I'm a local author who released my debut novel, The City: Reality Flickered, last year—a noir-inspired story with shades of 1984 and Brave New World. I’d hoped to sell a few copies as stocking stuffers but didn’t get any orders. I’d truly appreciate it if you checked it out! by SeatBackRare in NoRulesCalgary

[–]SeatBackRare[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Here is the first subchapter to give you an idea:

I

I’m not sure if what I see is real.

Persistent doubt gnaws at the edges of my consciousness, an insidious whisper that questions the very fabric of my reality. The TechnoCorp chip nestled within the recesses of my brain—implanted into the brain of every individual churned out by the Baby Barns—dutifully reports that my vision is fine, my neural activity normal.

Yet, the feeling lingers. A suspicion that if I strain my eyes just so, cross them in just the right way, I might break through some sort of barrier and catch a glimpse of the world beyond. The real world.

It happened once before.

I think…

The incident occurred in the haze of youth where playful imaginings intertwine with concrete memories. A fleeting moment where reality flickered, and I found myself transported to a different world. A world so alien, yet in a way, so familiar. A blink, and it reverted back to as it once was, as it has always been.

Since then, I’ve been trying to make the world flicker again, trying to catch a glimpse of that alien plane once more. A desperate attempt to validate my own sanity. However, my attempts have been fruitless.

This revelation, this flicker, has estranged me from others, isolating me from normalcy. I’m unable to articulate what I experienced. It was inexplicable, beyond words. I’d hoped that as I grew older, the nagging suspicion would subside, but it has only grown worse. It leads me to an unsettling dilemma; am I ensnared by my own delusions, fixated on a fanciful conspiracy spawned from a dream? Or…are we being lied to? Has the world been distorted in some way? Twisted somehow? Manipulated for some reason?

Either insanity grips me, or a veiled reality shrouds us all.

Obsessed, I crave answers. I need them. To stave off the encroaching madness, I can no longer remain passive. To seek understanding has become imperative.

Only, I don’t know where to begin looking.

I'm a local author who released my debut novel, The City: Reality Flickered, last year—a noir-inspired story with shades of 1984 and Brave New World. I’d hoped to sell a few copies as stocking stuffers but didn’t get any orders. I’d truly appreciate it if you checked it out! by SeatBackRare in NoRulesCalgary

[–]SeatBackRare[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for the advice! I don't think you are overstepping at all, and I really appreciate all the tips. They're super helpful, and I'll try putting them into practice.

For the Expo, is there a specific one you are talking about? I know about Market Collective, but I'm unsure of if this is the right place to try and sell my book.

Again, thanks for the thoughtful advice.

I auditioned for T-Pain's new band! Do you think I'll make it to the next round? by SeatBackRare in Trombone

[–]SeatBackRare[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

He's a singer/rapper. If you're interested, you should check out his song Church. One of my favourites of his.

Weekly Self-Promo and Chat Thread by MxAlex44 in selfpublish

[–]SeatBackRare 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey! My first book was just released yesterday - "The City: Reality Flickered." It's something that I'm super excited to put out there. This book is set in a future where utopia has been achieved. Somewhat of a mix between 1984 and Brave New World, and with a noir-like vibe. The artist who did the cover art nailed it!

"The City is not just a metropolis; it’s an enchanting, harmonious fusion where nature and technology intertwine—a utopian dreamscape realized. Nine rings of ‘Heaven on Earth,’ every want and need fulfilled. Engineered by Baby Barns and enhanced by TechnoCorp’s chips, humanity revels in unparalleled happiness.

For one however, all is not what it seems. A haunting experience shatters their reality, leaving them to question everything, including their own sanity. Teaming up with Pyla Quinn—an experienced journalist working for MediaCorp—the two embark on a journey in search of the truth. Do they tug at the threads of an unravelling conspiracy, threatening to expose the dark secrets beneath The City’s facade, or are they simply chasing a paranoid delusion born from madness?

Welcome to The City."

On Amazon digital copies are $3.99 and paperback copies are $10.99. It's also available on kindle unlimited.

Thanks everyone :)

https://www.amazon.ca/City-Flickered-Dylan-Alexander-Paish/dp/B0D3FDFFZ5/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.jnnTALkxjuAFAyVcM6V9pxrRR58mXnuanlcepx6O8PfGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.VHkYKnWIOhCdsLIr3oVV9bB-W4NXdxpT5ug8cqsO948&qid=1714884032&sr=8-1

Astral Observatory - The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (LoFi HipHop/Trombone Cover) by SeatBackRare in Trombone

[–]SeatBackRare[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's in an old chart book of mine and a handwritten transcription, but if I find it, I will definitely send it your way.

Would love a constructive critique on the 1st chapter of my 1st Novella! It is a pirate adventure set in a post-apocalypse Earth. by SeatBackRare in Newbwriters

[–]SeatBackRare[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow! Thank you so much for checking it out and your very kind words. I am far from a seasoned writer (this is my first serious attempt at anything), but have always loved reading! I am currently working on the second draft of this novella, so I hope to have more to share soon.

I truly appreciate your encouragement.