Considering my options - Experimental series and reader feedback

[Steven Lake]

Ok, I'm considering doing something I haven't done in a while, and I'm looking for input on this, both in the area of "should I do it", and "who will help me." Namely, I'm considering doing another experimental series to try and improve my writing skills, by spreading out into another writing style and subject matter than I'm not totally familiar with, nor familiar/comfortable writing in.

I think it's an area I need to expand out into, as it'll help further improve my writing, but I need feedback and critique from readers and fellow writers if I'm going to do it. What makes it so difficult for me, at least in my eyes, is the heavy social issues discussed in the book.

So here's my offer. I'll write this experimental novel (currently the one I have picked is called "The Machine Cycle") and release it one chapter a week until it's finished, and if something needs revamping, I'm open to going back and redoing things to improve or make this work. As this work will be released for free, the only payment I require from those reading it is that you go through each chapter as it's released, and maybe periodically look back at the story and how it's progressed, and give me critiques on how I'm doing, both chapter and story wise.

If I get 10, maybe 20 people willing to help me out, I'll do this. That way you guys get a free book, and I get some more experience which will ultimately allow me to write better books, which you in turn will benefit from. So, anyone interested? And ultimately, should I do it? I know I've done it before, but that was before I was published.

Oh, and PS. I'll be releasing this primarily online in HTML format, but I will also be releasing rough formatted ebook chapters (epub) as well for those who prefer to read them on their ebook readers.

[Steven Lake]

Ok, so far I've had two people who are actually liked this idea, and encouraged me to try it. (they're from another forum) They've also agreed to help me by reading and critiquing the chapters to this book as I write them. Anyone else interested?

[dadioflex]

Edit.

[Steven Lake]

Me? Hurt animals? HAHA! No way. Normally it's the other way around. Just ask my cat. I've got the scars to prove it. ^_^;;

But seriously, I grew up on a farm, so I'm very kind to animals. In fact, I give them a very special place in quite a few of my books.

Oh, and on a side note, I now have a feedback form in case someone wants to submit feedback or comments directly (and anonymously) to me: http://www.realmsofimagination.net/feedback/

[banjobama]

I would love to help with this project.

[Steven Lake]

EDIT: Chapter removed. I'm going to be rethinking which book I actually want to write and post that when I'm ready.

[jaxx6166]

Brandon Sanderson actually suggests that all authors with the time do this. He calls it "cleansing the palette." If you write strictly SF, try a Fantasy or a Mystery or a Romance. Or do a children's book. Do something "not you" to keep yourself sharp.

[Steven Lake]

Yeah, I've got a couple on the plate that should help in that. I've got one idea I'm picking at that's got sci-fi elements, but it is more along the lines of Clive Cussler meets Dan Brown meets Tom Clancy. It should be fun.

[kcmay]

Have you considered running the story through a critique group or site like critiquecircle.com? Nothing like a bunch of readers/writers in a genre to tell you what works, especially if it's not your usual thing.

I'd like to write a mystery or thriller some day. Since I'm only a reader in those genres, I'll rely heavily on critiquers in the genre to help me avoid the common noob pitfalls.

[Steven Lake]

I currently don't have any critique groups except some close friends. Do you have any suggestions?

[Vintage Season]

Steven, you might want to visit The Friday Challenge, because we keep an online dropbox specifically for authors wanting "writer's group"-style critique. Honest feedback is guaranteed, from actual writers.

- M.

[Steven Lake]

Thanks Vintage!