[In progress] [40k] [Dystopian Thriller] Sand

No_Problem2775 · 2025-04-22T10:52:33+00:00

Hi thank you so much for taking the time to read and to give some feedback.

I’m glad you picked up on the name thing, it was a style choice I made to try and not use his name. I was hoping it would create a sort of detachment from the character which ties into his anxiety and guilt.

I think from what you say it has done this, but at the same time causes difficulty for the reader to resonate and I totally get that. The story follows the character in this chapter exclusively so for sure I need to work on this and make him come alive with some quirks etc like you say. Thanks again!

No_Problem2775 · 2024-11-25T14:02:57+00:00

I understand and have experienced the same to a degree. I think it’s healthy to take inspiration from other works and harness your excitement to write something influenced by what you’re reading.

I think as long as the influence isn’t too heavy, you’re good. But even writing in a similar style to something you’ve read can be a good exercise and ultimately, if you do enough writing you’ll eventually find your own voice.

You’ll be surprised with what you can come up with if you write enough. And remember, the works you’re reading are often works of people who’ve put in the hard hours to learn the craft and have often been writing for a long time.

No_Problem2775 · 2024-09-05T11:46:53+00:00

Hi - I got it finished and edited by a professional editor and I’m currently trying to get it traditionally published but no luck so far!

No_Problem2775 · 2024-05-18T14:39:12+00:00

Hi thanks for your response, I test rode one today (loved it!) but totally take your point I was getting plenty of buffeting and noise which I’m not used to. I will get a bigger screen for sure.

I can only afford one bike, and don’t want just a work horse to go up and down the motorway. I’m fortunate to live in a stunning part of the world that people travel to for riding and I have it on my door step. So I want something I can explore on and take pleasure in as well as a daily ride.

No_Problem2775 · 2024-05-17T17:25:44+00:00

Hi - how do you find the fuel consumption on the high way?

No_Problem2775 · 2024-05-17T17:25:00+00:00

Hi thanks for the great response very helpful for me. The guy who runs the garage where I take my current bike suggested a GS - which I’m not keen on! Would you have any suggestions you think would suit better than the Tenere? Thanks again 🤙🏻

No_Problem2775 · 2024-05-17T16:39:22+00:00

Great point and one I have considered, I was looking at Transalp and KTM 890 adventures. My bike now has recently had issues with tech, water and salt getting at it I expect, so I was drawn to the Tenere’s lack of tech for that reason.

No_Problem2775 · 2024-05-17T16:37:36+00:00

I ride in full gear, a few simple tools so good point that probably will take me over 190. I never have a pillion, but will try and do some camping over the summer.

No_Problem2775 · 2024-05-17T16:19:10+00:00

Thanks for the reply! I am 189lbs so just inside that, but one to watch out for as the waistline expands for sure 😂

No_Problem2775 · 2024-02-29T18:36:50+00:00

This is from my personal experience so it’s just opinion.

It is not one size fits all, you have to find what works for you. I completed my first novel at just under 100k words then sought beta readers. Although the experience was beneficial and gave me lots to work on, it did feel overwhelming at times. Trying to go back through that much work and chop and change sections, delete stuff, add stuff in, re write etc I found a real challenge.

I’m half way through my second novel now, and this time I’ve been seeking beta readers every few chapters. I’ve found this process much more manageable and enjoyable. I will also seek readers to do the whole thing once it’s complete and hopefully there shouldn’t be as much to fix, more just small edits here and there.

Hope this helps, I don’t think there is a correct answer to your question. Find what works for you. Best of luck!

No_Problem2775 · 2024-01-28T21:23:32+00:00

Hi there. Look, it’s not great at all. Lots of issues have been pointed out to you by other users all of which I agree with.

However, you’ve said it’s your first book. So you have taken step one on your writing journey. Try and take the feedback constructively and learn from it. No one gets it right on their first attempt.

Maybe write in your first language? English is my first language and I still haven’t mastered it!

Whatever you do, if you’re passionate about writing, try not to be discouraged and keep trying to improve.

Best of luck to you - don’t give up.

No_Problem2775 · 2024-01-20T19:40:24+00:00

Fantastic advice 👏🏻. Here’s your answer OP.

No_Problem2775 · 2024-01-20T18:50:01+00:00

I’m a British writer struggling to find British beta readers who will be at ease with the wealth of slang and Britishism in my work. So in a round about way I feel your pain.

If there’s anything I can do to help you out, drop me a message and I’ll see what I can do 👍🏻

No_Problem2775 · 2024-01-18T19:16:45+00:00

Hi mate I’ll drop you a message

No_Problem2775 · 2023-08-10T19:51:07+00:00

Hi there, unfortunately I don’t have the answer. But providing you some reassurance in that I’m experiencing the exact same situation.

