An Editor's Letter

I have promised you all that I would be giving you details into this "adventure" I have embarked. Tonight I post a letter I just received from my editor. I hope this may encourage those that are willing to step out of their comfort zone.

Viewpoint: 
Through the whole story, the viewpoint comes solidly through Isaac’s first-person viewpoint as he interacts with the other characters. You do a great job with his insights and observations. Not many new writers understand the importance of this element, so I commend you for choosing a solid first-person viewpoint character and sticking to his perspective through the entire novel.

Scene Development:
You have a knack for dramatizing your scenes with good characterization, dialogue, action, and conflicts. The drama pulls the reader into the events on a personal level. For example, when Devin begins to interact with Isaac after saving him from Cyro, the reader experiences Isaac’s doubts and fears about Devin, while Devin races against time to get the diary and take Isaac to safety. Another good action scene occurs when Adawnas stops the dinner celebration in order to warn Isaac not to drink the poisonous wine. Just as Isaac is not always sure who to trust and believe, so the reader experiences the doubts and confusion that Isaac encounters, wondering what he should do, wondering who is lying and who is speaking the truth.

The dramatic scenes flow smoothly from one to another with good transitions. Events often end on a note of anticipation for what is coming next.

By using scene dividers to separate your scenes when events move to a different time or location, you can give a sense of pause to allow the reader time to adjust to the new event.

Physical Setting: 
The setting details, such as weather elements, the buildings, the landscapes, and the terrain, are colorful and smoothly woven into the scenes. There might be a little more of this in some of the other scenes, but in general, the reader has a good sense of the locations and surroundings.

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Here’s my assessment in a nutshell: You’re a good writer. You have a knack for storytelling – something you were born with – and you have an engaging narrative style. You need to learn how to see your story through the reader’s eye, but you’ve got what it takes to succeed in this business if you want it badly enough – i.e., if you’re willing to work hard enough to make it happen.