Gliding by Night

GLIDING BY NIGHT
This is an interesting story. J makes a good main character. I like the way he never gives any more of his name than an initial to people; gives him a real air of mystery. It’s interesting how people in each bar not only know him but what he drinks and even what time he will arrive. It’s a good way to show this is his nightly routine without actually saying that. Not the fastest paced story ever, but one with a lot of depth, I think you’ll find an audience of young adults for this who will ever identify with J or wish they were like him. I’m starring this and adding it to my shelf. Wanttobeawriter: Who Killed the President?

I think the voice is real. If your voice is real, you're winning the battle. I was reminded of Irvine Welsh, don't know if he's a writer you admire or not. Either way, good luck with it, Jed.

This is by far my favourite book so far on this site, Jed writes with a realistic , informative , creative flair, you really feel you are living his experiences along side him. As a librarian I read many many books from many genres and this book from a new up and coming author is a breath of fresh air . Have put down my 50 shades of grey (rubbish books!) and given my attention to Gliding by Night! Give it a go and I'm sure you won't be disappointed! x

I can say that there is something genuine here - your expression has authenticity - it's real , and we believe what we read as a slice of life . I think the story would develope very well and the characters appear true to life - a refreshing read with lots of interesting detail , I like it very much . - thanks and goodluck !!!

Just arrived and after tasting a couple of the books I found this and was very impressed. It inspired me to join up (I'll upload my book in a few days time) but was eager to comment on this.
But, sorry, forgive my newbie ways, should i post a full crit here or is it better to go on the forums to do that?
Tell you what, a short crit here. I loved the book. I feel there is a film or TV play in here. There aren't overly many "bloke" books but I think you've achieved the mix between the hard outer armour we wear and the soft (but not always soft) inner core. The skill in peppering it with reference points, those "I've done that" moments, is impressive.
If I may ask, did you write the chapters in the order they are in the book? The slight change of view in Henry's (where the inner thoughts of others apart from J are first made known) made me wonder if it was an early-written chapter?
Also (another question, I'm sorry) were you tempted to make Danny a bigger character? The violence he carries with him gives a good buzz. I'm imagining you holding yourself back from including more details of him "in action" outside The Furnace. But, of course, it is a pivotal moment for J and he has to retain focus. A difficult balance to strike.
I also wondered if you might have similarly underused Sophie early on. Was that intentional?
Actually (and here's a compliment for you mate) my biggest criticism is that it isn't long enough. I'd like to see inside Sophie's head, I think I'd like more Danny. Howabout a sequel? I want to know what happens to Poppy.

This is a very well written and edited story. I didn't spot any typos, but I would check your usage of semi colons; some of them weren't between two complete sentences.
I read the first six chapters and if I hadn't read the pitch, I would be under the impression that this whole story was one long pub crawl. I'd like to see something at the beginning that comes from a later chapter. Not so much a prologue, but I would consider the structure of the book, so that the reader gets something to be intrigued by at the beginning. So they would wonder how J got into his predicament. You have all the story – I think it could be changed around a bit to get the reader hooked at the start.
When I've read more I'll try to figure which part would work best.
High stars for now and staying on my watch list to read more.
Take care, Jes.x

Hi Jes,
Thanks for taking the time to look at this and for your kind comments. Semi colons can also be used for lists where elements thereof also require a comma so I hope my usage is correct. In regards to your other point I wanted the reader to experience/enjoy/endure the 'monotony' of the pub crawl once, as J does every single day to emphasise the rut he is in. It also make parts two and three of the book even more poignant. I believe it would also 'hook' a certain type of reader whom I am aiming any contained 'message' at. However, if you can suggest a viable alternative I would be intrigued to look at and consider it. Thanks once again and I look forward to any additional comments or support you can offer.

This is a very well written and edited story. I didn't spot any typos, but I would check your usage of semi colons; some of them weren't between two complete sentences.
I read the first six chapters and if I hadn't read the pitch, I would be under the impression that this whole story was one long pub crawl. I'd like to see something at the beginning that comes from a later chapter. Not so much a prologue, but I would consider the structure of the book, so that the reader gets something to be intrigued by at the beginning. So they would wonder how J got into his predicament. You have all the story – I think it could be changed around a bit to get the reader hooked at the start.
When I've read more I'll try to figure which part would work best.
High stars for now and staying on my watch list to read more.
Take care, Jes.x

Read your first chapter. Already very intrigued. It reminds me of when I was a student, pints, pubs and pals were a constant theme. Very well written, love the raw and gritty language that suits the setting brilliantly. Definitely going to keep reading, good luck with the rest.

