What do you think?
Rate this book
Rough Draft
When three of the world’s most prominent horror writers are viciously blackmailed, they are left with no choice but to abandon their comfortable lifestyles and take up seclusion in a tiny cabin in the mountains of Colorado, just on the outskirts of a mysteriously deserted mining town.
As the three trapped writers work together, struggling to understand and meet the demands of their blackmailers, they soon realize that they aren’t alone. There’s something else out there in the woods with them—something that doesn’t like visitors—and soon these masters of the macabre are caught right in the middle of their own very real horror story.
As the three trapped writers work together, struggling to understand and meet the demands of their blackmailers, they soon realize that they aren’t alone. There’s something else out there in the woods with them—something that doesn’t like visitors—and soon these masters of the macabre are caught right in the middle of their own very real horror story.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 21, 2012
270 people are currently reading
513 people want to read
About the author
Michael Robertson Jr.
40 books105 followersAside from his Lance Brody paranormal suspense series, Michael is the author of the horror/suspense novels ROUGH DRAFT, CEDAR RIDGE, suspense novel REGRET, as well as a collection of horror and suspense short stories THE TEACHERS' LOUNGE (both written under the pen name Dan Dawkins). His books have been downloaded over 100,000 times in Amazon's Kindle store.
Lives in Virginia where he's currently working on a new horror novel while trying to keep himself from thinking that his next book idea is better.
Favorite Authors: Stephen King, Harlan Coben, Jules Verne, JK Rowling, Chelsea Caine, Sandra Brown, Joe Hill, George R. R. Martin, John Connolly, Michael Chrichton, Ted Dekker, Greg Iles, Jeffery Deaver, Dennis Lehane, Justin Cronin, C.S. Lewis -- This is getting out of hand...
Lives in Virginia where he's currently working on a new horror novel while trying to keep himself from thinking that his next book idea is better.
Favorite Authors: Stephen King, Harlan Coben, Jules Verne, JK Rowling, Chelsea Caine, Sandra Brown, Joe Hill, George R. R. Martin, John Connolly, Michael Chrichton, Ted Dekker, Greg Iles, Jeffery Deaver, Dennis Lehane, Justin Cronin, C.S. Lewis -- This is getting out of hand...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
January 6, 2018
Well, I finished my first read of the new year and it was a good one. This has sat on my TBR for several years and I am glad to have finally picked it up.
It was about 3 horror writers who have ended up in a desolate cabin together. They must battle the unknown, the elements and the paranormal.
I liked the characters and the relationships between them (no love triangle!). I also enjoyed the story. I thought it was well paced and interesting. The mystery of why they were there and the events that occurred kept my attention. I was also satisfied by the ending.
This is a first read for me by this author. I will be checking out his other books now. I recommend it, especially for people who like books about people who write books.
It was about 3 horror writers who have ended up in a desolate cabin together. They must battle the unknown, the elements and the paranormal.
I liked the characters and the relationships between them (no love triangle!). I also enjoyed the story. I thought it was well paced and interesting. The mystery of why they were there and the events that occurred kept my attention. I was also satisfied by the ending.
This is a first read for me by this author. I will be checking out his other books now. I recommend it, especially for people who like books about people who write books.
March 28, 2017
The premise was good: three famous horror writers are forced to spend a few days in an isolated cabin in the mountains, near a ghost town. Something evil is waiting for them..
Unfortunately dull dialogues, a few typos and a blatant misogyny attitude (the only female character is portrayed as a whiny weak and frail woman whose only role is that of falling in love with one of the other two protagonists) made this read a forgettable one
Unfortunately dull dialogues, a few typos and a blatant misogyny attitude (the only female character is portrayed as a whiny weak and frail woman whose only role is that of falling in love with one of the other two protagonists) made this read a forgettable one
August 12, 2017
Genre - Supernatural/Mystery/Suspense
Pages - 298
It was quite by happenstance that I came upon “Rough Draft” by Michael Robertson Jr.. I do love a happy accident. This was my first read by Michael and I was very happy with what I just read. An interesting and unique story line. This was tame as far as guts and gore go, that you usually find in many horror reads, which was actually quite nice for a change. This is more of a ghost or a slew of ghosts story. I’m not saying there was n0ne, but there was just enough to make the story a bit eerie. The story moved along smoothly and was fast paced. A short list of characters with similar backgrounds, but with very different personalities. Putting these characters together made for a very interesting read. The only negative was that the editing could have been a little better. There were missing words and extra words from time to time which had an effect on the flow of the story. That being said, it was a well told and written story. I have a few more books by Michael in my library and I look forward to reading more of this work.
