Wednesday, 12 March 2014

And Meanwhile, I'm Reading. A Lot.

I'm currently knee deep in reading, reviewing, editing and critiquing [with only the merest hop aside into chat/discussions here and there].

One of the perks of doing these things is that they are all new scripts, as in in-the-works, about to be published, just out in the shops. I'm seeing what's hot off the press, or could be. It's great fun, and obviously it's a very useful learning tool; I can learn from seeing what others did well, or not. Hopefully that's happening but I guess only time will tell - and other people's comments. ;)

I've just been told the proof of that is finally enroute - I've been appointed an editor for my novel, he or she has read the opening chapters, presumably to see if they can bear to work on it, and should be in touch when they've swallowed it whole.

How do I feel? Honestly, more excited than scared. I'm used to being critted. I assume the editor doesn't hate it or they wouldn't have taken it on. I like an exchange and hope that they'll make me think about things I've missed, cos that can be exciting.

Best scenario: It'll be like one edit I did where the writer and I had a ball. I felt able to be direct, make jokes, throw in the odd insult and know he didn't take anything the wrong way cos he found it as energising as I did.
Oh I do hope it's like that. And I fully intend to be a nice, well-behaved author, who listens, then thinks, then really tries to cooperate, then...

Meanwhile, I'm reading like there's no tomorrow. No, of course it's not nerves. Not at all...

Monday, 3 March 2014

Review - 5* :)

The Martian, by Andy Weir, pub Feb 13th.

This one really is a great read, and not what you might expect, so check it out?
The blurb says:
 "I'm stranded on Mars.
I have no way to communicate.
I'm in a Habitat designed to last 31 days...
...Yeah, I'm screwed."

I'm not usually the world's greatest fan of hard SF but this one is hard SF with a soft, character-driven centre. It's fatcual, it's technical, and it's so good I didn't care.Ii rooted for the hero all the way and I think you will too. More than that I won't say. I'd hate to spoil it for you.