Firewalls

Thank you for sharing your love story and for such wonderful comments on my novel. Very encouraging.

Age means nothing when you're in love, trust me, I know, my wife is 10 years younger than me, Katrina is sparkling character that reads very real and yet seems desperate for someone to connect with and ground her. Chad is also lost via the divorce, what will life hold for him now, will he ever find anyone or is this it? They compliment each other well and it's almost as if their individual hurts need to come together to heal them. Wonderful complex stuff.

Age means nothing when you're in love, trust me, I know, my wife is 10 years younger than me, Katrina is sparkling character that reads very real and yet seems desperate for someone to connect with and ground her. Chad is also lost via the divorce, what will life hold for him now, will he ever find anyone or is this it? They compliment each other well and it's almost as if their individual hurts need to come together to heal them. Wonderful complex stuff.

Thank you for your kind comments.

Very stylish and accomplished writing...the dialogue is very convincing and establishes the characters very quickly...well done...backed for now
Stewart

Very stylish and accomplished writing...the dialogue is very convincing and establishes the characters very quickly...well done...backed for now
Stewart

Your review is awesome! Great, creative words and phrases. I love it!

Thanks--and pass me the vodka!

I remember so well Hurricane Katrina. I began writing my Back Tracker series in 2005 so I'm sure the storm inspired the naming of my powerful and destructive main character.

Eileen Schuh Canadian Author FIREWALLS

While the name Katrina for me typically conjures up images of that nasty bitch who blew my friends and I out of New Orleans in 2005, your Katrina keeps me right in my place.

There is a jazz-like cadence to your prose -- short and long sentences intermixed to create rhythm and lyricism that keeps the reader engaged. Of course the taut and tantalizing storyline does nothing to hinder the reader's enjoyment.

While I'm much more a man of narration, your dialogue crackles. One can feel the emotional tension, Chad's heartstrings twanging during discourse.

A strong female protag with a questionable history -- I like this bad girl with good intentions. I like mostly everything I've read about this book. I like vodka, too -- thus I think I'll leave you now and grab a drink with some comrads.

Yes, I like to conclude with non-sequitors.

Oh, and in case you haven't figured it out yet...

...backed!

Best of luck,

G
(Notes on an Orange Burial (a tragicomedy, with an emphasis on the latter three syllables)

Thank you for your encouraging words. I'm so glad you like my story.

Eileen Schuh Canadian Author FIREWALLS

A book can be discarded by the reader if the first chapter fails to catch them.
Not so with Firewalls, it draws the reader in from the start with excellent dialogue and description and holds them there. This is a good flowing and well thought out book which given the chance will exceed expectations.
I for one give it my backing. SHELVED.

Neville (The Secrets Of The Forest)

While the name Katrina for me typically conjures up images of that nasty bitch who blew my friends and I out of New Orleans in 2005, your Katrina keeps me right in my place.

There is a jazz-like cadence to your prose -- short and long sentences intermixed to create rhythm and lyricism that keeps the reader engaged. Of course the taut and tantalizing storyline does nothing to hinder the reader's enjoyment.

While I'm much more a man of narration, your dialogue crackles. One can feel the emotional tension, Chad's heartstrings twanging during discourse.

A strong female protag with a questionable history -- I like this bad girl with good intentions. I like mostly everything I've read about this book. I like vodka, too -- thus I think I'll leave you now and grab a drink with some comrads.

Yes, I like to conclude with non-sequitors.

Oh, and in case you haven't figured it out yet...

...backed!

Best of luck,

G
(Notes on an Orange Burial (a tragicomedy, with an emphasis on the latter three syllables)

Very entertaining, this story has romance mixed with the drama of law, crime and cops. Vey edgy and extremely witty. Your MC, Katrina, is fascinating and a genius and very appealing to her officer as well as the reader. Chad is complex and intense. Your writing suits the premise and the characters make the story come alive.
Backed earlier and I'm gald to comment positively.
Rakhi (Sir William...)