Synopsis (from back cover): Three strangers. An abandoned cabin in the woods. And a chilling one hundred year-old mystery that doesn't want to be solved.
When three of the world's most prominent horror writers are viciously blackmailed, they are left with no choice but to abandon their comfortable lifestyles and take up seclusion in a tiny cabin in the mountains of Colorado, just on the outskirts of a mysteriously deserted mining town.
As the three trapped writers work together, struggling to understand and meet the demands of their blackmailers, they soon realize that they aren't alone. Aside from the raging blizzard, there's something else out there in the woods with them. Something that doesn't like visitors. And soon these masters of the macabre are caught right in the middle of their own very real horror story. One in which they might not survive to the end.
Pages - 298
It was quite by happenstance that I came upon “Rough Draft” by Michael Robertson Jr.. I do love a happy accident. This was my first read by Michael and I was very happy with what I just read. An interesting and unique story line. This was tame as far as guts and gore go, that you usually find in many horror reads, which was actually quite nice for a change. This is more of a ghost or a slew of ghosts story. I’m not saying there was n0ne, but there was just enough to make the story a bit eerie. The story moved along smoothly and was fast paced. A short list of characters with similar backgrounds, but with very different personalities. Putting these characters together made for a very interesting read. The only negative was that the editing could have been a little better. There were missing words and extra words from time to time which had an effect on the flow of the story. That being said, it was a well told and written story. I have a few more books by Michael in my library and I look forward to reading more of this work.
Synopsis (from back cover): Three strangers. An abandoned cabin in the woods. And a chilling one hundred year-old mystery that doesn't want to be solved.
When three of the world's most prominent horror writers are viciously blackmailed, they are left with no choice but to abandon their comfortable lifestyles and take up seclusion in a tiny cabin in the mountains of Colorado, just on the outskirts of a mysteriously deserted mining town.
As the three trapped writers work together, struggling to understand and meet the demands of their blackmailers, they soon realize that they aren't alone. Aside from the raging blizzard, there's something else out there in the woods with them. Something that doesn't like visitors. And soon these masters of the macabre are caught right in the middle of their own very real horror story. One in which they might not survive to the end.
May 4, 2017
I enjoyed the story, and the premise of putting the three authors together, though using more of that idea would have been interesting. The similarity to "Misery" was mentioned rather than ignored which I liked. The story kept my interest and there was a genuine creep factor there, and for these reasons I gave it 4 stars as I know how hard it is for authors to get people to read their work.
On the other hand I have to agree with many other reviewers that the female character was pathetic and annoying to read. She was really only there so the big, strong man (and even the young geek) could rescue her again and again. Please, in this day and age giving us such a sad and cliched character is pretty lame. And as I feel that I have to endlessly say about e-books the editing was really bad. Why is it ok to release them with such clearly lame attempts at editing, sometimes forcing me to wonder if anyone bothers to do it at all. Typos, punctuation errors, even a lot of word errors that really make it irritating to read. I could've corrected it myself as I read very easily, why can't authors/publishers do the same? Come on, please get on it, we are paying to read this stuff!
On the other hand I have to agree with many other reviewers that the female character was pathetic and annoying to read. She was really only there so the big, strong man (and even the young geek) could rescue her again and again. Please, in this day and age giving us such a sad and cliched character is pretty lame. And as I feel that I have to endlessly say about e-books the editing was really bad. Why is it ok to release them with such clearly lame attempts at editing, sometimes forcing me to wonder if anyone bothers to do it at all. Typos, punctuation errors, even a lot of word errors that really make it irritating to read. I could've corrected it myself as I read very easily, why can't authors/publishers do the same? Come on, please get on it, we are paying to read this stuff!
April 16, 2023
Apostrophes are not for plurals.
I'm not sure I've ever seen so many typos in one book. But whatever. The bigger offense is these cookie cutter characters. You have your Handsome Hero with no personality. You've got your shy Geek Kid who loves comics and is apparently the smartest person in the room. And of course, you have the Useless Woman who just cries the whole time. Predictably, the Hero and the Woman fall for each other because he's handsome and she's a woman. Add to that the absolutely bonkers premise and it's all just too much.
I'm not sure I've ever seen so many typos in one book. But whatever. The bigger offense is these cookie cutter characters. You have your Handsome Hero with no personality. You've got your shy Geek Kid who loves comics and is apparently the smartest person in the room. And of course, you have the Useless Woman who just cries the whole time. Predictably, the Hero and the Woman fall for each other because he's handsome and she's a woman. Add to that the absolutely bonkers premise and it's all just too much.
