The Calamity Girl - The Promotion

Love your title, and your MC. I did notice some grammatical errors--inappropriate apostrophes and a "why are he" instead of either "why are you" or "why is he," but overall it's entertaining, fun, and something that I think would grab a lot of women. Does need some editing, but I can see this becoming a hit.

Total 4,440,819 views reached on idea girl consulting word press - my music, movies and entertainment blog.. send videos for posting to my youtube account

http://www.youtube.com/ideagirlconsulting

http://thecalamitygirl.wordpress.com/2010/08/19/the-calamity-girl-1-rachel-tornquist-linda-randall/

http://thecalamitygirl.wordpress.com/2010/08/19/the-calamity-girl-2-lori-winters-linda-randall/

http://thecalamitygirl.wordpress.com/2010/08/19/the-calamity-girl-3-michael-ferreras-linda-randall/

http://thecalamitygirl.wordpress.com/2010/08/19/the-calamity-girl-4-visits-tucson-arizona-squidoo-linda-randall/

http://thecalamitygirl.wordpress.com/2010/08/19/the-calamity-girl-5-visits-cote-de-caza-linda-randall/


Heres the 5 book trailers I made so far about the characters settings and story lines

http://theideagirlsays.wordpress.com/2010/07/17/authonomy-the-calamity-girl-the-promotion-comments-linda-randall/




Here are the videos - movie trailers - fictional character profile videos that I've made about this novel - The Calamity Girl The Promotion

You have some wonderfully told accounts within your text. Your writing is fresh and doesn't seem like it is manufactured. Best of luck with this book. Please remember December Gold in your reading and comments.

Dear LInda
this book cover was the thing that grabbed me and your pitch took me to totally wanting to read your book. Just loved it so far, your characters are so vivid and are in my head and it feels as if they are not leaving for quite some time ha!. I have not read it all but will commented when I have more . I just wanted to be part of your rising to the top so
I wanted to give a small comment and back it so I could assist in its climb to the top. I will comment further later so till then
BACKED BY ME FOR SURE
If you would take a look at my book, give comments ( positive I hope) and BACK it that would be soooo great. if not that is OK also
VERY best of luck
Denise

Hi Linda,

This is chick lit extraordinaire! I just love your wit and humor. You have a real commercial possibility here1

BACKED
Elizabeth Wolfe (MEMORIES OF GLORY)

Here is your chance to get a double backing. My friend, homewriter, and I have similar taste in writing and trust each other's judgment. Back my book and leave it on your bookshelf. Then do the same for his, "The Harpist of Madrid." Once the backings register, he will give you a return backing guaranteed. Just let him know in an email that you've backed my book as well as his. You might have to be a bit patient as we're 6 time zones apart. But you'll have two backings guaranteed on your excellent book. Of course, comments are always welcome too!

Hi Linda ...

This is not really a style of writing I would usually read (being 65 and male) but I will give it a go. I think it lacks the punch needed to grip the reader in the first few chapters. There is a tendency to write contradictory terms and to overwrite.
Chapter one, 3rd paragraph: '... I change my hair colour every couple of months'. At the end: 'So when the seasons change so does my hair colour'.

Paragraph 6: the tenses in this paragraph appear to be jumbled and make little sense. 'I had a business degree under my belt ...' This should be: 'I have a business degree under my belt ...' or does she not have it any more?

'They look exactly like the ones that the Prince and Genie wear in the Disney movie called Aladdin'. First, Prince and Genie do not need capitals in this instance and I would re write this: 'They look exactly like those worn by the prince and genie in Aladdin'.

The use of the Movie title: 'Dude where's my car'. is unnecessary the second time in the following paragraph.
I apologise for my pickiness. 'Backed' Regards ... Duncan.

http://theideagirlsays.wordpress.com/?s=Authonomy+-+The+Calamity+Girl+-+The+Promotion+-+Comments+-+Linda+Randall

made a video with several authors from authonomy that commented on my book i'll be making more soon!


plagarma
telegraph - CW Coleman
fletcherkovich
johanna kern
homewriter- gordon
rusty bernard - margaret mazzone
amy loves books
laurelle austin
udasmaan - shah

I love the tone of this. Its got the right sense of vigour and independence that your lead has. The long pitch is interesting and makes the reader want to find out more. Backed.

