The Monster Belt

Right. I got feedback on the Monster Belt full manuscript yesterday evening. Just a few typos and editing glitches, but also the reader, who'd read an early version of the book found it had gone from being a fantasy novel to a psychological story. The reader says he felt their anguish which he found hard as he has 'monsters' of his own, that women would properly cope with this better than he can. He wanted to know how the two leads dealt with their 'monsters' and he wanted them to end up together. At times, he'd have liked a little more tension, but as ever, he said, my stories are about people, are European in their approach and there are some shocking moments. So, I'll look at where I can turn up the tension, check the mistakes through and work on the synopsis. And then, out to agents.

The Betrayal of Trust by Susan Hill

I woke early to finish ''The Betrayal of Trust' by Susan Hill. It wasn't as good as 'Dark Matter.' It unsettled me though because of subject matter, dementia, falling in love when you're not free to, death. There were many characters, unlike 'Dark Matter' and I've realised I want simplicity. Apparent simplicity. Erosion had many characters, Monster Belt, which I'm editing now, has so many threads, my head spins trying to work them all out. Next has to be either first person or one voice and one story. A ghost story. I'm also thinking about how we get our work read. The different types of author. The ones who market themselves and the ones who hold back. The pushy ones make it. How do the ones hold back get their work read by millions? And let's forget it 'being good.' There is more to it.

Dark Matter - A Ghost Story by Michelle Paver

Just finished reading 'Dark Matter' A Ghost Story by Michelle Paver. Set in 1937 in the Arctic, a group of young men set out to winter it there - when darkness is 24 hour. They begin the journey as five, only three set up camp. One becomes ill, two leave with the rescue ship. Jack remains. In the dark, punctuated by the northern lights and a full moon and a lone figure that is moving closer. Definitely recommend.