Strangeland

A.j, I have known you since we were but mere freshman in high school. Since then I have known your passion for writing. Only till now, reading the first chapter of this book, i am realizing just how SERIOUS you are. This is amazing A,j, I am SO proud of you, you have no idea. You are going to get this published..... I know you will. Ill be your right hand hag baby. :)

Love, Tay.

A.J.,

The pitch of “Strangeland” is unbelievable!!! There is not a single pitch on the whole site that gripped my attention more than yours. You have turned modern sexual relationships inside out, interlacing it with a heart-stopping thriller, and titled it “Strangeland”. I have butterflies in my stomach when I read this. Totally unique and making me a bit nervous.

A real masterpiece!

The best of luck with this book! No need to mention my six stars are yours.

Ivan
The Beholder

P.S. To help you make the beginning even better I would like to mention a few typos I come across while enjoying the first chapter:

1 - in paragraph “Mmm…” the blond moaned / closer to the end: “He stared at [instead of ‘starred’];
2 - in paragraph “Bur,” Roger shivered / sentence “Roger examined the whole of the living room, for glass …” [no need for the comma after ‘room’];
3 - in paragraph “No one spoke for long moments…” / closer to the end, in sentence “Clearly she had been just as effected …” [perhaps you meant ‘affected’].
4 – paragraph “Just … write down” / sentence “…Not just your son’s death, because there was more [,] wasn’t there?” (it’s so much more complicated for me to read disjunctive questions without commas, please, put one after more)

Apart from those, the chapter seems flawless. Way to go!!!

I searched for a crime story and came upon yours. My comments relate to your first chapter as I only had time to read one before work.

I liked this chapter. The hypnotherapy session was a good point to start out from as it grabbed my attention and made me wonder what had affected Roger so badly. Thus, I kept on reading. The sex scene was well-written, then the following scene knocked me away. I didn’t see that coming. Roger finding his son bludgeoned to death was a very emotional and sad scene. The way he scooped up his son, etc... I thought it was well done, and had me wanting Kevin letting out a breath, proving that he wasn’t dead.

I think your whole concept is very clever, the turning around the gay and hetro positions in society. The reason for Kevin’s death is shown clearly in both the blood scrawled message and Roger’s thoughts. I find it really sad, not only in the death of Roger's son, but outside of your story it is a reflection on society and how people are hurt because of other’s bigoted ways.

Two nitpicks (very minor ones relating to grammar):
1) The fullstop needs to be changed to a comma prior to the last speech mark. For example: “Thank you.” Roger said instinctively... *Only use a fullstop if it’s action. In relation to speech, such as “said,” “replied,” etc. put in the comma.
2) You put “blond” describing the male earlier, then change it to “blonde” further down. Take the “e” off as this refers to a female.

That’s it. All up, chapter 1 is a very good start to your book. It's packed with emotion, excitement, good characters, tragedy, and an excellent concept. Message me if you need to ask anything in relation to my comments above. –Marita.

I love the way you write out of the box and your characters are so 'real' - you don't hold back or restrain yourself on the paper, that's good. It's great to read from someone who hasn't edited their authorial voice. Best of luck.
Bradley Haynes (Tricia)

First chapter impressions: colorful visuals, both painful and sexy (LOL, too hot in here?). You write in such a way that I can viscerally feel Roger's agony in remembering.

Really enjoying your book, it has me gripped from the start. I hope you ill take a look at my book also and I will continue to enjoy yours
Jackie

A.j, I have known you since we were but mere freshman in high school. Since then I have known your passion for writing. Only till now, reading the first chapter of this book, i am realizing just how SERIOUS you are. This is amazing A,j, I am SO proud of you, you have no idea. You are going to get this published..... I know you will. Ill be your right hand hag baby. :)

Love, Tay.

A.J.,

The pitch of “Strangeland” is unbelievable!!! There is not a single pitch on the whole site that gripped my attention more than yours. You have turned modern sexual relationships inside out, interlacing it with a heart-stopping thriller, and titled it “Strangeland”. I have butterflies in my stomach when I read this. Totally unique and making me a bit nervous.

A real masterpiece!

The best of luck with this book! No need to mention my six stars are yours.

