Rediscovering art, writing and raising grandchildren

 I hope there is value in this discussion. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_V-l5aghR0

     I am pleased you have received your reviews back, all of them. That is an achievement in itself, you must have a great circle of friends, keep them close. I get the fact you are confused by a couple of responses but consider this. Your friends may not be reading within their genre, and are not experienced, reviewers. They are doing this because they are your friends and have volunteered to help.   As to the others, great outcome. Where to from here? Despite the advice/observations returned to you, be selective in what you take out of the comments. Remember, it is your novel. Thank each person for their efforts, they may offer their valuable services again. The benefit of this, they are invested in your work and, are now experienced enough to accept your guidance on what you require.   However, simply because a reviewer comments on something, that does not mean a re-write of that chapter. However, if a comment is made that your main character, or any character. Has blue eyes on pag

The question you ask about seeking reviews caused me a lot of anguish back in the day. I was quite naïve, wondering how to proceed in a manner that most benefited me with an outcome that improved my work.   I trawled through writing organisation sites looking at advertisements. Subsequently, I sought out a professional reviewer. That cost me money, time, and frustration at the poor response I received. Two more times I sought reviews, only to receive inadequate advice.   Look closely at the reviewer and what is offered. Ignore their testimonials, they’re never going to present you with a bad one. Ask yourself, what is it this person will do for my dollar before you invest?   Before I write more, I will provide you with advice on a paid way forward, and a free way to understanding your writing needs.   The paid way. Investigate the reviewer as if you were creating a character from several explored sources. Is this person working in the genre you write in? No good asking a romance review

Write with passion, edit like a sword-swinging barbarian, and review with the purpose of continuous improvement.    You are not done until you have tortured yourself about dialogue, scene-setting and characterisation.    When it is polished to perfection and your vision shines onto your intended audience, you will know it is time to submit.  

  Congratulations on deciding to write your first novel, and thanks for reaching out. Many find writing a novel a daunting prospect, yet are compelled by some unknown force to do so. For others, it is an act of pure joy.  Whatever your starting point, I wish you well developing your project, and pray I will see your work on the best sellers list shortly. As we have not discussed your starting point, I will offer advice on my style, developed over several years. Most important to me are two tasks — writing and editing. I suggest you find that time to write that works for you.  Later, make more time to reflect to edit with a critical eye. What works for me, is rising early. I brew a pot of coffee while the family sleep, and study what I last wrote. The first task, edit dialogue into engaging, meaningful words relevant to my plot. I will hit other editing high points when I write next. At this early point in your writing, a constant reappraisal of your work is a must. You

  Interview with Greythorn   Who are you?   Greythorn is my name. I was a former Ruins dweller and inhabitant of the Brizarian forest. Now Neckar-Master Spy and Chief Assassin to Rhyka Hawk-Wing, lord and master of Protectorate Marutchi. Who am I, the truth is more complicated than you could imagine?  My enemies would say a coldblooded killer, dedicated to protecting the interests of my Protectorate. Others might call me their saviour, but I'm guessing that is a matter of perspective, whether you're looking down the blade I hold or up at it.  You may read of my infamous rise to serve my current master throughout Book I, The Rise of Rhyka Hawk-Wing, Scavenger Lord and later, in Book II, Artefact War, The Rise of Rhyka Hawk-Wing. As best I can recollect, I've seen some sixty summer's come'n go since I was born in the ruins east of the city of Brizaria. Fifty years of warfare have battered and burnt me into what I am today. I wasn't such a pleasant fellah in Book I

     Why write about Werewolves, and predominantly, Vampires? Simple really, the opportunity to flesh out a story within a dystopian world was an opportunity not to be missed.       As I wrote, I considered contemporary fictional history, inserting my own view of an alternative history of Vampire and Werewolf culture. The big question for me was, if these exotic creatures exist in real-time, how do they fly under the radar in a modern world? Hence, my version The Lore Giver - The Vampire Book of Lore.     The novel commences with a conversion from human to vampire, along with the death of an aged vampire, the introduction of a tense relationship with Werewolves, and the creation of a new personality for the converted. The novel slips easily through time, offering a reader, my glimpse into ancient times of Vampire and Werewolf folk lore.     I trust it is an enjoyable read. When I have the time, I work on Book II - Avenger. Happy to hear suggestions arising from Book I for inclusion int