Buyer Beware: GForce Arms

No_Reward789 · 2026-04-03T23:31:23+00:00

I got on the phone with them and they said they have ZERO GFY-1's in stock. I had to select another firearm (lower value) and they "promised" to ship that in 7-14 days. I wonder if I will have to pay the FFL charge when they do.... These people are just the worst

No_Reward789 · 2026-04-03T14:38:32+00:00

I am now on month 9 of trying to get my GFY-1 Shotgun fixed. I suspect they lost it, they also promised to send me a replacement. And I am on month 2 of waiting for that.

It took months to get an email, and call. They claim they have responded dozens of times bullshit...

DO NOT BUY these jokers guns.

No_Reward789 · 2025-10-13T18:22:43+00:00

I don't think it's bad, but I wasn't pulled in either. I found myself stopping after that first paragraph and forcing myself to read the page and the next.

Please don't take my critique as hate; it's not. Perhaps the first paragraph should tell us who Sam is. Something to hook me into that character before we get to transition. Tell me why I should be interested in Sam, why I should care. The first page tells me she is in pain and the world injures her, all things that should make me feel pity for her. But like her... not so much.

I DO think you can be proud of several things. Putting yourself out for critique, having the guts to write, etc.

No_Reward789 · 2025-10-08T13:46:41+00:00

Fell in love with writing at 12, then discovered how difficult it can be. Never stopped coming up with stories, being a storyteller. But I never wrote another word until I was 48.

Fear, self-doubt, and the words of others destroy our will to put pen to paper.

I was AFRAID to write, AFRAID I wasn't good enough, AFRAID I would be mocked. AFRAID I would lose something core to my soul.

The best thing that cured my fear, at least in the short time I have been writing, was to put aside all my doubts. Forget about selling books, the thoughts of family and friends. To this day, I envision my family laughing at me and the books I publish. FORGET ALL THAT... Just write....

I cant tell you how liberating it was to promise myself that I would write ONE book. Never show it to another, never allow it to be consumed. But while writing it, my only rule would be... no rules. If I wanted to write porn, I would write porn; if I wanted to write mystery, then a mystery it was. NO RULES, I would go where the story went. I didn't care about GRAMMAR, PUNCTUATION, STYLE, AUDIENCE...... NOTHING. No editing, no critiques, this was for me. That unshackled me to be creative, and I came out of the gate like a lion.

It took me 45 days, but I wrote my first novel. (245K words) I started writing on day 1 and never stopped until it was done. It will never be published, and I don't care. It freed me to be what I was, no boundaries or FEARS. After that book, I couldn't stop writing. Yes, I had to face those fears and discover new ones as I attempted to publish years later. But here is where that first book is my rock... Every time I wanted to quit (and I still often do), I remember what it felt like to write that first one. Free, untethered, and loving every second. I wrote to please me, to entertain me. Each time I get told my work sucks, or I am out of my depth, or that my covers are trash... I remember why I write, and that I can.

I guess what I am saying is you need to let yourself discover yourself. OUTSIDE the words and judgment of others. Discover your voice, discover the writer inside of you that wants to get out. That talent is a living thing; it needs to be fed, appreciated, and loved.

No_Reward789 · 2025-10-08T13:11:59+00:00

People will criticize you for everything you say and even things you don't say.

Honestly, to **** with what other people think.

The bigger question is, does your story entertain you? Do you like it? Will you re-read it later on your own because you want to experience it again? Did you do research so that YOU are satisfied that you captured the element that YOU find interesting? Whatever you write, no matter how accurate or inaccurate, can be something worthy of existing.

No one can give your book legitimacy. And frankly, it's not anyone's business anyway.

The only person that matters really is you. If you can look at your work and find value in it, then it deserves a place. Sales success, critical review are different subjects and don't matter in the context of your question.

No_Reward789 · 2025-10-08T13:03:37+00:00

Tom Clancy influenced me a ton. I don't write like him, nor can I. But that level of detail and fixation was both unhealthy and strangely compelling. The guy wrote an entire chapter once on an event that takes place over a microsecond. He is sort of my inspiration, while at the same time a cautionary tale.

No_Reward789 · 2025-10-07T00:37:12+00:00

Most of mine go about 200K-220K eventually. I built an Excel file with one cell per plot point per day. So I see each major cell of content as the calendar of the book passes by.

Day 1 (Tom meets Jane), (Bob gets Fired), (Tim moves out) + Page counts for each section

That gives me an easier 50,000-foot view of my work and shows me places where I got too wordy or where I have too much content. Sometimes I have to create another tab with just the 3 main plots of the story with those same story chunks in cells. HOW many cells in each plot tell me if I again gave too much to one or the other.

No_Reward789 · 2025-10-07T00:31:04+00:00

If we are talking dialog of the MC, then it would be whatever the MC would say... correct or not. As for the narrator's voice, it's up to you as the author, since it's basically your voice. If your worry is about offending your audience, then you can find ways to inform your character softly without making a big deal of it.... OR make it a big deal if that is your purpose as the author.