February 2, 2018
In spite of some annoyances, I enjoyed this book. The plot was interesting, it was a fast read, it kept me guessing and was worth the time invested.
Poor writing/editing is occasionally a distraction (improper use of apostrophes being the worst, i.e., using possessives when intending to use plurals: other’s, miner’s, Native American’s, etc.) Toward the end of the book things get particularly sloppy, especially the use of incomplete sentences.
I was particularly annoyed with and puzzled by the way the author chose to write Victoria’s character. Here is supposedly one of the best horror writers in the country, yet when she’s confronted with real-life horror all she does is scream, cry, whimper, clutch, shake.......I was mystified by this.
Also annoying was the totally predictable eventual relationship between simpering Victoria and egotistical, heroic Robert. At least we are spared detailed descriptions of gratuitous sex between these two.
The third major character, Finn, actually has some depth; I found him interesting.
I don’t write spoilers, so I won’t say much about the plot. It is imaginative and unpredictable, and carries a message; expect to wade through some blood and guts to get to it, though.
Poor writing/editing is occasionally a distraction (improper use of apostrophes being the worst, i.e., using possessives when intending to use plurals: other’s, miner’s, Native American’s, etc.) Toward the end of the book things get particularly sloppy, especially the use of incomplete sentences.
I was particularly annoyed with and puzzled by the way the author chose to write Victoria’s character. Here is supposedly one of the best horror writers in the country, yet when she’s confronted with real-life horror all she does is scream, cry, whimper, clutch, shake.......I was mystified by this.
Also annoying was the totally predictable eventual relationship between simpering Victoria and egotistical, heroic Robert. At least we are spared detailed descriptions of gratuitous sex between these two.
The third major character, Finn, actually has some depth; I found him interesting.
I don’t write spoilers, so I won’t say much about the plot. It is imaginative and unpredictable, and carries a message; expect to wade through some blood and guts to get to it, though.
June 17, 2017
Wasn't pleased that the female protagonist was essentially a blubbering mess! As a supposedly award winning writer, she was rather useless. Also I didn't find it all that scary.
July 29, 2017
Started with a bang and ended on a whimper. The premise was outstanding. It's almost like the second half of the book was another story. A bit spoilery to follow... Agree with everyone else. Victoria? Really? The more whiney she got, the more irritated I got. And Finn? Mr. No Social Skills adapted to people in a blink. The dude lived on peanut butter crackers and Red Bull. Full pantry? Young guy. Maybe crackers was his thing? With pointing out the extensive food supply, they ended up eating like four different things (no I didn't actually count). The supernatural element was pretty good. The journal was a bit of a stretch for me. Instead of discovering what was happening, they had it all neat and tidy. Was expecting more of a resolution at the end. The person who brought them all together and why? And how we found out? It just didn't seem to fit the supernatural aspect of the story. Thought it would be more personal and less business. The author has a gift. He can definitely write. The dialogue was pretty good. When the characters weren't getting on my nerves or acting out of character, they were likable as well. I'll read more of his writing. I'm curious to see what I find.
March 7, 2023
COMPLETELY IMMERSED THE WHOLE TIME!
I just recently read another book by Mr. Robertson and was cometely excited to have found an auther who can write and have me completely immersed the entire way through. Like im standing there watching this story unravel. This book gave nothing less!! I have yet to read his series but know I plan to. His stand alones so far are now my FAVORITE reads. Thank you Mr. Robertson for being an incredible writer... your writing takes me away in to your worlds and leaves me so excited, anxious and so curious as to what happens next I cannot put your books down! My responsibilities are unresponsibly put aside because I cant bring myself to stop reading lol. Great book.
I just recently read another book by Mr. Robertson and was cometely excited to have found an auther who can write and have me completely immersed the entire way through. Like im standing there watching this story unravel. This book gave nothing less!! I have yet to read his series but know I plan to. His stand alones so far are now my FAVORITE reads. Thank you Mr. Robertson for being an incredible writer... your writing takes me away in to your worlds and leaves me so excited, anxious and so curious as to what happens next I cannot put your books down! My responsibilities are unresponsibly put aside because I cant bring myself to stop reading lol. Great book.
February 15, 2018
Rough Time
Interesting story that puts three authors who were strangers when they first met directly in harm's way. They quickly bonded under the onslaught of extreme violence from supernatural forces in a fight for survival.
Exciting action and the rapid pace as carnage unfolds makes this a captive read. Will the writers make an escape? What is the cause of their attacks? How can they possibly survive?
