Finishing Up With First Test Readers

I'll be doing more meetings/phone conversations this week. Then another round of revision will begin. Very soon into this I should know when I'll begin the next test reading and need new readers!

Currently: Checking in With Test Readers

I'm currently checking in by email/phone with the first round of readers and scheduling appointments with others. If you're one of them, we hope to hear from you soon. If you are behind, don't worry! Don't rush! Just contact me and let me know where you're at. Having someone not fall off the map helps the process for us, and checking in always makes those doing the work feel less stressed or confused.

For electronic readers doing notes: please remember to send in your comments every 2-3 chapters by email!

-Judah

A question to consider: is Killop a character that you care about? That you find yourself more rooting for or ignoring? Or do you feel different things toward him at different points in the book?

Still Processing Test Reader Emails

I received my first feedback email already today and am impressed by the quality of description I've received regarding one readers mental experience of going through the first chapter in the story.

I've spent most of my time however lately polishing up pieces in 8.3f.122, my latest draft, and trying to still respond to the amount of emails left. I'll be taking down the CL posting soon, and in the meantime ask potential readers who receive this form email to bear with me (and if you've heard nothing yet, hold on)...

Image: Copyright 2010 "Possible" by Judah Johansen

Some Guidance for Test Readers

The questions to think of while going through Book One all boil down to hearing readers tell what they were naturally thinking during the read! I'm looking for simple but thoughtful things like: "-That part was boring! -That fight was exciting and fast but it ended too soon! -I wanted to know what would happen to this character! -I was expecting to hear more about this or that place from the story! -This thing that kept happening in the story didn't make any sense! -The end was satisfying or too long/short!" -I also want to know what the best or most memorable scene was for you, and what scenes were your least favorite. I'm also wondering some things about what you thought of the main character, Killop, as well as a few secondary characters. As you're going along I'm also curious to hear your what your guesses were as to what was going to happen in the middle and end of the book, as well as what you guess will happen in the next book. I'm looking for a gauge of your enjoyment or dissatisfaction. The kind of feedback I do NOT want is feedback regarding the technical nature of the writing. I am not looking for an academic analysis of characterization or plot structure. If you have something that comes from the natural mindset of a normal reader that you can only describe in these terms however, I understand. Thank you so much. To those who've already received a copy, happy reading! To others, I'll continue to go through the backlog of emails--there are a lot I haven't been able to get to yet. I'll try to contact everyone in at least some way. -Judah

Book One is Looking Ready

Welcome to My Website! I'm both overjoyed and relieved at how the final edits have been shaping up for Book One: Blood and Beginnings. For this Christian science-fiction series I am now beginning a search for a publisher that's a good fit. The Chronicles represent the start on a whole world taking place before Adam and Eve. Written over more than fourteen years it represents my attempt to bring to life an amazing place with characters I hope readers will remember. I can't wait to show it to you. More details will follow this week. -Judah Johansen