Friday, July 30, 2010

Friday's at the Piedmont Grille

Well my lovelies, as you know I've been working like a crazy woman on REMEMBERING YOU, my story about Genna & Tony with a little side of Pete thrown in for good measure.

I've now edited up to what I have written (Wednesday was a very long day at the computer) and have only two more scenes in the first act, and two more scenes in the second to write and then we shall start on the third.

As you all know, my goal is to have this baby wrapped up by the end of August, if not sooner and then out to query by the first of September (large goal I know). Personal reasons dictate my insanity, therefore, I have a request.

I am looking for 3 or 4 beta readers. I need someone who is top notch at POV (because I totally suck) and possibly a punctutation geek as well. (I think I know where comma's go but one of my dearest friends just pointed out to me, I don't.) As you've seen, I'm pretty good at dialogue and scene setting, but it's really the POV that kills me. I head hop and lose my way, slip from 2nd into omnicient 3rd and I just can't see it. (I'm writing it, which is hard enough.)

So if there's any one out there who'd like to help me out, shoot me an email at piedmontwriter@gmail.com. I know this is going to sound kind of snotty but please don't email if you just want to read the book. I really need help with this and I really need it to be finished by the end of August. I need someone with a fast turn around time so I can write and edit at the same time.

And also, I just thought I'd let you know, I won't be posting, (I don't think) for the next little while. I may throw out a post for my stalwart G&T fans but that's about it. I need to get it finished.

So, that's it. If you can help me out, I'd love to hear from you. Happy Weekend.

22 comments:

Christine Danek said...

Good luck on revisions. I'm sorry I can't help you more with the beta reading.
Happy writing and high five for getting things done. :)

Unknown said...

I admire your industry. You are so focussed and driven.
I'd love to help but I read with a way too forgiving an eye. Speed readers make shockingly poor Betas.

Unknown said...

Your progress, as always, inspires me! I want to read for you SO badly. But the kids go back to school on Monday and I've been counting down the days (bad mommy!) until I can get writing again (good writer!). I haven't penned a word outside my blog and research notebook this whole, long summer. I'm behind in my goals with this project.

I so wish I could help!
Have a wonderful weekend :))

Matthew MacNish said...

No time to help with a critique right now, sorry Anne, but I will say that I love that you know exactly what kind of feedback you need. That's a great starting point and will help when you have to digest it.

Today's guest blogger is Rose Cooper!

Jessica Bell said...

Emailing you now with some questions ...

JE said...

Oh man! I want to help, but I don't have the time. Darn! I wish you the best of luck on getting it finished and queried, though! ;-)

~JD

Anne Gallagher said...

Thanks guys. I know how crazy it is with work and school and life but I appreciate all your comments.

Unknown said...

Who ever picks this up as a beta reader is to surely not be disappointed! I love your story and if I had time I would snag the chance! Unfortunately I've let my crit partners down this month because I've been so focused on goals just like you!

I'm working to have my novel sent out by October. My goal is a bit out of my league, but I love a challenge!!!

Al said...

I'm with you on the commas!
POV is hard, and it is so hard to see mistakes with your own work.
Good luck in finding people to read for you!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Hope you reach your goal!

Sarah Ahiers said...

normally i'd be able to help you with all that stuff, but august is packed full for me with work training and a vacation so there would be no way for me to finish it in the time you needed.
sorry pal.
hopefully someone else will jump at the chance

Bossy Betty said...

It's great that you are at this stage in your writing. I am hideous at POV. Hope you find great readers though!

Jaydee Morgan said...

Good luck with finding a good-fit beta. I'd love to help but time isn't on my side at the moment here either. Good luck :)

Laurel Garver said...

Cheering on your amazing progress! Sadly my August is also very full with vacation and almost-nonstop houseguests. Sigh. I so enjoy critiquing. Hoping you find some fab betas!

Lola Sharp said...

I too am impressed with your industry. You are a woman on a mission.

I too would love to help you, but I am woefully behind on critiquing my CP's MSs, haven't had a minute to work on my own WiP in weeks, and have even blown off going down to our carolina beach house, because the kid has so many dance workshops in July/August. To say I feel stressed out and behind on everything is an understatement.

Good luck on your writing goals.

Happy weekend, my friend! :)
Love,
Lola

Ann Best said...

Yes, sometimes it's necessary to put blogging on hold so you can finish your WIP. Good luck! I just made a major breakthrough on my memoir and just posted about it. It's exciting when everything falls into place.

I just read your wonderful comment on Bossy Betty's post about reading. It was a miniature essay that is excellent.

Have a good weekend. Enjoy your daughter, and the "little" things.

Ann Best

Elliot Grace said...

...passing along some advice that helped me out once while in a similar pinch.

On a hunch I contacted the English Department at the local college, and following some smooth talking, actually hired an English major with dreams of someday working in the publishing industry, to handle the grammar side of my edit.
Considering how most college kids are broke, her fee was manageable, and her work ethic was studious. She even pointed out a few revision ideas, while unknowingly becoming one of my first beta readers in the process.
Might be something to consider. Have a great weekend:)

Natascha said...

Good luck, Anne! I know you'll reach your goal!

The Words Crafter said...

I'm a novice and POV defeats me. I hope you find some great help, though. Good luck with it all!!!

notesfromnadir said...

I wish I had the time to help you out. I hope you get the feedback that you need. You're so dedicated to writing that you are a prime example of someone who truly deserves to be well published.

Anne Gallagher said...

Elliott -- Excellent advice. Although I've also heard they intern as PR/secretary people as well, once you get published and have to do so much PR. They can do all the legwork dropping off bookmarks, setting up interviews, run press releases, etc. Just another thought for all of you.

And thanks every one for commenting. I really appreciate them all. I've found my requisite number of readers so we're off and running.

Thanks again. I'll see you in a little while.

Unspoken said...

VERY SMART idea :)!