Kevis’s Comments (group member since Jul 22, 2009)

Kevis’s comments from the I'm Trying to Get a Book Published! group.

Mizla,

I read your new story and loved it. I grew to like the characters right away and found their situation interesting. I loved the fact that you were telling a a multi-generational story. Of course, the ending was what took it to another level. But what made it work is that you laid down the groundwork for the ending. Although the ending was a surprise, it was not a contrived and manufactured one.

I always try to stress to young writers how important it is make certain their stories feel like they are going somewhere. Your story never stalled and set up the conclusion nicely. Very good!

If I could make one recommendation it would be for you to write your dialogue like a screenplay. Sometimes, when you combine dialogue from different characters in a single paragraph, it gets a little tough to figure out who is speaking without dialogue tags to guide the reader. Of course, dialogue tags are not always needed. If you separate your dialogue with a space every time a different character is speaking, not only will it make it easier to follow the dialogue, but you won't need as many dialogue tags either.

Other than that one minor complaint, your story is quite fun to read. I had no idea you were going in the direction you did with your story. I, for one, enjoyed it. All I can say is keep em' coming! Cheers!

Great. I'll be sure to check it out. In the meantime, I owe Sagey a read.

Ditto!

Rita,

I've sent you a PM. BTW, as soon as I finish reading my current back list of books, I'll be purchasing your Siraendis trilogy. I added them to my TBR list right after I read your samples. I look forward to reading them. But I'm still dying to read Daughter of the Goddess!

Sagey,

I am very glad to have you back. You've been here since the start and I was disappointed when I read that you weren't going to participate in this group anymore. I truly want the best for you and the other writers in this group. If I make any recommendations it's only because I want everyone to succeed. I truly look forward to reading your work and will be happy to post some comments for you. :)

Rita,

Have you published Daughter of the Goddess? That's the book of yours I'm dying most to read. BTW, are you still looking for an illustrator? If so, I know where you can find some really talented illustrators. If you don't have anyone in mind, just let me know and I'll give you my suggestion.

I read your prologue last night, Kirilee. You definitely seem to be on to something. Can't wait to read the rest of it.

C.S. ('Archer') wrote: "Kevis:
The only time I've published under a pseudonymn was when I was writing 'rubbish.' I had an erotic short story published in an anthology, and I sure didn't want my real name on THAT one!

..."

Archer,

You wrote erotic fiction? That's a far cry from the world of Alterra. Very intriguing. If it means anything, I think I'll stick with the books with your real name on them. But I am a bit biased, aren't I?

Ronna wrote: "Anne Rice and Stephen King are pen names? weird, I never knew that. I dont think pen names are THAT silly, as long as it's fairly close to your name. But I personally dont like pen names. How that ..."

Both Anne Rice and Stephen King used Pen names in order to publish more books. King's contract with his publisher only allows him to publish one book a year. To get around the legal trappings of his contract, he had to publish some of his material under a pseudonym.

Anne Rice, on the other hand, published her erotic fiction under a pen name to avoid sullying her very popular brand of vampiric fiction.

In these cases, pen names seem to have a purpose. But I still prefer to know who the author is when I read a book. I feel like I'm being deceived when an author doesn't use their real names when they publish a book.

Congratulations, Anne. What a wonderful accomplishment. I am looking forward to reading your book.

Mizla,

You really are wonderful. I can certainly say that the world is a better place for having you in it. My life has already been enriched by having met you and reading your poetry. Stay true to yourself and keep on writing and great things are bound to happen for you! ;)

You rock too, Mizla! Can't wait to read some more of your awesome poetry!

Rita wrote: "Hey, Kevis, I haven't watched your trailers yet. I'll do it when I get home from work tonight."

Thanks, Rita. I hope you enjoy it.

Mizla wrote: "I love your writings too!!"

I appreciate the kind words, Mizla. I guess it goes without saying that I enjoy reading your writing too. I don't know how many fans you have. But I'm proud to consider myself one of them! ;)

Looking forward to seeing what you have for us, Lisa. Don't keep us waiting too long. :)

CJ,

That's okay. I totally understand that most of the writing in this group is unpolished. I don't expect perfection. If there's any advice I can give to help you out, I'll be sure to let you know. Everyone can use a bit of advice and encouragement every now and then. Even yours truly. ;)

CJ,

BTW, you're next on my list of people to read. I'll make sure to leave you some comments. ;)

Oh. That one! Thanks for letting me know. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I didn't think anyone had read that story before now. You just made my day. Thanks, CJ. :)

Cj_ wrote: "omg. i love your first story about a girl that tried hard to give her father a gift!!! when i reading that i remembered my father,
X') love you dad!"

Hi CJ. I'm not sure your message was intended for me. Are you sure you're posting on the right thread?

I want to thank everyone in this group who voted and commented on my book trailers. I really appreciate you guys taking the time to help me out. There are some terrific people in this group who I am happy to call my GoodReads friends. If you haven't had a chance to view my trailers and would like to do so, you can visit the following link. Don't forget to vote for the video and add your comments. Enjoy.

Trailer #1:

http://www.goodreads.com/videos/show/...

Trailer #2:

http://www.goodreads.com/videos/show/...