Erin's Journey Initial Reviews

Initial reviews for my first novel have been generally positive.  Most run along the lines of "It needs a little more polishing, but overall I couldn't put it down."  Very encouraging, to say the least.

I was able to send copies of the first three chapters to my writing group, and out of the seven people who read it, three people wanted personal copies.  That's AMAZING.

My main problem is that while the strength of my novel may be good, there is still room for improvement.  Part of it is practicing form, and the other is idea.

Let me explain:

Form refers to the techniques and skills implemented when creating a piece. Idea refers to the message the work sends; what it says about life, humanity, and contemporary issues.  Someone can write some very beautiful pieces, but what does the piece say about life?  What does it say about the human experience? 

My novel only has blips of these thoughts, and I think trying to jam those types of revelations into it would actually ruin it.  Maybe I can do that with my next novel, and practice doing these things in the short stories I'll be writing in the interim.

As far as form goes, I think I do decently well when it comes to expressing myself in writing; my background in poetry certainly helps in that aspect.  My main problem right now is the fact that I don't let the reader breathe between intense scenes.  One of my reviewers said:

"The action overload is another factor that made me slog through instead of devouring it all the way to the end like the voracious reader I am.  It was all gogogodododo."

In that effort, I've been drawing out some of the really action-heavy scenes, or deleting some scenes entirely.

Negative comments notwithstanding, there have been some REALLY great reviews:

"I couldn't put it down" (said multiple times)

"It was actually fun to read"

"I like [Erin] a lot.  She also terrifies me.  And is kinda gross.  And I want her as my cousin."

"The entire story is wrought with unnamed emotion (it's a very moving story of the bleakest type of redemption and the inner struggle of good vs. evil)..."

"I read that part while I was eating, and I actually gagged when I got to it."

"You have so much going on, and it made me want to constantly know what's going on."

"I love how everyone supports her and believes in her, especially Donnie."

These are REALLY great reviews, and looking through all the great things people have said makes me feel very loved.  It's hard to keep myself from crying as I'm thinking about them.

But as much as I appreciate the positive encouragement, I know that my novel still isn't good enough.  It needs to be better.  I know I can make it even greater, more moving and powerful.  I just need to keep working, and keep writing.

Excuse me while I get back to work.  :)

See you next week.