Ivan
The Beholder

P.S. To help you make the beginning even better I would like to mention a few typos I come across while enjoying the first chapter:

1 - in paragraph “Mmm…” the blond moaned / closer to the end: “He stared at [instead of ‘starred’];
2 - in paragraph “Bur,” Roger shivered / sentence “Roger examined the whole of the living room, for glass …” [no need for the comma after ‘room’];
3 - in paragraph “No one spoke for long moments…” / closer to the end, in sentence “Clearly she had been just as effected …” [perhaps you meant ‘affected’].
4 – paragraph “Just … write down” / sentence “…Not just your son’s death, because there was more [,] wasn’t there?” (it’s so much more complicated for me to read disjunctive questions without commas, please, put one after more)

Apart from those, the chapter seems flawless. Way to go!!!

This is a thoroughly intriguing story. I was into the 4th chapter before remembering other calls on my time.
A couple of comments. First off, the font is a problem - so in-your-face BOLD! It would be easier to read not so bold.
Second you have made a world where Heterosexual is bad, and then refer to them as 'straight.' Straight implies normal, good, as opposed to crooked or deviant. In this world, I think you need a more derogatory term than 'straight,' even if you have to make one up.
In the 3rd chapter, after the psychologist's office, Roger and Kyle are having a screaming row, while Kevin becomes virtually invisible to the point where the reader is unsure whether he's even present. Maybe they've forgotten him and left him behind. A line or two would fix that, eg 'Kevin was silent and miserable in the back seat of the car.'
You do need to do a thorough edit, especially checking the punctuation around dialogue, but overall, you have an interesting and original tale. I am noting it on my own profile page to make sure I don't forget to return to it when I have time to read it all.
Well done, and to be backed. Marj.

AJ,

I'm trying to expose myself to as many authors as possible, so I'm limiting myself to first chapters only. After I've gotten a good amount of reviews under my belt, I'll revisit the novels I found most compelling.

For starters, this is certainly an excellent premise for a novel. I admit, I'm not totally sold on how feasible it would be. (For instance, we queers need straight people to propagate the species, even the future generations of queers. Surely, this fact would weight heavily on homosexuals' minds even if by some stroke of luck they gained the upper hand in social politics and decided to become the oppressor.) But I would be intrigued enough to read past the first chapter.

I'm torn about setting the first scene in a shrink's office. You see this so often (in movies even more so than prose) and it allows the writer carte blanche in dispersing reams of exposition he would otherwise have to fold delicately into the actual story. I think what makes such scenes static is there's never any shirt in the interpersonal dynamic: one character requests information and the other provides it. That never changes no matter how long the scene runs. I'd consider putting Roger in a more emotionally dynamic situation and let the backstory reveal itself more organically.

I was rather confused as to the son's age. It's totally possible I may have missed something, but when Roger brings the lover home late at night and mentions that his "son" is asleep, I assumed he was a child. Yet later you have Roger lament the fact that Kevin couldn't keep his heterosexuality "in the closet." So there was a bit of a disconnect there for me. Again, if I missed something, feel free to disregard that concern.

As for the sex scene... Believe me, my brother, I know from personal experience what a bitch they are to write. You can be to mushy, or too clinical, or too thorough, or too brief. What didn't work about this particular sex scene for me was that once Roger and his lover began getting it on, all the details about his emotions and thoughts came to a halt. It became strictly a blow-by-blow account. I truly believe what separates "erotica" from "porn" is the author's unyielding focus on the character's emotional journey, even in the midst of the fuck itself. Also, such exclamations as "Mmmm" and "Oh God," while certainly true to life, never quite work when put on the page. Not sure why that is exactly...

In summary, I think your story premise is very intriguing. I'd definitely be interested to see how you deal with some of the logistic troubles it presents you when plotting the rest of your narrative. Glad to see another queer storyteller on the site.

Best,

Thomas

I just read chapter 4, and still think you have a really good story here. Roger's character is a great MC, someone that I find interesting. Throughout this chapter I continued to be fascinated by his troubled family life: his son's relationship with Stacey, her pregnancy, and Roger's fighting and split with Kyle. I feel sorry for Roger and Kyle, in a way not wanting them to split, but also knowing it's inevitable. Their views in life are too different.

Again, I still don't want Kevin to die, he's such a lovely character. You've mentioned new characters here through Roger's and Kyle's argument--Stacey's parents: possible suspects in Kevin's murder.

Since I don't have a particularly long attention span I think you've done extremely well to keep my interest :) I only leave messages after each chapter when I really like a story. I'll look forward to chapter 5 then. Have a good weekend - Marita.