Chase

Edgy and topical and perfect for today's working men and women. Loved it.
CG

Hi.
You certainly have a straightforward and appealing voice and way of writing that seems effortless. I would only suggest that you give us a little more drama. I found myself skimming through looking for something pivotal to happen - and in fact, that should happen in your very first pages. I think I found it perhaps -- with Michael? The shoe incident? And when I got to chapter 3 -- I had a sense of -- "Ground Hog Day" waking up again and thought I had already read that chapter. While I get that we are living along with Rachel, the mundane stuff is simply that and either has to be richer in language or some how more significant than just helping to paint Rachel as a material girl. We need to care about her more. That seems to start to happen in chapter 3 --although I suggest you paint some scenes to illustrate i.e. how Rachel used to be depressed , etc.
I hope my feedback is helpful. I like getting specifics myself so hope you do too.
Best,
Tricia

Wow – you’ve written a lot of books! So I’ve chosen this one to look at because it’s first in a long list. I’m not sure your pitch does full justice to it, though. The short pitch is intriguing and to the point, but the way the long pitch is presented doesn’t engage. Then when I started reading, I found the me me me in the opening paragraphs a bit introspective and again, doesn’t make me want to continue. This is because I have no emotional attachment to the MC at this stage and have no desire to keep reading about her. However, the line: _No one seems to take my ideas seriously_ brilliantly tells me so much more about her. It gives an insight into both her character and her situation. It has humour, which is essential for this genre. This is what’s hooked me, and now I want to know more. I think you should seriously consider starting at this point. All the best with it. ZP

"No one seems to take any of my ideas seriously." Well, join the club. As with The Munroe Mansion, your descriptive style is sleek and clean - little extra trimming around the edges. Just enough to paint a picture in my mind. A case in point: "Suddenly three black Cadillac's flew into his driveway and several men in black suits surrounded the house with guns. Then there was a loud pounding of fists on his door." Nice. I love the line: "The agent said anything that comes to earth from the sky belongs to the government." I guess they have the rights to the sun's rays, huh?

When I get a little more time during my upcoming vacation, I'll try to read some more. I'm enjoying this so far. Thanks for uploading the complete text. I want to see where you are going with this. Backed for now.

Hi Linda
There are some great anecdotes and thoughts here and I enjoyed your writing style. What I enjoyed most was the fact that Rachel is just like a normal person, the narrative is very down to earth and it comes across as really credible.
DP Walker
Five Dares

Hi Linda
There are some great anecdotes and thoughts here and I enjoyed your writing style. What I enjoyed most was the fact that Rachel is just like a normal person, the narrative is very down to earth and it comes across as really credible.
DP Walker
Five Dares

Hi Linda

I like your pitch, I like your cover, I like your style, this is my kind of book! If only it was already published, then I could buy it and take it on holiday with me next week. Backed.

Nicole (Chosen)

Hi everyone creating videos of your comments.. thanks for being so creative with them! posting them on youtube and on my writing blog the idea girl says...

http://theideagirlsays.wordpress.com/2010/07/17/authonomy-the-calamity-girl-the-promotion-comments-linda-randall/

Well writen and entertaining work. What more can you say except I'm backing you.
Plagarma

A good read crafted with a poetic voice that holds our attention. Charcters and diolouge are engaging from the first word. C W

Hi Linda.

You will get your promotion soon.
I read your work and found it entertaining. I admire your simple but very comprehensive plot. The messages you imparted in your book, are so transparent that never trust any stranger nor giving them your love. I am amazed at the range of writers who have published work on Authomony. Many works on this site would not be out of place in High Street book shops. I think that it is more a reflection of the state of the publishing industry these days, rather than a reflection on the quality of the writing, that so many talented authors find that their work is not taken up by publishers. I will back your work as I feel that your efforts deserve it. Best of luck.

FLETCH
STORIES FROM A LEAKING MIND

Beautifully written and convincing. I'll come back to read more, given time. Backed for its supreme quality. Gordon, The Harpist of Madrid

I found the best part of your writing to be your fluid narrative. Your have uniquely demonstrated your character's propensity to be conflicted in her views, and this is executed in a humourous and innocent way. Backed.

Laurelle
One of the WAGS

Great read! Very engaging and beautifully written.

Backed with great pleasure.