A book can be discarded by the reader if the first chapter fails to catch them.
Not so with Firewalls, it draws the reader in from the start with excellent dialogue and description and holds them there. This is a good flowing and well thought out book which given the chance will exceed expectations.
I for one give it my backing. SHELVED.

Neville (The Secrets Of The Forest)

Thank you for reading and commenting on FIREWALLS. I really appreciate your time.

Eileen Schuh Canadian Author FIREWALLS

Just love your profile, just love it. The first chapter contains a lot however it is tightly written and colours you paint with words vivid.. The premise of your work is good and BACKED. If you could possibly read some of my work and comment, I would appreciate it. BEST of luck

Denise
'The Letter"

Thank, you, Craig!

You've got a great premise, and three-dimensional characters. The writing is solid and supports the narrative well. Happy to back this for you.
Please consider taking a look at my book, The Job.
Craig

Just love your profile, just love it. The first chapter contains a lot however it is tightly written and colours you paint with words vivid.. The premise of your work is good and BACKED. If you could possibly read some of my work and comment, I would appreciate it. BEST of luck

Denise
'The Letter"

You've got a great premise, and three-dimensional characters. The writing is solid and supports the narrative well. Happy to back this for you.
Please consider taking a look at my book, The Job.
Craig

Thank you, Paul, for reading my work and providing such an indepth comment. What a nice thing to do. I appreciate it very much. The fact that FIREWALLS is the second book in a series has caused me and my readers problems since I first uploaded to Authonomy. I've revised the first chapter many times, attempting to address the back-story problems. I wonder if doing a separate prologue would be the answer?

The story you lay out in the pitch shows a lot of promise, and you back it up with some well developed characters and sharp dialogue.

However, I found the the opening chapter a bit confusing - a lot of characters, a lot of background, coming in close together. Part of the problem, I think, is the that the background story is itself quite involved, and you're telling it in dialogue. Just a thought, but have you considered starting the story at an earlier stage, so you can set the scene more clearly?

Of course, it might be just me who had trouble keeping up! If you're not getting this feedback from anywhere else, perhaps it's best ignored!

That aside, your writing is smooth and well paced, the plot is imaginative and well thought out, and I'm happy to back it.

Paul T.

Thanks, KW for taking the time to read my work and comment. I'm flattered. Good luck with your journey to the ed's desk! Happy writing!

Oh oh, older men and their weak sperm. I love your sharp dialogue. Sets the scene and the personalities very nicely. "Do you think the Sarge is amused?" Hardly, but . . . what mattered was that she'd crashed the entire university computer system with illicit, homegrown software while she'd been preparing for a career in law enforcement." What a girl, what a pain, what a cop. "You know nothing, Chad." Only 13 but she knows how to make millions. An interesting read. I'll be back for more. Backed for now.

The story you lay out in the pitch shows a lot of promise, and you back it up with some well developed characters and sharp dialogue.

However, I found the the opening chapter a bit confusing - a lot of characters, a lot of background, coming in close together. Part of the problem, I think, is the that the background story is itself quite involved, and you're telling it in dialogue. Just a thought, but have you considered starting the story at an earlier stage, so you can set the scene more clearly?

Of course, it might be just me who had trouble keeping up! If you're not getting this feedback from anywhere else, perhaps it's best ignored!

That aside, your writing is smooth and well paced, the plot is imaginative and well thought out, and I'm happy to back it.

Paul T.

Oh oh, older men and their weak sperm. I love your sharp dialogue. Sets the scene and the personalities very nicely. "Do you think the Sarge is amused?" Hardly, but . . . what mattered was that she'd crashed the entire university computer system with illicit, homegrown software while she'd been preparing for a career in law enforcement." What a girl, what a pain, what a cop. "You know nothing, Chad." Only 13 but she knows how to make millions. An interesting read. I'll be back for more. Backed for now.