Chapter 3 is filled with a lot of tension between Roger and Kyle. This makes it a good read. The scene in Doctor Simpson's office was good both with Kevin and the Doc, then with the Doc and Kevin's parents. Kyle's right with his observation that it was clearly going to be the end of their marriage. Their personalities appear quite different, with Roger being liberal minded, and more understanding of Kevin's situation.

I only have one quibble about this chapter, and it's in regards to the scene after Roger walks Kevin out of the office. On the ride home Roger and Kyle are arguing, but there is no mention of Kevin being in the car. I would assume he is, since he left with his parents. Therefore, maybe you could add a few lines in of Kevin reacting to the argument. Plus, I was surprised they were arguing in front of him. As an alternative you could have Kevin waving bye, because he wanted to go off somewhere, and his parents let him because they wanted to discuss him without his being there. But I suppose when one's upset it's hard to stave off an argument, so either of these scenarios will probably work.

Anyway, I'm still enjoying the read. Will comment further after reading more - Marita.

Chapter 2 is another good chapter. A bit of home life with Roger and his husband almost getting caught with their pants down, when Kevin comes home unexpectantly. The news of Kevin getting expelled quickly escalated into a fight between his parents. I thought this was done nicely, showing Roger's frustration at things not going according to plan, being stuck at home without Kyle's help. Although Kyle didn't realise how Roger had felt, and I felt sorry for him as he means well.

The introduction of the handsome doctor spices things up, with red alarm bells going off. Roger is definitely going to have an affair. A definite incentive to keep on reading, plus I'm enjoying your story.

You moved smoothly back into the psychiatrist's office. Nice job - Marita.

I searched for a crime story and came upon yours. My comments relate to your first chapter as I only had time to read one before work.

I liked this chapter. The hypnotherapy session was a good point to start out from as it grabbed my attention and made me wonder what had affected Roger so badly. Thus, I kept on reading. The sex scene was well-written, then the following scene knocked me away. I didn’t see that coming. Roger finding his son bludgeoned to death was a very emotional and sad scene. The way he scooped up his son, etc... I thought it was well done, and had me wanting Kevin letting out a breath, proving that he wasn’t dead.

I think your whole concept is very clever, the turning around the gay and hetro positions in society. The reason for Kevin’s death is shown clearly in both the blood scrawled message and Roger’s thoughts. I find it really sad, not only in the death of Roger's son, but outside of your story it is a reflection on society and how people are hurt because of other’s bigoted ways.

Two nitpicks (very minor ones relating to grammar):
1) The fullstop needs to be changed to a comma prior to the last speech mark. For example: “Thank you.” Roger said instinctively... *Only use a fullstop if it’s action. In relation to speech, such as “said,” “replied,” etc. put in the comma.
2) You put “blond” describing the male earlier, then change it to “blonde” further down. Take the “e” off as this refers to a female.

That’s it. All up, chapter 1 is a very good start to your book. It's packed with emotion, excitement, good characters, tragedy, and an excellent concept. Message me if you need to ask anything in relation to my comments above. –Marita.

Penetration is purifying man. Your story is ratifying it.

Joy J. Kaimaparamban
The Wildfire

Joy- While I appreciate this comment, I've been trying to analyze your statement and frankly I've come up blank. Can you explain it to me?
-A.J.

I love the way you write out of the box and your characters are so 'real' - you don't hold back or restrain yourself on the paper, that's good. It's great to read from someone who hasn't edited their authorial voice. Best of luck.
Bradley Haynes (Tricia)

First chapter impressions: colorful visuals, both painful and sexy (LOL, too hot in here?). You write in such a way that I can viscerally feel Roger's agony in remembering.

I read the first chapter only but I hope my comments are useful.
Your pitch doesn't actually say what the story is about, it is simply questions about backstory.
I found the changes in POV confusing, as well as the lack of formatting, especially with regards to who was speaking and the change in time and location.
Good luck!

I read the first chapter only but I hope my comments are useful.
Your pitch doesn't actually say what the story is about, it is simply questions about backstory.
I found the changes in POV confusing, as well as the lack of formatting, especially with regards to who was speaking and the change in time and location.
Good luck!

Penetration is purifying man. Your story is ratifying it.

