Volunteer wanted

[RobS]

As some of you may know I am currently unemployed (almost 5 months now) and so have a bit of time on my hands in between applying for jobs. Many years ago I wrote a couple of books about aviation (one of my great loves) and have written a few articles for magazines here and there.

I have just started to write a book of memories about birdwatching (from 1959) and wondered whether anyone would volunteer to read what I have written so far - its only 1100 words so won't take long.

Nobody on here knows me (so that is a key element) so hopefully will not be favourably biased. What I want to know is whether is makes you want to read more or not basically?!

If you would like to read it then if you can PM me with an e-mail address or I can then give you my e-mail address. (Don't forget to write AT instead of the symbol so the wretched spammers don't find your e-mail address).

Thanks in advance.

Regards

Rob S

[faz]

ill PM you rob would be hounerd to resd it and give my honest view

[nikolai_avenger]

PM sent.

[faz]

Originally Posted by faz

ill PM you rob would be hounerd to resd it and give my honest view

read

[RobS]

Thanks will reply in a moment.

Would like to thank the first person to PM me who has now read it, you know who you are, many thanks

Rob S

[RobS]

Thanks to the three guinea pigs today I am very grateful and appreciate your comments and encouragement, thank you very much indeed.

Regards

Rob S

[Kayleigh]

Can we have the critics views as it would be interesting to hear their opinions..

[RobS]

Well I can tell you that the three people liked it and asked to see some more, one of them made a good point about one bit which I have now rewritten and expanded.

However if they wish to share their views then please post!

Rob S

[nikolai_avenger]

I found it very readable to be honest. The bit about what the locals call the Scilly Islands.. laboured.. a little, but it was for the purpose of making a point. That is really the only critisicm, as such, apart from the unforgivable crime of not mentioning Mr. Alan Shaw in the list of great birdwatchers. Overall it is a good intro to what I am sure would be an enjoyable and sideways look at a popular pastime that I feel is sometimes taken too seriously.

This leads me to wonder : What is your target audience exactly? Who are you going to sell it to? ... 'Serious' birders/twitchers may perhaps not appreciate your perspective necessarily but it may be a little 'in depth' or...ahem... 'anally retentive' (your words) for a novice. I am probably wrong about this, however. Of course, if you are only writing for fun then it doesn't matter.

Personally speaking, I read it for the birding aspect 30% and the humour/style 70%. Looking forward to the next bit. Get that pen (keyboard) cracking.

Cheers. Nik.

[RobS]

The audience would be anyone willing to buy it!

I suppose it was aimed at people at my level of birdwatching and below, particularly those who don't take it too seriously - like me.

I very much doubt it will ever make it into print though. As I said I have written two books before and I published them myself. One sold 225 copies (all that I had left after the first print run) and the other was an unmitigated disaster!

I just couldn't be bothered or afford to get this one printed, and the thought of hacking it around publishers with the inevitable rejections doesn't thrill me much - I've had all the rejection I need for 2010!!

The point about the Scillies is well made and I agree - laboured. I wanted to 'educate' people and did wonder about footnotes in place where I ramble but as a personal choice I don't like footnotes. But I will go back and edit it.

However thanks for your kind words and also the others who have enjoyed reading it and, hopefully, been amused!

Regards

Rob S