All of these questions and others are answered by the end of the book. Check it out.
Interesting story that puts three authors who were strangers when they first met directly in harm's way. They quickly bonded under the onslaught of extreme violence from supernatural forces in a fight for survival.
Exciting action and the rapid pace as carnage unfolds makes this a captive read. Will the writers make an escape? What is the cause of their attacks? How can they possibly survive?
All of these questions and others are answered by the end of the book. Check it out.
January 26, 2020
Good Winter Ghostly Read
Three horror writers are lured to an isolated cabin in the snowy Colorado mountains and asked (told) to write a novel about the mystery of an abandoned mining community nearby. It's a good premise that delivers some effective chi!ling moments, augmented by the sense of biting cold and isolation. The characters and dialogue fall a bit flat on occasion, but the well-crafted atmosphere and moments of fear sustain the interest. I'll be checking out the author's other works in the coming days.
Three horror writers are lured to an isolated cabin in the snowy Colorado mountains and asked (told) to write a novel about the mystery of an abandoned mining community nearby. It's a good premise that delivers some effective chi!ling moments, augmented by the sense of biting cold and isolation. The characters and dialogue fall a bit flat on occasion, but the well-crafted atmosphere and moments of fear sustain the interest. I'll be checking out the author's other works in the coming days.
November 2, 2020
Absolutely loved this!
The thing I find amazing about this author is the captivating characters I find in all his stories...you miss them when you get done reading.
That said the premise behind this book is great! An original! 3 authors trapped together to write a book...the end was good but disappointing since I can’t seem to het enough of the characters but it ended well!
This author (a personal favorite of mine after reading the Lance Brody novels) never fails on his gift of delivering a very compelling story!
The thing I find amazing about this author is the captivating characters I find in all his stories...you miss them when you get done reading.
That said the premise behind this book is great! An original! 3 authors trapped together to write a book...the end was good but disappointing since I can’t seem to het enough of the characters but it ended well!
This author (a personal favorite of mine after reading the Lance Brody novels) never fails on his gift of delivering a very compelling story!
February 4, 2018
WOW!
5 stars for this fantastic novel that reads like a historical horror; intriguing & intricately woven like a spider's web.
Carefully thought out & chosen characters that help guide the true direction of the storyline. Each character has a "unique" talent that relates to their historical journey.
Descriptive scenes & imagery allows the reader to feel as if they are actually inside the story, in bitter cold wintery, Colorado.
Ingenious!
5 stars for this fantastic novel that reads like a historical horror; intriguing & intricately woven like a spider's web.
Carefully thought out & chosen characters that help guide the true direction of the storyline. Each character has a "unique" talent that relates to their historical journey.
Descriptive scenes & imagery allows the reader to feel as if they are actually inside the story, in bitter cold wintery, Colorado.
Ingenious!
February 22, 2018
Horror stories and blackmail twisted
Love love love this author who is new to me. Where have I been that I would not know someone of this caliber was out there crafting fabulous tales of horror and supernatural? So glad I found him. Looking forward to hunting all his work down because its truly different from book to book. He doesn't have a "style" of writing, it just blooms organically and seamlessly with each book. Really a page Turner.
Love love love this author who is new to me. Where have I been that I would not know someone of this caliber was out there crafting fabulous tales of horror and supernatural? So glad I found him. Looking forward to hunting all his work down because its truly different from book to book. He doesn't have a "style" of writing, it just blooms organically and seamlessly with each book. Really a page Turner.
March 30, 2018
Whilst I enjoyed the book I thought it would be different to what it was. It didn’t go as I thought it would and I’m not sure I would have read it if I would have known the ending. That said I did enjoy it but can admit the ending wasn’t great. I will read others from this author as one book never dictates every book.
April 24, 2018
Just the kind of book I was in the mood for...
I saw this book as an advertisement on Facebook and thought I’d give it a shot and I’m glad I did. It is a good story with great characters. The book is an easy and enjoyable read and it was very easy to get lost in the book. I enjoyed it enough that I’ve downloaded another book by the author.
I saw this book as an advertisement on Facebook and thought I’d give it a shot and I’m glad I did. It is a good story with great characters. The book is an easy and enjoyable read and it was very easy to get lost in the book. I enjoyed it enough that I’ve downloaded another book by the author.
September 11, 2019
Wow!
I love unusual books! This one was so good! I had to finish it in one day! Three genre come together to solve a historical what happened to a town that had been abandoned long ago! I won't give anything away, but this was great. The suspense increased and increased into a stupendous result near the end! A must read! Would love to see in a movie!
