Comments on: Blood Rains: A Mick Priest Novel by Wyatt Harvey

By: SAMANA

SAMANA — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 06:40:45 +0000

Do you have copy writer for so good articles? If so please give me contacts, because this really rocks!

By: Wyatt Harvey

Wyatt Harvey — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:31:21 +0000

Thank you for your honest opinions. They are refreshing. They are worthwhile, too, I believe. In fact, I find merit and agreement with almost every word, though I do not attempt to ’sound like’ anyone I would read, as Nina suggested. To follow in ruts is to never cut a path.

By: Lauren Small

Lauren Small — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 20:43:29 +0000

This is certainly a reader-grabbing opening, done with a flourish in a style which evokes 19th century mystery writers. Getting into the narrator’s mind right away, he becomes a figure we will want to follow. It will be interesting to see how the author combines the religious aspects with the violence this opening suggests.

By: Nina Romano

Nina Romano — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:05:25 +0000

I agree with much of what Lauren and Melissa said, and maybe this seems a little harsh, but I think you need to simplify and cut much of the beginning…a word like “assuage” jumps off the page and doesn’t seem to go in this piece. You have a lot of good description–but it’s over-written. My biggest question is: who are you reading? Take a look at the beginnings and openings in these kinds of novels as you browse in bokstores. I think you’ll find the language used by these authors fits the genre. Wishing you much good luck as you re-think and re-write this piece. I would be interested in reading a revision.

By: Lauren Small

Lauren Small — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:44:30 +0000

Well, you definitely have me hooked, right from the title which is chilling and evocative! Priest comes across as an intriguing and sympathetic character with a strong sense of mystery–I want to know more. His name (and the cross he wears) create a sense of mystery in themselves. I would definitely keep reading. Your writing is very powerful, full of strong images–maybe too much? The opening dream sequence, to my mind, goes on longer than it needs to. Maybe try some judicious editing and paring down to see if you can tighten the pace.

By: Cutting Throats with Whisperings

Cutting Throats with Whisperings — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 13:20:42 +0000

[...] keeps himself from calamity" (Proverbs 21:23). He also keeps another from tragedy.Related blog postsBlood Rains: A Mick Priest Novel by Wyatt HarveyBlood Rains: A Mick Priest Novel by Wyatt Harveycutting throats with [...]

By: Melissa Westemeier

Melissa Westemeier — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:56:29 +0000

There is a dynamic sense of atmosphere–it’s chilling and suspenseful all at once. I am intrigued by the characters, especially the main one. I like how he is self-aware. I would definitely read more of this book, it’s descriptive and hints at a lot of action. For this part my suggestions are two: make “I wished she had not been dead.” your opening line because it is SO powerful and would suck a reader in more readily AND edit down a little the opening section where you describe the emotions while rewriting your sentences for a bit more variety. Several begin in the same way and while repetition is a good device, taking out some of the “I” and “She” would ramp your writing up another level.
Any time a character sees dead people, I certainly want to know why! You have my interest, Wyatt!