ktgrok Posted September 22, 2014 Share Posted September 22, 2014 I'm just about done writing my first ever novel, and have entered the first chapter in a contest sponsored by Harlequin Books. I'd love to have some feedback from you all! Remember, this is category romance, not classic literature, so please, don't hold me to those standards, lol! But if you like romance (this is sweet, not steamy), please give it a read and leave a comment. I'm super nervous about having my work "out there", but I'm trying to be brave. Thanks! UPDATE! I made the semi finals!!!! I'm in the top 25! Now, to edit like crazy to submit the full manuscript! Newer More Better Update! Made the Finals! Now I need you to vote for my manuscript! Winner gets a 2 book contract! You can vote once a day, every day. http://www.soyouthinkyoucanwrite.com/paradise-found/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luckymama Posted September 22, 2014 Share Posted September 22, 2014 Oh my gosh Katie, that is so awesome! I will read tonight :) Congrats for taking the first step by entering the contest! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted September 22, 2014 Author Share Posted September 22, 2014 Thanks, now I just need to calm my nerves enough to write the last two chapters! On the off chance I get selected as a finalist I need to have a finished manuscript! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unsinkable Posted September 22, 2014 Share Posted September 22, 2014 Oh, Katie! How awesome! I don't have time to read it now but I'm so happy for you! :party: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted September 22, 2014 Author Share Posted September 22, 2014 Oh, Katie! How awesome! I don't have time to read it now but I'm so happy for you! :party: No worries, just leave a comment...something about how it's the best thing you have ever read, and you hope they give me a zillion book contract. For all the money. Ever. and a limo. I'd like a limo. (so I can ride up front with the driver, and my crazy kids can be behind that soundproof glass). no, seriously, thank you for the little party. I love that you get it . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethel Mertz Posted September 22, 2014 Share Posted September 22, 2014 Love this so far! I want to read more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoughCollie Posted September 22, 2014 Share Posted September 22, 2014 You had me with the dog! I like it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted September 23, 2014 Author Share Posted September 23, 2014 Thanks to everyone, especially those that commented, I super duper appreciate it! The dog is a compilation of a few of my own. I have a very sweet border collie myself, but unlike Murphy he's not very bright. He was found on the side of the road, that's how I got him, but he had brain damage from some kind of accident or poison, we don't know for sure. So..kind of what COULD have happened to Murphy. I've also had an escape artist dog in the past, a weimaraner that could unlock and open windows. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kareni Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 What a fun excerpt, Katie! I'd definitely read on. Regards, Kareni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted September 23, 2014 Author Share Posted September 23, 2014 It's killing me that my mom posted that she wants the hero to hook up with a secondary character. UGH, mom, no! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joyofsixreboot Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 I liked it. And I had an Australian shepherd named Murphy. Best dog I ever had. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GailV Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 Love it! I want to read the rest! And, congratulations on getting it out there into the world! I did notice a typo when Nic is talking about wrestling with his brother -- he says the word "my" twice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amyco Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 That is very cool--good luck, I hope you are a finalist! I want to read the whole thing now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted September 23, 2014 Author Share Posted September 23, 2014 Thanks all! I hope so too, but the competition is stiff. There are 18 lines, I imagine they choose one from each, with a few left over. There is a REALLY good entry in my line, Special Edition. So not getting my hopes up just yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SunnyDays Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 It's killing me that my mom posted that she wants the hero to hook up with a secondary character. UGH, mom, no! I read that comment, how hilarious that's your mom!! :LOL: Katie, I loved it! Cute (animal loving) guy, tropical island, and a doggie... what's not to like?!? :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterPan Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 It's sweet!!! If it doesn't win, take it over to the Hallmark Channel people and try to sell it to them as a movie. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fraidycat Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 I want to read the rest!! You're such a tease. ;) Seriously, I enjoyed it. Good luck!! I really do want to know how their story ends. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom in High Heels Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 I haven't read it yet (I definitely will though!), I just wanted to say congrats! That's great that you put your work out there. I only write fan fic, but I was a nervous wreck when I published my first story. Good for you. Okay, off to read. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted September 23, 2014 Author Share Posted September 23, 2014 Thanks everyone! And yes, that's my mom. Oh well. And don't forget, leave a comment if you can. You don't have to use your real name. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melbotoast Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 It was really good! Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seasider Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 No worries, just leave a comment...something about how it's the best thing you have ever read, and you hope they give me a zillion book contract. For all the money. Ever. and a limo. I'd like a limo. (so I can ride up front with the driver, and my crazy kids can be behind that soundproof glass). no, seriously, thank you for the little party. I love that you get it . I'll tell them they should also give you a personal chef and laundry service, too. Because that's what I'd ask for! JK of course, but I will definitely help you out with a nice comment after reading. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted September 23, 2014 Author Share Posted September 23, 2014 I'll tell them they should also give you a personal chef and laundry service, too. Because that's what I'd ask for! JK of course, but I will definitely help you out with a nice comment after reading. I actually don't mind cooking, but a scullery maid, to do the dishes, would be excellent :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted September 23, 2014 Author Share Posted September 23, 2014 For the non-dog people...this is my Luke, shorty after we found him. You have to admit, he's too cute to resist. (He's still pretty gorgeous, even full grown). https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152515647713666&set=a.49449468665.63513.710868665&type=1&theater Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arctic Bunny Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 I hate to say it, but I could see it working out with Cassie, too! Single mom; he already looks after stray animals, why not a cute little girl with bouncing curls?! Seriously, though, I really enjoyed it and would live to read the rest! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted September 23, 2014 Author Share Posted September 23, 2014 I hate to say it, but I could see it working out with Cassie, too! Single mom; he already looks after stray animals, why not a cute little girl with bouncing curls?! Seriously, though, I really enjoyed it and would live to read the rest! Lol, don't worry, cassie gets her own book. She will get to fall in love with a police officer, one with a search and rescue dog or K-9 or some such thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom in High Heels Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 I read it, and thought it was really good! You did a great job. You have nice flow, and good attention to detail, without overdoing it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted September 23, 2014 Author Share Posted September 23, 2014 Lol, I think I've heard 'nice flow" about a half dozen times. Which makes me think I should probably try to figure out what that means. I'm glad I have it, just gotta figure out what it is so I keep it!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 I'm going to read it right now. I'm so excited for you!!!! :hurray: And your Luke is adorable! :001_wub: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 OK, I'm back. HOLY COW!!! I had no idea you could write like that! :hurray: I would never have believed an unpublished writer wrote that chapter. It is absolutely professional in every way. I posted a comment, too. :) I would love to read the rest of the book, but I'll be more than willing to wait for a chance to buy it. I'm sure you will find a publisher for it, but if you don't want to wait that long, can you self-publish it as an e-book on Amazon Kindle and Nook? (I don't know how that works.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted September 23, 2014 Author Share Posted September 23, 2014 OK, I'm back. HOLY COW!!! I had no idea you could write like that! :hurray: I would never have believed an unpublished writer wrote that chapter. It is absolutely professional in every way. I posted a comment, too. :) I would love to read the rest of the book, but I'll be more than willing to wait for a chance to buy it. I'm sure you will find a publisher for it, but if you don't want to wait that long, can you self-publish it as an e-book on Amazon Kindle and Nook? (I don't know how that works.) damnit Catwoman, you made me cry. Seriously, ugly cry. And if I don't manage to publish it, I will epublish. But I'm hoping I can find a home for it. I have a trilogy in mind, so Cassie and Mollie can get their stories too. I'll keep y'all updated :) And feel free to follow me on twitter if any of y'all do that kind of thing. (I'm new, and waiting to make a huge fool of myself, lol....there are bets in my home as to how long before I say twat instead of tweet). I'm @ktgrok Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luckymama Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 Katie, I will follow you on twitter. I follow lots of authors and book bloggers. I'm @WhereIsMyKindle, btw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted September 23, 2014 Author Share Posted September 23, 2014 Catwoman, can I share what you said? I mentioned someone made me cry, and they asked what was said. I won't use your name, just what you said. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted September 23, 2014 Author Share Posted September 23, 2014 Katie, I will follow you on twitter. I follow lots of authors and book bloggers. I'm @WhereIsMyKindle, btw. Ha, love it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PinkInTheBlue Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 I'll read it tonight but I just had to say "Congratulations!". That's so exciting and nerve-wracking to put yourself out there, isn't it? I know it'll be great but I just had to say "Good for you!". :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shinyhappypeople Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 Read it, enjoyed it, commented! Wish I could read the rest of it, I really liked it :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 Catwoman, can I share what you said? I mentioned someone made me cry, and they asked what was said. I won't use your name, just what you said. Sure! Feel free to use it any way you'd like. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted September 24, 2014 Author Share Posted September 24, 2014 thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom in High Heels Posted September 24, 2014 Share Posted September 24, 2014 Sure! Feel free to use it any way you'd like. :) That sounds dirty. Coming from you though, it's not a surprise. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom in High Heels Posted September 24, 2014 Share Posted September 24, 2014 Lol, I think I've heard 'nice flow" about a half dozen times. Which makes me think I should probably try to figure out what that means. I'm glad I have it, just gotta figure out what it is so I keep it!!! Hahaha! It means it's not choppy, and you move from scene to scene easily without breaking the story for the reader. You've done it well, so just keep doing what you're doing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted September 24, 2014 Author Share Posted September 24, 2014 Are one of you April Scott, who left a comment? Or Joyce?If so, thank you. I owe you some flowers or a bottle of wine :) . I just can't figure out who it was. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Isabella Posted September 24, 2014 Share Posted September 24, 2014 That is amazing! As someone else said, I can't believe that's a first novel, and unpublished! Love it, and was very disappointed that I can't read the whole book! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melbotoast Posted September 24, 2014 Share Posted September 24, 2014 Lol, I think I've heard 'nice flow" about a half dozen times. Which makes me think I should probably try to figure out what that means. I'm glad I have it, just gotta figure out what it is so I keep it!!! I agree with Mom in High Heels above, but also, there's nothing jarring that stops you from reading. Some authors have details that don't quite fit in with the story and it makes your attention leave the story. Like if you named the dog Chewbacca, I'd start wondering about Star Wars. Your plot, setting, and characters all mesh nicely together so it is easy (and enjoyable!) to slip into the world of the story and stay there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted September 24, 2014 Share Posted September 24, 2014 Shamelessly bumping this for the afternoon crowd, so everyone will get a chance to read Katie's story. Oh -- and because I know some of our members are very conservative about the things they read, I wanted to let you know that there is absolutely nothing trashy in the chapter. It's definitely safe reading! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted September 24, 2014 Author Share Posted September 24, 2014 Shamelessly bumping this for the afternoon crowd, so everyone will get a chance to read Katie's story. Oh -- and because I know some of our members are very conservative about the things they read, I wanted to let you know that there is absolutely nothing trashy in the chapter. It's definitely safe reading! :) oops, good point! I should have clarified it is considered "sweet" on the scale of romance heat - and in this chapter there isn't any kissing even, heck, they don't even hold hands :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted September 25, 2014 Author Share Posted September 25, 2014 bumping for the evening crowd...I wont' bump it again, promise :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luckymama Posted September 25, 2014 Share Posted September 25, 2014 bumping for the evening crowd...I wont' bump it again, promise :) That's ok; we will :D I finally posted my comment :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoobie Posted September 25, 2014 Share Posted September 25, 2014 Does he hook up with the vet or the tech? Or do we have to wait? :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted September 25, 2014 Author Share Posted September 25, 2014 Does he hook up with the vet or the tech? Or do we have to wait? :) With the tech. The rule for category romance is whomever gets a "point of view", is the main character. So since Jillian is the one we see the world through, she's the main character. You are not the first to ask, so I may need to find a way to be more clear about that. Don't worry though, Cassie get's her own man, in the next book :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoobie Posted September 25, 2014 Share Posted September 25, 2014 With the tech. The rule for category romance is whomever gets a "point of view", is the main character. So since Jillian is the one we see the world through, she's the main character. You are not the first to ask, so I may need to find a way to be more clear about that. Don't worry though, Cassie get's her own man, in the next book :) She seemed to be more of the main character and seemed attracted to him, but the details about the vet's life threw me. Some books change voice by chapters, so I wasn't certain. I'm sure it was from reading only a selection! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted September 25, 2014 Author Share Posted September 25, 2014 She seemed to be more of the main character and seemed attracted to him, but the details about the vet's life threw me. Some books change voice by chapters, so I wasn't certain. I'm sure it was from reading only a selection! :) Yeah, I may need to cut some of her backstory and move it later in the book, since a few other people have asked the same question. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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