Thank you, Michael for reading my book and commenting. I appreciate that a lot. Your encouragement means a lot to me.

REFERENDUM FOR MURDER has my backing as it is sure to rise in the ratings. I'm backing/not backing without comment as lately some have felt hurt by my critiques and life is too short to be going around hurting people's feelings. I've summarized some of what I've learned here on Authonomy about errors common to novice novelists on my blog. If you are interested in honing your craft I invite you to visit: http://eileenschuh.blogspot.com
Eileen Schuh Canadian Author FIREWALLS

I just read your novel of six chapters. You use a lot of dialogue which is great. I did the same. I believe lots of dialogue makes the story move fast and keeps the reader interested.

Good luck and hopefully you will like Referendum for murder.

Michael Polansky

Thank you, Robert. THE GOLDEN CONSPIRACY made my bookshelf. I'm backing (and not backing) without comment as lately I've upset some people with my critiques. Life's too short to be going around upsetting people. If you get my backing, you know I think your novel will rise in the rankings. I've summarized some of what I've learned about errors common to us novice novelist on my blog, if you are interested in honing your craft. http://eileenschuh.blogspot.com

Thank you for reading and commenting. I lap up encouragement!

Eileen Schuh Canadian Author FIREWALLS

Well written in a engaging voice. Well thought out plotting. Dialogue and narrative are superior for a first time writer. Backed.

I hope you will give mine a read and back it if you like it.
Best,
Robert
golden conspiracy

I just read your novel of six chapters. You use a lot of dialogue which is great. I did the same. I believe lots of dialogue makes the story move fast and keeps the reader interested.

Good luck and hopefully you will like Referendum for murder.

Michael Polansky

Well written in a engaging voice. Well thought out plotting. Dialogue and narrative are superior for a first time writer. Backed.

I hope you will give mine a read and back it if you like it.
Best,
Robert
golden conspiracy

Thanks you so much for your encouraging comments. I am so honoured when someone takes the time to read my stuff and comment. It's doubly thrilling when it is a high calibre author doing the commenting!

Petronella, I definitly recommend your THISTLEDOWN GENESIS to my fans. Good luck on Authonomy

Eileen Schuh Canadian Author FIREWALLS

I'm a woman of few words. I liked this - read all six chapters - and liked Katherine who was growing on me. I think you deserve to be backed.

I'm a woman of few words. I liked this - read all six chapters - and liked Katherine who was growing on me. I think you deserve to be backed.

I'm always honoured when someone takes the time to both read and comment on my work. Your specific concerns and suggestions are helpful. Thank you.

Eileen Schuh Canadian Author FIREWALLS

I must admit to finding the first two chapters heavy going Eileen.

As a reader, I had to hang on in there and try and keep up with the plot, as well as some of the other sub-plots, minor intrigues, and character introductions going on in the background.

The one thing that kept me going through the initial opening was the multi-faced and pretty bitchy Katrina. She is proving to be an extremely interesting MC, and I'm enjoying the read now.

My one fear for the book is the all important opening - and I'm wondering if it might be wiser to leave much of the background information and dialog until a little later in the story, and just concentrate on whats happening to her in the present - but it's only a thought.

James.

Oh, oh. Wouldn't have uploaded it if I thought it needed more work. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment.

Eileen Schuh Canadian Author FIREWALLS

Eileen - Firewalls has promise (and I am no editor) but you have a quality that needs a little more work but is decidedly worthy of backing which I do with pleasure. Best of luck and never lose heart. Balepy (Freckles the Fawn)

Oh, oh. If I thought it needed polishing I wouldn't have uploaded it. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment.

Eileen Schuh Canadian Author FIREWALLS

Well I liked it! Agree it needs some polishing but so does mine I guess! Good luck with it! Backed
Virginia

Eileen - Firewalls has promise (and I am no editor) but you have a quality that needs a little more work but is decidedly worthy of backing which I do with pleasure. Best of luck and never lose heart. Balepy (Freckles the Fawn)

I must admit to finding the first two chapters heavy going Eileen.

