A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO DRAGON FIRE

This is a must have book. Its crisp, fluid, intriguing, raw and direct. Mickey the rat is a wonderful character. Well, at least in chapter one.

I wonder what lies ahead in chapter two onwards. I wonder if the fascinating rat turn nasty. Or will he spit fire like dragon or will he change to dragon

I 'll read on when time allowed

Nice original slant on the dragon theme, like the characters and good story telling, I can only agree with previous comments on structure and acuracy but this can all be cured with personal rereading and editing.
Backed and starred with pleasure. Take a look at Frog if you get the chance - these are the first three chapters of my recently published work.

I like it, but it does need work. Not enough detail or something> I know what a bookstore is, but how big is the bookstore in here? Is it small? Is it big? Does it have any floors? The setting is still a bit unclear, so you might want to add somethings.

This is good. Watchlisted for now. Maybe I will have time to read more later.

I backed this before I read it, because I love dragon stories! I'm not sorry I did, as I love the story. As others have said, it needs a little work, but very creative! I love the idea of the different types of fires. That really works well.
Good luck!

What a charming story! Backed with pleasure.

Iva P.
Fame and Infamy

A refreshing take on my favorite mythical creatures and told with some great humor.
This should do very well indeed!
Backed.

Simon,
Yuko Zen is Somewhere Else.

I like the premise of this book. Very original, amusing and a good read. Enough adventure to keep the reader hooked. I always wanted to know what dragons were really like. Backed. Eunice - The Temple Dancer.

Hi Nikki,
I requested a swap and am happy to go first. I have really enjoyed reading your whimsical fantasy. I am sure this will be a hit. Edits aside, you have great bones to your story and I am happy to back. Congratulations!
Sincerely, Heidi
An Unexpected obsession ( I look forward to your comments)

Hi Nikki,
A great, original story but it needs work. First of all you need to think about the tense. You either have to tell the whole story in present or past tense, not a mixture of both.

Secondly, your first paragraph, in the firstr main chapter needs a little re-structuring.As it stands, when Al is introduced, it reads as if it's the rat that's called Al.

A bookshop seems a rather strange place for kids to hag around after school but since you obviously can't have a rat running around a coffee shop or a sweet shop I don't know that you can do anything about that.

Later i the chapter, Petey leaves the room for a smoke, you don't show him comming back into the room but he then has a line of dialogue.

One thing about the rat. In the first chapter you give the impression that rats can't climb. They're actually very good climbers which is how they sometimes get into attics.

All in all, a very good kids story, though.

Ron

A very entertaining humorous children's adventure, and a good exploration of the dragon myth

Lynne Ellison

The Green Bronze Mirror

A very entertaining humorous chilren's adventure, and a good exploration of the dragon myth

Lynne Ellison

The Green Bronze Mirror

Intriguing, inventive and funny! This captures the imagination of adults so it should mesmerise the kids! I hope this is a great success for you. It deserves to be. Backed.
Laurence Wincherster, The Cross of Goa.

Nikki, I couldn't stop reading this, but I had to, for fear of a paroxysm. The dry humour of the narrative shared between the four main characters, each with their individual flavour, is delightfully prompted by the successive wonders dreamed up for them by your fluent invention. You put me right there, or them right here.
If there are some few miniscule nits along the way, they didn't bother me. A highly imaginative, fabulous fable, perfect for its readership - including old me. Go to the top of the class.
Backed with full confidence,
David Grant
POMPEY CHIMES

Hi

This is great. Humour, packed with adventure and fast paced make it a joy to read. No problems here.
Backed.
Cheers Olga

A beginner's guide to dragon fire
I loved the fast, chatty pace of this. Backed with pleasure and thanks for your support.
Kristen Stone

A really great start to a good read. I can see children loving this. Backed with pleasure.

I hope you will take a look at my novel, Earth Reaver. I would welcome any comments and your backing.

Herschel Shirley

Authonomy always amazes me. Loved this - great writig great voice. Who knew? Best of luck with this.FOUR BETTER FOUR WORSE

This is creative, whimsical and fun. I love your writing style- and I also love the dragon facts.

Backed with Pleasure!

Best,
Cori
"Princess"

like this alot, well done, backed

alison

I can see this having a big following, the dialog rings true, as does the stream of consciousness of your young narrator. Backed.

Backed for on-the-money child narrator and resulting strong voice, not to mention intrigue rampant in the opening scene -- a rat in a bookstore -- and well-drawn characters.

Memphisgirl
Ashes By Now

Nikki,

This would be a great read for middle school aged children I think. I like the dancing rat and the fact that you will give many variations on dragons here. I could use a little more description, but you could probably guess that about me. I enjoyed the read and gladly backed it. Have a great day!

- Scott

Cute. I liked it =]
backed
~Zero, No Title Needed

What a fun story. read Ch 1 thru 10. Great characters and detail, funny lines, adventure, and nice touches of humor! This will be a hit with the YA readers and adults alike. My only wish is a better cover, its minor thing but i just think this story is so well done and has at least a dozen elements that could be translated into great cover art. I wish you much success. Backed.