Hope you enjoy my book.

Daryl.

Hi Jed...sorry it took me so long to get here to give a read. I've only read the first two chapters. I almost didn't make it past the first one to be honest. Maybe it's my frame of mind...I don't know but I didn't find it interesting. I had a hard time getting a fix on J's age. He drinks, he gets on the bus...some other people get on the bus. I don't know but I really didn't care. I decided to get on to chapter two to see if it grabbed me at all, and it was better. I got a real sense of the place and the people, but again...people sitting around talking and drinking. Big whoo. Now from your pitch I see there will be a big fight and J will be hurt and he'll do some soul searching, I guess. That sounds like that could be interesting, so I promise to try to get back here and read a couple of other chapters. I haven't made my mind up about this yet. I'm a bit confused. I don't NOT LIKE it, but it hasn't hooked me yet either. Hope this finds you well.
All the best,
Sheri Emery /Crazy Quilt

Hi Jed...did the magnesium ribbon bit myself...great story. It's a gritty take on life from the perspective of a young man with everything to lose and hellbent on losing it. I like the "Ellen" element and the way you have turned me from disliking the character at the outset to understanding him better as the story unfolds...a lesson for us all there, I think.
Well written and deserves recognition.

Jed,

I read the first chapter. It's delighful stuff and will deserve a high rating.

I hope you intended the reader to be unsure whether to like or dislike J. It wasn't his drinking, smoking and general way of life, but his disregard for law and order that will set many readers against him. Punching the new students, kicking in the bus-stop window, that sort of thing.

Lovely that he has a diverse range of music tastes and seems to have a lot of friends. I can definitely feel a split audience. But, you are portraying a complex character, and this comes across very well, even if we struggle to get into his head.

I spotted one small error: "Well, they did knew he was J at least." should be "Well, they did know he was J at least."

Best wishes
Warrick
"Sleeping With God"

It feels like a return to Gonzo Journalism - hopefully an agent or Harper Collins associate can recognize that, too

Jed,
This is about Jed on a dissolute course, drinking, partying and chasing hot chicks. His reckless lifestyle reaches a critical point when he gets into a fight that sends him to hospital, and he deliberates on a change, turning his back on all the nonsense. Your narrative is gritty, reflecting harsh reality in clear, punchy sentences. Your dialogue is steeped in local color and attitudes. The sad twist at the end is brilliant. Thank you so much for the intriguing read.

Kenneth Edward Lim
The nNorth Korean

Great book, great dialogue, flows with ease and high stars!!

How real is this? I can so relate to a lot of this and I can so relate to the pub crawl thats for sure. You have a good voice here and I can see this doing well if you get behind it and push it. I enjoyed it and think a lot more than me will also enjoy it. Well done.
Sean Connolly. British Army on the Rampage. (B.A.O.R) Please consider me for a a read or watch list wont you?
Happy New Year. Sean

Yes, the bar crawl- surely a universal experience of the young and irresponsible. Wresting the car keys from drunken friends, getting into brawls on the sidewalk, catching exotic diseases from complete strangers in the 'Shag Alley' of whatever town you may be in- maybe it is because I am older and wiser, now, but I find the whole thing entirely distasteful, wicked, and basically impossible to put down. Your writing style makes me want to continue even though my skin is crawling with disgust. I have to see what terrible thing is going to happen next, even though I really do not want to. Curse you Jed Smart! Curse you for making me relive this crap!

Ah yes, this is truly a contemporary novel, filled with complete uncensored realism from the opening chapter. The author hits the boards running, placing the reader in a pub/music venue scene at the height of its noise and consumer banter. It lays the foundation for a plethora of pub experiences that J and his cohorts experience on their pub crawls and through their alcoholic hazes. It is intentionally brash and forthright to reflect the nature and character of the drinkers, and the unassuming folk they run into during their pub to pub travels. Though a fiction, it has the feel of at least being part autobiographical. Highly starred.

Clive Radford
Doghouse Blues

Thanks Tod, I will definitely look at your book as I write a lot of children's literature myself.

