Alan’s Comments (group member since Dec 30, 2021)

Alan’s comments from the Gathering Of Dedicated Scribblers group.

Andres, that is perfect thank you. I have added links to my first 3 chapters already. Thank you for your help with this. Alan

Not having done this before, here goes! I am adding the links in Google Docs for my prologue and first two chapters. Feel free to comment and provide feedback. The novel is set in the years leading up to and including the coming of the Black Plague in Europe via the Crimean Peninsula in 1347. I hope this works, but if for some reason it doesn't please let me know. I am working on Chapter 3 right now and have finished some others out of order.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1e...

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1q...

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1i...

Beata wrote: "That sounds like a ton of research. It's is a fascinating period: How the plague made its way slowly across the continent and how some countries came up with methods of slowing down its spread thro..."

I finally have a working title, which helps. It is "When All the Light Has Gone"; subtitle, "A Novel of the Black Plague". My logline was: "How can a skinny, lost, frightened teenager, alone in an alien land so far from home possibly return a hero.”

I have converted my first chapters into Google Docs, so I can get feedback, but I can't find the folder for Independent writers to upload them. Can you assist please?

Andres wrote: "We're here for you Alan. No need to pay when you can do it all for free on your own time line."

Thank you kind sir!

Marcia wrote: "I'm getting to the place in my novel where what's happening exceeds my personal knowledge. If I stuck to what I know, I'd be writing children's books. So, my question is, how do you educate yoursel..."

Hi Marcia, I have worked in policing for 40+ years so have a little understanding of matters criminal. There are several things you can do. 1. Contact your local police agency and ask to speak with a detective who handles financial crimes, etc. 2. Then contact your local FBI field office (there is a list on FBI.gov) or if you are elsewhere than the United States just Google your federal or national police agency and talk to their PR department. They are usually very willing to help. 3. Remember that research is both fun (I totally love it) and draining. 4. Sometimes it is better to just write like crazy and get your plot on paper, then research the gaps (called gap analysis in criminal intelligence) If I can offer any words of encouragement ... my good mate and former tennis coach in Australia, Klaus Klatt, wrote a published novel which had a lot of FBI stuff in it and he persevered for two years and got tons of help from the FBI and DEA. He knew nothing about law enforcement. But he not only got it published by a company (not himself) his book has been picked up for a movie! So go hard even though you know little. Just do it and love it.

David wrote: "Hi Alan, I read a Clive Cussler book once. I joined about the same time or later and had a proofread novel to hand, just needed a copy editor, wrong way round I know! Really muddled me looking at t..."

Hi David:
I seriously do not. I am now out of the class as I left the platform after my year's subscription ran out and went somewhere cheaper. What can he quiz us on anyway, his videos are like a minute or two long each?
Alan

Alan wrote: "Hi Beata! Nice to meet you. I am writing about the period of the Black Plague entering Europe circa 1345-1353. I am still working on a title to the novel.

Beata wrote: "Hi Alan, great to have you ..."

Hi again,
I have finished up with the Coursera and am no longer contributing. I started the course but couldn't get it done before the end of 2021 and they want to charge me $80 to get it going again. So, I am going to put up my stuff as an independent. So, I am repeating my finished chapters in Google Docs and will get them up ASAP.
Alan

Hi Beata! Nice to meet you. I am writing about the period of the Black Plague entering Europe circa 1345-1353. I am still working on a title to the novel.

Beata wrote: "Hi Alan, great to have you here.
If you want to share your work, start a thread under Coursera Reviews with the title of your novel and post links to your chapters. How far along are you?
What per..."

Good information!!! Thank you.

Andres wrote: "Take your time with it. 1,500 words per chapter x 20 chapters = 30,000 words.

Some might finish their novel in 16 chapters, myself, my novel took 24 chapters. The course itself is geared to be a ..."

Hey all, my name is Alan. I joined the Coursera class last August (2021) and got going a little bit and then ended up in hospital which took me some time to recover from. I am writing historical fiction. There is no way in the world with my schedule (two jobs) that I can write even 500 words a day. Mostly I write like crazy when I get some time. My wife is on disability and a lot of my free time is spent looking after her (and I wouldn't change that for anything). I am, however, trying to organize my life a bit better to be able to write more. I hope all of you are doing well and getting stuff done! All the best. I am thankful to have found you.