WIP Rough Draft Complete
Yes, you read that correctly. My WIP rough draft is complete. I am in the stage of going back through that rough draft and “bulking up” parts where I didn’t include all the details of my brain cartoon or “slicing out” parts that are either redundant or do not serve the story. This portion or the work will take me through the rest of May. Then it will be time to dive into deeper revisions so that the writing is its best in preparation for Beta Readers.
Speaking of Beta Readers … do you know some? I would like to have 3-5 Beta Readers to receive a copy of this WIP by the mid/end of June and have their feedback to me by the end of July. If you’re curious by the prospect or get excited by my work but have no clue what a Beta Reader is, don’t worry I’ll explain.
You, as a Beta Reader are testing out my novel. It is a rough draft and will change from the time you read it until published date. There will be problems and errors from possible plot holes to grammar and spelling. That’s actually exactly what you are here for! Your role is to read it and give me your feedback. What do you love? What do you hate? What didn’t make sense or needed to be flushed out? Point out the grammar and spelling problems if you notice them. I do have an editor who specifically is hired to do that portion but more eyes never hurts.
Why do this? For me it’s important to have feedback and see my writing through other people’s eyes. This allows me to create my best work. For you, it’s an opportunity to be a part of the process. Also I provide all my beta readers with a free ARC ( Advanced Reader Copy).
Some of the themes and tropes.
So what is this new novel about? Two sisters ( Margaret and Ruth) and their family live in the flooded former state of Texas as do others existing below the 42nd parallel. Their existence without land has been subsidized by the government aid until those efforts no longer seem advantageous and the government announces to all those residing in their floating worlds that in less than a month they would become unincorporated territories without government aid. At this time all resident are faced with a choice: go to Austin to board a government transport vessel North for climate refugees to possibly live their or off-world to celestial colonies. The other option? To live without assistance.
It is a story of complicated family dynamics, duty vs dreams, resilience, what it takes to survive, found family and identity. Expect commentary on environmentalism, climate change, classism, conformity, and government. It is a climate-fiction novel with some sci-fi elements in a near future setting. Vibes are of an aching folk song and pirate-esque quests.
Expect medium pace, 3rd person pov and a story that’s adventurous, reflective, sad, emotional, tense, optimistic.
Would you be interested in reading?