I'll read yours then you read mine

Hmmm - XY -- I like the name! Why don't you post the first chapter or two? I'm interested. How would you categorize this work? Romance? Speculative fiction?

http://www.abctales.com/node/547873 Never mind -- I got it at the above link. Note: Juliet, you can add a hyperlink here very easily. Just go to the page, copy the URL from the top of the browser, and then paste it into place. I'll give this a read. The synopsis looks very interesting.

Okay, I just finished chapter #1 and I like what I read so far. I am definitely intrigued by the prologue and the first chapter is steamy enough to keep me going on to the next one ;-) One thing that keeps me going is the faith that the story is going to be more than just a picture of a world without men, and that there will be some definite plot twists and conflicts. This is not a new premise (I've read many stories of this nature.) It's an old but good concept, and agreeable to may possible twists and subtexts. Specifically, my main question after reading chapter one is (quite naturally) what happened to all the men? There could be many possibilities, and I'm eager to find out the details. I'm hoping it's not biological warfare--I would think that would be a bit ordinary unless you could throw in something unexpected. I always find it bit daunting when reading a new novel. There is always the chance you get the end and find yourself unsatisfied--so you've spent a lot of time--for what? So sometimes it's good to lay some heavy foreshadowing down at the start. I think you've done this, but I would be reassured by just a tiny bit more--maybe a paragraph or two that is baffling now, but will be clearer on further reading. (I get the hit of this in your prologue.) I'm thinking that there will be something at the end of your story that will leave me sitting for a while in silence--pondering the meaning of it all. I think your using the right amount of description. (Some may disagree with me, but I usually prefer terse to overdrawn--my opinion only.) My favorite lady science fiction writer is (no surprise) Ursula LeGuin. You've got a very clean style and I found it very easy to read. I'll be watching for the next chapter. I don't really have must posted here. Why not review someone else? Take a look at this writer--one of the editors, so it doesn't hurt to sing his praise. (He is also one of my favorites -- no really -- really!!) http://www.abctales.com/user/tcook

Wow, what a unique idea!! During a Creative Writing class, we were given a writing exercise about a world were either men or women did not exist. I found it quite difficult to write, but you really seem to have done really well! The imagery and description is great so far and it really kept me interested. I would love to read more and find out what is going to happen and why there are no men left! Definately a novel I would buy!! Ive posted a chapter of a novel...fell free to read it and tell me what you think.

Juliet - I will get round to reading your novel but for the moment have a large backlog of 'unread' items to clear - I do have to read a lot on here! Not that that's an onerous burden. I can think of far worse ways to spend large chunks of my days! I big thankyou to Charles as well for flagging up my work. I find that as I read so much on here that I seldom get time to write myself - I'm so busy thinking about what others have written. It's the curse of Editorship. It's given me the impetus to get back to writing in a more serious manner. Thankyou.

Tony, you should chase up those new editors of yours...Then you may have a bit more time to write some new stuff of your own!