Books, Blogs, Authors and More discussion

No spoilers here please! I will open a thread for spoilers soon. Tell us your first impressions and how you're liking the book so far!

I've read the first 3 chapters so far. There are a lot of characters introduced and some jumping around in time and places, so I'm still trying to get a feel for the main plotline. Sorry, that's not much feedback at this point, but wanted Dawn to know that it is being read! :)

Emerald wrote: "I've read the first 3 chapters so far. There are a lot of characters introduced and some jumping around in time and places, so I'm still trying to get a feel for the main plotline. Sorry, that's no..."
THANK you Emerald,
Appreciate all feedback. I realize sometimes when a book has the same characters in previous books, you miss a little bit of the back round. Those that read the other books have a bit of an advantage, but I have had some readers tell me that they read them out of order... I hope it's keeping your interest though

Ohhh! Somehow I missed that this is part of a series. Anyway, I'll give more feedback after I finish. :)

:) .. please, any questions, I'm more than willing to explain.

I'm about 25% into the book.I had to adjust to the multiple POV's, which are really necessary in almost any book of this nature. But I'm settling in, and the story is really interesting so far, so it's easy to keep reading.

I'm up to 76% now and waiting for the new discussion thread.

I'm about 58% through the book and am annoyed as I have to break off to make tea! I am really enjoying it so far. I love all the characters - as a social worker myself, I can relate to the storyline too (don't worry, no spoilers) good work Dawn, well worthy of book of the month :)

Freya wrote: "I'm about 58% through the book and am annoyed as I have to break off to make tea! I am really enjoying it so far. I love all the characters - as a social worker myself, I can relate to the storylin..."

You made my day!

Thread for discussion with spoilers is up guys, visit only if you've finished or you will risk hearing something you didn't want to know

I'm through five chapters and was immediately struck by the strength of the opening and the characters. Extremely good job!

thank you Pasquale. I love my characters who began in A CHILD IS TORN , CONTINUE in Faceless. I hope I find the drive to keep on writing and developing them all. I have always been a fan of authors who have serial books and characters that grow.. as we all do.

As much as I like the writing as soon as I realized the story involved child abuse I couldn't carry on reading. I'm sure it is a great story but I can't bring myself to read it as it would upset me too much. Sorry

That's quite alright. I understand. I can tell you honestly that there is very little graphic description of that particular part of the story line. Perhaps you would prefer my first or second novel, also mysteries with very strong character development.

Guys post your reviews of STOLEN here: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

It's a great plot, and as others have said, it does jump around a bit, but I can cope with that. Dawn does have talent, but, sorry Dawn, it could do with a hard edit.

I haven't progressed past the first three chapters, but will try to get back to it soon. I'm afraid I have to agree with Catherine about the editing. There may be a good story there, but not a smooth read, which makes it too easy to set down. I won't post a review unless I finish the whole book.

Thank you ladies and you are right about the editing. I know the editing is quite a problem, but after paying spending a fortune on my first 2 books, I found it impossible to pay for an experienced editor. I am also at a disadvantage due to health issues, but I didn't want this story not to be published. I could have waited 5 or 10 years, or perhaps never to get this one out there, but I chose to go with it.
Maybe I am daydreaming that some big publisher will come across it and do what needs to be done. So I agree with your evaluation about the editing, but how about the STORY? Can we have some discussion about the Story? I want to know what you all think about the characters, the storyline, the twists and turns. I have some readers say they loved the surprises and twists and turns. One reviewer said they were disappointed, figured out the end rather fast. What do you think?

Dawn wrote: "Thank you ladies and you are right about the editing. I know the editing is quite a problem, but after paying spending a fortune on my first 2 books, I found it impossible to pay for an experienced..."

Like I said, Dawn, your plot is very good. Although bad editing annoys me and puts me off a book, in this instance I am hooked anyway, so well done there. I'll comment more when I'm finished. I don't like the subject, child abuse, But I like the puzzled - that's the case of most detective stories I read. But there are things in the editing, like repeated words or missing words that I'm sure you would notice yourself with another read through.

yes, I agree... If you can point out the errors in a PM , I will send it to the girl that edits it. That's the advantage of self publishing, I can fix the mistakes.
Glad you are enjoying though. Very glad.

