A Brighter Shade of Grey

Dear Mike
I love this and will buy it when it's published! Yes, there's some strong language in it but that's just the telling the truth about modern-day life. The pitch drew me in, and the introductory chapter was concise with a hook to make me want to read on. The film plays in my head as your characters do their stuff on a brightly lit stage. I'm backing this and hope to see it do well.
Adelina
A Distant Family

This is clever and witty, funny and touching. The delicate and compassionate investigation of human relationships takes this far beyond a gritty drama. Well Done Mike!

This is fun, and I really like your dialogue. I've skimmed four random chapters and plan to go back to the beginning and do it properly. Meanwhile, BACKED, and don't worry about a reciprocal as I don't have a book up.
Good luck with this!

I think you capture Colin brilliantly!!!
You can almost feel the tangible boredom and the recognition of where his life is from Iron man Don’s death. This is a great start and a very promising opening to what feels like a great storyline. – Good luck!

Hi Mike. Nice read! I'm not a critic, just a scriptwriter who appreciates a good visual. You've great stuff!

sincerely,
jim
jack & charmian london

Mike.
Overall your style is easy to read. There are some clunky passages that could use some rewording but nothing too serious. For example: There would, naturally, be a pair of pretty girls behind the polished desk; they never had [the] sort of looks that might temp a client to leave a thoroughbred wife, but would certainly put him in the frame of mind to part with a little more cash. [that is a lot for one sentence.]
And ‘thoroughbred wife’ to me sounds like try too hard.
But as I said, overall, well done,
MickR – The Nightcrawler

Easy to read, flows well. A good book. Backed. Clare

I felt sure I had already backed your book, but can't find it, so will do so now. It is a great dip into the complex emotions of we humans. A compelling read with an engaging MC. Eunice - The Temple Dancer.

Mike,

Great pitch and a good subject (though I may be biased).

And then what a great opening chapter. Perfect voice for a man's story too.

Well, I've read three chapters now and I'm hard pressed to find fault. The voice is good, the events feel real and the characters are rich.

Perhaps one observation. The first chapter is strong, poignant even, but is perhaps a change in voice in the following chapters where the narration becomes coarser. You might consider whether the opening couldn't be roughed up, just a little, without spoiling the touching feeling it has.

Backed with pleasure

A good read, also do the chapter flitting thing because of time but your book reads well. BWP

I like this a lot. The ordinary chap who is your MC goes through emotions which are only too easy for readers to identify with. the plot is quite exciting and the premise excellent. Backed
Lara
Good for Him

I enjoyed the first two chaps and then jumped to chap 29. Maria sounds just about right for your MC but you hint that she may already be married. I shall have to come back and find out. Good Luck with this, Backed, Regards, Anne

This is a very masculine book.The PC is one of those blokes we(men) can all sympathise with and imagine ourselves to be. We'll be with him wherever he goes . The things he does are very much what we might do, or at least like to do. Excellent stuff and deserves to be successful.

This is really well written, I am going to back it. Clare

a very enjoyable read, love the characters, backed

alison

This is so relatable, authentic and compelling. The writing has a great tone to it and the humour is uplifting. Some of the phrases are brilliant and very clever. The storyline has depth and alongside the wit there is a serious side of human relationships which is never easy. This should go far and is easily backed.

Ww Lisa

There are some phrases that are just so remarkable that they leave the reader wide-eyed in awe. When one comes along so early in a novel, I know I'm in for a treat: 'You could have chopped off his head and his body would have survived another decade on the basis of his reputation'.

Security? Bit of a misnomer: 'We just needed to look the best, being the best was not required'. But that's before the funeral. Five pints, a ray of common sense, and a packet of crisps. The latter didn't help, but maybe revenge would, 'I made a mental note to put him on nights'. Another session at the pub - old times - then on to a nightclub ... there's going to be trouble. 'We looked at each other, covered in blood, soaked to the skin and surrounded by rubbish. We burst into laughter'.

I'm not sure where this is going, Mike, and I don't care, I'm just happy to tag along. It's gritty and real, it's a middle-aged man in a dead-end job, down to his last penny. It's friendship, and stupidity, and self-respect, and life. And it's bloody entertaining. Flawless writing ... backed.

Same again?
I like the pitch and the dialogue is good too
Backed
Eveleen
(Turning a new leaf)

Realistic dialogue makes your characters spring off the page. I like your competent writing style and find myself wanting to know if there is a darker side to Paul Archer that will unfold and lead COlin into trouble. You've hooked me after reading three chapters - always a good sign. K.J. Rabane - According to Olwen

Good well-drawn characters and excellent dialogue make this a very memorable book. I was drawn in from the beginning. Backed with pleasure.
Lizilev

Mike. I am not sure if my message of yesterday came though, so am resending my comments. Also resending my backing [just in case].
Appreciate any of your thoughts on my childrens' book ;Paperbats Adventure.
Jerry - paperbat

Mike, I enjoyed your prologue and chapter one. Good true-to-life dialogue in that first chapter. Your work does have serious potential.

Backed with pleasure.

Joffrey (The Silver Spoon Effect)

Like the light-hearted approach to serious subjects - the Grim Reaper having to put up with all the waiting around, for example - and the way it conveys so quickly the narrators character. Look forward to reading more but can already decide to back Jaye Hill, The Fantasy Trip

Dear Mike
I love this and will buy it when it's published! Yes, there's some strong language in it but that's just the telling the truth about modern-day life. The pitch drew me in, and the introductory chapter was concise with a hook to make me want to read on. The film plays in my head as your characters do their stuff on a brightly lit stage. I'm backing this and hope to see it do well.
Adelina
A Distant Family

Thank you very much. The language is there for realism, but also represents male bravado. Hopefully digging slightly beneath will reveal the emotional core of the book, which may throw up a few surprises. Or, depending on the strength of his or her literary stomach, it may just make the reader throw up...

Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed it and I'll be sure to take a look at "A Distant Family" as soon as I can.

Dear Mike
I love this and will buy it when it's published! Yes, there's some strong language in it but that's just the telling the truth about modern-day life. The pitch drew me in, and the introductory chapter was concise with a hook to make me want to read on. The film plays in my head as your characters do their stuff on a brightly lit stage. I'm backing this and hope to see it do well.
Adelina
A Distant Family

Nice one. Backed.

Reality.
Writing for grown-ups.
Writing for men.
These characters are to be found in the real world ... I've met them.
Strong stuff.
RT

To Mike Alexander
There is a goodly measure of humour in what was available for me to read. I will back the Same Again.

Frank James (The Contractor)

I enjoyed this. there's a lot which will resonate withpeople in their forties.
Backed
Lara
Good for Him

This is clever and witty, funny and touching. The delicate and compassionate investigation of human relationships takes this far beyond a gritty drama. Well Done Mike!

This is clever and witty, funny and touching. The delicate and compassionate investigation of human relationships takes this far beyond a gritty drama. Well Done Mike!

Lovely dialogue, I can hear the accents loud and clear. Visually is good as well, I could picture the pubs and the the City as Colin works his way netween them. Intrigueing as well, I kept thinking I had worked out what these men had in common, but then another clue would make me doubt myself. The Army in some capacity kept coming to mind, but then I wasn't sure. I was still bemused when I stopped at chapter 6, I'll read more later.
The only problem I think you might have with this is providing a glossary for our friends on the otherside of the pond:-))
Good luck, I really enjoyed this.

Thank you for backing and your comments - you've spotted an important theme (although bemusement wasn't quite the effect I was going for); hopefully it will become apparent later that many of Colin's values have got buried under a car crash of anger and resentment. As for the slang, you're right - I hadn't really thought beyond a UK market when I wrote it. I may end up doing a glossary of slang terms, or even changing some lines. Thanks again - I've put Jabin on my watchlist and hope to get to it soon.

Lovely dialogue, I can hear the accents loud and clear. Visually is good as well, I could picture the pubs and the the City as Colin works his way netween them. Intrigueing as well, I kept thinking I had worked out what these men had in common, but then another clue would make me doubt myself. The Army in some capacity kept coming to mind, but then I wasn't sure. I was still bemused when I stopped at chapter 6, I'll read more later.
The only problem I think you might have with this is providing a glossary for our friends on the otherside of the pond:-))
Good luck, I really enjoyed this.

I'm enjoying this. You have a very 'chatty' writing style that whisks the reader off into your fictional world. Everything is good; the dialogue, the storyline, the pace.
Katy Christie
No Man No Cry

Ver well written, your writing is solid and your characters well rounded, how many of us would do exactly the same thing in Colin's place? A lot I bet.

Hi Mike, thank you for your comment, and thank you for your backing. Like the below comment, yours is fun, and, being a scriptwriter, I appreciate good dialogue.

blessings,
jim

Hi Mike, The POV and casual language forms the scenario as much as the other characters, the office and the funeral do. Colin seems to be going through motions; you’ve captured his cynicism and weariness and his awareness that he’s being rude sometimes. I can see how he’s ready for a big change while the synopsis tells of that as a challenge. Good handling of character! Shelved – Katherine (The Swan Bonnet)

Thisis great! Tongue in cheek humour weaved in realistic characters and spot on dialogue. I love your writing style - this is a book id buy! Backed with a smile.

Liz
The Cheech Room

I liked the premise and the dilemma and the writing was amusing and captivating. Backed
Lara.
Good for HIm

This is fun, and I really like your dialogue. I've skimmed four random chapters and plan to go back to the beginning and do it properly. Meanwhile, BACKED, and don't worry about a reciprocal as I don't have a book up.
Good luck with this!

Thank you very much for reading and backing... Can you wait a bit before your return so I have time to remove all instances of smirking, grinning, winking and eye-rolling. I'm glad to say there's no gushing, but I'm still embarrassed for myself ;)
(Does that one count too?)

This is fun, and I really like your dialogue. I've skimmed four random chapters and plan to go back to the beginning and do it properly. Meanwhile, BACKED, and don't worry about a reciprocal as I don't have a book up.
Good luck with this!

an entertaining, and amusing read, written very well; well done- on watchlist...
read SEASONS...

Well crafted and engaging the diolouge and charcters that you've defined compels us from the first word. C W

I think you capture Colin brilliantly!!!
You can almost feel the tangible boredom and the recognition of where his life is from Iron man Don’s death. This is a great start and a very promising opening to what feels like a great storyline. – Good luck!

The premise of a man's grief at the loss of a male friend has legs. I wish you well in developing it.

T. L. Bartush
Bleak House Bleak Shed

Dear Mike
As said before i just love the book cover , some covers just stay with you, i can remember so many like keeping a book of pics in my head, great. This is still one of the best long pitches on site......I have already commented and backed your book a while ago, but cannot see the backing anywhere. So i am taking the time to back it again because I believe your book is WORTH IT

BEST OF LUCK
Denise

Hi Mike
I read chapters 1, 2 and 17. What I enjoyed most was the engaging, chatty narrative which gave it a really good, down to earth feel. I think a lot of people in this age group will be able to relate to the story. Some really funny bits to it as well. Great stuff, backed.
DP Walker
Five Dares

I like your choice to use the first person narrative voice. It resonates with authenticity and allows you to fully convey, and you do it well, Colin's feeling, thoughts, self-doubts, frustrations and emmotions. I also like your storyline, your character development of Colin is well done and your descriptive writing makes your work a pleasure to read. Backed.

Andrew Burans
The Reluctant Warrior: The Beginning

Dear Mike,
I read your prologue with great interest. Dan is certainly quite the character! I liked everything about your writing. It was all very unique - one small thing that wasn't, the "strong silent type". I have confidence that you can find another phrase to describe it so it won't be a cliche. That's the tiniest of points. Otherwise, really great job!

BACKED
Elizabeth Wolfe (MEMORIES OF GLORY)
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 or 7 time zones apart. But you'll have two backings guaranteed on your excellent book. Of course, comments are always welcome too!

Well written, flowed and was easy to read. It did meander a bit at the start, although I felt you were intentionally bedding them in to establish their life. A lot of it will depend where you take it from here. Overall engaging characters and a strong voice. Backed.

Hi Mike. Nice read! I'm not a critic, just a scriptwriter who appreciates a good visual. You've great stuff!

sincerely,
jim
jack & charmian london

Hi Jim - thanks for your support. I've actually been considering turning this into a screenplay; I think the fact it's an epic rather than plot-driven (not to mention long) may affect its saleability as a novel. I'm thinking more TV drama than movie (and probably specific to UK market), but I'd be grateful of your input, if and when I do.

I'll be glad to read your work too, as soon as I get a chance. Many thanks.

Mike: wishing you the best on this website. But remember the caveat: you can only get out of it what you put into it. My thoughts are this: why do I feel like Colin w/o the wife? Man, both pitches work brilliantly. BACKED!

I can use your comments on my novel when you get a chance. Cheers!

JC
The Obergemau Key

Hi Mike. Nice read! I'm not a critic, just a scriptwriter who appreciates a good visual. You've great stuff!

sincerely,
jim
jack & charmian london

Well looking down tells me you have enough of what they irritatingly call nits to deal with.

I can say this though; your writing is filled with talent and you have obviously given thought to your craft because your work is dotted with clever and intellectual authoritative authorial verve (try saying that ten times, fast when you are drunk).

BACKED

Thank you for reading, backing and commenting.
I know for some this book is a bit slow to start - I chose the epic category because it's about a man, the hand he's dealt and the choices he makes; the finished work is around 150'000 words and I only finished the first-draft last Friday. I'm happy to put more up (I didn't expect anyone to read more than the opening chapters), but I need to polish more before doing so.

I'm really encouraged that you're so interested and I'll happily let you know when I add more. Thanks again.

22 July 2010
Same Again is competently written with confidence. The prose is robust and lean, does not meander and the dialogue is genuine 'lad lit'. The characters are credible and dimensional. My one reservation is that there are six very acceptable chapters uploaded but all we have is a promise of things to come -- the plot has not yet solidified. The pitch tells we can expect some 'action' in Spain and I accept that it will be worth waiting for, its just a little off putting that we can't see that for ourselves. BACKED. Robert Davidson. The Tuzla Run