526

(12 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

Rachel (Rhiannon) Parsons wrote:

My turn.  lol  Like Sideman, I have a creative outlet that actually pays money.  I am a tutor.  I also have a spouse who is disabled and have a lot of domestic chores to handle.  Like penang, I find it time consuming to do the reviews needed for posting, and although, not like Janet, I don't have seven novels published, I do have four that are steadily creeping toward that day, a fifth one that is still in review, and a sixth one that changes form.  I have a couple of short stories which will be thrown out the window to see if they fly soon, as well.  I've noticed some old timers are gone, and thanks for the update on some of them, Sideman. I still think this site is invaluable, unless you already have a connection with an agent and an editor.  (I suspect that the one novel that is on a publisher's desk will be sent to a professional editor of theirs and I'll be busy with that.  They resume their operations next month.  So we'll see.)  We are also, increasingly, those who are left, friends, and, like the people of Alexandria, are steadfast against the walking dead out there.  And Randy, I find your reviews great and by reading your stuff, you broaden my literary tastes, as I usually puke when I read anything of your genre.  But not when I read you.


Hi Rachel, 

Glad you don't puke when you read my stuff.:)  I'll be back to reading/reviewing yours, too.  Regards, Randy

527

(12 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

Even though I've only been on the site for a couple of years, I've also noticed some contacts have disappeared, at least based on their inactivity. Hopefully some will return as/when time permits.

In the meantime, I need to amp up my reviewing as I've been a bit bogged down with a myriad of external issues as well as my own writing. Janet, Sideman, Michael, Sherry ... here I come!

528

(24 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

Many thanks!  I had most things set up prior to the recommendations from my publisher, mainly because of the suggestions by people here on TNBW. They've continued to make suggestions, which have been extremely beneficial. I'm slowly increasing my contacts across the various media sites.

My Twitter account is under @rjkrzak

529

(24 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

I have a website/blog (www.randallkrzak.com), use Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.  I only post on my blog, called Randall's Ramblings, each Sunday. It is about my writing journey, but I also include reviews of books I've read, a section to post links (mainly on other writers), and whenever I find a good writing resource, I include that as well. I use Twitter the most, followed by FB and LinkedIn.

My publisher strongly recommended have a website/blog and using social media. Has it helped? I'd say yes, based on the continued contacts I'm making who also push out the word about my debut novel, The Kurdish Connection.  In addition to social media, I'm also a member of a number of websites where I can share information about my work.

530

(35 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

Just because someone has made some suggestions doesn't mean they don't think the writer has done a good job. I don't think it's patronizing--if I didn't think the work was good to begin with, I wouldn't read it. Of course, I'm not sure I've ripped anyone's efforts to shreds but rather, offered constructive criticism.

531

(7 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

Enjoy yourself, Bill!

532

(7 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

I had the same problem with some Turkish characters. They were fine in Word but when transferred to TNBW I ended up with the question marks. Fortunately, there was a workaround for me--not as good as the original, but it sufficed. I just substituted the closest English letters to what was needed. Most people probably wouldn't catch the difference unless they know the language.

533

(10 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

Welcome, Pat!

Both great suggestions from Jack the Knife and Bill. I've found myself following similar processes and you'll sort out what works best for you.
Good luck with your WIP and enjoy meeting new friends on this site. Regards, Randy

534

(2 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

Many congrats, Janet!

cobber wrote:

I have been able to sell books by giving free talks to local groups and libraries. I don't charge, but sign and sell at the end.  Look for book fairs too.

Great ideas! I'll have to think about what kind of talk I can give based on the book.


When I've given talks at local libraries, many people have asked about my writing journey as well as my novel, so that's something to consider. Good luck!

536

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

Well said, Jube. I agree with your decision. I stopped reviewing others in the group to work my way through Cobber's chapters. I'm not impressed with how he's paid us back.

It's disappeared now. Many thanks!

It just popped up over my TNBW home page and then disappeared.

Left the site and came back and it appeared again.

Completed inline reviews of Jube's The Sorcerer's Progress, Book 1: Children and Beasts, chapters 11 and 16 (12-15 aren't listed).

Posted inline reviews of Suin's Being Fifteen, chapters 21 and 22.

541

(4 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

Hey Alan,

Look forward to reading your posts--all signed up!

Regards, Randy

542

(23 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

Many congrats to all the winners and commiseration with those who didn't make it.

WOW!  That might just have been enough time to read your query letter and two-page synopsis.

Many thanks, Janet & Alan!

Many thanks, Rachael.

Commiserations, Jack, but you're one of my favorite thriller writers, too.:)

Many thanks, MJ & Bill!

I just found another review for The Kurdish Connection, which was workshopped on TNBW.  I've only had nine reviews since the book was released in early February, but all are five star!  Here's the latest one:

A non-stop thriller may seem like an overdone phrase, but that is what Mr. Krzak has created in this book. Hard to believe that it's his debut novel.
The characters are so real that you feel affection - or fear, as the different groups look for or try to hide a deadly cache of Sarin gas cannisters left over from Sadam Hussein.

Krzak keeps you turning pages as you follow the different characters as they wend their way through the exciting plot. The proverbial "clock is ticking" as you watch the drama unfold. You find yourself saying, "no don't do that, do this," because the author has given you enough information to be a couple of steps in front of the protagonists.

The "Bedlam Alpha" team was a brilliant move on the author's part. It consists of butt kicking characters readily believable by a fan of thriller novels. The author has a fine ear for language, such as his Canadian character's often ending a sentence with the familiar Canuck, "eh."

It was easy to give this excellent novel a five star rating. I look forward to his next book.

Many thanks to all TNBW members who helped to make my novel a reality!

548

(9 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

Many thanks, Corra!

The first two chapters are posted on TNBW but it'll be awhile before I post any more as I need to concentrate on Dangerous Alliance.

549

(9 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

Many thanks, Jack, MJ, and Max!

550

(9 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

Janet Taylor-Perry wrote:

Read, commented, shared. So proud to be in your company.

Many thanks, Janet!