I'm kinda new to goodreads. Although I've been a member for a long time, I've just recently begun to use it seriously. How do you send a PM?

just click on my name, and then send message when you get to my profile..

I sent you one, so you can just reply,, :)

Okay, I'll take note as I go along then send them to you when I'm finished.

sounds good. Thanks very much C... :)

I've been wondering why I had this book on my Kindle. I simply couldn't think where I'd seen it, but something had attracted me to download it. I'll at least start reading so I can comment.

Re editing errors, repeated words etc, try reading the book aloud: you read what is actually there, not what you think is there.

I'm really liking all the helpful comments here! I feel like our first months group read has been a success. I hope you guys agree.

Thank you Emily for giving me this chance. I think it's going to really be helpful to me and hopefully the readers feel like they are getting to express their honest feelings.

As the author, I have a question. Did reading the 3rd book in a series encourage you to read books one and two? Do you want to get to know the characters better? I personally have started reading some authors, such as JD ROBB or Patterson in the middle before I knew there were prior books about the same character and I immediately got the earlier books.
Or are you less likely to purchase the earlier stories?

I finished this book in about 3 days. Once I realized how the POV's were being used, I didn't have any problem following the story. I think Dawn did a great job of balancing the mystery in the story with the personal- and family-issues of the characters.

To answer your question, Dawn: I already added one of your other books to my TBR. I didn't do it so much to get to know the characters as I did because when I find a book that I want to finish ASAP, I like to see if the author's other books are as engaging. It might be interesting from your perspective to run a special on your other books to see how well they sell while there is so much attention on this one.

Thank you Kathy..
I wish I could offer my other books, but Stolen is the only one I self published. A CHILD IS TORN and FACELESS are both under contract with a publisher for a few more years and I have tried to convince them to put them up for sale, and no dice. I am considering trying to break the contract and taking ownership, but that may be something I just am not ready to do. :)

I think this is a very good group and it must be very helpful for any author to be able to engage with readers in this way. (I should be so lucky)
To answer your question Dawn, if I had not been able to engage with you, I would not have bought your other books because bad editing puts me right off. However, now I know that the others have been professionally edited, I am tempted.

I don't pay a professional editor either, but I do have good friends who are very willing to help, since I return the favour. Like someone else suggested, I always read aloud to myself, I have used online editing tools and help from www.youwriteon.com. I have read book on self editing, gone to talks, had my own stuff meticulously reviewed, always been open to comments and strived to be as good as I can be.
Now I do edit for other people as well.

I love being able to get honest feedback. Here is my biggest dilemma. I paid megabucks to get my first two books published by a reputable publisher. * small press*

I felt like every time it was sent back to me for signing off for publishing, I found errors. Even after 40 times or more of revisions there are still people saying there were editorial errors. I have worked and worked with the publisher, the editors, friends and myself till the point I wanted to throw the books out the window..:) I just cannot afford at this time in my life to go into debt for a dream that may never come true... So I did the best I could. I understand the readers frustration but on the other hand I never confessed to be anything but a storyteller but A good storyteller. I have actually 5 chapters written in the next book and I have been sitting on it for 5 months contemplating giving it all up. I am in my early sixties, plagued with medical problems and frustrated more than anyone could imagine. I don't know whether to continue or just give it all up. :( My honest response)

Dawn wrote: "I love being able to get honest feedback. Here is my biggest dilemma. I paid megabucks to get my first two books published by a reputable publisher. * small press*

I felt like every time it was se..."

Don't give up Dawn! I haven't had time to read your book myself however from what I've seen of others comments you have a lot of potential, a few typo's are easily remedied, even if it does take a while, as a reader, I can tell you it would be worth it. The more readers you get, the more comments you will get and the better your books will be. I suggest you persist!

EMILY... the world is a better place with you in it. Everyone's remarks are extremely appreciated.. even if they hurt! I am trying my best to get motivated. I have learned from the negative reviews and hope to continue! I am fighting with demons, and I will put up an honest fight!

Dawn wrote: "EMILY... the world is a better place with you in it. Everyone's remarks are extremely appreciated.. even if they hurt! I am trying my best to get motivated. I have learned from the negative review..."

I'm glad to have helped, that is my aim in everything I do in this group.

:)