Johanna Kern
Master and the Green-Eyed Hope

Very interesting take on the first person narrative. Almost as if a diary has come to life. It's engaging, and quite funny in parts. Backed with pleasure.

Amy
Love Match

Hi ,

I have backed your book because I was hooked by the pitch, loved the introduction and read on. Like your style. Very snappy!

How much more I read depends on time and commitment.

Enjoy everything and good luck.

Rusty Bernard
Psychiatric Evaluation

Your style caught my eyes from the very frist word. Well done and good luck. backed

shah

You are totally fantastic, LInda. :) How can I ever thank you for backing my 2 memoir books? :)
God bless you. :) Love, Susie :)

Dear Linda, like a few other books I started this read a while ago. I have finished my read. You have crafted a really good book, and it deserves taking the time to back firstly for the skill you have shown as an author but also for the original storyline you have created. Yes I believed I have already backed this however I cannot find it so
BACKED for sure by me
I do hope you can cross over to my genre and review my book, please comment ( this assists me in honing my skill) and if you feel, back it.
Thanks and BEST OF LUCK WITH YOUR BOOK
Denise
The Letter

A gossipy style of writing about a gossip columnist – Perfect!
Now I know why my pillows end up on top of my head. I like this, it’s chirpy and entertaining and the story move along at a perfect pace. Think the encounter with Michael was very good. – Enjoying this!

I likeyour use of the first person narrative. It keeps the pace of your story flowing nicely and also allowed you to build Rachel's character well. A very enjoyable read. Backed

Andrew Burans
The RELUCTANT wARRIOR: tHE bEGINNING

It's almost like a stream-of-consciousness narrative but your loquacious style and observations save it from any gloomy introversion. The first chapter where you describe the market is ablaze with colour, though her prattle to the man selling belts I found a bit rambling because it did little to advance either plot or character.
Having said that, you understand your audience. The tone is perfect, the character of Rachel appealing and the excellent pitch promises a saleable book. Very best and backed. Lynn

Very well done. I'm happy to recommend and back Rachel's entertaining story. Good luck!

Richard Bard
BRAINRUSH (2010 ABNA Semi-Finalist)

Dear Linda, I got so excited when I saw that you had backed, "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not." :) Thanks so very much. :) Since I have already "backed" your book, I will put your book on my "watchlist." Could you please take a moment to "back" my completed unedited memoir version? "Tell Me True Love Stories," which at the end tells of my illness now & 6th abusive marriage. I'd be ever so grateful. :) Thank you. :) Love, Susie :)
authonomy quotes: "Every time you place a book on your bookshelf, your recommendation pushes the book up the rankings. And while that book sits on your bookshelf, your reputation as a talent spotter increases depending on how well that book performs.
When you back a book, it only improves the ranking of that book, not yours. However, the author whose book you are backing may decide to back your book also, in which case yes, your ranking would be improved...authonomy.

Dear Linda, I love your wonderful love story. :) I wish I could have one that would last happily ever after. Before I began to read your book, I was prepared by your pitch, which was very well done - it hooked me. :) Your story is good because you create interest by having short paragraphs & lots of dialogue, which makes me want to keep reading to find out what's going to happen next. I'm "backing" your book: When you back a book, it only improves the ranking of that book, not yours. However, the author whose book you are backing may decide to back your book also, in which case yes, your ranking would be improved...authonomy. :) Please "back" my TWO memoir books, "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not" & my completed memoir unedited version? "Tell Me True Love Stories," which tells at the end, my illness now & 6th abusive marriage." Thanks, Susie :)

p.s. Remember: Every time you place a book on your bookshelf, your recommendation pushes the book up the rankings. And while that book sits on your bookshelf, your reputation as a talent spotter increases depending on how well that book performs. :)

Hi, Linda -

This is a funny and very entertaining read. My only criticism is about the dearth of dialog.

I realize it's first person and a blog/memoir, but all the telling of what people said works to slow down the read.

Backed.

And I'd love it if you could take a look at my book.

Best of luck.


