Chris can write??

[c_nordlander]

OK... as you may know, I finished a novel (not my first, but arguably my best so far) a while ago. And now I've translated it into English, I figured I might mention it here, in case anyone wants to read it. If so, just post here and announce your willingness to have it e-mailed to you.

So, a little blurb-like thing:

"The Book of Beasts" (a novel by Christina Nordlander)

This story begins in a slightly alternative Sweden under the control of a repressive government. Aerin Persson, a bright but somewhat erratic nineteen-year-old, has just come back from Christmas after studying abroad. While in town with her mother to watch a fireworks display, she does something rather too impulsive, and her world comes crashing down over her head.

So... to say more would be to spoil. If the above summary doesn't give it away, this story is quite dark, not to say depressing in places, and rather violent and twisted, though (to the best of my knowledge) not tasteless. Oh, and I've worked hard on it and am quite pleased.

Anyway, drop in a line here if you want to read it. As usual, stringent criticism is very desirable. Current readers are Kenneth, Søren, Terry, Jenny and Graham. I'd like to thank them for their encouragement, without which... well, I'd have finished it anyway, but it would have been more boring.

[D.B.]

*drops chris a line*

[Dagdamor]

Of course I want to read it too, Chris.
Dark and violent? After "The Yellow Mile" by Jenny I'm afraid nothing. (*nervously looks around*)

[Meteorite]

Me me me me! I said it first!

[c_nordlander]

And here's the image I'd like to see on the cover: "the snake sheds its skin" from a bestiary.

[Jase_to_the_Izzo]

I want to read it!!!

jarb66@mizzou.edu

[c_nordlander]

I'm afraid you'll have to wait a couple of weeks, seeing as I've gone back to my family for the holiday and didn't bring the English version. But I'll send it as soon as I'm back in Manchester. Thank you!

[hadisia]

Ooh, I'll have to read it after school dies ends. I'm not sure how much I can help, though.

I like the cover picture.

[c_nordlander]

OK. I'm bumping this thread because I'm intending to edit this novel and try to find an agent for it, so again, allow me to implore everyone who's currently reading "The Book of Beasts" and isn't too busy to bombard me with comments (via e-mail or PM) if there's anything you think needs changing or improving. (If you've already done this, disregard this request.) I'm not forcing you to, but it would be immensely helpful.

I'll be trying to publish the Swedish original, so I'm not really looking for spelling/grammar nitpicks (though I don't mind them either); more on the lines of descriptions, plot, characterisation and other stuff that isn't language-based.

Oh, and if anyone wants to read this novel and hasn't been sent a copy yet, now is the time to ask.

[c_nordlander]

Just a small, hopefully undemanding note: I intend to try to send my final draft of this novel to a publisher pretty soon, so if you've read it and haven't already given me your comments, I would be very very grateful if you would. PM me the comments, or email them, or post them in this thread, any way is fine.

[Terry Y]

"Book of Beasts" or "Jack of Swords?"  I haven't read the latter.  And I'd have to re-read the former, but I remember I liked what I read of it.

[c_nordlander]

Heh, thanks. It's "The Book of Beasts". (I haven't actually let anyone read "Jack of Swords" yet, so don't worry about that.)

I'm not pressuring you to give me con-crit, but if you do, I will naturally be very grateful.