51

(12 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

Agree, if the Prologue adds to the overall enjoyment of the novel, stick on in there. My first book has one, and I think it works great.
CJ

52

(6 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

Congratulations! Good luck with the tour! Checked it out, great sound.
CJ

Omniscient narrator. Not sure why it has suddenly become a sin to use.

54

(281 replies, posted in Alpha to Omega - Review Group)

Suin wrote:

Hi everyone,
I have to apologise...I've been a pretty useless group member lately. It has been two months since I last reviewed anyone on my rotation. Honestly, I haven't been feeling that motivated to spend time on tNBW and have to force myself to login and read/write/review. Is it just me or do none of the newbies reciprocate or even respond to reviews? And have the forums become quite dull lately? And have competitions just disappeared?
Anyway, my point is that I'll do my best to catch up on reviews this weekend to make up for it! :-)

I’m right there with ya.

55

(8 replies, posted in Close friends)

Busy on things not writing related, unfortunately. I bit off more than I can chew doing freelance graphic design. Though I am trying to work the writing and reviewing in as well. Just a slow slog lately.

Congrats, Randy.

Reviewed Randy's Chapter 1, Alan's Chapters 1 +2; NJC- Ch 90 + 93

58

(10 replies, posted in Close friends)

You're too fast for  me.

59

(14 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

It depends on the story. I use a prologue in my first book to give the reader information that sits outside the storyline and POV of the characters, but necessary just the same. It sets the stage and mood. I've followed writer's I admire who do the same. Sometimes you want the reader to know things your characters don't know, at least not yet. Maybe they're (prologues) not not trendy, but I don't believe fashion has anything to do with good story telling. If the story needs it, use it. If your story can handle the information in the first chapter, then that's where it belongs.
One of the first books I've ever read from my now, all time favorite authors, Jo Nesbø, used a prologue to convey information that took place years before the start of the story. It was satisfying to me, as a reader, to see where it fit later. When done well, prologues are awesome.
I don't believe just because an author uses a prologue the book should automatically be considered a lemon. Though I'm a glutton for punishment,  I'll force myself to finish any book I start, I feel invested in the story, even if its a bad one. Call it a character flaw. Personally, I like prologues.
CJ

60

(10 replies, posted in Close friends)

I got two more chapters, please don't pull it before this weekend!

Corporate Teamwok (sorry had a “town hall” today that left a bad taste in my mouth.

62

(10 replies, posted in Close friends)

Hey Rachel, how long before you take it down? I’ve been gone a few months, now I need to catch up!

63

(3 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

Welcome to the site.

64

(10 replies, posted in Close friends)

That sounds like fun. I'm in. But can we have more time? Maybe 6 weeks?

Welcome, Dan2661! You'll get great feedback here.

66

(12 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

I'm having the same issues.

67

(19 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

The only way I can see to do it is to view it from the "X-Line" tab and take screenshots.

68

(1 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

Welcome aboard!

69

(19 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

Me too, but when you click on "Author's Posting" button, it brings up your own work.

I never heard of the "Flesch-Kincaid" calculator. This is deeply disturbing.

71

(14 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

Congratulations!

72

(2 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

Have a chapter swap. Each member swaps a few chapters, take them home and review, then discuss at the next meeting. You can even discuss the reviewers comments and make a debate about it.

73

(281 replies, posted in Alpha to Omega - Review Group)

Randall Krzak wrote:

Seems like everyone has had a busy year thus far. We just completed another international move and now live in Dunfermline, Scotland, about 15 miles north of Edinburgh.

Thanks to the group, Dangerous Alliance is now with my publisher's proofreader. It's already gone through the editing process; they're just having a new set of eyes on it before the finishing touches are done.  You might see a new chapter from me this week for Ultimate Escalation, the fourth and final novel in the Bedlam series. Once I post this chapter, I'll be heading back to Carnage in Singapore, which is about 50% completed.

When will you be ready to see house guests? I’ve been dying to visit Scotland. smile

74

(281 replies, posted in Alpha to Omega - Review Group)

Matthew Abelack wrote:

Sorry A to O groupies that I've been negligent in doing reviews. It's been a busy summer. In addition I've decided to update all the chapters in book one that I haven't updated this year. So, you should see some revisions in the later chapters. I have a vacation coming up where I'm hoping to catch up on my writing. I usually plan for that but results are typically less than stellar. Hopefully, this time will be different.

Hey Matt,
Don't feel bad, I've been slipping too. Busy year. My company bought four new brands: Comet, Spic & Span, Cinch and Chore Boy and it's my job to integrate all the packaging.... before the first of the year. On top of that the Clorox Pool&Spa line is going to be completely redesigned. Stress much.
Doing' my best to review everyone's work, while also keeping my novels updated. But my review time is usually on my lunch hour and I've been working through most of those, lately.
Peace!

75

(281 replies, posted in Alpha to Omega - Review Group)

I often find myself agreeing with Charles, as well, but his pretentious attitude and the caustic way he forms his opinions doesn't put his ideas across very well. Half the time I don't understand what he's saying. I need a thesaurus and a dictionary to decode his words. I'm not against using big-boy words, mind you. But it's not the best way to get your thoughts across to the general public- and I'm talking "blog" not novel. In a novel one should use whatever words they need to create the characters, worlds and action. I was going to comment on the topic, but then he joined in–I can take criticism with the best of them, but I graduated high school a long time ago and I'm not in the mood for the juvenile sniping, even if it does come with vocabulary words.