As a reader, I had to hang on in there and try and keep up with the plot, as well as some of the other sub-plots, minor intrigues, and character introductions going on in the background.

The one thing that kept me going through the initial opening was the multi-faced and pretty bitchy Katrina. She is proving to be an extremely interesting MC, and I'm enjoying the read now.

My one fear for the book is the all important opening - and I'm wondering if it might be wiser to leave much of the background information and dialog until a little later in the story, and just concentrate on whats happening to her in the present - but it's only a thought.

James.

Thank you for taking the time to read FIREWALLS and comment. It means a lot to me.

Katrina is abrasive but fiction is in trouble if only likeable characters catch the eye of readers. I think GONE WITH THE WIND would have bit the dust!

I do, however, have to do something to increase my readers' connection to her. Perhaps a prologue from a previous book in the series? A bit about her troubled life? A knock on the door and her world falls apart and she's alone with no kin forever? A cold October night in a metal shed on the open prairie? The nights Shrug dried her tears and rocked her to sleep when nightmares about blood and screams and the death of friend and a cold October night woke her? Fifteen and she's staring down bikers from the witness stand?

She's a brat. She's a abrasive. And Chad's one of the few who can see past her hurt to her heart. I need my readers to see that, as well, I guess....

Eileen Schuh Canadian Author FIREWALLS

Eileen,
The first chapter doesn't read like a first time novelist. Well done. MC is a brat, isn't she? For that reason alone, I had a hard time connecting with her. The story itself, though seems well thought out. Best of luck to you!
Lee Ann (Slightly Dented Halos)

Thank you

Backed
Splinker
B.D.S.T.

Thank you for reading and commenting on FIREWALLS.

There is so much required of an opening chapter. I find it challenging as a writer to address all that a reader expects/demands, such as: introduce and decscribe characters, set the time and place, start the action, provide necessary backstory.... I perhaps sacrificed the innerworkings of the characters to focus on the other details, but was hoping that if I hadn't let my readers really get to know my people, I had at least tickled their curiosity about them enough to keep them reading.

Maybe this is something I need to keep working on...

06 May 2010
09:41
Firewalls, an apt title especially with regard to the abilities and events which befall MC, has a strong plot which is capably laid out as the book progresses. One reservation I have, which has been raised before I see, is the make up and description of the participating characters. Their physical attributes are well defined and I feel one would recognise them on the street but would one 'know' them? Are they bad tempered, abrupt in speech, lazy, hard-working , easy going or whatever. The reader doesn't need extensive detail, often happy to form his own mental pictures of the individual, but does need 'signposts' or pointers from the author to guide him. Let their actions or thoughts define them. BACKED. Robert Davidson. The Tuzla Run

Eileen,
The first chapter doesn't read like a first time novelist. Well done. MC is a brat, isn't she? For that reason alone, I had a hard time connecting with her. The story itself, though seems well thought out. Best of luck to you!
Lee Ann (Slightly Dented Halos)

Backed
Splinker
B.D.S.T.

06 May 2010
09:41
Firewalls, an apt title especially with regard to the abilities and events which befall MC, has a strong plot which is capably laid out as the book progresses. One reservation I have, which has been raised before I see, is the make up and description of the participating characters. Their physical attributes are well defined and I feel one would recognise them on the street but would one 'know' them? Are they bad tempered, abrupt in speech, lazy, hard-working , easy going or whatever. The reader doesn't need extensive detail, often happy to form his own mental pictures of the individual, but does need 'signposts' or pointers from the author to guide him. Let their actions or thoughts define them. BACKED. Robert Davidson. The Tuzla Run

It is a lways a genuine thrill when someone takes the time to read my work and comment. Thank you very much.

