I just finished the initial full draft of my first official novella-length story, titled It Was Her Eyes. I’ve never been more proud of my writing nor felt more like a writer than when I typed “The End” after completing this phase of what has been for me a long and exciting journey. It is a book I’d like to read.
The last several hours of the project were made even better because I sat outside under the corrugated metal roof over our back porch, dogs at my feet, with the first large and much-needed rainstorm of the season pouring down all around us. The sound of the pounding rain is so simultaneously invigorating and relaxing. The air so clean and fresh. A slight breeze carries the mist from splashing raindrops to lightly tickle my face, reminding me of the miracle of being alive. It’s pure magic, combining several of my favorite things into an unforgettable experience.
I now seek Beta Readers, people who would be willing commit to reading my story looking for plot holes, factual errors, consistency and continuity errors, and such. My excellent editor will take care of grammatical errors, punctuation, spelling, etc. Beta Readers will focus on big-picture stuff as they experience an unedited early-draft text, and then speak their truth about it in a loving way. They’ll point out the problems without recommending specific solutions. The latter is my job.
Please contact me at russtowne@yahoo.com if you are interested in learning more.
Thank you!
With Love,
Russ
Russ Towne's A Grateful Man 
How exciting
Thank you, Joanne.
Russ
I wish I had time Russ !!! This sounds exciting 🙂
No worries, Colleen.
Russ
So glad it rained for you, I know how dry it is in California. We had rain too but for us it is normal. 🙂
Thank you, Ute. They’re saying this is year five of our drought. We got some pretty decent rainfall last year, but still apparently not quite normal, and although the reservoirs added quite a bit of water, the snow pack was nowhere near where we need to be. If we have a less than normal rainfall this season, the reservoirs will drain again without enough snow pack to refill them.
Russ
That is not good, water is an essential. I can send you some of our rain…. if only that was possible. I am sure in your home you preserve and save water where possible. No garden hoses for example.
Thank you, Ute. We spot-water only the plants we want to keep during the morning or evening hours. We let or lawns die years ago.
If your still looking for readers, I’d be glad to help…my schedule has calmed down a bit and I can do that for you now.
I’m honored by your offer and delighted to hear it, Mrs P! I plan to send it to you in the next 1-3 days after I do one more run-through from start to finish. Thank you!
Russ
Looking forward to it!
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Thank you for spreading the word, Annette.
Russ
I just sent you an email 🙂 happy to help.
I just saw and replied to it. Thank you for your kind offer. I’m honored, and gladly accept! I plan to send the draft in 1-3 days after another quick run-through. It’s tough to let my baby out into the world, yet I want the world to experience it.
Russ
Yowzers. That’s awesome! Congratulations. What a great feeling that must be. You’re inspiring me to wrap up the many loose-ended projects bouncing around my laptop.
I like that word “Yowzers.” It’s smile-inducing. Thank you for your kind comment. I’m honored by it, and look forward to experiencing your writing.
Russ