Struggling Writers discussion

Hello, fellow struggling writers!

This looks like the right place to post a writing/reading event that may be of interest. (I hope I'm not stepping on any toes.) But I would like to invite you to join me (the author) for a publisher-sponsored look into "The Last Best Thing." If this opportunity appeals to you, head on over to https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/... during this month (February), where I'll welcome and address all your comments and questions. It would be awesome to have the benefit of fellow writers weighing in on the discussion.

Please feel free to test drive the story at http://www.kellanpublishing.com/index...

Happy reading and writing! I look forward to exchanging ideas with such a diverse group of like-minded folks. ~Kate Sebeny

Hey Kate. Just read the chapter. My big issue was the format at first made it hard to read. So I changed to font to Times New Roman, the recommended manuscript font. And made it double-spaced... and then I had to remove the italics.

Just an FYI. The changes improve legibility. And while it seems pedantic of me, I apologize. But following classic format did help me read. And since you obviously have something important to communicate, I figured you'd be interested in anything that stands between your readers and that communication.

As to the text, the opening line was quite gripping: "Sarah homesteaded my heart." And your writing remains crisp and clear throughout.

I did feel adrift as to the POV character, though. I did not know until the end that he was male. I actually thought the POV character was a lesbian at first -- for no other reason than your name is Kate and I've run across a lot of writers in my writing groups that write about queer relationships.

But, I would recommend that you "tell" a little less in the future. Instead of allowing Sarah's actions reveal her love of the POV character, you tell us that it happened. Which is, I think, one of the dangers of writing a prologue since they tend to be backstory heavy.

Every writers conference I've attended has advised us to just jump into the narrative. And tell the story as much in the "now" as possible.

That said, I found the voice engaging. And feel very warm towards both Sarah and the narrator. I would read on.

Hope this helps you on your next book... or this one if it isn't out yet.