Joy J. Kaimaparamban
The Wildfire

What a great read! The storyline is absolutely fantastic and the characters are interesting.Surely deserves a backing.This story has something different/unique to offer its readers.The suspense build up very well too.GREAT WORK!
JOE-Herbivore City

Hello A.J, But after coming across your book, [ After my Husband recommended it ]. I was taken aback at first, by you stark descriptions, but as those descriptions drew me in. I soon realised the potential behind this book. You have a very passionate and professional style, that sticks closely to what you care about. A good premise, for any publisher wanting something different on their books. ps,, I would appreciate it, if you could offer a backing to my Husband, [ He's a player of words, which people don't always get]. But he does have a passion for old literature, [ He is on here under Cicuta ]. I think that you have already spoken to him. Good luck and best wishes. Tenbi - Talulah.

Dear AJ, It would definitely be justifiable homicide. You have obviously tamed my nemesis with your wonderful prose, and emotional effort, which has produced a wonderful book to read. There must be a huge market, for something like this at the minute. I think its a bit much like Michael Collins, the Black Alchemist, [ I'll explain again ], but you do have a way of driving the dialogue home, and without drifting from your obvious personal passion. I loved it, and read to chapter four. I will definitely read more. Thank you AJ! As you can see I'm not a great critic, but I am an avid reader. And that's why I'm backing your book, because it deserves reading. Take care and all the best for the future. Cicuta, [ Carl, Arcane ]. ps, look out for your book, on my shelf by tomorrow.

Very entertaining and thought provoking read, AJ. I had actually contemplated doing a similar book, but congrats on beating me to the punch. A story like this really goes a long way in showing people how rediculous anti-gay bias tuely is.

A few suggestions for improvement, if I may. First, if you want to gain a heterosexual audience, you've got to probably less than the first chapter to make them fall in love with your protagonist. Bring Kevin into the story at the onset and exhibit some facet of his dilemma in a way that will build empathy toward him in the eyes of someone who is "anti-gay.". As it is, he doesn't show up for many chapters, and you will vert likely have scared the faint-of-heart away with (unnecessary in my opinion) sex scenes. Consider chopping all those out, as they almost assuredly will cause an adverse reaction in a heterosexual reader. I've come to find that hetero's who accept gay people do so by avoiding thinking about what goes on behind closed doors, focusing instead on a person's humanity.

This is a wonderful start to what could be an important book in the fight against gay bigotry. Press on.

tyler (Almost Straight)
PS: I also noticed that you often used "your" in stead of "you're." I know you know this, but the first is the pronoun, the second is the contraction of "you are"

THis is quite an original concept that works well. I am giving it some stars and a place on my shelf as soon as I have a free space. Eunice - The Temple Dancer.

A interesting concept that is well crafted. Tarrant

This is an interesting idea, a complete turn around of society's mores. A plot that you might expect from Monty Python, but handled seriously.

Dear AJ,
Your premise is excellent and sheds instant light on the hypocrisy of our current society. Though I have to say that I think things are changing. Perhaps 20 years from now, this story won't need writing. It's good you're doing it now! Congratulations!

BACKED
Elizabeth Wolfe (MEMORIES OF GLORY)

AJ, your premise seems quite original and the first chapter starts off on the right foot. Good job.

Happy to back your work.

Joffrey (The Silver Spoon Effect)

Hi A.J.
A fascinating idea and really rather well executed.
I just had a little trouble with a couple of things.
I find the time changes sometimes block the flow of the story a little, particularly in later chapters where you shift more frequently. I am not suggesting cutting them out completely but for some of them you could get around actually having so many different time periods. For example you have a “six months earlier” section followed immediately by a few days after the funeral with Roger seeing a shrink. Why not combine the two, thus incorporating some of Roger’s memories of six months earlier into the session?
I’m not totally convinced that the time shift combined with point of view shift from Roger to Cassie and Andy works very well when sandwiched between Roger’s sessions. It just doesn’t quite carry it off in the way the Roger point of view sections do.
The other problem for me was the confusion you have with apostrophes. The number of times where you had “your” instead of “you’re”, “their” instead of “they’re”, “it’s” instead of “its”, “theres” instead of “there’s” really did get to be a bit much. This area definitely needs to be looked at closely, starting with the pitch – “father’s” should be “fathers”
However, nothing a good tweak wouldn’t fix. Congratulations on writing something so original.
Best.

