Wrote a book

[elmacgyver0]

I just bought the paperback.

[Wayne Smith]

If you want criticism, it's too nice for a serial killer book. To add the depth you need to explore evil in very real terms. Read some of the work by FBI profilers. At one point in my life I thought I wanted to do that work. Reading those books convinced me that I did not want my mind to enter the minds of the truly evil. As a beginning consider the fact that there is little if any difference between the completely selfish mind and the evil mind.

If, like me, you decide not to go there change the genre in which you write. Westerns, Science Fiction, Historical Fiction, etc. are all available.

[Biganimal]

Just downloaded it. I will read it tomorrow & give an honest review. Congrats on your accomplishment.

[Preacher Jim]

Idaho read your book, I enjoyed it killer was whom I pegged. Liked it well enough will read the next in the series so get writing.

[adcoch1]

Went and ordered a paperback copy. Can't wait to read it. My brother is an aspiring writer and I've found I really enjoy reading novellas from him and others recently...

[redhawk0]

I agree with Preacher Jim...I finished it as well and I had the killer figured out. Looking forward to what happens next....and a picture of that blonde on the cover would be good

redhawk

[Idaho45guy]

I agree with Preacher Jim...I finished it as well and I had the killer figured out. Looking forward to what happens next....and a picture of that blonde on the cover would be good

redhawk

Yeah, that was the common feedback I got from family and friends; that the killer was too easily identified earlier on. I agree.

It seems that in mystery/thriller books, there are two approaches to the antagonist. The first is to keep their identity hidden from the reader and then at the end, have a surprise reveal. The really good ones can have you thinking one character is the killer, then at the very end, add a mind-blowing twist in which a character you didn't suspect was the actual killer.

The second approach is one in which you know who the killer is from the outset, and the book plays out as a nail-biting cat and mouse game in seeing the protagonist prevail in the end.

I went for the first option but didn't really pull it off very well and gave away too many clues. Live and learn.

[Idaho45guy]

If you want criticism, it's too nice for a serial killer book. To add the depth you need to explore evil in very real terms. Read some of the work by FBI profilers. At one point in my life I thought I wanted to do that work. Reading those books convinced me that I did not want my mind to enter the minds of the truly evil. As a beginning consider the fact that there is little if any difference between the completely selfish mind and the evil mind.

If, like me, you decide not to go there change the genre in which you write. Westerns, Science Fiction, Historical Fiction, etc. are all available.

I understand. The appealing thing about my main character is that I can have his next adventure be either another murder case, or he could face a corrupt timber company, or be fighting wildfires in California, or travel to Puerto Rico to provide law and order for a hurricane-ravaged community (my buddy who is a USFS LEO actually did this a couple of years ago).

So the character is eminently malleable in that regard.

I'm still trying to decide which direction to go for the next book.

[Wayne Smith]

You did an excellent work in character development, and description and in the development of the plot. Those are part of the most difficult areas of writing. I know I am a terrible, boring writer. LOML edited our son's first book, and he called himself Tobias Mastgrave. He also self published on Amazon, search for Tobias Mastgrave and you will see some of what I was describing in my criticism. His description of sin is an excellent example of what is missing in your book. He has never yet finished his desire to do three books, one describing sin, one forgiveness, and one grace. He is now ABD (all but dissertation) for his PhD in comparative ethics and busy finishing his dissertation and raising two and soon three children with his wonderful wife. I hope he will eventually finish the series he first described.

[clum553946]

I really enjoyed your book. It was reminiscent of some of William Kent Krueger’s offering & I read it cover to cover! I hope you continue the series & write more episodes. I also think your natural talent will improve your writing style but there’s really not that much that needs improvement.

[KMac]

I finished it. Here is what I think. I am by no means a critic. Grew up as a kid without a TV in the house and have read a lot of books in my life. The characters you developed were really to my liking. The details you give when writing were just the right amount for me, I read every word and really enjoyed it. In my opinion you have a knack for it, and you should definitely write more books. I guessed right on who the
killer was but the writing was strong enough it didn't bother me. Will buy your next one for sure and looking forward to it.

[Idaho45guy]

I really enjoyed your book. It was reminiscent of some of William Kent Krueger’s offering & I read it cover to cover! I hope you continue the series & write more episodes. I also think your natural talent will improve your writing style but there’s really not that much that needs improvement.

Thank you!

[Idaho45guy]

I finished it. Here is what I think. I am by no means a critic. Grew up as a kid without a TV in the house and have read a lot of books in my life. The characters you developed were really to my liking. The details you give when writing were just the right amount for me, I read every word and really enjoyed it. In my opinion you have a knack for it, and you should definitely write more books. I guessed right on who the
killer was but the writing was strong enough it didn't bother me. Will buy your next one for sure and looking forward to it.

Thank you so much! Very kind words.

[Battis]

How was the publishing process with Amazon?

[Idaho45guy]

How was the publishing process with Amazon?

It was amazingly easy. Had I already in my possession a finished and formatted manuscript, it would have taken me about an hour to completely submit and publish my book.

But, I had to have the manuscript sent out for formatting and editing. I was able to start the process with Amazon months in advance and get everything lined up and saved for the final version. I took my own photos for the cover and had more fun designing it than actually writing the book.

It was a pretty seamless and painless process and I would encourage anyone wanting to self-publish to check it out. Tons of videos on YouTube regarding the process.

[trebleplink]

Bought it, read it in one sitting. Good book. Keep polishing - you have the makings of a commercially successful writer.

[alamogunr]

I'm not quite half way thru the book on my Kindle. Don't know how long it took the posted readers to figure out the villain, but I haven't yet. I will say this that you have written at least as well as many of the authors of other "who-dun-its". Many authors of, quote, "Thrillers" don't do as well. I give up on some after one book(or less).

[Idaho45guy]

Thanks for the kind words!

I received my shipment of my own copies yesterday and will get them signed and sent out to those that requested them shortly.

[Biganimal]

Bought it, read it, loved it ! Only criticism I have is that the Torino engine had 700 horses and I do believe earlier in the script 652 hp was mentioned. But I may be wrong. Either way I enjoyed the book and am waiting for book two.

[Idaho45guy]

Bought it, read it, loved it ! Only criticism I have is that the Torino engine had 700 horses and I do believe earlier in the script 652 hp was mentioned. But I may be wrong. Either way I enjoyed the book and am waiting for book two.

Nice catch! I believe that was one of the details I was going to fix and it slipped through.