Wednesday 15 October 2014

New Vague Review of Books

The one where it all started. In this episode we ask: did Roald Dahl's hospitality extend to pies? Does One Day lie about burritos? Just how sexy is John Updike? Would Atlas Shrugged make good kindling? Plus much much more (but not that much more).

Sunday 12 October 2014

Call for beta readers!

I finally finished the novel I was writing with my co-writer, Toby, before he passed away. Now I'm looking for feedback so that I can start redrafting in the new year.

The Fourth Element is a 86,000 word sci-fi/dystopian novel. It started as a spin-off story from a series I was planning, but then it got out of control and turned into a novel.

When an earthquake destroys all civilisation in a colony that was once known as the United Kingdom, Adrian and his husband, Jae-Sun, are forced to hide from a corrupt government that want to recall all offspring produced during genetic experiments. Although he appears to be nothing special, this includes Adrian.
It’s not long until the pair fall into the hands of slavers. They’re separated, and Adrian realises he’s landed right in the middle of a conflict that’s been going on even since he was born – or created. As his master becomes more affectionate, and the government close in, Adrian has to make the decision whether to fight for his marriage and forever be on the run, or whether to allow Jae-Sun his freedom.

I’m looking for beta-readers who are open to LGBT, sci-fi, dystopian, and adult themes. The beta doesn’t necessarily have to have a lot of experience in sci-fi or dystopian literature. The main thing I’m looking for is plot consistency, character development, tension, structure etc. 
I plan to rewrite the whole thing (probably in 3rd person) which is why I want to get to grips with the plot and characters themselves first. I don’t want anyone to waste time telling me about specific lines and paragraphs, although a comment on the overall style would be appreciated.

If this appeals to you, please email me at chazjosephs@gmail.com and we can discuss terms.


P.S, I have a full chapter-by-chapter synopsis available if you want to see.