I love your short pitch! I was intrigued with your story from the onset. You do need to work on comma usage. Especially dialogue. This may help: http://www.rebecca-hamilton.com/?p=14
The other wold be when to use a coma before a participial phrase (just google the term)
These are small things that will help you polish what you have. Your story is fantastic an one could only wish all they had to worry about was a few missing commas. Great job here!
xBeccaX
The Forever Girl

A.J., this is one original concept and I applaud your courageousness. This is very well written piece and the imagery and plot are compelling. I think that you make some very good choices with plot, setting, and language.
Very well done
I wish you the best
Scott
The Esrevinu Chronicles/Secrets of the Elephant Rocks

Very interesting concept. I'm putting this on my watchlist for now and will try to read some more as soon as I get some time.

I wonder, if you get a chance, if you'd take a look at my book and give me an opinion. It's targeted toward a conservative Christian fanbase, but trying to get them to open their eyes and rethink their beliefs. It's called Closeted Courage: One Pastor's Journey from Fear to Reconciliation.

Good luck with your book.

Anne

Hi. After six days on this site I am (unbelievably) still running to catch up with the people who have been kind enough to back me. Every time I log on I have thirty people to thank and review in return before I even get a chance to read some that I have picked myself from the book list. So, and I do not mean to be unhelpful, I am BACKING this on the read because I think it is every bit good enough to be in print (I think that is the criteria I should be using) but, although I have made written comments, I have no time to type up my thoughts. If you want them just message me and I promise to get to them ASAP. Otherwise, BACKED.

Lots of action, no punches pulled. Noticed one spot where you have 'the blonde pull himself off of Roger', but this is in a sentence from Roger's viewpoint, which starts with 'he', you might consider swapping the name and pronoun round to make this easier to follow.

Otherwise little to fault here. Backed.

Totally different and interesting here...makes for a great read through both trauma and humor. You may want to change "loosing" in your pitch. . spelled "losing".

all the best
backed
sue
Fate's Chastening

Your storyline is most unique and highly original. You grab the attention of the reader right from the get-go, gay, erotic sex and then murder, and then you build your story well from there. Your crisp, highly realistic dialogue coupled with your descriptive writing mkes your work a good read. Backed.

Andrew Burans
The Reluctant Warrior: The Beginning

Hi A. J., The premise made me laugh but the story itself expresses wrenching reaction. It’s an eye-opener and tersely told. The death scene followed by Kevin’s troubles with school and leading up to it does extend a seriousness when if you started with the suspension, it might not have such impact. An unusual idea! Shelved – Katherine (The Swan Bonnet)

A J RICE 'STRANGELAND
'strange indeed. great title for whats to come,20 yrs hence. maybe it s here now. 20000 paraded down the mains street the other day'
the first chapter is hot under the collar, as two gay people make love. the second moves nicely along as the story develops into the making of a very solid read , your writing is first class.
this book has a big market just waiting to read out there, it will be published, good luck
TOM BYE ' FROM HUGS TO KISSES'
pleas give mine, totally different genre a look see back and comment only if you like it .thanks

"Well, it's certainly a beast of a strange feather" - and apart from some proof corrections here and there (commas instead of stops, maybe the occasional semi-colon in the longer paragraphs to cut down the run-ons) - it reads well. Good style, interesting premise and although I'm not sure where it would fit in a novella/short story market, I suspect it could fit happily in an anthology.

This is one unique premise – stunning!
My first thought was gratuitous sex and it wasn’t until I got fully into the story that the depth of this actually came out, this has a great twist. Just finished the confession and the more I think about it the more the discovery makes sense. I haven't time at the moment to do this the justice it deserves, when I have I will be back to finish this! – Good luck!

Thre chapters in and there I must leave it. We are here to discuss writing and not content per say so let's stay close for now. Your writing is clear, interesting, prosaic where it needs to be, short and halting when it is dictated to be so. The structure holds a fully profesional eye for the write shape for the text and accurate language for such a dramatic story line.

Now, content. This is the second story today (in fact second in a row) that has begun with a strong sex scene. I may need a calming cup of camomile and a lie down in a darkened room with my whale music!)

Thoughts that come to mind including procreation in such a world; whether vessels are referred to a 'she' in such a culture; what relevance would a pride march have? (I am sure you cover them but they are the sorts of questions that come to my mind).

That all too shocking death is masterfully written and portrayed. But then right back to it at the beginning of the second chapter? You don't give much room for calm reading do you? ON the whole this is a polished work and I can add nothing to improve it so I won't be so arrogant as to try.