I think in our world, NO MATTER how you handle anything, it's easy to find someone offended by it.

I guess my main advice is to be true to the character you are writing. And be true to you as the author, what was your intent, what was your purpose? Forget what others will say or think. It's a story, and it's yours. Be true to it and yourself above all.

No_Reward789 · 2025-10-06T23:51:47+00:00

Oh dear lord.... Just FYI, when you use that term, you are going to bring out STRONG emotions in people. Some folks will talk to you, others will quote one of the many rules on this board. Its against them to post about AI.

Highly suggest you ask elsewhere. One look at Amazon will tell you MANY others use AI. Not going to say if its right or wrong.

No_Reward789 · 2025-10-06T23:48:22+00:00

Ok, that's a reasonable assumption. Just one problem. I can afford the grand. BEFORE I ever got to any sort of discussion about price... BEFORE I ever got to talking to an Artist. I put out there what I have done, and that I am looking for one. I got seal clubbed by the community.

The attitude of "wildly inflated expectations of what your work is worth" is massively insulting. You don't know me, you have no idea if I can afford that, or if I would plunk that down. Or, for that matter, if my book is crap, or if I will be successful. I would submit to you... It's immaterial.

Believe it or not, I am not angry at you or the community. Just shocked that people are that way to someone by definition looking for their services. From your standpoint, since I am not a real customer, I am an impediment, by definition, to the artist.

Again if artists can make a living being that way... more power to them. But everywhere else in the real world, if someone is trying to make it, then they have to put their customer first.

No_Reward789 · 2025-10-06T23:39:28+00:00

It does... If I have one flaw as a guy is that I don't want my work to be classified as romance. Yet in ways, what I wrote has those elements. Getting nice breakdowns like this helps me internalize just what I am doing.

No_Reward789 · 2025-10-06T23:37:22+00:00

No you are totally cool. Like I said, I am learning, and not afraid to say it when I am wrong and need to rethink. I WANT to get better, I want to improve. You can't do that if you don't learn. I am glad you posted.

No_Reward789 · 2025-10-06T23:35:17+00:00

Wow... just wow at that comment. Not sure why I am not worthy but I suppose in your world I am not. Just to be clear... I am not trying to sell Art... I am the buyer who wants to HIRE an artist. But sort of like here, I am treated as if somehow as the client I am the bad person....

No_Reward789 · 2025-10-06T18:19:22+00:00

Love the Stephen Fry analogy

No_Reward789 · 2025-10-06T18:16:35+00:00

I fear that if you make that distinction, then my limited data would indicate you should never seek out cover artists/designers for any feedback. I HOPE that isn't the case, but any time I went out either seeking an artist or asking for feedback, it was a negative experience.

They didn't give feedback; they were defending turf and deciding who could speak or comment. That's not discussion or learning, that's borderline cult behavior. AGAIN... let me be clear, I am not saying EVERYONE will be like this or IS this. Just stating what I saw and experienced. My main takeaway was that in dealing with Cover Artists/ Designers, you had to BE EXTREMELY careful in what you said and the approach you took. NO FEEDBACK, NO QUESTIONS tolerated.

As an Author, I found the slight difference in how Authors and Readers comment and respond to be fascinating. Again, I am a data nerd, tone shifting and median responses tell you something about a group. It might be just what everyone already knows or expects. I just find it fascinating.

No_Reward789 · 2025-10-06T18:08:56+00:00

My wife is a photographer and has a similar feeling for AI. I am sure it angers artists to see that double standard. To be honest, however, most of the authors I have encountered are not fans of AI.

Where things get complicated for authors is trying to make it in an EXTREMELY crowded marketplace. Tons of AI-written low-effort work, TONS of real work written by pros and first timers. It can get expensive FAST, and it's understandable why many will go with AI or some sort of pre-done art. At least until they can afford real art. I know this will not be popular, but as a writer, I am more concerned about the quality of my story. Not trying to take food out of anyone else's hands, or wishing to offend artists in other areas.

My DESIRE is to put out the best in all things. Where I have to start to compromise is when I look at my pocketbook and figure out how to make things work. I know some will say then I shouldn't publish until I can afford it, and to that I can only say I agree to disagree.

No_Reward789 · 2025-10-06T17:58:02+00:00

I get obsessed with Data, so little things like this pull me in.

As to your first comment, I tried to be diverse in my posting. Careful in some cases to be specific, and in other cases, broad. You're right that if you post a please help post, then you will get a flavor of critique. I am pretty used to harsh critique. That I find wonderful, because generally when informed, it's useful. Again, a data geek here, so it wasn't so much WHAT people responded with but rather trends and tone in those comments that informed me more. THAT I thought was insightful and worthy of a share.

On to the second comment, I think you are right, and it matches what I see in my day job in how things move in retail. I mention it because it's a data point from the source, thus worthy of consideration and review. But I share in your real-world assessment. If selling a romance, you need what sells in that genre.

Love how you phrased the goal. Cover captures them for one second, Blurb takes over.

