chronicle books blog
chronicle books blog
What do you think of the start of my novel?
It’s called ‘The Unlikely Chronicles of the Mysterious Mr Falhalbur’, the prologue and first chapter have been posted on my blog on: www.myspace.com/blaarts
(together with some other short stories if you’re interested!)
The book is almost finished and I’d like a little feedback if possible before I send it off to the literary agent. Just for info, it’s a black comedy combining science, history, philosophy, religion and reams of bad language. Swearing, I think, IS big and clever. All feedback greatly received. Cheers!
Well thanks so far to everyone who has answered, be the comments positive or negative, they are greatfully received. Rest assured I’m going to revisit it and see what I can chop out and polish. Oh, and I see what you mean about ‘said bookisms’ I’d never really noticed! For info it was recommended to be forwarded to an agent by a tutor at The Writer’s Bureau. That said, it seems that I need to work much harder before I send it anywhere – cheers all!
I edit books for a living.
My professional assessment: Poor but not totally awful.
I’m afraid no reader in a publishers or agents would bother going past the first 500 words without putting it away and sending back a rejection slip.
The most obvious problem are the “said bookisms” (google it), second are the “tells not shows” there may be others but I didn’t go any further.
On the positive side, at least you can spell and your grammar doesn’t suck (you wouldn’t believe some of the crud I’ve had to read).
Seriously, you do *not* want to send it to any agents in this state every single one of them will just send it back with a form rejection slip. You need to join some online or offline writing group and get genuine independent assessment of your work.
Once you think it really is the best you can possibly get it (a highly polished gem), having gone through 3-4 drafts, and chopped out every single unnecessary word. Then you might consider spending some money and getting a professional assessment.
And a word of warning: There are “agents” who will tell you you’re the greatest thing since sliced bread … and tell you that for X hundred pounds they’ll try to sell your book.
No real agent charges anything *ever*.
I have a friend who spent 12 years or so trying to get published, wrote about 20 books, kept 300 of his most interesting rejection slips. Then he made the breakthrough, he now has 4 books published and 3 more in the pipeline.
That’s how hard it is to get published.
Edit: My apologies for being quite so negative, I’ve edited it down a bit — my only excuse was it was late at night.
I’ve not heard anything specific about The Writers Bureau but if you’ve been paying them for a course, then they’re bound to say you’re good, otherwise you might want your money back.
In regard to another person’s comment on the story content, it actually doesn’t matter whether it’s been told a hundred times before — it’s how *you* do it that matters.
In truth, there is only one rule in writing: Don’t bore your reader.
Good luck.
chronicle books blog
Smallville Season 5 Companion Book Hits Stores
Fans would be delighted to hear that the official companion book for CW’s Smallville season 5 has been released and is now up for purchase at the local bookstore. Containing extensive episode summaries, photos, interviews and behind-the-scenes information, the book was written by Craig Byrne, the webmaster for Kryptonsite.com. Being one of the most memorable seasons of the highly anticipated series, season 5 featured major events such as the death of Jonathan Kent (John Schneider), the introduction of Aquaman and Cyborg, and the first appearance of Brainiac (James Marsters). But just like any other book in the market, you’ll have to look into it to see if it’s worth buying.
Companion books usually tend to focus on episode summaries, which would somehow be irrelevant if the reader is an avid fan of the series and has watched it from start to end. However, the Smallville book tries to avoid this by weaving in comments from the writers, creators and actors regarding their thoughts on particular episodes. This is what makes the summaries even more interesting to read, as readers are let in on what really took place while the production was brainstorming and creating the episode.
Aside from the sprinkle of quoted comments, there’s also the “Did You Know?” trivia about the episode, which serves as a guide to the songs featured on it, and the fake articles or websites featured in it. For example, in the episode “Thirst,” an excerpt from Chloe’s (Allison Mack) blog was included, and it outlined her thoughts about the events that took place. Fans are then able to check out entries like these, as well as excerpts from the Project Mercury website or the Daily Planet, thus making reading the book so much fun.
Aside from summaries, the book also contains character profiles which relay the events and experiences that helped shape the character. In fact, this section also has exclusive interviews with the cast, where they talk about their thoughts on various storylines.
There’s also a quick look at the behind the scenes activities such as production, wardrobe and make up. In addition, the book also features an article about Smallville fans and a summary of The Vengeance Chronicles webisodes.
If all these features aren’t enough for you to purchase the Smallville season 5 companion book, here’s the thing: there’s an introduction from Lionel Luthor himself, John Glover. The book is now available at your local bookstores. Grab a copy now!
For more resources about Smallville or for the full story of Smallville Season 5 Companion Book Hits Stores please review http://www.buddytv.com
About the Author
For more resources about Smallville or for the full story of Smallville Season 5 Companion Book Hits Stores please review http://www.buddytv.com
I can’t find this blog on divorce?
I had found a blog one night and like an idiot didn’t bookmark it. It was about a woman who was living in Paris and had an affair and ended up going through a divorce. She chronicled the whole process and I think she may have even wrote a book about it in the end…Does anyone know which blog I’m talking about and where I can find it?
go back to your last activities you had or check the computer history.