-Jeff Lee
THE LADIES TEMPERANCE CLUB'S FAREWELL TOUR

Your protagonist Rachel Tornquist is such a believable character. I'm sure I've met her or women like her. There is just something about her that keeps the reader engaged with the story and hoping something good will happen for her. I like the relaxed friendly style of your writing, and I was more than happy to back you.
David
Bailey of the Saints

I'm glad you like Rachel Tornquist because she actually is almost 90% real. It's a tale of fiction but some of the "stories" told are the truth which is probably why Rachel is so real. Rachel and I (my character) have been doing research for this series of books for about ten years. (my dating tales, mixed with other girls tales) To say that I used to be a lot like Rachel, would be true.

I'm a huge fan of the first person narrative, and of women's literature. This is a good read, and I wish you well with it.

Amy
Love Match

Thanks! I was nervous at first trying to write in first person. I actually found it tedious and boring to write it that way. In the munroe series (other two novels posted) I use third person which was a lark, because I could get into EVERYONE's head and have lots of fun. With the first person, it was all about Rachel's point of view.

In the third book (not written yet but i've created a screenplay which I want to spin this story off from) I want to switch to third person (maybe the second as well). Will that be a problem for the readers? Or do I have to continue book two and three in first person? Need advice :) thanks.

Linda, I would perhaps tentatively suggest you simplify your pitch - it's a bit complicated going from rich to calamity - but I like your first person POV and looks like working out to be a good page-turning romance. Tania, This Last Summer

Rich to calamity? hmmm not sure what you mean. Rachel is a billionaire, incognito as a regular person at a company. Calamity girl is because she is constantly plagued with bad luck but has learned to live with it.

I'm not sure how to put that into words... any suggestions please?

Linda, I would perhaps tentatively suggest you simplify your pitch - it's a bit complicated going from rich to calamity - but I like your first person POV and looks like working out to be a good page-turning romance. Tania, This Last Summer

I'm a huge fan of the first person narrative, and of women's literature. This is a good read, and I wish you well with it.

Amy
Love Match

Your protagonist Rachel Tornquist is such a believable character. I'm sure I've met her or women like her. There is just something about her that keeps the reader engaged with the story and hoping something good will happen for her. I like the relaxed friendly style of your writing, and I was more than happy to back you.
David
Bailey of the Saints

Linda, your first-person, narrative voice charmed me all the way through the first chapter. Good mix of narrative and dialogue.

Happy to back this.

Joffrey (The Silver Spoon Effect)

thanks for backing my book, glad you like it..

This is an interesting story. Rachel is a good character because of her "calamity Jane" problem. As a lot of us are like her, I'm predicting this will find a wide audience of people who want to read about her and see how all of this turns out. I’m adding it to my shelf. Burgio (Grain of Salt).

thanks for backing my book. I like hearing it will appeal to a wide audience. thats what I wanted for this and my other novels..

This is highly entertaining, I loved reading about Rachael going round the market buying lots of bargains. I have a whole big house packed with such purchases. I already like her and wish her well. Very happy to back this book.
BADD

thanks its good to know that you live like me and rachel LOL thanks for backing my book

Linda, your first-person, narrative voice charmed me all the way through the first chapter. Good mix of narrative and dialogue.

Happy to back this.

Joffrey (The Silver Spoon Effect)

This is an interesting story. Rachel is a good character because of her "calamity Jane" problem. As a lot of us are like her, I'm predicting this will find a wide audience of people who want to read about her and see how all of this turns out. I’m adding it to my shelf. Burgio (Grain of Salt).

This is highly entertaining, I loved reading about Rachael going round the market buying lots of bargains. I have a whole big house packed with such purchases. I already like her and wish her well. Very happy to back this book.
BADD

Wow, this is really very good and well written. I'm going to back it. Good luck, it should do well on here.

BD Nelson
Abigail's Cries

thanks 4 the kind words.. it makes my day.. im not sure what msgs Ive responded to.. the system here is kind of awkward.. too bad its not set up like twitter where i can see who and what ive responded to.. wish they had a calendar on the side instead of clicking next, next, next.. to go back 2 weeks.. god where did the time go? LOL

Excellent idea for a book. I love the opening of chapter 1 and couldn't help smiling when you mentioned ANTM, hopefully you know what that stands for, it is one of my favourite tv shows. Chapter 1 has an excellent pace and does a brilliant job of setting the scene. Love the descriptions and the brilliant writing that was easy to read. Backed with pleasure.

Sandie
The Crown of Crysaldor

thanks 4 backing.. i love ANTM.. creativity at its peak..