So that means that I am doing a quick run through this draft, and then it will be on to Alpha readers. Ah, that step where I beg people for feedback so that I might get an idea of what to work on and what is working and not working. This is the interesting part.
I have already gotten some feedback because I had the advantage of having a co-worker I sent each chapter to as I finished it. My goal, (and it was achieved a bit) was to have him laughing here and there behind me at the very serious book that is Grimmack the Goblin.
Really this book is very much a poke at fantasy genres. It is silly, the main character telling the story is sarcastic, and a bit of a coward. This book, unlike other was not a slog in parts to write because I had fun the whole time. If I manage to do anything with this story, I think I have a few more Grimmack stories in me as well. Like I said, it was absolute fun to write, and I look forward to doing the next one.
The amazing thing was that this story is much brighter and more fun than anything I have written before.
Here comes my challenge. Right now the book is sitting at about 43,000 words. I'm adding a bit in this edit, but to hit the "standard" length of a YA or younger book I am looking at moving that count up to 50k-75k words. So, part of what I will be looking for from Alpha readers is "what is this story missing?" "What would you like to see more of." part of the problem with this also being that there are some arcs I would like to make a whole story out of. I'm fairly certain that if you read the story you will know which ones.
So here it is, anyone who is interested in giving me some honest feedback, let me know. I do not want anyone to feel obligated to read this, but if you are interested I will happily send you a copy to read through.
I want to state: I am not looking for an editor, or someone to judge the prose, though if by all means something in my writing style bugs you, let me know. What I am looking at is people to read this story, and give my an opinion.
Opinions like, "I think this story would be better if..." or "I think this character needs more development...." or even "I love this part where..."
If you tell me I am no Brandon Sanderson, I will be like, "umm... Not trying to write a Sanderson."
So, anyone who wants to volunteer let me know. I will keep posting about this story as it progresses. My hope is to be marketing it in a few weeks. If from the point where I start marketing it, and six month pass then I will probably look at self publishing instead. However, I want to try the traditional route first.
Good reading and great adventures,
Ben Marble
