Chrys Fey, author of Hurricane Crimes, tagged me in the Pay It Forward blog hop. It was after I’d already drafted this post that I realized the four questions could’ve been integrated. Unfortunately, I haven’t picked my three people yet. As a result, you’ll see more on that at a later date.
Last week, I brought up the first of my WIPs, Isto from the Ninier series. This week, I bring you a character whom some of you have already met: Cera.
I’d intended for This World Bites to be the first introduction to Cera and her gang. But then the A to Z challenge rolled around, and I realized the only way for me to come up with 26 consecutive posts was to write a serial story. I gave you Murder Most Fowl, an unedited, uncritiqued story. If you look at last week’s diagram, you’ll see I’ve got a plan to flesh it out more before publishing it on the market.
In the meantime, I’m in the last stages of revising This World Bites. All of the Cera Chronicles are intended to be novella length. TWB rolls in at 25K. I’m looking for beta readers. I’m hoping for people who haven’t read Thanmir War, to help work out some of the elemental race nuances that might be unclear, but I’ll take anyone willing! My goal is to publish it this fall.
As the post title says, it’s not a romance. At least it doesn’t fit the romance genre. *cough* I’ve had mixed reactions to it. Some love. Some hate. I’m tweaking the ending still.
I don’t have a good blurb yet, but here’s a brief description:
Cera has just landed on a new world and Michael, her guardian, has been bitten by a zombie and will soon join the undead ranks.
Everyone tells her there’s no cure, but Cera isn’t one to be deterred. She’s willing to face off with zombie hordes, demon slavers, and black market informants if it means she’ll find a cure for Michael. But it turns out, she’s not the only one hunting for something. Something is hunting her.
POV: Cera
Perspective: First person limited
Genre: Fantasy/Humor
And speaking of Michael, I’ve posted his origination story online. It’s a flash fiction piece, and it’s not humorous. But then, none of the origination stories are. I’d love to hear any thoughts or feedback you have on it.
Do you enjoy humor? How about urban fantasy? Anyone interested in beta-reading This World Bites?
Good luck with TWB!
Thanks!
I’d volunteer to read for you, but I’m really REALLY slow. (Because of other commitments–just ask Mark Noce who’s been waiting for FOREVER for me to finish with his book.) We’re moving twice in the next three months as well, which definitely is complicating everything, including my next book release, but hey, life goes on, right? I’m hoping you find some epic readers who give you exactly what you need, feedback wise.
Thank you!
I am amazed by you. Moving is tough, but twice? In three months? Wow.
I love humor, especially when it’s woven into darker works (Gallows humor?). And do you know we have almost the same name for our main characters!!! Mine is Cira. 🙂
Me too (love dark humor, that is)!
I’d love to read more about your character, Cira. Where can I find out more about her?
Hope you find some good beta readers. Glad you’ll polish and publish Murder Most Fowl – I really enjoyed it! You have a way with humor.
Thank you! It might take me a bit, but I’ll get it out there. 🙂
I’m writing an urban fantasy now. It’s a fun genre. Blurbs are really hard to write. Yes?
Oh yes, very hard. I dread the day I actually have to write one for this novella.
Wow! After I read the first sentence of your book description my jaw dropped. Your story sounds really, really good! My kind of story. When you finish revising it, send me an email [ChrysFey(at)yahoo(dot)com]. If I have don’t have anything else going on, I’d love to beta read for you. 🙂
Woot!
Zombies, demons, guardians and love? As a big fan of Supernatural, this sounds perfect. 🙂
I’m glad to hear that!
I’d love to. Not the fastest reader just ask Abi. I fell in love the the world and characters you created Thanmir War and can’t wait to see what coming next.
Thank you! I really appreciate it!
I’d love to read for you 🙂 I haven’t gotten to Thanmir War yet, which I’ve mostly been really embarrassed about, but now I get to say it’s a GOOD thing! LOL. The only possible consideration is how fast you need the feedback. I won’t be able to even start til I’m back from vacation on 7/7. If that’s not too late, shoot me an email, and we’ll work out a timeline!
I’m going to take you up on that!
Regardless of TWB’s genre (as far as I’m concerned, anything goes in fantasy), I still loved its quirky nature.
Thank you!
I might be able to help you out. I’m looking for someone to go over my novella one last time before I publish it sometime December.
So maybe we can swap?
Thing is, though, I’ll only be able to read TWB early in August, since I have to draft and edit my Fantasy novels in July.
That’ll work for me. 🙂
Good luck with finding some beta readers!
Thank you!
So wish I could help you out, but I’m committed to a critique group and two individual critique partners at the moment. Plus I wouldn’t want to spoil the rest of Thanmir War.
Good luck in your endeavours, but I see you have a couple of offers already, so I’m sure everything will run smoothly.
I totally understand. Critiquing takes a lot of focus. I do have a few takers, which is wonderful!
OMG! You’re so busy! I see on the side bar you’re working on 5 different novels. Holy crap – I can barely handle one. I love the premise of zombies and comedy/horror, but I’m drowning under revisions. Good luck!
Thank you!
Sounds like you really are on the right track with your WIPs. Somehow I ended up judging a contest where I have to read 35 books–ENTIRE BOOKS–by August 1st. I won’t be reading anything but these books until then. I hope I survive!
Wow, 35 books in one month? That’s a lot!
I am so glad you found a couple of good readers. I am in the end stages of editing my book and am on a ridiculous schedule.
I loved your A-Z posts. looking forward to more…
Editing really does take a chunk of time. Best of luck with your edits!
I love urban fantasy myself, but I’m horrible with blurbs. I always shout out to my writer friends for help in that area too. Good luck and have a good weekend!
Writer friends that help with blurbs? Sounds like friends with benefits!
Crap. If I wasn’t in the middle of edits on a 6-year-old MS, I’d jump at the chance. But this sounds like something I’d enjoy. I’m conflicted. I really need to get this MS query-ready. But…zombie hordes, demon slavers, and black market informants? Screw it. I’m in. Send it over, and I’ll try to have something coherent to say about it by September.
Woot!
Seems like you’ve got the help you need. That’s wonderful. Here’s to writing up a summer storm!
Cheers!
I love humor in writing, but fantasy tends to throw me for a loop so I probably wouldn’t be the best fit as a beta reader. Based on the response here, it looks like you’ll be able to gather a good handful of readers for feedback.
Understandable. We each have our preferred genres. If ever you do delve into fantasy, you might give Cera a try. 😉
I’d love to be one of your beta readers! I probably wouldn’t be able to get to it until the end of July, but if that’s okay, then send it my way. You can find my email address on my blog. Email me and we can work it out. I might need a beta reader at some point in the next month or two, so if you’re willing, this could be a win-win!
Woot! Thank you, Kristin. I’ll be getting in touch with you, and I’d love to return the favor.