Dec1

Early book reviews and utter craziness

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You may or may not have noticed I’ve done some site upgrades, including a new title to reflect the blog content, new about/contact (which is sort of funny), and a page called My book.

At My book, I have the synopsis and a few early reviews from kindly fellow authors. One guy wrote me in October saying he would read the book in December. A few days later, he wrote, “Got hooked. Will finish it this weekend.” The next day, he wrote, “What a fun read. Loved it. I think you have a hit on your hands.”

I didn’t mind that.

My kidlit author buddy, Mike Allegra, is currently reading it and said, “This book is fast-paced and fun!” He has been emailing as he goes, making predictions, which is both great and frightening, depending on how close to the truth he gets. I’m gratified that his guesses at plot twists are not the same as another reader’s.

This other reader emailed with subject line, “Wow,” followed by:

I finished your book, and all I can say is…well, it’s right there in the subject line. Very well done! It isn’t often I tear through a novel in…OMG, two days?! But this is great. Truly. And I was not expecting that – only because I’ve read manuscripts from other friends, and most of the time, they’re not great (at best). Yours is. I love the plot, the pacing, and the patented Ilsa wit and humor. And, of course, the many grunge references. 🙂

At this point, I paused reading out loud to ask Hubby, “Can you guess who wrote this?”

“No. Wait… Mark Petruska?”

Nailed it. It’s cute that he knows my blog buddies.

I continued: “Thank you for letting me read this in advance. I truly did enjoy it, and now I see it’s the first in a series. Needless to say, I’m looking forward to the rest of the story!”

He added his vote for which man my MC (main character in author lingo) should end up with. He may be interested to know that another reader voted for the other guy. Let the “teams” à la Twilight begin!

Most importantly, Mark did a terrific job editing, and for that I am eternally grateful. (Thanks again, Mark!)

I have a non-writer friend who wanted an early review for other reasons, which I’ll get to in a sec. Her initial email said, “Just letting you know I’m loving the story so far!!! You are such a talented writer! I’m on the edge of my seat! SO GOOD!!!!”

When she finished it was:

Ilsa! 

Where do I even begin!?! I’m starting by wanting the sequel!!! I need to see/read part 2! Lady, you are an incredible writer. Seriously! I am blown away! I will refrain from using only exclamation points…I loved it…it was so suspenseful, so well written and thought out, it was also warm and endearing. There were moments of such realness for the characters, and then this incredible line of mystery and intrigue that kept showing up. I adore these people you have created. The love triangle that Ana is caught up in has you rooting for team Ben then team Isaac…seriously, I’m so impressed. 

Your storytelling skills are phenomenal. I seriously want to make this into a movie. I will not let this gem get overlooked! Even if it isn’t us, and you have other producing friends who want to make this movie, do it! This is such a great story. I hope this book is in every young adult reading list, everywhere! I will recommend it to everyone.

Bravo my friend! My very talented friend! 

Wow,

Her name

I’m being cagey about who she is. I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but I did have her actor husband in mind to play a particular character in the unlikely event that this book should ever become a movie, even writing that character to look like him. At the time, I had no idea she and her husband had formed a production company.

Since she also acts, I had a role in mind for her, as well. She was all over that.

“Mrs. Mason would be such a great character to play! I would play anyone, even the woman on the bus who almost sits on Ana, or the cop at the front desk that Ana has to sneak around. I mean, Ana’s mom is quite a character too! I can think of many actresses to play that role. What an honor it would be to make this into a movie and have any role at all in it. I’m seriously loving this book!”

It’s pretty much at this point that I’ve fallen out of my seat for the fourth time. But there’s more:

“I’m so honored to have gotten the chance to read it! Thanks for letting me in on your genius!”

and

“It’s my new mission to get this made into a movie. It may take some years, but let’s get it done!”

Soooooooooooo….. THAT HAPPENED!

I’m not a get-my-hopes-up type of girl, nor do I get ahead of myself, but I’ve known this woman since college, before she moved to Hollywood and married an actor. You’re probably dying a little bit. I’ll just say, he’s been in a lot of things, but he’s not a household name. (Until he’s in my movie. 😉 😉 ) He pops up unexpectedly every now and then, including in a show Hubby and I were watching the other week. Whenever this happens, we scream and point at the screen. It’s like a Where’s Waldo game.

Anyway, after so much rejection from agents and publishers, I have to admit that regardless of what actually comes to pass, all this right now, feels rather nice.

BTW, you’re all invited to my launch party next September or October. Start budgeting now for a trip to Southern California! Massive blog buddy meet-up? I’m so down for that.

Who’s with me?! Rawwwrrrr! Battle cry!

If you read all of the above, thank you. You’re a true friend.

I forgot it last time. I beg your pardon.

Previous: This 1994 movie broke new ground through its extensive use of CGI and digital editing, which inserted its main character into dozens of scenes of stock and historical footage. A. Forrest Gump! Well done!

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43 responses »

  6. Wow! Betsy, you’re flying! Congratulations on these amazing early feedbacks for your book! You better have book #2 ready! How I wish I could join the launch party in person – alas very unlikely. Hope there will be one here too! Well done, my friend. Annika ps. love your new about page and blog title!

    Liked by 2 people

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    • Thank you for all of that, Annika. And, oooh, how amazing it would be to travel to do book signings and such. Not going to expect that, but it’s a lovely thought! Thank you, and I’m working on book 2!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply ↓

  7. How you find the time for four kids, martial arts, and a novel is a wonder (let alone replying to pedestrian blog comments). But the idea of a budding novel is exciting for anyone in the writing game. I hope you’ll use your blog to keep us in the loop as the path to publication continues. Talk about an action-packed adventure!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

    • Thanks, Dave. I’ve been working on the novel for many years. I won’t have that luxury for the next two. Thankfully, most of the kids can feed, clothe, and bathe themselves now, so that helps. Yes, I intend to keep y’all updated. Oooh, how fun it will be when I have a cover to reveal. Thanks for being on the journey with me, Dave. 🙂

      Reply ↓

  11. My comment disappeared! Boo! I’ll try again……..Huge Congratulations to you on your book!! I’m sure it’s fun to read the reviews. And how exciting to scope out an actor you know! We do that with Carrie Coon, who graduated from my HS. Of course, that was years after me, but her uncle was in my class.

    Wishing you much success in future endeavors!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply ↓

  13. Hey Betsey (Is it still ok to call you that?), just as an fyi, your blog isn’t showing up in my wordpress.com feed. I’m still subscribed to you, but it shows the last post from you was the Photoshop one from 6-7 days ago. I actually saw this when I was scrolling through the “Discover” section of the jetpack app.

    Since you’ve gotten such good feedback on your book, you should probably find someone who will unreservedly hate on it just to keep your ego in check. I’d volunteer, but
    1) I don’t review books of people I know, even if only online
    2) Neuromancer has sucked out all the hate for probably the next 3-6 months

    So you’re out of luck 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

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