Jungle Alpha Call 2 and Hunter/Hunted Update · 7:54pm Jun 26th, 2019
News post! Let’s dive right in!
So, first up, let’s talk about Jungle. For those of you for whom the name doesn’t breed instant recognition, Jungle is the sequel to Colony, that big Sci-Fi Epic I released a few years ago that was a smash hit. Jungle is currently in Alpha, and moving along at a steady clip. I’m still working on having this one out by the end of summer/early fall. Which means in the coming weeks I need to start working on the cover while the first cycle of Alpha readers finish making their way through it.
I can already tell it’s going to be good. I’m getting Alpha read notifications at four and five AM, and the tension of readers as they make their way through the chapters is ratcheting up (I know this because I get comments). So far it’s looking pretty good.
However, I do want to widen the pool a bit. So I’m opening up a second Alpha call for Jungle. I’m looking for a few more Alpha readers willing to run through it in its current state and take a look.
Alpha Reading, though. Not Beta. For those of you not familiar with the editing process, Alpha Reading is not concerned with typos or the like. Alpha Reading is about the big things. Does the plot make sense? Did this chapter drag? Was this chapter exciting? What are predictions for the upcoming chapters? Was this concept adequately explained or was it confusing?
Beta, which comes later, is all about the typos and whatnot. Because there’s no sense in fixing them if the “fix” is in a section that may be rewritten.
But Jungle is still very much in Alpha right now. Chapters are still open to being modified extensively, even with whole sections rewritten if needed (though that hasn’t happened yet; at most there’s just some trimming and small rewrites).
So, if you’re interested in playing a part in the Alpha of Jungle, leave a comment or contact me through the usual channels. The most headlong of the current Alpha readers is about halfway through, so you’d probably be able to catch up.
Commitment warning: The current draft of Jungle is about 456,000 words. Yes, that is gargantuan. Even longer than Colony (there’s a reason for it, I swear). So yes, it is a significant time investment. On the other hand, you will get to read the whole work before it ever comes out (please don’t spoil it for those who are waiting eagerly for the release) and be able to offer feedback that can help polish that final release.
So again, if you’re interested, fire me a line via the usual methods. If you’re new, I’ll set you up with a few chapters to cut your teeth on, and if you’re a returning Alpha Reader from before who now has the time, welcome back!
Now, that’s it for Jungle news. Well, almost. Just let me express how awesome this story is. I don’t want to spoil anything but if you enjoyed Colony you’re going to love this, and be taken for a surprising ride as well.
I’m not going to say anymore than that. Now. on to Hunter/Hunted.
I blame that, partially, on my being in Hawaii right now. Woo, time zones!
My Dad has expressed interest in helping alpha read this, if you'll have him. He was a pretty big fan of Colony. I can send you his email address via PM or email, if you like.
Ha! That'll teach you to write multiple concurrent epics. It's a good thing you didn't try to write more in Shadow of an Empire's setting, though maybe you could've made some short stories work.
But yeah, Jungle is great so far. Even if the mystery is driving me up a wall a little...
5080292
Oh, there will be more in Indrim's setting ... just not for now. I want to finish off Colony's setting first.
But yeah, PM me your dad's email and I'll set him up with the test chapters!
And man do I miss Hawaii! It's so pretty! Hope you're enjoying the trip!
5080601
I did, apart from the migraine.
I'll fire that email your way.