Dr. Ruthie Reviews of ” I Dare You ” Cards by Chronicle Books
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iHome iP43LVC Dual Alarm Clock Radio for your iPod/iPhone with Pillow Shaker (Blue) $75.95 iHome IP43 Desktop Clock Radio – Apple Dock Interface IP43LV Clocks… |
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Dual Alrm Clck Rad Iphone/ipod Purple Charge Play Or Wake $91.77 iHome IP43UV Desktop Clock Radio IP43UV Clocks… |
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Alex Super Baking set – 18 Piece Metal and Plastic Set $16.99 Measure, mix, prep, and bake some imaginary treats| This 18-piece set features a loaf pan, bear pan, heart pan, mixing bowl, rolling pin, whisk, measuring spoons and cup, pastry wheel, 2 star cookie cutters, 2 heart cookie cutter, and an oven mitt. Bon Appetit|… |
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Passion of the Christ: Songs (Original Songs Inspired by the Film) $7.00 … |
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Promised Land [CD-ROM] Queensryche’s follow-up to the double-platinum Empire is something of an acquired taste, but it’s well worth the effort. There’s considerable variety here; the heavy progressive-rock of “I Am I” and the ballad “Bridge” were hit singles, but there’s also the funk-inflected “Disconnected”, the edgy, spooky “Lady Jane”, and the piano-and-vocals “Someone Else?”. The title track is probably the stronge… |
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2.5mm Hands-Free EarBud Headset + Car Kit Vehicle Plug in Adapter + Home Travel Wall Charger for ATT Nokia Mural Grouper 6750 Cell Phone $5.99 Brand new premium quality MP3 Earbud and hands-free headset for your cell / smart / PDA phone. Acoustically tuned speaker for improved sound clarity even in noisy environments. Soft covered ergonomic earpiece for comfort even over extended periods. **Phone & Ear bud features are limited to the phone’s capability and the service provider’s default settings. Please consult with your phone’s user man… |
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Modern Woman 6 – Vinyl Wall Decals Murals Stickers Art Graphic – 39H x29W – by üBer Decals Better than wallpaper, wall stickers are a perfect way to decorate your room and express yourself. They are a fun, easy and removable decor solution. These stickers are pre-cut and will only take you several minutes to apply on any surface – walls, doors, windows, and more. Each of our designs come with easy instructions to follow. This is an original design from uBer Decals. All other sellers are… |
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Scarface – Vinyl Wall Decals Murals Stickers Art Graphic – 44H x29W – by üBer Decals Better than wallpaper, wall stickers are a perfect way to decorate your room and express yourself. They are a fun, easy and removable decor solution. These stickers are pre-cut and will only take you several minutes to apply on any surface – walls, doors, windows, and more. Each of our designs come with easy instructions to follow. This is an original design from uBer Decals. All other sellers are… |
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Tiger Balm Analgesic Tiger Muscle Rub … |
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Ableware 769450000 Raptor Reacher $13.99 Raptor Reacher Maximum value at a moderate price The Raptor Reacher is a low cost, durable, lightweight, all plastic reacher with a contemporary design unlike other reachers. The jaw opens a full 2 1/2″ (6.3 cm) and provides a tight grip on even the smallest items such as coins or bulky items like newspapers, clothing and cans. A hook-like extension on the front can be used as a dressing aid. The … |
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Gecko Nasal Pad – Large, 4.12 Long $24.85 The Gecko Nasal Pad (formerly the Sleep Comfort Care Pad by Sequal) is intended for patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) who experience pain and discomfort on or around the bridge of their nose associated with using nasal or full face masks. The pad acts as a cushion between the patient’s face and mask, and is simply placed across the bridge of the nose under the mask. The protective polyme… |
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Kuzy® – AQUA BLUE Keyboard Silicone Cover Skin for Macbook / Macbook Pro 13 15 17 Aluminum Unibody $1.00 Dress up your MacBook Pro in fashionable color, silicone protection now. *** Will Not fit MacBook Air 11″ ***… |
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Kuzy – PURPLE Keyboard Silicone Cover Skin for Macbook / Macbook Pro 13 15 17 Aluminum Unibody $2.00 Dress up your MacBook Pro in fashionable color, silicone protection now. *** Will Not fit MacBook Air 11″ ***… |
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Kuzy – Circles Blue/White Keyboard Silicone Cover Skin for Macbook / Macbook Pro 13 15 17 Aluminum Unibody $2.00 Dress up your MacBook Pro in fashionable color, silicone protection now. *** Will Not fit MacBook Air 11″ ***… |
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Omaha Steaks Prime Rib Roasts Prime Rib Roasts… |
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KIKE CALVO photo illustrations FREAKLANCES Collection – Freaklance Fausto with bike graphic tablet and keyword – Coffee Gift Baskets – Coffee Gift Basket $44.99 Freaklance Fausto with bike graphic tablet and keyword Coffee Gift Basket is measuring 9x9x4. Contains 15oz mug, BONUS free set of 4 coasters, biscotti and 5 blends of gourmet coffee. French Vanilla, Kenya AA, Decaf Colombian Supremo, Chocolate and Italian Roast Espresso elegantly presented in our signature black planet coffee gift box. A very nice and thoughtful gift for any occasion…. |
