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Looking for Beta Readers for WW2 Historical Fiction

Discussion in 'Quill and Ink' started by WW2HistoryGal, Aug 27, 2015.

  1. WW2HistoryGal

    WW2HistoryGal Member

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    Hi all -

    In addition to writing nonfiction about WW2, I also write WW2 historical fiction. The novel I'm working on now is set in the autumn of 1945 and my main character is a Marine infantryman who served on Cape Gloucester, Peleliu, and Okinawa. I'm focusing on his return to the States and how he copes with reintegrating into civilian life, resuming his role as a father, etc.

    I've been reading a slew of memoirs from the Pacific Theater including E. B. Sledge's With the Old Breed, Sterling Mace's Battleground Pacific, Robert Leckie's Helmet for My Pillow, and many more.

    What I am hoping to do, though, is enlist a few volunteers who would be willing to read my novel (after I'm done writing it and before I submit it to my agent) to make sure that I got my character right. He's a Marine, and that is part of his identity. I want to do honor and justice to USMC veterans and I definitely do NOT want to portray my character in the wrong way.

    It will be conceivably be early next year before I'm finished writing this (I'm taking a trip to England in October that will hamper writing time, plus the day job and being a mother, etc., etc.).

    I can't offer any monetary incentive, but you would have my eternal gratitude.

    If this is something you'd be interested in doing, please let me know, either here or through a DM.

    Thanks. :)
     

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  2. Terry D

    Terry D Well-Known Member

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    I'll take a crack at it. Let me know when it's ready so I can plan the time.
     
  3. Slipdigit

    Slipdigit Good Ol' Boy Staff Member WW2|ORG Editor

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    I'll read it for you. I've published one book and helped edit another.
     
  4. WW2HistoryGal

    WW2HistoryGal Member

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    Brilliant! Thank you so much!
     
  5. WW2HistoryGal

    WW2HistoryGal Member

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    Terrific! Thank you so much!
     
  6. LRusso216

    LRusso216 Graybeard Staff Member

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    I'll give it a go as well. I read Jeff's book and gave him suggestions on it and I read another fiction book by an author here and commented on it with suggestions too.
     
  7. WW2HistoryGal

    WW2HistoryGal Member

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    Yay! Thank you!
     
  8. Slipdigit

    Slipdigit Good Ol' Boy Staff Member WW2|ORG Editor

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    You'll need a Marine to look at it. I punch up a couple of the jarheads here and see if I can get them to look at it.
     
  9. USMCPrice

    USMCPrice Idiot at Large

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    I'll read it, I enjoy a little historical fiction from time to time.
     
  10. WW2HistoryGal

    WW2HistoryGal Member

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    Thanks!
     
  11. WW2HistoryGal

    WW2HistoryGal Member

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    Wonderful. Thank you so much!
     
  12. formerjughead

    formerjughead The Cooler King

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    I'll take a look at it
     
  13. WW2HistoryGal

    WW2HistoryGal Member

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    Yay! Thanks so much. :)
     
  14. 15thusinfantry

    15thusinfantry New Member

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    I am a writer, and it's all I do. I read and research all of the time. A movie called Till The End of Time, is extremely spot on about returning vets It is as good as The Best Years of Our Lives. I always have time to read.
     
  15. WW2HistoryGal

    WW2HistoryGal Member

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    Terrific! I notice you're in the Midwest, as well. :) I love The Best Years of Our Lives. It's a fantastic movie.
     
  16. WW2HistoryGal

    WW2HistoryGal Member

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    I had to take a break on the novel I mentioned above and go back and edit another novel for my agent; but that's done and over with, so it's back to my Marine novel. I hope to have it done by May, if not sooner.
     

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