A professional reader also commented on my lack of character description--so novice or not, let me assure you that I believe your point is worth considering. I struggle, though, to understand the criticism.

I try to weave decscriptive phrases into the dialogue and action. By the end of the second page we know Katrina's age, that she has blue eyes, that she is under 5' tall, she has long auborn hair, she's highly intelligent, she's a police officer, and we can probably deduce her personality from the dialogue. Syd is a young officer, has green eyes, yellow hair, is significantly taller than Katrina, and sports a crew cut. As soon as we meet Shrug we know that he is over 6 feet tall, has a stony face, tattoos, deep voice, slate grey eyes... etc.

Don't get me wrong--although your point may well be a valid one, I'm struggling to understand it. This is important to me especially since this isn't the first time I've received this criticism. Recently, an editor (in regard to a different novel I wrote) also expressed a desire to get to know my characters better before the action starts .

Alas, until I understand this criticism I'm at a loss as how to address it.

*sigh* It's sometimes so frustrating being a writer!

Eileen Schuh Canadian Author FIREWALLS
p.s Thanks for spotting the typo. A sense another revision in the near future.

You have a story and you write well. I think the reason I didn't get involved with it is that it's nearly all dialogue, and not enough explanation. A little more description of the characters when first introduced would not go astray either. Frequent advice I've seen here is 'show, don't tell.' I wonder if it has harmed several stories. I feel there is not enough simple telling. As another reviewer said, 'Personal opinion from another unpublished author,' so take it for only that.
Tiny error in Ch 4 you might like to fix, 'I wouldn't have tattled if I'd know that,' should be 'known.'
Good luck with your book. Marj.

You have a story and you write well. I think the reason I didn't get involved with it is that it's nearly all dialogue, and not enough explanation. A little more description of the characters when first introduced would not go astray either. Frequent advice I've seen here is 'show, don't tell.' I wonder if it has harmed several stories. I feel there is not enough simple telling. As another reviewer said, 'Personal opinion from another unpublished author,' so take it for only that.
Tiny error in Ch 4 you might like to fix, 'I wouldn't have tattled if I'd know that,' should be 'known.'
Good luck with your book. Marj.

Thanks, Liam

Very interesting story with realistic characters. I am eager to read more.

Thank you for taking the time to read my work and comment, Phil. Your encouragement means a lot. I agree with your suggestions and have uploaded a revised first chapter. I invite you to take a look.

Eileen Schuh Canadian Author FIREWALLS

This is centered on a very engaging Main Character, with a complex history. Her past is vital to the plot, so has to be retold here. This is done quite successfully, with back-story threaded into the events a bit at a time, as a recounting of her memories.
My one suggestion for improvement would be to be less distant in this; for instance, where you say 'Although she'd only been here a few weeks, she knew more than etc' and go on to describe her musings, perhaps you could try to put her actual thoughts down more directly. Something like 'I bet the brass are mad because the geeks here don't use those fancy grey filing cabinets' and so on.
Personal opinion from another unpublished writer, remember.
Good stuff, which should do well when it gets out there in the world. Good luck.
phil

This is centered on a very engaging Main Character, with a complex history. Her past is vital to the plot, so has to be retold here. This is done quite successfully, with back-story threaded into the events a bit at a time, as a recounting of her memories.
My one suggestion for improvement would be to be less distant in this; for instance, where you say 'Although she'd only been here a few weeks, she knew more than etc' and go on to describe her musings, perhaps you could try to put her actual thoughts down more directly. Something like 'I bet the brass are mad because the geeks here don't use those fancy grey filing cabinets' and so on.
Personal opinion from another unpublished writer, remember.
Good stuff, which should do well when it gets out there in the world. Good luck.
phil

Very interesting story with realistic characters. I am eager to read more.

Thanks, Elaine, for taking the time to read my work and comment.