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Betty Lous Organic Harmony Hippy Happy Apple Bar Case Pack 24 – 683021 $116.33 1.75 oz bar. Vegan. USDA organic. Ingredients: organic apple cinnamon granola [organic oats, organic maple syrup, organic oat flour, organic crisped rice (organic brown rice, malt syrup - GF, sea salt), organic brown rice syrup, organic walnuts, organic sunflower seeds, organic expeller pressed high oleic sunflower oil, organic unsulfured dried apples, organic cinnamon, organic vanilla, sea salt],… |
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Lilyette Women’s Minimizer Bra #427 $32.00 Experience the elegance of our Lilyette® Simplex Minimizer Bra with Embroidery!Minimizes your bust Elegant embroidery adds femininityNo wire poke throughFlexible fitFabric ContentCups: 69% Nylon, 31% Lycra® ElastaneEmbroidery: 57% Rayon, 31% Nylon, 12% PolyesterBack: 92% Nylon, 8% Lycra® ElastaneImported… |
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Kuzy® – RED Keyboard Silicone Cover Skin for Macbook / Macbook Pro 13 15 17 Aluminum Unibody $2.00 Dress up your MacBook Pro in fashionable color, silicone protection now. *** Will Not fit MacBook Air 11″ ***… |
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Lilyette Women’s Plunge Into Comfort Keyhole Minimizer $32.00 AS SEEN ON THE TODAY SHOWOur Lilyette® Keyhole Minimizer Bra’s sexy plunge design provides a V-shape pitch that enhances cleavage while providing a sexy and secure fit on the body! Minimizes size – not shapeEnhances CleavageSexy plunge stylingShimmering fabric appearanceGentle and comfortable on the bodyPrevenets wire poke through Fabric ContentBody: 78% Polyamide, 22% ElastaneCup Lini… |
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Alex Color A Flower Bag $20.86 Dazzling flowers| This fashionable bag measures 14?W x 11?H x 4?D – big enough for school books and binders. Includes 6 permanent markers in a cool pouch that can be colored, too|… |
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Alex Toys Draw like A Pro $34.00 A fun and easy way to draw…just turn down the lights, switch on the projector, insert a preprinted slide and trace away| Comes with 124 slides, 6 markers, 10 sheets of paper, and a flip book…. |
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Green Toys Sand Play Set $11.00 Kids will ‘dig’ building castles and hunting for buried treasure with the environmentally friendly Sand Play Set from Green ToysTM. Made of recycled plastic, this classic 4-piece collection of tools consists of a bucket, sand castle mold, shovel and rake. Made in the U.S.A from recycled plastic milk containers, which helps save energy, reduces landfill waste, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions, a… |
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KONNET iCrado Original, Stylish Metal Charging Dock / Cradle / Stand for iPhone, iPhone 3G, 3GS and iPod (Black) The KONNET iCrado is an easy to install cradle for your iPhone or iPod. With its unique distinctive design, it demonstrates the userâs personal style. The front is designed with a wide opening to give users the quick convenience of charging the iPhone or iPod without removing the protective case. The iCrado has a dedicated port to fit the Appleâs 30-pin USB cable to charge and sync the i… |
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ZipKord Single USB Power Kit for Jawbone Era BlueTooth Headset! Comes with: Retractable Charging Micro-USB Data Cable, Folding Blade Wall Charger, Car Charger. (1Amp Kit, Retail Packaging) $24.99 ZipKord Single USB Power Kit for Jawbone Era BlueTooth Headset! Comes with: Retractable Charging Micro-USB Data Cable, Folding Blade Wall Charger, Car Charger. (1Amp Kit, Retail Packaging)… |
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Centurion CD DVD Storage Library Electronic Organizer PC Controlled 100 Disc Manager $94.51 : The Centurion CD is the most efficient and safest way to store, protect and manage valuable information stored on CD or DVD, whether its data, files, photos or videos. If data is placed on optical media, then the Centurion CD can eliminate clutter, help prevent scratches and dust and keep a work area neat and organized. It is a fully automated organizer that catalogues and keeps all media safe a… |
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Star Wars: Lost Tribe of the Sith #2: Skyborn $1.00 Don’t miss Star Wars: Lost Tribe of The Sith: Skyborn a FREE original eBook short story, the second in a series that tell the untold story of the Fate of the Jedi’s forgotten Sith castaways, their battle to survive, and their quest to re-conquer the galaxy! DECEIVE AND CONQUER A Jedi ambush leaves the Sith ship Omen marooned on a remo… |
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Serial $1.00 Remember the twin golden rules of hitchhiking? # 1: Don’t go hitchhiking, because the driver who picks you up could be certifiably crazy. # 2: Don’t pick up hitchhikers, because the traveler you pick up could be raving nutcase. So what if, on some dark, isolated road, Crazy #1 offered a ride to Nutcase #2? When two of the most twisted minds in the world of horror fiction face off, the result is SE… |
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