If you can give The Secret Snow a read I would greatly appreciate it.
River

I think we need to have a full classification, with the correct Latin names for all the different varieties of dragon. How about an appendix?
RT

All I've ever wanted to know about these cosy little creatures. Backed.

This is perfect for young adults - very well done :)

Hi Nikki,

I have backed your book because I was hooked by the pitch, loved the introduction and read on. How much more I read depends on time and commitment.

Enjoy everything and good luck.

Rusty Bernard
The Mental Pause

Nikki,

Returning your read. Thanks again for the support.

This is a lovely read, just perfect for kids.

Backed.

This is a great story for kids. I grinned as I read it and I am sure kids will love it even more than I did. Well done. Backed with pleasure.

Tony
Life Bringer

Thank you for your backing! Your pitch is intriguing and I am adding your book to my watchlist for reading and backing. I love imaginative writing and dragons and can't wait! Julie

My sons liked it - so it is a big tick from me.
Any thoughts on my offering?
Jerry [the paperbats]

I began reading this to my niece and nephew who are here with me now. But I have to admit. I was just as (if not more) delighted with it than they were. They're in bed, but I'm still reading. Take that for what you will. As a fellow fantasy writer, I would buy this off the shelf any day (even after just reading the back cover). Thanks for sharing!!

Laura
"Jhevalia"

Hi Nikki

I got up to chapter 8 on this, which is 7 more chapters than I normally read, so I think that speaks for itself. No complaints or nitpicks. Immensely readable. Backed.

Nicole
Chosen

I was anxious to get to the dragons so it was dragging a little for me until the rat started doing the chicken dance. It made me want to check out more. What's not to like about a chicken dancing rat? Backing.

Camille
Curse of the Golden Fly

They never have to go to the bathroom? Lucky.

I rather like the little blurbs of fire information, despite what anyone says. It reminds me of Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy

As much as I love your first edition, I think I like the shifting perspective better. You get to know the kids a bit better.

Well, you got me to chapter 4, which is impressive as I have no time and shouldn't even be on authonomy. But this is just such an easy, and amusing, read! Only one mistake found: chapter 2, "Show's what you know, boy" should be "Shows what you know..."

Now I initially thought the facts about dragons were set as a guide (you know, the Beginner's Guide...) but the language in them is very conversational (uses 'you' etc.). Because you swap points of view, I feel you should define whose voice you're using for these 'facts' if it's not an objective voice of a textbook. And, for consistency, choose a format and stick to it (meaning, title them the same, italicise them, or don't, capatalize them, or don't...)

Best of luck!

Shakat
Stand

Love the pitch, love the first bit about the muscles in the nose - seemed to make SO much sense! and I enjoyed the writing altogether - very fresh, readable and believable. Putting you on my watchlist until a space comes free then I will be happy to back you.
Polly
STONES.

Dear Nikki,
What a great story for children! I like the wit and liveliness of your writing. I think you have a potential commercial success in your book.

BACKED
Elizabeth Wolfe

Here is your chance to get a double backing. My friend, homewriter, and I have similar taste in writing and trust each other's judgment. Back my book and leave it on your bookshelf. Then do the same for his, "The Harpist of Madrid." Once the backings register, he will give you a return backing guaranteed. Just let him know in an email that you've backed my book as well as his. You might have to be a bit patient as we're 6 time zones apart. But you'll have two backings guaranteed on your excellent book. Of course, comments are always welcome too!

Wow! This is a fun journey filled with surprises. Charming, colorful, credible characters. Crisp dialogue. Spot on storytelling. Fast paced. Backed.

I'm sure your target audience will absolutely love this. This is what dragons are all about! You even made me believe in them. Loved the cover and the pitch, too. Gordon - The Harpist of Madrid.

Nikki
The intimate style of your writing coupled with the use of the first person makes your book an engaging yet lively read. Backed.
William (The Caves of Caerdraig)

A really fun read. backed.

-Matt Thomas
The Village to the Left of Sagamore Hill

I have just read your first chapter, Katrina comments that you have too many He's. I disagree. It reads fine to me.

It's like you've taken every bit of lore and associated elements of dragons and twisted and turned it on its head to a brand new society where the rules no longer apply. Would make a perfect animated movie. i loved this.

When writing for young readers, it can't be easy to get the level just right, but you have pitched this one perfectly. There is no condescension; the voice is young adult and humorous. Refreshing.
Katy Christie
No Man No Cry

I have just read 6 chapters and thought it exceptional. The narrative moves the story along in a informative and quirky manner. The premise is original and I have to say I got lost in it. Perhaps I should just read children’s books. It’s a much nicer world than the one we live in. Excellent storytelling and I hope it does well. I think my 9 year old will like this.
Wilma1
Knowing Liam Riley