1. Aled James Taylor

    Aled James Taylor Contributor Contributor

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    Looking for beta readers for 115k Science-Fiction novel.

    Discussion in 'Collaboration' started by Aled James Taylor, Feb 17, 2021.

    I’m seeking reviewers for my science fiction novel Do Not Go Gentle of 115k words. I know this is a big ask, and I’m willing to reciprocate the favour. Please PM me if you’re interested.

    Overview

    The novel is loosely based on the setting and characters of my short story Recovery, which won the 2013 science-fiction contest on Writingforums.org. It has developed greatly since then. This is primarily a mystery story which follows the main character’s efforts at seeking his former identity and the reason for his unexpected arrival. It touches on philosophical and religious issues, exploring how they impact the lives of individuals and the structure of society. The novel includes humorous and thought-provoking passages.

    Plot Summary

    The book opens with Richard, an apparently ordinary man from the 20th century, who wakes to find he has an artificial body and few memories. Initially assuming he’d been in an accident, he’s surprised to discover he has a synthetic body and his carers have no idea who he is. It’s the 22nd century and he gradually discovers a world which is far from the future he’d imagined. His existence is a problem to the authorities as he’s the exception to a law that can have no exceptions.

    As he seeks his former identity and the reason for his arrival, he finds friends and enemies. He also finds those who wish to use him and those who simply want him off their hands. Unfortunately, he can’t tell which category anyone fits into. Good ideas and bad ones present themselves as well as those that are half-baked. Finding a way to tell fact from fiction is another major issue.

    Ultimately, he realises many of his assumptions were wrong, he rationalises what he knows, and discovers the answers he sought were staring him in the face all along.
     
  2. GraceLikePain

    GraceLikePain Senior Member

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    Well, I'll bite. Prolly shouldn't because I've got stuff of my own, but I've been a real slacker lately, so I figure this may be the kick in the pants I need to get inspired again.
     
  3. Aled James Taylor

    Aled James Taylor Contributor Contributor

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    I could do with reviews of just the first three chapters (about 10K words) if anyone's interested but put off by the size of the project.
     
  4. Partridge

    Partridge Senior Member

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    Hi,

    This sounds interesting. I'm looking for something to read.

    Count me in.
     
  5. Que

    Que Active Member

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    Can't ask for feedback on my novel until I have the required 100 posts, but I'd be happy to help you with yours. Thinking of ways to improve another writer's work almost always helps me improve mine. You can PM me or reply here. Hope you're getting the help you need!
     
  6. Aled James Taylor

    Aled James Taylor Contributor Contributor

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    Hello Que,

    I'm glad of your offer to help. I can't PM you as the start a conversation option doesn't appear. Perhaps you need 100 posts for that too. Here is a link to my first three chapters.

    https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Wo-WdcVO20GxSb7uHfNhYi3fHutgpIAOViEoW1i5o3s/edit?usp=sharing

    You should be able to use the comments facility to leave comments.

    Aled
     
  7. Que

    Que Active Member

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    Okay, might take a week or so but I'm on it. I'll start with the questions in the Alpha and Beta Feedback article I posted recently. Let me know if you'd like feedback on any other questions. The questions in my article evolved from self-editing my post apocalypse novel. Nothing in it twists or violates the laws of nature but I've been told it's still in the sci-fi genre.
     
  8. Que

    Que Active Member

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    Finally got time to read your Prologue and the first three chapters. I don't have a Google account, so I put the Feedback on my website. Hope it helps.
     
    Aled James Taylor likes this.
  9. Aled James Taylor

    Aled James Taylor Contributor Contributor

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    Thank you for your comments, they're most useful.
     

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