One Month Later & A Call to Action

My second novel is starting to take on definition and meaning. I completed another chapter this past week and the narrative is going down roads I hadn’t really expected to travel. Llewyn Finch’s life is complicated and storied—at least that’s what this new book is telling me. He’s even got an unusual middle name with its own little backstory. But you don’t get that information yet. Yeah, I’m a tease.

So, let’s get this out of the way: no sneak preview this week. Sorry if you might’ve been looking forward to another slice. I can’t promise when, but there will be more in the future, once the novel has progressed to a point where I feel comfortable sharing.

On to today’s topic: novel reactions. Specifically, I’m interested to hear what readers are saying about The Shadow Over Lone Oak. Whether it’s in the form of a review or a simple comment, I’d genuinely like to know my reader’s thoughts. As it’s been a month since the book was first published, I expect that most or many of you have either completed a significant chunk or the whole shebang.

Kyla S., who rated the novel four stars on Amazon, calls it “a well-written mix of hardboiled detective story meets the X-Files” and says that it’s “a dark, gritty read with some good (and scary) twists and turns” before concluding that she can’t wait to read more from the author.

That praise speaks for itself, but how do you feel about my novel? Was it what you expected? Did you get your money’s worth? Which character did you like best? Do you have suggestions for improvement? Are you looking forward to the sequel? Is my writing gutter trash worse than My Immortal?

I’ll humor responses to all of these questions and more. Yes, even that last one. Critique is essential to a writer’s skill set and I need it in abundance. Whatever advice, admonishment, or acclaim you can offer is greatly appreciated. You might call those the three A’s of reader response.

So, my humble fans, friends, and family, what is your opinion of my debut novel? Please leave comments in one of the following forms:

Amazon Review & Rating – Recommended for non-Facebook friends who purchased the novel because Amazon thinks that’s collusion.
Goodreads Review – Anyone who signs up for a Goodreads account can do this. It’s free.
Comments on this Blog Post or on Facebook – Anyone can do this.
Instant messaging and/or email – Anyone can do this. If you’re not a Facebook friend, my information is available under the “Contact” tab.

If your comment/review contains spoilers, I ask that you use messaging or email to discuss the book, though if it’s a detailed critique on Amazon or Goodreads it’s acceptable (even if I’d prefer not have the plot spoiled to potential buyers).

Thanks for reading and I hope to read the opinions of at least a few readers in one form or other. Peace be to you and God bless.

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/CJSearsAuthor/

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33595874-the-shadow-over-lone-oak?ac=1&from_search=true