When Darkness Begins – in alpha review
I’ve handed the manuscript for “When Darkness Begins” (part of the Darkness series) over for its first alpha read. My goals for these next few weeks are to:
1) Add in a time indicator to show where each chapter is in time – a graphic of sorts that will keep the reader oriented. Of course there are twists in this book, and even the time graphic won’t give it away.
2) Add in more correctly named animals. Well, correctly described animals. Right now they are slightly generic and though someone from 10,000 years ago would not have the same name we have for said animal, I want to describe them a little more clearly and make sure they were in the areas that the story takes place.
3) Show the research and true events that actually are in this book. I want to add an addendum that briefly covers some of the archeological findings and geography that I’m referencing in my very creative narrative. You wouldn’t have to be interested in ancient history to follow the story. I had a blast doing the research portion and thought some readers might be interested. For example written language origins are referenced in the book as symbols for the Vechey clans and there is a reference to the witnessing of the Cherokee language invention to pinpoint Alexander’s mountain home.
4) Flesh out about 4-5 scenes (20 pages) that I think can be added in. I’ll know more after the alpha read is over.
5) Add in a map that shows the travels of the Vechey and the ritual site. Yet another helpful thing for readers, though, it won’t be 100% necessary. For those that like maps and geography – it will be another tool for helping see the journeys – as they are through real places. The caves that are mentioned in this story are 100% real, though I’ve changed some aspect of them to better serve the story.
6) Then it is off to the publisher & final editing & beta reading for early reviews.
The book is geared more for a younger audience. 16-25+. (Read that as no cursing and adolescent characters.) It’s a coming of age tale 40,000 years ago in an advanced race of time-walkers.
It occurred to me, on a boob-sweat hike yesterday, that I don’t know what the next book is going to be. How exciting is that? I think I’ll go back to modern day caving characters, they are my favorite. And perhaps leave the land of the Vechey (Alexander’s peoples) and do a thriller. So exciting.
https://usefulcharts.com/blogs/charts/evolution-of-the-english-alphabet
