Writers on the Storm

Wow! I just finished reading all you have uploaded. The knitting needle death.... ahh! Awesome. "In one ear and out the other." I love that sentence for so many reasons. Great chapter titles too. You're amazing.

Lacey

Holy crap, this story scared the hell out of me. Perhaps I'm paranoid but I had to wonder if Laura Freeman is real or is that only a pen name for someone trying to warn all of us Authonomy junkies?This is an intriguing read with an unpredictable story line, which makes it fun to read. If A-hole eventually catches a bullet in the head I, for one, won't mind. Backed with fear. [smile]

Well, I am at work, and yet, I read 8 chapters! I just could not stop. Steffy's character is so well defined, and so entertaining in her approach to everything, I had a hard time tearing myself away. Of course every writer on authonomy should read this book, but also everyone. To me, it seems to have the makings of a bestseller. I am in now way an expert however, but I do read bestsellers, and this is definitely up there. Backed.

I've read three chapters and I have to stop! No!!!!! It's time to go to bed but I want to read more!!!!!

I really love this, as you may have guessed. I love the way you describe writing as being sort of a compulsion or addiction. I really get that!

I also love that you're funny without trying too hard, which seems to be the drawback to too many of the things I've read on here. Love it, love it, love it! (and I will be reading more, too!)

Anne
Closeted Courage

A “Carnal Screech” from a rare and beautiful, red haired bird trapped in the central plains of Wisconsin alerts the Authonomy community of a new voice to be reckoned with. Crisp, fresh, economical, not a word-wasted writing that “hits the ground running” and pulls the reader into and through the psyche of a writer. The prodigious prose of Laura Freeman sparkles and must not be denied the number one spot on the editor’s desk.

Freeman’s handling of Steffany Werty, her former boyfriend “Asshole,” and close friend “Jogger Barbie”, Haylee renders an accurate and effective portrayal of mid-Western angst. But Freeman sharpens her pen and secures a bull’s-eye that will undoubtedly resonate through the virtual world of Authonomy. Steffany, an aspiring young writer, uploads her novel and posts it on “Writers Coeterie.Com”. The upload takes longer than expected, but finally it’s complete, and Steffany receives a message, “NOW WE GOT YOU MISS WERTY, THANK YOU FOR YOUR LIFE, AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR BOOK”. And Steffany abandons herself to a new world of books, but soon finds herself a castaway in a sea of madness.

Obsession, physical illness, mentally disturbed, a possessed website, and a cast of characters living the illusion of fame that comes with a fifteen minute backing. READ THE BOOK!

So, fellow Authonomists after you have scanned a page or two, backed this book, tossed it on your shelf for fifteen minutes, left a witty comment, and begged for a reciprocal backing don’t click off. STAY HERE, AND READ THIS BOOK.

BACKED

Scorselo

Hello Laura,

Just read all 11 chapters in one sitting, apart from a short break to make a cheese and pickle sandwich. I really enjoyed it. The manuscript, that is, not cheese and pickle - although that is fine too. I wouldn't make myself a sandwich I despise.

An extremely likeable central protagonist, an imaginative plot (although one that is easy to relate to) and writing that fairly zips along. It impressed me that you didn't get bogged down with purple prose - I would have expected that from a writer writing about a writer writing about writing. Highly starred and backed, looking forward to reading more when you post it.

Its a shame you don't exist, because I would like to buy you a lollipop.

Dave Ocelot
Boomerang

Hi Laura,

Quite a bold plot, one I wouldn't dare try. Great effort in keeping me glued to the words... you have weaved a story which is at once practical and fantastic. Some of the ideas did scare me as a writer, albeit on a more common thread - is our work really safe on the internet?
Backed with pleasure and starred too

Jay Adiyarath
EXPIRY DATE

Only through the first chapter but Steffany is an intriguing, likeable character and your prose are smooth and enjoyable - look forward to more. CW The Fog Had Lifted

I am liking it. Really readable and recognisable in that writery way. I love the bit with the owl - so surreal yet added something there that hinted that things were not going to be quite normal. Like the voice, like the person to person style and like the action. I've got to chapter seven and its bedtime, so I've put it on my watchlist to finish tomorrow. One question - what's the 3/4s dotted through it? Some type anomaly?

Looking forward to what comes next - writer's site eh? Sounds familiar.....
Cariad
STONES.

6 stars! This is awesome! I love your dry sense of humor and cynicism. Your similes are also interesting and fun to read, i.e. 'silence filled the room like carbon monocide.' I love how your main character is more pissed off about not being able to write her book than her boyfriend cheating on her. Lots of laughs, but you manage to slip in plenty kernals of truth. This has the makings of a best-seller and good luck.

This is really terrific. The way you describe writing a book is so true-time does stand still and you do gain momentum towards the end. I wrote my first book over the summer and finished before Christmas, and like your character, am right now half way done with my second one and am already thinking of the next. Your main character is so easy to identify with-awesome so far and I'm only on chapter one!

Great topic, especially for this site. Got to read. If a chance, a return read is greatly appreciated. Dina of 33 and Halo of the Damned

Fascinating stuff. I can't imagine a writer who is not a tiny bit interested in how other writers scratch their itch. Speaking for myself it was April 1st 2007 that I joind Myspace and it began. About 5 days later a geeky character from Writerscafe.org invited me to join his wibsite, which coincidentally I believe is run from Wisconsin. A million wasted hours later... Ach, it goes on. Anyway BACKED.
Could you please take a look at my friend Orlando Furioso's novella WATCHING SWIFTS.
Merci.
Beccsy.

What a cracking pitch, there are about 80 people ahead of you in the queue to oblivoion who feel something of what you describe!

Writers on the Storm is an extremely clever take about how far someone will go to achieve fame. I’ve actually seen tales like this before, though they have almost never centered on a writer as the main character. Normally it’s a singer or an actor or someond like that. The sinister nature of the Website that main character Steffany Werty falls into is an amazing twist. I’ve actually had similar suspicions about Authonomy rattling around in the back of my subconscious. But author Laura Freeman says that her book isn’t about the site we all know and love (even if said with a little wink) so lets move on.

Freeman’s prose is professional and engaging. Writers on the Storm kind of waivers between thriller and comedy, a fine line that not many authors are able to walk. Freeman does it with snappy dialog and perfect descriptive language. The reader is left wondering if Werty is crazy or if something sinister is actually going on. I assume that we will be let in on the secret as the book finishes.

Writers on the Storm is a perfect tale for writers or wannabe-authors, or for anyone who believed in a dream so badly that they become willing to consider almost anything that moves them closer to that goal. In short: pretty much everyone will like it.

John Breeden II
Old Number Seven

This is still on my bookshelf, while I sit here with my tongue hanging out waiting to see what's coming next. I don't want to nag, but I want to know!

Ali - The Fireghost

Love the story so far, can't wait to read the rest :D definitely backed

Tayla Waterworth
(The Hunt for Taylor Mason)

Happy to have this back on my shelf.

Not the most eloquent of writing styles I've seen but highly compelling. Not too far detached from the story, I wasn't particularly drawn by the pitch but just had to take a look. As you can see I read 5 chapters before stopping to comment. This has strong appeal, maybe something to do with our mutual interest? It's way outside my normal choice of genre but it has a uniqueness I can't ignore. Backed.

How ironic! And I just found over 70 bogus profiles on my list of people who have backed me (no photos, no details, no books) with EXACTLY THE SAME books on ALL of their bookshelves .... AND they ALL registered on the 19th and 20th October 2010 - just a few days ago.

It makes you wonder who is really trying to jig up the rankings, doesn't it? And why? Perhaps you have another book to write.

Wow! I was hooked after I read the pitch. Oh, but my favorite line: "I'm lonely. This crayon is my only friend. I love you, Purple." Great humor!
Backed!
Oh, and thank you for your support and comments for Twin Fates. I will be uploading more soon (Planning to anyway). If you think it is dark now, just wait!
~Richard
Twin Fates

one of the best narratives on the site. great writing that somehow always made me want to read what will happen next. damn you... :D :D

Hi Laura

Great idea - bound to fascinate lots of the people on here! - and a peppy individual narrative voice. Certainly kept me reading. Backed.

Nicole
Chosen

Hiya Laura, i'll admit a bias: i usually avoid books about writers. not this one. you got me.
the prose is tight; the pace is strong. no angst about w block - at least in the beginning ;). - thank you for that.
great hook at the end of ch 1.
on my shelf.
best wishes, andy

Backed, please take a look at Sugar & Spice. Thanks, Saffina. http://saffinadesforges.wordpress.com

This is great ... I am loving it and I want more! It’s wickedly funny and made me laugh out loud many times. You’re dead right about your first drafts being polished. It reads beautifully. Normally I hate stories about writers, but not this one. That’s why I think it will do well outside this little coterie. When you’ve finished it, and posted the whole thing on the site, I would love to read it to learn what happens ...

Great pitch, and the opening chapter does not disappoint. I will read more and look forward to seeing how it progresses. Backed.

Regards
Laura (Three Wishes)

Very descriptive and frighteningly observed writing presented in a unique and original way.

Jane

a compelling read, original and honest....l shall put it on my watchlist...
read SEASONS...

This may be one of the smoothest pieces I've read on authonomy. I liken it to a clever spin on some versions of the Faustian tales, if Faust were a thirty year old female writer. You've found the perfect material to write about for this website, since every single writer here can relate to the situation in your story. That said, you may have a little bit more difficulty (should your story become big, and I have a feeling it will) bringing in an audience of non-writers, because your story resonates so well with writers and artists.

What I like most about this is the modern spin on the Faustian tale, and that a writer's forum can be substituted for any sort of web-ranking database to which we could be selling our eternal soul. My best advice is that while I absolutely do enjoy this work, I think you should show it to some of your friends who are non-writers as well to see if it subject matter resonates as well with them as it does for me.

- Richard

Very good so far ... and wow! what a technique - scare everyone else off Auxxxxxmy and be left in glory at Number One. Why didn't I think of it.
Ako Mobalik! but backed for now.
RT

Laura - Writers on the Storm is everything your readers have described below and more - so well written and creepy as hell! Keep writing - Valerie (Freckles the Fawn)

This is quite addictive, couldn’t stop reading and I love the new name for your boyfriend – much more appropriate. This is well written and I will back it with pleasure.

Tony
Life Bringer

P.S If anyone reads this I am NOT related to Laura but she does sound nice.

Hey Laura, placing your book on my shelf again. Hopefully will give it a boast. Think you're a terrific story teller.

blessings,
jim

Refections of reflections of reflections! Now I'm worried about the Authonomite crew . . . what IS their agenda? Ha. Really good premise, well written and engaging. Will be back for another hit of fresh air . . . GREAT TITLE!

A creative premise, and very appropriate to the site. Good narrative style that flows smoothly.

One nitpick: I would have liked to see more dialogue in the opening chapter, to break up the story a little more. People will skim even the most well written narrative if it goes on too long. Still, great read. Backed!

Craig Ellis
The Sun and the Saber

I just backed your book. Please have a look at Something in the Air. I think it has something in common if a rather different genre. DJPowell

I just backed your book. Please have a look at Something in the Air. I think it has something in common if a rather different genre. DJPowell

Oh so totally backed! What a clever, clever idea and artfully crafted. I have only read Chapter One and I am already hooked. Given the theme, I think you couldn't have chosen a more appropriate venue...Best of luck to you.. More comments to follow as I read more--with feedback of course (even if it's just to tell you how awesome it is).

WRITERS ON THE STORM-Laura Freeman
hullo Laura. Ooh what a creepy book. Definately a MUST READ for all authonomy people. Very good.Already shelved and backed.
Please take a look at my book if you have not and thanks for that.
Linda Lou Long
Southern dis-Comfort
http://www.authonomy.com/ViewBook.aspx?bookid=11421

I love this!! Backed!!!

Best,
Cori
"Princess"

To Laura Freeman (Writers on the storm)
This is a scary piece of writing and very good at that. I liked the way your book moves, very professional indeed. I have managed to read five chapters and as is usual for me, I judged it on whether I liked it or not. I liked it and am BACKING it. I have a spot on my bookshelf for it and I would wish you well with your future writing.
Frank James (The Contractor)

Clever premise, everyone on this site will relate. Outside of this site... Also a Doors fan, so title drew me in. Hmmm... Your next challenge? Backed. Four Better Four Worse

Clever premise, everyone on this site will relate. Outside of this site... Also a Doors fan, so title drew me in. Hmmm... Your next challenge? Backed. Four Better Four Worse

I'm obviously doing something wrong, as I'm not getting quite that hot when I type 'The End'. Some things sound familiar though, including the vitamin regime. Not the best birthday present from Asshole, 'She'd like to meet you. You'd probably like her'. Turns out not, 'I think she chirruped a little'. Seems the writing might have been a bit of a problem, as in a child-substitute / reading dialogue aloud / character-acting sort of way.

Haylee is a good friend - the best - she didn't buy a novelty mouse. She also 'has a feeling' about the creep in the bookshop. 'Check out writers-coterie.com' (you don't appear to have bought that URL - better do so pronto). 'I think it's evil' (I have the same problem with authonomy). I'm in agreement with them both - time to switch off the computer and go and get a drink...

Brilliant stuff, Laura, a satire as much as a thriller as much as a horror story with some remarkable observations of life in general and writing in particular ... backed.

Possible nits: 'As my fingers tapped ... As I concentrated on', maybe 'Concentrating on'? 'a pair of black pants that make [made] her ass look good' (otherwise you've got me wondering how long between then and now, and is she still wearing the same pants).

Ooh I love the idea of this work.
Have been drawn into the first few chapters when really really should be doing something else - always a good sign.
Am looking forward to coming back to this - its on my watchlist.
Rhonda Louise
(Wombat Sushi)

I have really enjoyed reading this so far. A few typos, but nothing serious. I can't wait to read more! Definitely backing this one...have to say I just joined this site and this being one of the first things I've had a chance to read made the story all the more creepy.

Sensitive, descriptive writing AND scary, scary! This is a great combination giving you a unique style which promises to do really well when the whole book is up.
Backed in anticipation
Robert Davidson
THE TUZLA RUN

This would ring true for a lot of users of Authonomy and other sites. A great read with grains of truth and lots of intrigue. Well done.

Tim H, Hellbound

Backed this from what I read of the first chapter, premise, and pitch. I like your main character, she's whimsical at the start and tough later when I came back to read more. Other than some personal preferences of word choices, I think it has a lively plot and character. I like the way you present Stephany and connected with her on the basis of being a writer of course and get addicted to Authonomy. Backed. - Christian Rogue (Wings of the Heart)

I've read three chapters and I have to stop! No!!!!! It's time to go to bed but I want to read more!!!!!

I really love this, as you may have guessed. I love the way you describe writing as being sort of a compulsion or addiction. I really get that!

I also love that you're funny without trying too hard, which seems to be the drawback to too many of the things I've read on here. Love it, love it, love it! (and I will be reading more, too!)

Anne
Closeted Courage

This is a fascinating premise, one that works extremely well written in first person. I love the way you end a chapter, compelling the reader to read on. Excellent work. Backed.
G Allen Clark - Show Low

Holy crap, this story scared the hell out of me. Perhaps I'm paranoid but I had to wonder if Laura Freeman is real or is that only a pen name for someone trying to warn all of us Authonomy junkies?This is an intriguing read with an unpredictable story line, which makes it fun to read. If A-hole eventually catches a bullet in the head I, for one, won't mind. Backed with fear. [smile]

Well, I am at work, and yet, I read 8 chapters! I just could not stop. Steffy's character is so well defined, and so entertaining in her approach to everything, I had a hard time tearing myself away. Of course every writer on authonomy should read this book, but also everyone. To me, it seems to have the makings of a bestseller. I am in now way an expert however, but I do read bestsellers, and this is definitely up there. Backed.

Laura, i am up to chapter 7 and so far this is such a good read.

the drunken ramblings of stef in chapter 6 were great. i can certainly relate to this and so far this whole story has been a pleasure to read

it is not often i have found a book on this site that keeps me coming back, but i will be keeping an eye out for updates because i feel this will be a great book throughout

you are a talent and i take my hat off to you

matt