I do tend to have a lot of dialogue in my novels. I think it is because people fascinate me. In real life I love to watch conversations. I listen to the words, watch the eyes, analyze the tones of the voices, observe the body language, and guess what is REALLY being said.

In FIREWALLS, I hope I have included enough scene setting and character descriptions so that my readers don't feel lost???

When I read your work I am watching a movie or a crime show unfold. Perhaps it's a case of dialogue vs. description. Not a bad thing if it turned into a script for TV I suspect?
You've been working hard at replying to comments and editing your work accordingly. I applaud your efforts with that.
Christine Elaine Black
MAXIMUS

When I read your work I am watching a movie or a crime show unfold. Perhaps it's a case of dialogue vs. description. Not a bad thing if it turned into a script for TV I suspect?
You've been working hard at replying to comments and editing your work accordingly. I applaud your efforts with that.
Christine Elaine Black
MAXIMUS

Thank you, Elizabeth, for your encouragement.

Eileen Schuh Canadian Author FIREWALLS

Katrina had better watch out! But maybe she can take care of herself. Great pitch! -Elizabeth Wolfe

Thank you, Amanda, for taking the time to read and comment on FIREWALLS. I'm always thrilled when someone chooses to do that. I'll double check the typos you mention. The repetion of 'she knew' was intentional. I will re-read that section and decide if I think it's too annoying to my readers.

I have revised and proofed the script so often, I sometimes miss the obvious.

Good luck with CHRONICLES OF THE BROKEN. You have an awesome story happening there.

Eileen Schuh Canadian Author FIREWALLS

Your first chapter definitely has me curious. I'm shelving it because it makes me want to read on. I did find a few nit-picky edits in case you want them. If not, just ignore the below. Good luck!

The second sentence in the paragraph beginning with, “A serpentine row …” needs to be changed. It reads, “It stopping …”

The paragraph that begins with “Although she’d only been here …” you have the phrase “She knew” in five sentences. I just wanted to call it to your attention in case it wasn’t on purpose.

Oh and then she knew right away in the next paragraph too.

“If Sid had leaked just a couple of …” That sentence starts a question but doesn’t finish it.

Amanda - Chronicles of the Broken

Your first chapter definitely has me curious. I'm shelving it because it makes me want to read on. I did find a few nit-picky edits in case you want them. If not, just ignore the below. Good luck!

The second sentence in the paragraph beginning with, “A serpentine row …” needs to be changed. It reads, “It stopping …”

The paragraph that begins with “Although she’d only been here …” you have the phrase “She knew” in five sentences. I just wanted to call it to your attention in case it wasn’t on purpose.

Oh and then she knew right away in the next paragraph too.

“If Sid had leaked just a couple of …” That sentence starts a question but doesn’t finish it.

Amanda - Chronicles of the Broken

Katrina had better watch out! But maybe she can take care of herself. Great pitch! -Elizabeth Wolfe

Thank you, Greeneyes, for taking the time to read my work and write such a lengthy critique. That is special, for sure.

I listen carefully to all criticisms/suggestions and have revised FIREWALLS many times to address readers' concerns. I agree that one doesn't have to be a professinal editor to give a review or critique. Readers know what they like and don't like and give invaluable feedback.

I am having a bit of trouble with the opening chapters of FIREWALLS as it is the second in my Back Tracker series. Previous commentators didn't like all the backstory I had included so on the weekend I deleted a bunch of the information about Katrina's past that you say you wished you knew! Isn't being a writer fun?

Perhaps I have over-compensated and deleted too much backstory, or perhaps there is a better way I can get my readers to connect with Katrina. I'm not sure you will ever like her or even sympathize with her as she is an abrasive, spoiled brat--but I do need my readers to 'connect" with her.

You are right that a manuscript must absolutely shine in order to catch attention here on Authonomy. I'm working on it!

Good luck with LAYERS OF THE HEART!

