at one of things I did to capture a realistic element in the Silo. And that is just one type....
August 23, 2013
Book Two Cover Preview!
Okay all....tell me what you think of the cover. Deep Dark coming soon.
August 22, 2013
Silo 49: Deep Dark is Coming Soon!
The cover is done.
Two edits are done.
Flow checks and a final story read....followed by yet MORE corrections...and then it will be out! If you want to be notified, you can do it through Amazon on my author page or you can just send me a note.
I'm getting excited. A sneak preview of the cover may be coming soon just for fun. Then you can tell me what you think it might mean.
Two edits are done.
Flow checks and a final story read....followed by yet MORE corrections...and then it will be out! If you want to be notified, you can do it through Amazon on my author page or you can just send me a note.
I'm getting excited. A sneak preview of the cover may be coming soon just for fun. Then you can tell me what you think it might mean.
August 17, 2013
DUST by Hugh Howey is out!!!
If you've read Silo 49: Going Dark, then it is almost certain that you did because you are a fan of Hugh Howey's series' of WOOL, SHIFT and now DUST.
As of today, August 17th, DUST is out and available. I'm hunkering down with my Kindle HD that conveniently flashed me the beautiful cover as soon as it hit the market. I'll be spending the day reading while the service comes to maintain my climate control system.
Happy Reading!
As of today, August 17th, DUST is out and available. I'm hunkering down with my Kindle HD that conveniently flashed me the beautiful cover as soon as it hit the market. I'll be spending the day reading while the service comes to maintain my climate control system.
Happy Reading!
August 13, 2013
Silo 49: Going Dark is Published!
It's hard to believe, but the first book is out!
I hit the publish button on July 15th but I kept it mum from most until I got a few reviews. I was worried that it would stink. I knew it would be a nerve-wracking thing to publish but I had absolutely no idea how deep the pit of my stomach would get.
It is with all honesty that I can say I had no butterflies...because I had giant freaking bats in there.
Anyway.
So I waited to see what would happen and I'm happy to say that people seem to like it! I don't know any of the people who have given me reviews, though I did read the silo stories by +Patrice Fitzgerald and loved those. It is nice to know that people have enjoyed them and liked the writing. The @Kiki Burn review pretty much had me dancing all over the living room. I'm not afraid to admit it!
I'm chugging away on the second one....basically, I'm picking it to death. Should be up very, very soon.
Oh, and my email has changed! You can reach me using annDOTchristyauthorATgmailDOTcom or you can just comment here. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Happy Reading.
I hit the publish button on July 15th but I kept it mum from most until I got a few reviews. I was worried that it would stink. I knew it would be a nerve-wracking thing to publish but I had absolutely no idea how deep the pit of my stomach would get.
It is with all honesty that I can say I had no butterflies...because I had giant freaking bats in there.
Anyway.
So I waited to see what would happen and I'm happy to say that people seem to like it! I don't know any of the people who have given me reviews, though I did read the silo stories by +Patrice Fitzgerald and loved those. It is nice to know that people have enjoyed them and liked the writing. The @Kiki Burn review pretty much had me dancing all over the living room. I'm not afraid to admit it!
I'm chugging away on the second one....basically, I'm picking it to death. Should be up very, very soon.
Oh, and my email has changed! You can reach me using annDOTchristyauthorATgmailDOTcom or you can just comment here. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Happy Reading.
