If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter, or live within shouting distance of my house, you know that today THE CONDUIT made it to the Quarter Finals of the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Contest. Can I get a yee-haw?! I'm VERY excited to have made it this far. Now my manuscript will be read and reviewed by Publisher's Weekly, and that ladies and gents, makes me do my happy dance! Join in, won't you?
On top of that I got to hear feedback from the reviewers. I had to share the following one in particular as he/she picked up on the EXACT meaning behind my novel.
ABNA Expert Reviewer
What is the strongest aspect of this excerpt?
The strongest aspect here was the fact that Celeste is the every girl. Every girl goes through humiliating situations in front of the hot guy at least once, every girl feels lost or confused, etc. And yet the author hints that Celeste is much more than your ordinary girl next door. I like the idea of your average Jane becoming a hero, the girl next door has powers, or strengths she didn't know she had and she uses them to save the world, or maybe just herself and those she loves. Not every hero needs to be from the planet Krypton and be gorgeous. The idea that we can all step up to the plate if need be is a powerful draw for many people, and the author has set the stage for a compelling story for Celeste and her family.
What aspect needs the most work?
From just reading the excerpt I was more than satisfied. I thought the dialogue was fitting, I bought that it came from your average teenage girl. I enjoyed the little bits of backstory the author threw in, with hints of more to come.
What is your overall opinion of this excerpt?
I loved it! As I mentioned, I like the idea that anyone can be a hero if the situation presents itself. The characters were easy to relate too, and I wanted to know more about them. And what was that glowing ball that 'attacked' Celeste? Friend? Foe? Alive? Alien? Lots of questions, and I think I would have a great time reading about the answers.
Does the beaming smile I'm wearing come across via blog? I sure hope so! I'd type more, but sitting down is hindering my happy dance! Gotta dance! Gotta groove!
Words cannot express how happy I am for you! Such a relief to hear The Conduit reviewed so well and "gotten". It's truly amazing.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Stacey! I am glad that you are getting some credit for your amazing writing talents. This is surely a spring board for many great things to come!
ReplyDeleteThanks gang!! If this is my spring board then I'll channel my inner "Sammy Man" and embrace it!! Go big or go home, right?
ReplyDeleteShe didn't even give you anything to work on? You NAILED those early chapters, Stace!! This is awesome. Have I said that already? Awesome.
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