Eileen Schuh Canadian Author FIREWALLS

Eileen I think this is a well written intriguing contemporay story, however I write my comments in reader mode and not writer mode since readers are our target market and we are readers as well so I write this with that hat on.

For me I feel as I am being spoken at as in a speech you are telling me all about katrina and her life but you ar not letting me see or feel it. She is 13 on the streets fighting for survival but why? what happen to her in the strip club? wht were they bulling her? why did she feel a need to con them?

I feel sympathy for her and empathy for her situatin but I feel no connection to her, so I am not rushing to find out what happens because I have no emotional tie. Leaving all those questions would be fine if we had personal info to attach herselves to her struggles aand accomplishments.

In my opinon if you had her recall a specific incidents during her flashbacks in time, I would more likely feel a connection to her present state of affairs. I don't find myself rooting for her, why was she estranged from her police dad? how did the accident happen? why did she not go to a foster home? or did she, and run away?

We know things that occured to shape her life but what shaped her on a personal level...you give us great desriptions of her surroundings and her co workers but nothing heartwrenching or gripping it seems like a account of a life instead of a story...

Again just my opinion I hope it helps beause I think your premise is really good and your sstory can be too..It's just that your genre is very competive and making it special is so important. I know I fall in love with characters and you want your MC to really stand out . She's got it all on paper just like in her job but her heart is missing for me...I think this could be really good and I back it for that reason Patricia aka Columbia Layers of the Heart

Eileen I think this is a well written intriguing contemporay story, however I write my comments in reader mode and not writer mode since readers are our target market and we are readers as well so I write this with that hat on.

For me I feel as if I am being spoken at as in a speech; you are telling me all about katrina and her life but you ar not letting me see or feel it. She is 13 on the streets fighting for survival but why? what happen to her in the strip club? why were they bulling her? why did she feel a need to con them?

I feel sympathy for her and empathy for her situatin but I feel no connection to her, so I am not rushing to find out what happens because I have no emotional tie. Leaving all those questions would be fine if we had personal info to attach ourselves to her struggles and accomplishments.

In my opinon if you had her recall specific incidents during her flashbacks in time, I would more likely feel a connection to her present state of affairs. I don't find myself rooting for her, why was she estranged from her police dad? how did the accident happen? why did she not go to a foster home? or did she, and run away?

We know things that occured to shape her life but what shaped her on a personal level...you give us great descriptions of her surroundings and her co workers, but nothing heartwrenching or gripping; it seems like an account of a life instead of a story...

Again just my opinion. I hope it helps, beause I think your premise is really good and your story can be too..It's just that your genre is very competive and making it special is so important. I know I fall in love with characters and you want your MC to really stand out . She's got it all on paper just like in her job but her heart is missing for me...I think this could be really good and I back it for that reason Patricia aka Columbia Layers of the Heart

Thank you, Andrew
I suggest all my fans check out your book THE RELUCTANT WARRIOR.
Eileen Schuh Canadian Author FIREWALLS

A well written and highly entertaing book. Excellent character development, especially in your portrait of Katrina, and the dialogue flows and is believeable. Backed with pleasure.

Andrew Burans
The Reluctant Warrior: The Beginning

Thank you for your kind comments, Joseph. Rest assured, hot with romance or not, Katrina's life is always full of danger and excitement. As a child, she helped bring down The Traz biker gang--and those who ride Harelys are an unforgiving lot...

Eileen -- Firewalls is sharp, convincing stuff so happy to back it and wish you well. Your writing is good, you have a real character in Katrina and the book seems to be well plotted. The characters read as real people. Only six chapters up on Authonomy, but the story seems to be heading in the right direction. The crime part is particularly interesting. I hope it doesn't get too mired in the romance later on. That's a fellah's viewpoint. Katrina comes across as a tough cookie. She should stay that way, in my opinion. Happy to back it, as I say -- it is far better written and more interesting than some of the other books I have have been asked to read. I came across you off the Forum, by the way.