In so many ways I can’t imagine a better process for vetting a book.<\/p>\n
I sent out nine hard copies and about nine electronic copies of Chalice<\/em>. Some readers could not get past the “letters” style of the book and didn’t make it past page 30. Six readers finished the book, all of those\u00a0enjoyed the writing,\u00a0and four of those were were engaged in the story and \u00a0helpfully found some flaws that I can correct.<\/p>\n There were many deeply personal reactions, which both surprised and gratified me. A couple of readers did not like the female main character. Another said he was “in love with her by page 30.” That love later dissipated a bit. Another related to her but was a bit put off by the male main character.<\/p>\n Different sections of the book affected different readers. Most enjoyed the writing, though Larry Brooks of “StoryFix” called it “purple prose.” Others said Brooks simply did not get it and I am inclined to agree. The man always seemed rushed and he has a formula that focuses on commercial success, though I have found his structure quite helpful.<\/p>\n My take away from this is that Chalice is not an easy read nor a book likely for great commercial success, but is likely to find favor among a certain type of reader. My original target was college-educated women who belong to book clubs and actually read the books. I was wrong about that. Gender is not a determining factor. Education and a vivid life experience seem to be.<\/p>\n I can live with that.<\/p>\n Next step is to take the comments I’ve received from those who enjoyed the book as well as those who panned it and make the changes I feel will improve the final product. I’ve got a proof reader in my sights. Then it’s off to press.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" In so many ways I can’t imagine a better process for vetting a book.<\/p>\n I sent out nine hard copies and about nine electronic copies of Chalice<\/em>. Some readers could not get past the “letters” style of the book and didn’t make it past page 30. Six readers finished the book, all of those\u00a0enjoyed the writing,\u00a0and four of those were were engaged in the story and \u00a0helpfully found some flaws that I can correct.<\/p>\n There were many deeply personal reactions, which both surprised and gratified me. A couple of readers did not like the female main character. Another said he \u2026 Read more\u2026