Great voice and tone in your writing. While the writing is literary, it is subtle about it. The characterization is rich and detailed, and you show rather than tell an enormous amount, which is a sure sign of someone who knows what he's doing. I particularly like the fine details, such as the way he fixes his hair, or the parking attendant's perceptions.
Nicely done!
Best of luck with this!
And if you have any interest in children's literature, do drop in on the Lost Wink.
Thanks!
Tod
http://authonomy.com/books/40646/the-lost-wink/

Great voice and tone in your writing. While the writing is literary, it is subtle about it. The characterization is rich and detailed, and you show rather than tell an enormous amount, which is a sure sign of someone who knows what he's doing. I particularly like the fine details, such as the way he fixes his hair, or the parking attendant's perceptions.
Nicely done!
Best of luck with this!
And if you have any interest in children's literature, do drop in on the Lost Wink.
Thanks!
Tod
http://authonomy.com/books/40646/the-lost-wink/

Thank you, your comments and backing are very much appreciated.

GLIDING BY NIGHT
This is an interesting story. J makes a good main character. I like the way he never gives any more of his name than an initial to people; gives him a real air of mystery. It’s interesting how people in each bar not only know him but what he drinks and even what time he will arrive. It’s a good way to show this is his nightly routine without actually saying that. Not the fastest paced story ever, but one with a lot of depth, I think you’ll find an audience of young adults for this who will ever identify with J or wish they were like him. I’m starring this and adding it to my shelf. Wanttobeawriter: Who Killed the President?

GLIDING BY NIGHT
This is an interesting story. J makes a good main character. I like the way he never gives any more of his name than an initial to people; gives him a real air of mystery. It’s interesting how people in each bar not only know him but what he drinks and even what time he will arrive. It’s a good way to show this is his nightly routine without actually saying that. Not the fastest paced story ever, but one with a lot of depth, I think you’ll find an audience of young adults for this who will ever identify with J or wish they were like him. I’m starring this and adding it to my shelf. Wanttobeawriter: Who Killed the President?

Hi Jed, This is a really interesting piece of work. I loved it. You have a good grasp of the story and delivered it very well, setting the scene of the bar and then the dialogue of the friends. I thought the argument was spot on, and I loved the residents complaining whinges. I thought it was responsible to bring in the bit about drugs and I hope people will read this and get the message, too many people say 'there will always be young stupid people who drink and smoke' but I am convinced knowledge such as books like this have demonstrated the dangers all too clearly. Well done, High Stars and Good Luck.

Kindest Regards and Best Wishes
Lenny Banks - Tide and Time: At The Rock.

Backing and reading your book. Very good.

Great read. Would make a great film. You
Have to write a sequel!

Hi Maria,
Thanks for your comments. None of the backers are fake - some are friends who are having trouble with the site. If you like the book perhaps you would like to back it?!
Cheers
Jed

We do what we wanna do so get out of the way we're the wrecking crew. I knew a guy who listened to the Meteors a lot.

You have a great skill for writing and this is the type of stuff which does well.

I saw that 66 people have backed your book and thought 'wow'. Unfortunately a lot of them only have your book on their shelf and look like fake accounts which this book does not need because it can go all the way on its own merits.

Great writing

Maria

We do what we wanna do so get out of the way we're the wrecking crew. I knew a guy who listened to the Meteors a lot.

You have a great skill for writing and this is the type of stuff which does well.

I saw that 66 people have backed your book and thought 'wow'. Unfortunately a lot of them only have your book on their shelf and look like fake accounts which this book does not need because it can go all the way on its own merits.

Great writing

Maria

Am loving this and I can really picture it all as I read it.

Bloody good fun

Hi Steve, Good to read your comments. Yes it was written in the order of the chapters but there was very much a film in mind throughout.
As for a sequel, I have an interesting concept for that as I agree there is more to be heard from the characters. However, the priority for now has to be promoting this one so thanks very much for your support. (I too am new to this so don't really know the protocol for comments or forums etc.)
Let me know when you upload any work as I would of course be very interested to have a look.
Kind Regards
Jed

Just arrived and after tasting a couple of the books I found this and was very impressed. It inspired me to join up (I'll upload my book in a few days time) but was eager to comment on this.
But, sorry, forgive my newbie ways, should i post a full crit here or is it better to go on the forums to do that?
Tell you what, a short crit here. I loved the book. I feel there is a film or TV play in here. There aren't overly many "bloke" books but I think you've achieved the mix between the hard outer armour we wear and the soft (but not always soft) inner core. The skill in peppering it with reference points, those "I've done that" moments, is impressive.
If I may ask, did you write the chapters in the order they are in the book? The slight change of view in Henry's (where the inner thoughts of others apart from J are first made known) made me wonder if it was an early-written chapter?
Also (another question, I'm sorry) were you tempted to make Danny a bigger character? The violence he carries with him gives a good buzz. I'm imagining you holding yourself back from including more details of him "in action" outside The Furnace. But, of course, it is a pivotal moment for J and he has to retain focus. A difficult balance to strike.
I also wondered if you might have similarly underused Sophie early on. Was that intentional?
Actually (and here's a compliment for you mate) my biggest criticism is that it isn't long enough. I'd like to see inside Sophie's head, I think I'd like more Danny. Howabout a sequel? I want to know what happens to Poppy.