Good luck with it. Cheers. Oh, by the way, BACKED

STRANGELAND
This is a good story. The premise is great: a look at what the world would be like if straight weddings were the ones which were controversial. The first chapter is dramatic; takes a minute for a reader (or at least it did me) to wrap my thinking around this – but when I did I began to recognize really good writing. Probably a little too revolutionary, it’s not the book for everyone but I like this a lot. I’m adding it to my shelf. Burgio (Grain of Salt). (As an after thought, your cover doesn’t do justice to this; I’d try for something more philosophical that smeared blood).

Enticing title and a decent pitch and premise. The opening didn't take any time to get going - and I have to say, it is something I have never read before, despite me having gay friends and thereby hearing tales from them of their activities - and that's probably supporting the whole concept of this - on watchlist as I read on...

Welcome aboard, A.J. This website will improve your writing craft, if you allow it. I'm a bit of a pitch doctor, having read thousands of pitches in my time on this website, so I want to share my insight here with you. You have to think of your pitches as your sales tool to grab the casual reader's eyes. The short pitch works. The long pitch has too many questions. Instead, end with one succinct question. Perfecting your pitches is how you climb in ranking to gather more exposure and comments to better your novel. The writing is good so I am SHELVING you.

Though I have been a very active member for over a year and have the most commented book on the website, I can still use your comments on my book when you get the chance. Every little bit helps. Cheers!

JC
The Obergemau Key

Strangeland - Your first chapter took my breath away first with the sex and then with the discovery of Kevin. I read chapter 2 & 3 as well and you might want to reference that you are going back in time prior to his death. But overall it's an intriguing plot and written with heart.

I wish you the best of luck!
Summer D'Vine - Blood of Summer, Shed for You

An original premise and you fulfil it with skill. The more I read the more ingenuity it revealed. You've obviously thought about this alternative world a lot and have succeeded in making it convincing while absurdly chilling. If anything were assured to make all of us think about our prejudices, it's this.
I'd look at the pitch again - especially when YOU'RE straight. 'Alternate reality future' sounded a bit awkward. I think it needs re-writing in order to draw people to your fantastic book. Backed. Lynn

Okay, hand on heart, not what I expected from the pitch, and it might be a thought to re-write the pitch a little more edgier and darker (not purple prose, but a little more hint of dark.)

The opening is very good - pulls the reader in and then keeps the interplay going before delivering the hook and pulling the line tight. Also very emotive, with enough left unexplained so as to get the reader further into turning pages.

Not sure about the time-jumping from some of the chapters - six months forward after 12 months back - but I didn't find any points in the writing so far where I was thrown out of the story.

Read and enjoyed, backed for style and strength of the writing - though I would like to see more when it's written

Dear A.J.
well this is so original a concept and what if? your short pitch just grabbed me and your long pitch , well how could anyone just leave it. I just had to open the book. This was a silly thing to do when I did not have too much time as I was late for everything. Yes and I blamed you by name so you now have a following when you hit the book stores. They too will want to read this really good well crafted book. Oh and can you tell your characters, yes they belong to you, to get out of my head now I wish to go to bed.
BACKED FOR SURE BY ME.
This is not my genre but I am pleased I crossed over, and have been doing so a bit lately. For it enabled me to find talent like yours
I would be so pleased if you would review my book and back it for the talent and effort. thanks and BEST OF LUCK with your book.Denise
The Letter

Especially when you're straight and the entire world is gay.

JMC

Dear A.J., I love your openness - God loves everyone - Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned & come short of the glory of God." John 3 says we must be born again that God so loved the WORLD that He gave His only begotten Son." Jesus said that He didn't come to save the righteous, but sinner. How much He loves us. :) Your pitch is excellent, so set the hook for me to read your book. :) When you use short paragraphs & lots of dialogue, it makes me want to keep reading to find out what's going to happen next. I'm backing your book. :) Could you please take a moment to back my TWO memoir books? Thanks. :) Love, Susie :)

This is information from authonomy (so beware of any other untrue information you may receive that is spam & not quotes of authonomy):
"When you back a book, it only improves the ranking of that book, not yours. However, the author whose book you are backing may decide to back your book also, in which case yes, your ranking would be improved"
"Every time you place a book on your bookshelf, your recommendation pushes the book up the rankings. And while that book sits on your bookshelf, your reputation as a talent spotter increases depending on how well that book performs."
backed :)
Love, Susie :)