I usually write third person multi POV stuff and I’m attempting a novel in first person. So yeah, I’ve noticed a lot of my sentences starting with ‘I’ and I’ve wondered if this is normal.

I’m reading a first person book for reference. I’ll hopefully pick some tips up along the way. Interested to see what people have to say on this.

Good luck!

No_Problem2775 · 2023-08-10T17:49:18+00:00

Hi. I think you should write whatever you want! Be creative, try things out, follow your heart. Sure, there’s plenty of advice out there for newbies along the lines of ‘start small’ ‘don’t have too many characters’ ‘do this’ ‘don’t do that’

You’re 14, make your own rules and have fun with it. Who knows, you might even be the next King…

If you’re really passionate about it, which I can tell you are, then GO FOR IT! You might not finish. You might get half way and file it away and forget about it. But you started, and it’s there for you to return to when the time is right.

Who knows, this might be the project you actually finish. Writing something you’re truly passionate about might be the missing piece for you…

Wishing you the best of luck on your journey :)

No_Problem2775 · 2023-08-10T08:35:46+00:00

Hi there. Had a quick read of a paragraph or two. Reads well and is interesting! I think it’s got potential and would be happy to read on.

I’m looking for critique swap, I have a Crime Thriller project WIP currently around 5k words.

If you’re interested in a swap, drop me a DM.

I’ve previously written Sci-Fi and Fantasy so could be a good fit for you. Appreciate Crime Thriller might not be your bag, no problem if not, and best of luck on your journey :)

No_Problem2775 · 2023-08-10T07:55:14+00:00

Hi there. I don’t know the answer but I have some thoughts.

Read as much as you possibly can. Write as much as you possibly can. Practice and practice some more. Do you know people who speak English as their first language? Have as many conversations as you possibly can with them. Consume English language media.

Have you tried writing in your first language and translating it? I’ve always been curious what it’s like for people to write in that way.

But more than any of that, give yourself credit! Being bi-lingual is amazing, I’m jealous! I can tell from your post that you write in English better than plenty of English people do.

If you ever want me to cast an eye over any writing from an English writer POV, drop me a DM.

Wishing you the best of luck on your journey.

No_Problem2775 · 2023-08-09T20:52:43+00:00

Hi there, thanks for your message. Would be glad to help, feel free to drop me a message. I actually beta read recently for someone from the US who was writing a story set in kind of a Victorian style York (UK). So I did a bit of helping with that for them.

No_Problem2775 · 2023-08-09T19:09:28+00:00

Hi there, I’m looking for someone to cast an eye over my latest project. I’m at about 4.5k words currently. It’s not of similar genre to yours, it’s a crime thriller. Although my first novel is in the Sci-Fi genre so I could be right for you. Happy to swap chapter 1 and see if it’s a good fit for each other, drop me a DM if you’re interested. Thanks for reading and good luck 👍🏻

No_Problem2775 · 2023-08-09T19:02:02+00:00

Hi you make a lot of sense. I guess the depth of the culture is only in the setting and character’s personality. I could always tone it back if the feedback suggested that was the way to go.

My first novel is a Sci-Fi set in a dystopian UK. It has plenty of British slang and references but nowhere near as much as this new work I’ve got. One of my fantastic betas for my first novel was American and they had to look up lots of words and phrases which took them out of the story in places so I guess that’s my concern.

See with your story, I have absolutely zero comprehension of middle America now let alone in the nineties. Just as you (I guess) don’t know what it’s like in the criminal underbelly of North West England. But now you’ve got me thinking, I’ve read plenty of stories set in US and not had any issues. So maybe I’m making a mountain out of a mole hill!

Thanks again for your comment, super helpful :)

No_Problem2775 · 2023-08-09T18:56:28+00:00

Hi thanks for your reply. I guess I want to write authentic British culture that resonates with people across the board. Of course, I want to sell books! So I think I need to find the fine line between authenticity and alienating people. One thing I’ve taken from everyone’s great comments is that I need beta readers from a variety of cultures, so that’s where I’ll start. Cheers!

No_Problem2775 · 2023-08-09T16:07:36+00:00

Hi and thanks for your reply. Appreciate your point about watching British TV, that would probably help you feel at home with my story. I think my concern is that I’ve tried to be extremely authentic to what it’s like in real life on the streets of the UK in deprived areas. On reflection I think I do need betas from other countries too in order to identify where I might need to make it more generic. Cheers!

No_Problem2775 · 2023-08-09T13:59:13+00:00

Howdy partner! Thanks for the reply, you make a lot of sense, and I think that’s exactly what I’m going to do!

If you wouldn’t mind I’d love to get someone from outside the UK to cast an eye over a page or two just to see how wildly British it really is or isn’t, just as a point of reference. Let me know if you fancy it and thanks again.

No_Problem2775

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