I love unusual books! This one was so good! I had to finish it in one day! Three genre come together to solve a historical what happened to a town that had been abandoned long ago! I won't give anything away, but this was great. The suspense increased and increased into a stupendous result near the end! A must read! Would love to see in a movie!
July 29, 2021
Wonderful ghost story!
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes books written by Stephen King or Dean Koontz. I liked the interaction between the characters. They worked well to solve the mystery of the ghost town and who were the villains and who were the bad guys. The entire time I was reading the book I kept thinking it would make a great movie!
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes books written by Stephen King or Dean Koontz. I liked the interaction between the characters. They worked well to solve the mystery of the ghost town and who were the villains and who were the bad guys. The entire time I was reading the book I kept thinking it would make a great movie!
August 13, 2022
Captivating
I was hooked from the first page. The author was fantastic at creating character depth from the different points of view. I'm not normally one for a cowboys and native American stories but this was the perfect way to shed some light on historical events while keeping you on the edge of your seat. Great writing and I look forward to reading more of his books.
I was hooked from the first page. The author was fantastic at creating character depth from the different points of view. I'm not normally one for a cowboys and native American stories but this was the perfect way to shed some light on historical events while keeping you on the edge of your seat. Great writing and I look forward to reading more of his books.
September 29, 2024
Extremely captivating
OMG. This story was so very, oh gosh, what can I say? The edge of the seat, nail biting, isn't good enough to explain how awesome this story is. Three people get blackmailed into going into the mountains to collaborate on a book But, what unfolds is so much more. Love ghosts? Well get ready for the best read you could pick up.
OMG. This story was so very, oh gosh, what can I say? The edge of the seat, nail biting, isn't good enough to explain how awesome this story is. Three people get blackmailed into going into the mountains to collaborate on a book But, what unfolds is so much more. Love ghosts? Well get ready for the best read you could pick up.
June 29, 2017
The writing was pretty bad. Plot was weak. And the female character was portrayed as a simpering weak woman. Which was out of character for the woman she was shown to be earlier on. The end was not great. The book had a good premise but poor execution.
April 23, 2018
Enjoyed this book a lot
...right up until the rushed Hollywood happy ending. What a let down. Great premise, great expectations, but alas, “and they all lived happily ever after”. Sorry. You HAD me. You blew it.
...right up until the rushed Hollywood happy ending. What a let down. Great premise, great expectations, but alas, “and they all lived happily ever after”. Sorry. You HAD me. You blew it.
May 24, 2018
The synopsis had a bigger punch than the story. I WANTED to LOVE this book; not sure I even like it.
The plot and the build up was there and then it turned into a let down as the story progressed. The ending was rushed and for me....incomplete.
The plot and the build up was there and then it turned into a let down as the story progressed. The ending was rushed and for me....incomplete.
September 19, 2018
Rough draft
I enjoyed this book immensely, great likeable characters and storyline, it was well written and I read it over two days, it would have been less but work got in the way . I can’t wait to read more of this author, highly recommended
I enjoyed this book immensely, great likeable characters and storyline, it was well written and I read it over two days, it would have been less but work got in the way . I can’t wait to read more of this author, highly recommended
November 6, 2023
A pretty good book only 2 issues
Victoria is a terribly written character-a horrible weak Whitney woman. She changes somewhat in the final few pages but eww. Second. I would have liked to see what happened at the cabin one year later.
Victoria is a terribly written character-a horrible weak Whitney woman. She changes somewhat in the final few pages but eww. Second. I would have liked to see what happened at the cabin one year later.
October 3, 2017
Tough Draft
This was the first book from this author that I have read. I couldn't put it down. What a story! I'll be reading more books by M Robertson .
This was the first book from this author that I have read. I couldn't put it down. What a story! I'll be reading more books by M Robertson .
November 15, 2017
Good read
Fast moving and adventure/spooky story I enjoyed the ride my only regret is I would have liked to have seen something at the end that's all I can say
Fast moving and adventure/spooky story I enjoyed the ride my only regret is I would have liked to have seen something at the end that's all I can say
February 3, 2018
Interesting story line horror book which held my interest despite being a little far fetched. I liked this author's style of writing and read it in a few days.
March 22, 2018
Rough draft
I bought this book after reading about it on Facebook it was an amazing read a book you can't put down highly recommended
I bought this book after reading about it on Facebook it was an amazing read a book you can't put down highly recommended
April 11, 2018
Great idea for a story but I was not impressed with the character development or how the story ended. No real solution to the problem. It was a quick read, but could have been so much better.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews