the world blinked

thank you very much for taking the time to read and comment on 'The World Blinked,' I truly appreciate it. I wanted to respond to clear up my use of tense throughout the book. There have been a few comments regarding it and thought I should explain my intentions. throughout the book there are parts that are more important than the rest. They are turning points in the book. The best example is Alec's death at the end of chapter 1, and as you noted in chapter 2 when Ajani decides to help Basilio. When I write about these scenes I jump from the past tense to the present. Not back and forth mind you, just from the past to the present. Usually it is kept that way until the end of the chapter. These changes are always preceded with the line, '...the world blinks.' or some variation of that. The reason is to show the magnitude of what is currently taking place, to bring it to the present in the reader's mind and give it the utmost importance. Whether I accomplish that or not is up to the reader, but believe me it is intentional. That is why I always use the line, the world blinks, before doing so. It's as though the course of time is altered by a mere blink, past changes to present. As for the quotation marks, I originally wrote the novel without any at all. It was not well received, so as I edit, I am inserting them as well. As you can tell, I am currently up to chapter four. I do apologize for the trouble this presents, but it is something I am currently working on. thanks again for your time and comments.

Hi James

Wow!
Why on earth is this not published????
I don't think I have read anything quite as polished and professional as this is, on Authonomy yet.
I was hooked and could have spent all day reading this.
The characters, the dialogue, the story and the writing are all brilliant.
I would absolutely buy this if I was browsing in a book shop and I would recommend this too.
Backed and on my shelf for a few days.
Sarah. T-cup and the Dream Team Fairies

All I can say is I started reading this last night and didn't stop until I finished in the wee hours of the morning. I even shed tears - egad! Then I woke up thinking about your characters both Thomas et al and then Ajani and his life! If I were HC Id have already pulled this one to the Publishers Desk! Fabulous and quite possibly the best book on this site! Shelved for the duration.

Skater

James -- HarperCollins has only published 5 books from Authonomy. Yours will be the 6th, unless Breath in the Dark beats you to it, in which case it will be the seventh. I have never rated an authonomy book, until yours, and it gets a 6-star. I have never choked up re an Authonomy book, but that has now changed. (1) Two stories juxtaposed, written in flowing style that I can speed-read. (2) Two stories that are heart-rending (3) An idea that is spectacular and unique (4) not just a story of men -- a story of humanity.

Wow. I was completely sucked in. The characters seem too real, natural. Even their dialogue. And that connection with the characters is was has your readers drawn in and continuously reading. I didn't even know how much time had elapsed before I finished. The story does a wonderful job at bringing out those emotions as well. Alec's fall was just heartbreaking. This is honestly a wonderfully powerful story. Amazing job!

Neicy

This immediately drew me in. A lot of emotional depth. More than your ordinary thriller. Sorry it took me so long to return your read!!! Rosalind Barden

Good evening, James,
Just read ch 1 of "The World blinked". This is a wonderful story, very captivating. You really drew me in. How does the boy die? Where does Ajani come in? Things like that. Well done! I will have to read more. Lots a family relationship detail - a bit much, I think - but I know you want to set up the sheer tragedy of the Alec's death. Haven't hit the POV shifts/tense shifts that you mentioned in the comment reply below. May I suggest adding variety to your adjectives and your sentence structure?
This reads like something I might do myself. I love it! Mine's more 'female' oriented (female lead and concerns), but give it a check out, if you'd like.
Leah
A Watering Place

You clearly have a talent and a great story. I was wondering if it might help to start with the dialogue and skip the exposition? I could well be wrong. But it might get people into the story quicker. And you have such a great story!

I doubt if this novel finished well.The synopsis did not portray the real story and action.It's need more character development.

I am so pleased you have made the editors desk you deserve it. Well done. Kathryn

Congrats!!!! I am sure you will get a wonderful review! Your book deserves it!
Dayna

On and on about the smile . Eight times in that one paragraph.

Although generally the dialogue works at times I feel it is a little wooden and could be loosened up. I do feel that some tightening here and there would be beneficial but then I do like very sparse writing and after all this is your show. I have to admit that I am not convinced by the boy’s discussion regarding siblings it just doesn’t strike me as very realistic for a ten year old. Maybe American kids are more precocious. It does go on quite a bit as well doesn’t it – who loves who more, who’s not happy with boys, who would like a girl and I’m thinking yeah get on with the story. No sorry I give up – can’t read any more about who does or doesn’t want a boy or a girl who loves who more etc. etc. Although I am sure that all this is relevant to the story it has gone on and on and I want to know about the box and the file and so on and so on. I am not meaning to be harsh but I comment as a reader and when it is a spam read request I do tend to speak bluntly.

I wish you the very best of luck with this and would be pleased to look at it again if ever you think it would be helpful.

thank you very much for taking the time to read and comment on 'The World Blinked,' I truly appreciate it. I wanted to respond to clear up my use of tense throughout the book. There have been a few comments regarding it and thought I should explain my intentions. throughout the book there are parts that are more important than the rest. They are turning points in the book. The best example is Alec's death at the end of chapter 1, and as you noted in chapter 2 when Ajani decides to help Basilio. When I write about these scenes I jump from the past tense to the present. Not back and forth mind you, just from the past to the present. Usually it is kept that way until the end of the chapter. These changes are always preceded with the line, '...the world blinks.' or some variation of that. The reason is to show the magnitude of what is currently taking place, to bring it to the present in the reader's mind and give it the utmost importance. Whether I accomplish that or not is up to the reader, but believe me it is intentional. That is why I always use the line, the world blinks, before doing so. It's as though the course of time is altered by a mere blink, past changes to present. As for the quotation marks, I originally wrote the novel without any at all. It was not well received, so as I edit, I am inserting them as well. As you can tell, I am currently up to chapter four. I do apologize for the trouble this presents, but it is something I am currently working on. thanks again for your time and comments.

30/03
Am adding post script to this now.
You show the love and bond between parent and child before it is shattered, piquant and well done. You steadily kept my concern and involved me in the relationship. I don't feel it's a list, but it is a report, hindsight. How else would someone recount events? Don't think that you need to tell me that he will wake up screaming etc, it's implicit, it becomes a kind of bathos.


29/03
Thank goodness for chapter numbers, an oddly reassuring detail. Must do that myself.
This looks like you've spent some time formatting it for the site, and it really helps.
A comfortable beginning, sure-footed and at ease with dialogue. Unpretentious and subtle, am invited without reservation into the world. Careful handling of the box description, attention to form. A book with good manners, courtesy, not forgetting the reader, and much appreciated.
Starred you earlier, hope you get a good response, and will star extra, and endeavour to place you before the month is out.

Billie

Great novel. I can not wait to put this on my bookshelf (the one in my house)

I usually don't read this catagory but you got my attention from the start and kept it, way to go! Definately a great read for lit. enthusiasts.
Leslie Gervais
"Love Has No Borders

All I can say right now is that I wish I didn't come across this at 2am! It has sucked me right in! I'm hooked, and tempted to stay up all night! I have only read half of the first chapter, but I would have purchased this after the first few sentences. It's such and easy read, and makes you want to keep going. I'm someone that has a hard time continuing a book if the first paragraph doesn't grab me. Yours DID! Wow!
I know what I'll be doing all day tomorrow. I have already 6**** it, and it will be on my shelf in the next day or so.
If this doesn't get published then there is something wrong.
I'll comment more when I get back to reading, and believe me, I'm on the edge of my seat!
Dayna

Very well written and easy to see why you are on the ED at this time. I like the character, Thomas. He is amicable and easy to warm up to, a man for which I have immediately developed compassion and concern. The copy is well developed and cohesive. I expect you will do well with this in your HC review.

Best regards, L J Rutledge
Shadow Puppet

hi james i love the book and have backed it and put it on my bookshelf will you do the same for me cheers arnold

Hi James, These are engaging characters. The texture between the POV and the family dialogue reveals the scenes while portraying the inner tensions. I'm intrigued by Arjani's notebook. Vigorous prose. Happy to shelve - Katherine (The House in Windward Leaves, The Swan Bonnet)

Hi James,

I read this earlier and have backed it before, I'm pretty sure. But it is an excellent bit of work and I will gladly back it again. I will also rate it very high with the new start rating.

Good Luck,

Patrick Armstead
Dark Lands

You have a problem with your tenses.

I found your sub-chapters long-winded, they slowed the pace of the book, full of one info dump after another.

You also have a problem with your pronouns and what happened to the box?

You have a lot of serious editing before you if you wish to find an agent who will take your book.

How do I know all this, my uncle is a short story editor.

I'm very impressed with this. It wasn't so much the pitch or even the discovery of the box that drew me in; it was just the general chit-chat of the central characters. I just followed the story along and gradually the characters became real. I knew I had been reeled in whhen I found I was unsettled by Alec's mature talk!
What I like is the incidental stuff, how many pancakes did they have, who's nose does Alec have etc. I think things like this flesh out the characters and make you care when the unfortuante incident happens and everything that follows. Backed.

The Nomad

THE ISLAND EXPERIMENT

What an excellent story. What an excellent piece of writing. I'm honored to place it on my book shelf and give it a bunch of stars. Bravo! I hope you'll take a look at my TO CATCH A SPECKLED TROUT--it too touches the heart.

I reiterate all the praises in the comments below. Why is this not published? I only intended read a chapter or so, but could not stop reading this excellent work. From the start, having read the pich, Alex's death hovers in waiting. This however does not stop its impact from hitting hard and tearing the emotions when it actually happens. There is definitely a place long term for this on my shelf and when - not if - it is published I will certainly buy it. Six star rated.

You have a neat writing style that I'm sure will be loved by many readers. The story starts out with a mysterious box that Thomas is opening with some apprehension. That part grabs the reader's attention and lets us know something significant is going to happen involving the box. You then proceed to have your character look out the window and close the blinds before opening the box. Does he not want anyone to know what he is doing? That would seem to be the logical explanation until Ben comes in and acts like he already knew about the box, so why would Thomas be hiding it? The key element you are missing in this story is Thomas's thoughts. You chose to let us know what Thomas is thinking about in some parts of the story but not all. What was going through his mind when he closed the blinds? The reader can not just assume why he does the things he does because our assumption might be wrong. It's very important for you to explain the characters thoughts so we can understand their actions. All through the first and second chapter you withhold information such as their thoughts that would help us understand your story better.
I hope this was helpful to you and I wish you the best of luck.

-Charmain

Dear James,
Greetings:)
You are a gifted writer. The world blinked is an interesting name and an association of the medium & concept could be understood only on reading further. Even though it is fiction it according to me looks quite real. I personally felt scared when I read the synopsis but your writing got me glued.I am sure it deals with a concept of dealing with immense misfortune Thomas would go through in later chapters & the solace found in Ajani's. I will definitely will read further and suggest to others to read your marvellous work as yes things do change in a blink and for anyone the change could mean the world to them is what I think.GOD BLESS YOU:) AND KEEP WRITING, I AM SURE A SURE SUCCESS.~Naveen Nayar

Hi james,
You really deserve to be in 3rd. Hope you would be the top soon. All the best
S.Vinay kumar,
10 roses for love

It's easy to understand why so many others have left such positive remarks about your book. It's written absolutely beautifully. You certainly have a gift for story telling here, drawing the reader in from the first few lines. Admittedly, this isn't my usual cup of tea, but it certainly held my attention. I'd love to see this for sale on the bookshelves around the world and I'm pretty sure that this will be the case one day.
Best wishes
Suzy (Raven & Forever Fredless)

In life one has to take the rough with the smooth, the bullshit with the facts.

The majority of people on this site know very little about writing and its pitfalls.

What you are writing has been written before, maybe not as good or as bad, but it has, it's called drama, and it isn't what you write today, but how.

I found your descriptions, jerky, thin, and a little confusing, not quite clear, but that could be a pondial thing, me being UK and you USA, so we'll leave it at that.

What caught my interest was the reference to the notebook and I read on through the description of family life -which although touching, was, I felt, long-winded and predictable - and I waited for your MC to tell his wife and son about it. I got to part two and well, here I am.

Your change of tense at the end of "chapter" III, did nothing to enhance the story, I had to read it twice to get to grips with it, whether you wish to remain with this is up to you.

For improvement I suggest you delete all the names and replace them with pronouns: This jumped out and hit me in part two --Thomas did this, Thomas did that. Thomas walked into the room and Thomas sat down next to Mary and Mary asked Thomas if he... Do you get the picture? We know Thomas is talking and we know who he is talking to so...?

Just one small thing, all numbers from one to a hundred should be spelled out, the exceptions are time - 11pm and so on.

So, ignore all the nice things people say about your book and think seriously about the bad things.

This, if seriously worked upon will be a best seller, I'm not bull-shitting you, but it is up to you.
Learn all you can about writing, there are many sites on the internet, here is a useful blog with plenty of free downloads on how to improve your writing skills, the blog is interesting too.

www.edittorrent.com

I have invested time in writing this, I ask for nothing in return and wish you the best of luck, as we all need it and deserve it too.

W. (see message).

I think this is the first time I've read the sun referred to in the feminine gender. Quite different, James. I love the premise that the opening offers... and lives up to. The spike is nicely placed and holds the attention even after the scene fades. There is a careful blend of emotions that the writing engenders and encourages one to want to read on. The characters are simply superb, and they interact with some realistic and totally believeable dialogue. Given the setting at the construction site, that's exactly how they would have reacted.

This is champagne stuff and will do well for you, Jamie. Good luck with it now that you're on the desk. :)

Warm Regards
Andrew

A well written tale but unfortunately I don't have the room on my shelf this month and I geuss by next month you would have reach the ed's. Will keep it on my WL just in case but hope you make it. :~)

Heartbreaking end to the first part of the story - I can't even begin to imagine the terror in Thomas when he realises that Alec is gone. I fully understand why this is on the editor's desk already, and I will happily back it to ensure it stays there!

If you have a moment, I would appreciate any constructive criticism on my novel The Hunt for Taylor Mason. I'm looking to improve my writing style, and it helps to have good writers like yourself giving me advice!

Tayla Waterworth

The reader is hooked by the contents of the box right from the start. You are sucked into a mystery, a mystery that seems to be quite ancient. Happily backed.
Kevin

Thank you for the invitation to read your book - I liked the first paragraph prior to the opening chapter, it holds a great deal of understanding for me, how the changing fortunes of life can mutate in the blink of an eye. I know this may sound strange but I find it quite difficult to relate to the kind of home life you write about - partly because I've never experienced such a thing and partly because it reminds me of so many ideals of what home life should be really like, particularly in Hollywood films. You know the dad, son, mom thing. Then small boy asking about brothers and sisters, which to my mind is a little cliched. Then we move onto guns, barbacues, log cabins up in the woods, fishing. Then I realised you come from that kind of environment out there in California and really to a degree you are writing I guess about what is familiar to you. (On the otherhand you may come from some hell-hole down in LA) I would have liked you to have written more about the box, the blood and the finger prints at the begining - like what was the opening line/ paragraph from Ajami - why was he so interested in keeping it - there seemed if anything to be a lack of curiousity regarding the box and yet from your introduction it is the raison d'etre - why didn't he tell his wife about it - instead we are then treated to a few paragraphs about nose picking - unfortunately I also feel that the first chapter is far too long, which makes it difficult (for me) to engage with the characters for such a length of time - I think also I would have found it more interesting if it had been written in first person present or past, such a tragedy as losing your son is better for me when it comes directly from the heart. - Sven (Soldier Blue)

Very crisp writing. I wish you the best of luck.
Lorraine
Mannin Boy

Very crisp writing. I wish you the best of luck.
Lorraine
Mannin Boy

Not bad. Might even back it if I get around to it.

Sir, my comment here is not on your story but more on the wonderful nature of its meteoric rise.


ROCKET TRIUMPHS

I've stuck my eyelids back with glue,
And ponder whether to back you.
But wait! my vote is quite absurd,
As you have brought your backing herd.

And as your story's blinding brill,
There is no need to read the thrill.
Your blinking world be true beguiled,
Your tame votes counted, banked and filed.

We'd love to get to know your art,
But sadly you will soon depart,
Such is your rocket rise to fame!
We hail the winner ... of this game.

John Market Place here has his say,
Rewarding you ... hot spamster's pay.

Hi james,
I can't possibly seem to want to stop reading this wonderful novel you have created. I am excited to read more. but from what I have read I caught a glimps of what an an amazing story there is to come. I will keep posted as I read and let you know more what I think. I love it so far and will proudly back you up.
Have a wonderfu day!
Good luck :)!

James

I got your message. Read your pitch and the first chapter and part of chapter two. Unfortunately I did not have time for more.
You've certainly had a lot of backing and plenty of comments.
You build up the feelings of love between father and son, leaving the reader fully aware of how Thomas feels.
I thought thiswas a little drawn out in quite a lengthy chapter, but the writing is first class.
I'm not quite sure why it was necessary to have such bold letters for the introductions to the chapters, but this is not the first time I have seen this done on authonomy.
Allowing for the details in the first chapter, I think the small description of nature at the very beginning was irrelevant.
You write "popped right off", I would think the same and probably wrtite that myself, but the word "right" is not necessary.
A word missing in the first part of the chapter. "What do think", should the word "you" be inserted.
I have also looked at a number of the comments you have received to date, some are particularly glowing, and many have read much more of your book than I did.
I'm backing your book because you write with feeling, and you manage to build up the tension which is expected from your pitch.
I;ve also given a star rating and your book will remain on my shelf for some time.
All the best.

Interesting story. A few sentences need restructuring here and there, but no major issues otherwise. Backed and rated.

If you haven't already, could you please take a look at either Twisted or Lies & Love and, should you see fit, back and/or rate one of them?

Thanks,

Cat

THE WORLD BLINKED

COVER: It's compelling and for as many covers as I've seen with single eyeballs on them, this one stands out. I wish it had more blue in it heh and am completely shocked I don't see scifi listed as a genre as that's exactly what I thought when I saw it. If you'd like me to add a title in a font that might read a bit more LitFic let me know.

TITLE: I think its good. No questions really.
SHORT PITCH: Man that's dry, sorry. Needs some good Hollywood pep added. A woman walks down the street and finds a stone after she went shopping. She bought tampons. heh.

LONG PITCH: I'd give the paragraphs some air...a space between each. I think it pretty good otherwise...

TEXT: I'm enjoying this. You build the family character well in this first chapter and I already care about them...which is great since I know what is coming. As a father of two young girls...I almost dont want to read on heh. Those fear of loss notions are common among us all no doubt. Chapter three...I wonder if I needed it? Not much happens that I can see to move the story along? Dad woke late, mom made breakfast, Dad hid the book...hm, I mean it's good for returning to later when death tolls ...events from the morning of, etc...regrets=if Only I woke earlier...(maybe you don't but that's what comes to mind for why you'd include it, beyond pacing...which could be the reason and if so...ignore my ramblings) but couldn't most of that be summed up in a couple paragraphs in the next or previous chapter?
Gah, part of me wishes I did stop. I hate these kinds of stories, no offense. they just touch that ugly place of fear in me that I don't want to imagine or have imagined for me. heh. Seriously, no offense. I definitely think there's just a bit too much buildup to the death...part of me started think do I really need all these vignettes showing how much they love each other?
anyway.
Good stuff. tough but good.
Go get em James.
Best,
-=Bradley

I approached this book with some reluctance as it seemed to be far more adult than most books on Authonomy. ---

I guess that this says more about me than the book but for me to read through a book I want to be interested in its subject and the pitch about coming to terms with the death of a child is a theme too grown up. ---

But wow! What ambition! Who can fail to be impressed? ---

The reliance on dialogue is overdone. I felt that the book was in danger of becoming a screen play at times.

Hello James, I have just read some of your charming story: it is beautifully written and a real page turner. I am so glad you asked me to read it. I am putting it on my shelf.
In return, can I ask you to have a look at either of my two stories, please: PAPER DREAMS or A PASSING STORM?
Best wishes

Phyllis

Hi James

Wow!
Why on earth is this not published????
I don't think I have read anything quite as polished and professional as this is, on Authonomy yet.
I was hooked and could have spent all day reading this.
The characters, the dialogue, the story and the writing are all brilliant.
I would absolutely buy this if I was browsing in a book shop and I would recommend this too.
Backed and on my shelf for a few days.
Sarah. T-cup and the Dream Team Fairies

All I can say is I started reading this last night and didn't stop until I finished in the wee hours of the morning. I even shed tears - egad! Then I woke up thinking about your characters both Thomas et al and then Ajani and his life! If I were HC Id have already pulled this one to the Publishers Desk! Fabulous and quite possibly the best book on this site! Shelved for the duration.

Skater

Hi James: Thanks for requesting my opinion of your writing. Guilt at the death of one's child, which you handle well, is a powerful theme and holds the reader's interest. Also your talent for drawing character and describing scenes is evident. I agree with other reviewers, though, about the need for further editing. Having read only your first chapter, I want to go on before judging the work as a whole.

Bill Carrigan
"The Doctor of Summitville"

I have read the comments of the other reviewers and can add little to them. Your story flows well, has well defined characters and a hook for an opening. The notebook holds the readers interst although it is soon overtaken by Alec's death. I am sorry this is a short comment but I have been away and have a lot of catching up to do. Shelved Regards, Anne

A very promising story that engages the reader. I agree with other comments that a strong edit is required but have given it a high rating based on its potential and the compelling characters.
Michael Croucher (Bravo's Veil)

I couldn't even get through the first chap. The notebook is the main thing here and you barely touched on it and I got bored.

Overall you do need editing, print it out and read it out loud, you'll see what needs to be changed.

Jewels
Life and Death Adventures in London

Hi J,

Here at your request. I read Part I and while the story has merrit, it needs intensive editing. From your premise and your writing, I think you certainly have the ability to produce a compelling story and eventually be published, but like many of us, the editing is the makeup that turns good bones into a beauty queen.

It's hard for me to give you specific examples since you can't copy/paste on this site, but first thing I noted is you give a detailed account of every action. It reads like a text book.

The first-ish paragraph when he's looking at the bag-- You write about fingerprints. Then 'Actually minus a thumb.' Then something about turning the bag over and there was the thumb. And then they were smudged but you knew what they were. You could condense all this down significantly. "The imprint of fingerprints were smudged on the bag." I don't think it necessary to say exactly where those imprints are located. Let us use our imagination. If you think it absolutely critical to the story then again, condensed, "The imprint of fingertips were smudged on the bag, four fingers on one side, a thumb on the other."

The dialogue between Thomas and Ben really-- and I mean really-- needs to be edited. First thing we get from them is repititious: you scared me. what? you scared me. oh.... Instead: "You scared the crap out of me."
Ben looked startled then laughed. "So are we millionaires..." Then you have long conversations about things that aren't advancing the story. I think you could cut out all the stuff between Thomas following Ben out of the trailor until he starts talking about his son again. Pick up again with Thomas noting the state of the job site (quickly... something along the lines of 'the site looked x-amount done, but it needed to be ready for cement in four days') Then, "Sorry to skip out early on this project but my son...." Cut out the 'man I got this. seriously have fun. call me if anything happens....' Keep it only to what advances the story. From what I read, 'Wednesday' is the only thing that fit in that category (but, does anything happen on that Wednesday?).

Again, final paragraphs read too detailed/textbook. 'Turned and went inside. Collected his items. Went back out the door. Closed the door.' (something like that...) Instead, you could condense to, "He went back to the trailor to collect his items then left for the day."

That's my take on Part I. Sorry if you felt this harsh. I'm truly trying to help.

Tracy

THE WORLD BLINKED ... BACKED FEB 15, 2011, AT 10:48 PM

I liked the opening devicve, the mysterious box with the notebook, and then the ante raised with the hand print made in blood, with a thumb missing.

Also, peaked my curiousity that the character didn't share that bit of information with his consstruction buddy.

Not bad, not bad at all. The first chapter seemed a bit longer than most of the ones I have seen on this page.

Your pitch is perfectly set up to make the reader want to know what happens and to warn them about what's to unfold in the book.

Reading slowly got harder and harder as I wanted to just leave the story in the happy environment of love and comfort back at the families home. I didn't want to read the part your pitch promised would come--that I knew would come during the time spent at the cabin--I really didn't want Alec to die.

What a great family environment you set up, it's so easy to relate to becuase of memories of my own childhood and continued relationship with my parents.

The bloddy notebook reference in your pitch drew me in initially, along with the mutual discomfort felt towards it when Thomas stared at it in his hand. The imagery is perfect, the transitions flawless--very realistic through on through.

This is outstounding work, and I'm sorry it took me so long to get back to you on this.

This is definitely a story that contains a deep family dynamic and extremely painful times to come as the parents have to deal with their beloved sons death--he who was their whole world. This warns for the pulling of heartstrings.

A stunning creation,

Hannah
Approaching Dusk

Your Pitch gives just enough of the story, and the bait has been laid perfectly.

This is a very well crafted title, that keeps the reader glued.

Wishing you every success - BACKED!

stevew
The Ultimate/The Authors Cut