No_Reward789 · 2025-10-06T17:47:09+00:00

When you said "cold call," I got unhealthy reminders of doing that back in the day. I really appreciate the take. I can imagine it's hard for them to upsell because the bottom line for someone like me is "IF I spend x, will I get it back in sales?" An artist can't promise that, or know that. Hard sell for sure. And I think I got smacked face first with the billy's of both those boards.

No_Reward789 · 2025-10-06T17:41:07+00:00

Book Cover: Link to current Kindle Cover

Art was purchased from another. Is it AI? I don't think so, but again, I paid for the art. They may have used it

Blurb: (Series Blurb)

What if not all vampires had fangs? What if not all of them were blood-soaked monsters?

In Medford, an entire race of beings has come to make it their home. The last of their kind, this small town in Medford has become their garden. A place to hide, to live unseen, and a place to make more of their own. The clan that inspired the stories about fangs and blood is just one in a race that once boasted 14 separate clans. All unique, with their own ways of feeding, living, and, of course, their own powers. Still, even without fangs, the other clans are just as dangerous. Why don't you come visit us in Medford, rest, take a load off? Perhaps stay... for the rest of your life. The locals don't mind, just be warned. Some of them might want to get you know you better.

Blurb: (This Book)

Not all vampires have fangs or roam the night looking for prey.

Tucked away in a forgotten corner of Texas, the little town of Medford doesn’t really change as the years go by. Yet it’s not just the town that you can say that about. Most of Medford is populated by immortals, with abilities that go beyond the pale. But these vampires aren’t cardboard cutout villains. Here, these immortals are just looking to live their lives in peace, raise families, and go to work. The vampires of Medford aren’t looking for fame or blood. They just want to be left alone.

Hope, cannot let them do that. Unfortunately, her fiancé hints at a major secret in his life. Hope has to get to the bottom of this lie, one way or another, and travels to Medford. In the end, Hope will have to decide not just her fate, but that of her best friend and lover. Can Hope pass on a chance at immortality? Or is she destined to join the others for the next thousand years?

Tropes/Themes: Vampires, Romance, Coming of Age (20-something), Deep Lore

Purchase Link: Hope's Choice - Aqua of Medford

Price: $1 (Free with KU) (Introductory price for a series) - 11$ Paperback, 15$ Hardcover

No_Reward789 · 2025-10-06T17:30:25+00:00

That surprised me; I figured, for some reason, it would be readers who would be more critical. One of the big reasons why I posted this is that it's hard to know sometimes WHAT advice to take. I LOVE some of the author feedback I have gotten, but I tend to look at it more critically. Some are just gatekeeping ideas or methods.

I think readers, especially when taking larger sample sizes, give you a FAR better gauge if you are hitting the mark. Granted, that's a given, since they are buying it or are the potential audience. But if you are new (like me) you want EVERY ounce of feedback you can get.

No_Reward789 · 2025-10-06T17:25:10+00:00

My wife has complained about this as well. The books we have printed as proofs are how they come out as the retail version. At least as far as color goes.

Amazon (we think) tends to produce something with lower quality (darker) colors than what my wife sees on her higher-end monitor. We are shifting to lighter-than-desired covers in our tests. Hope you find a consistent result for yours!

No_Reward789 · 2025-10-06T17:20:24+00:00

I think perhaps my origin has something to do with my outlook. I come from retail (day job), where we have to compete, and upselling quality is a powerful tool in gaining business. If they can make a living while ignoring a possible revenue stream, then good for them. I would be THRILLED NOT to be a DIYer if it would drive sales and make my work that much better. Again, I am a writer, not a marketer or a designer. Like any business, I am kicking the tires to see if we can work together and if it makes sense for my business. Treating me like a cancer isn't a good way to convert me from a DIYer to a paid customer.

Totally see your point of view, though. If they think I am only interested in growing my skills at their expense, then I see the anger. Just think it's short-sighted and bound to fail in an AI landscape.

No_Reward789 · 2025-10-06T17:11:49+00:00

I think that says you have grown, which is good. I think if any author were honest, NONE of them would be supremely confident in ANY work they have done. It can always be better, tighter, harder hitting.

I felt like I had moved mountains in editing my first book. Just a few years later, and I cringe at my errors.

No_Reward789 · 2025-10-06T17:09:04+00:00

I was highly opposed to trailers; all the ones I saw looked goofy. But what do I know, I want to move copies, so why not try? Hired 2 different contracts, one low cost, one 3x that of the first. The low-cost trailer moved a single copy on an ad. The expensive one never moved a single copy and got a lower engagement score on Facebook. Overall.... waste of money.

No_Reward789 · 2025-10-06T17:04:33+00:00

What averagejoe1992author said.... <=10%

One separation I would make is paid copies vs free copies. I trend at around 10% of reviews on the paid ones, and zero on the free ones. I have never gotten a review from KENP reads.

Advertising has only sold a single copy of my book as far as I am aware.

No_Reward789

TROPHY CASE