1st Turning Point

Posted By Robert W. Walker on January 27, 2010

by Robert W. Walker
1st Turning Point Columnist
Copyright © 2010 Robert W. Walker

This article is going to be short and to the point so that I can rush back to http://www.authonomy.com/, a writer community that acts as a bolstering, positive community.  This article is in praise of authonomy for good reason.  For here is a place where a writer of a first novel, a second (which is often harder than the first), or many books can with ease register and place up any number of chapters or an entire work for other readers and writers to partake of, comment on, and back in order to build points.  But not just any points-points toward getting the eye of a HarperCollins editor to read your novel.

However, even if you never get enough backing from others who read part or all of your work, there are other gigantic benefits to this forum.  Only a couple of weeks ago, I placed eight chapters of my favorite of all my books, Children of Salem, on the site.  Placing the work up is as easy as sending a doc attachment.  Your cover art is displayed with your synopsis or pitch, along with a brief biography.  You can set it up in an hour or two.

The benefits for you are a community of reviewers and detail conscious readers who provide you with feedback.  It is tantamount to having a workshop of avid readers and competent writers who can give you a candid assessment on a chapter, or on three chapters, or on the entire book should you choose to upload it all. 

Here are a few of the eighteen comments I’ve received online from my “support” group in a mere couple of weeks.  These remarks are from a group who have willingly adopted me at authonomy, and I can say these remarks have been a great boost to the ego, and getting positive feedback is a balm that allows a person to continue to believe in his/her work and himself/herself in the most difficult times and in the face of rejection atop rejection.  Getting such feedback enables one to go on-to write the next book. 

Words said of Children of Salem-a romantic thriller at this site follow:

“A strange disturbing read, reminding me at times of Shakespeare… the casual introduction, then the switch to more serious action with the witch ramming the needles into the doll.”—Frank

“I normally would never think of romance in the context of the witch trials, but why not? You make it work. Thrills and chills and a great pace.”—Ruth (Base Spirits)

“Love the idea of a clerical spy, the servant from Barbados w/voodoo power, the witch, Sarah Goode, out to seek revenge on Parris, and a blacksmith that can make winking dolls. Nicely crafted tale of witchcraft, historical characters, and intrigue in early New England.  I want to read a lot more of it.”—Evan

“…the outset established the church characters, Jeremiah, and gave much background to the situation at Salem. Sarah’s revenge, Jeremiah’s entrance into town, and Parris were depicted with rich atmosphere. Already, through the POV’s, I was speculating and comparing stories. The dialogue is nice combination of straightforward speech and the perspective of the time period. Very intriguing as the story catches and makes one wonder at history.”—Katherine (The Swan Bonnet)

“Having once acted in a production of The Crucible, I was keen to see your take on the infamous witch trials…clearly a well-researched piece, but there is a lightness of touch to the writing. Not many historical novels have the confidence to start with a sequence of dialogue, but it certainly makes for a rapid introduction to the characters…pacy and dramatic read, as much a thriller as an historical novel, whilst not skimping on the details.”—Stephen

“Hairy scary sexy and brilliantly catchy. You’ve really made history come alive. Congratulations.. Hopefully you’ll grace this site with some more of your writing. Best wishes.”—Mikey (The Free)

“This is a cracking premise….I’ve read a fair few novels using the Salem witch trials as a base but none with an ecumenical spy (what a fabulous term!) and none with that kind of romantic lure. …events moving at a crisp trot. Interesting that you’ve gone the ‘real witchcraft’ route…”—Jane Alexander

“Brilliant pitch and your opening is just as interesting. Cheers!”—JC (The Obergemau Key)

“I particularly appreciate how I am immediately aware of the story and feel the intensity of the characters.”—Jane Cooper

Trust me, 1st Turning Point readers/writers—such online review and support frees you in so many ways; frees you to both see more clearly, for better or worse, your book, and its effect on readers.  It is a great relief to release the material for honest criticism and comment to others.  Even more so to others with similar hopes and aspirations for their own work.

Some people have called writing a lonely business, some a curse, some a gift.  It may be all of the above, but with the members of authonomy, more so than any other place I have been on the internet, that aloneness is dispelled, the curse is fed, and the gift is given wing.

So if you are looking for something to sustain you while you are writing or marketing or doing both, this is the place for you.  Check out http://www.authonomy.com/

And if the honest reviews by total strangers to me and to my Children of Salem interest you, the first chapter eight chapters are available to read at authonomy where you can leave a comment; if you are interested in the entire book it is for sell at http://www.thedigital-bookshop.com/ and at the Kindle Store at http://www.amazon.com/ as an ebook.  Soon to be a paper book with http://www.wordclay.com/

I can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, crimespace, Linkedin, and at http://www.robertwalkerbooks.com/

Oh, and do leave a comment here at 1st Turning Point.

Children of Salem by Robert W. Walker Publisher: Amazon Kindle An eccumenical spy, Jere Wakely returns to Salem Village Parish where it has become obvious to church athorities that this parish is in serious trouble. Wakely works for Increase Mahter. But he is reluctant for many reasons, not the least being that his heart is broken and returning to his boyhood home means he will inevitably run into Serena Nurse Jere assumes that Serena is by now married with children. He had left her without saying goodbye to go off and make something of himself. He has no their love would be rekindled, but it parallels a greater fire–one of terror amid the infamous Salem Witch Trials. A witch hunt in this important election year of 1692 is backdrop to a romance filled with intrigue and mystery; the history is accurate, and the truth is disturbing yet fascinating.

Children of Salem by Robert Walker

Categories: All authors, Marketing, Robert W. Walker, Social Networking
Tags: authonomy, children of salem, kindle, wordclay