Just arrived and after tasting a couple of the books I found this and was very impressed. It inspired me to join up (I'll upload my book in a few days time) but was eager to comment on this.
But, sorry, forgive my newbie ways, should i post a full crit here or is it better to go on the forums to do that?
Tell you what, a short crit here. I loved the book. I feel there is a film or TV play in here. There aren't overly many "bloke" books but I think you've achieved the mix between the hard outer armour we wear and the soft (but not always soft) inner core. The skill in peppering it with reference points, those "I've done that" moments, is impressive.
If I may ask, did you write the chapters in the order they are in the book? The slight change of view in Henry's (where the inner thoughts of others apart from J are first made known) made me wonder if it was an early-written chapter?
Also (another question, I'm sorry) were you tempted to make Danny a bigger character? The violence he carries with him gives a good buzz. I'm imagining you holding yourself back from including more details of him "in action" outside The Furnace. But, of course, it is a pivotal moment for J and he has to retain focus. A difficult balance to strike.
I also wondered if you might have similarly underused Sophie early on. Was that intentional?
Actually (and here's a compliment for you mate) my biggest criticism is that it isn't long enough. I'd like to see inside Sophie's head, I think I'd like more Danny. Howabout a sequel? I want to know what happens to Poppy.

Chapter 1 is visible again now

Hi, couldnt open chapter one, so jumped in at 2.. well hooked so i will try and read chapter one later.. its great. realistic, the dialogue is great. Your writing is vibrant, descriptive and compulsive. well done

Kate

Off the rails... and if you have time, have a peek , will be very grateful.

Added to WL and rated will back asap. Sue 'It's a Dog's Life'

Hey Jed, great work sir! I am proud of you and wish you all the very best with the book.

Kind regards

Jase

Hi, couldnt open chapter one, so jumped in at 2.. well hooked so i will try and read chapter one later.. its great. realistic, the dialogue is great. Your writing is vibrant, descriptive and compulsive. well done

Kate

Off the rails... and if you have time, have a peek , will be very grateful.

I can say that there is something genuine here - your expression has authenticity - it's real , and we believe what we read as a slice of life . I think the story would develope very well and the characters appear true to life - a refreshing read with lots of interesting detail , I like it very much . - thanks and goodluck !!!

This is by far my favourite book so far on this site, Jed writes with a realistic , informative , creative flair, you really feel you are living his experiences along side him. As a librarian I read many many books from many genres and this book from a new up and coming author is a breath of fresh air . Have put down my 50 shades of grey (rubbish books!) and given my attention to Gliding by Night! Give it a go and I'm sure you won't be disappointed! x

I think the voice is real. If your voice is real, you're winning the battle. I was reminded of Irvine Welsh, don't know if he's a writer you admire or not. Either way, good luck with it, Jed.

After reading only several pages, I can totally relate to J. What I think really think sells this book to me, as I really can imagine this could be anybody who you would see, having a few drinks at your local pub...

Hooked already and only halfway through chapter 2!

Well done Jed!!

I would start it "J stirred, turning over he opened one eye." Some grammatical error but I think that you are off to a good start.

Jed,

You introduce your main character and send us on a ride of alcohol, bar hoping, and brawling.
Your descriptions for this topic are detailed. An entertaining read.

Good luck!
Sara Stinson

Jed,

Really enjoyed the first chapter. Great description of boozing and nights out in general. I can def relate to it..!

It's five stars from me :-)

Please take a look at my book 'Broken Up, Breaking Down' if you get a chance (chapter 4 is a good old alcohol induced tale!)

Eddie

Cheers Eddie, Will do.

Jed,

Really enjoyed the first chapter. Great description of boozing and nights out in general. I can def relate to it..!

It's five stars from me :-)

Please take a look at my book 'Broken Up, Breaking Down' if you get a chance (chapter 4 is a good old alcohol induced tale!)

Eddie

your general use of narrative and dialogue works very well here. l will back.
read SEASONS...

i think this will hit close to home for many, because the main character reminds me of many people i know...well done.
j
what every woman should know

Love the language and the characters. Felt quite melancholic but also very vibrant, very 'Bristol' ;) ???!!!

well done Jed!!!! E