Set in Nebraska, Parallel Opposites is the unraveling of two strangers searching for resolution. Each are on narrowing paths they fear won’t bring change. After an abusive relationship, Laura has met someone she believes she needs but finds it increasingly difficult to express herself, unless she smokes marijuana. Meanwhile, Michael has moved into an apartment where voices return to him after doubts about making it on his own. Both feel disconnected from the world and need to lead themselves when no one else can.
The following is what a subsidy publisher had to say in reviewing my work:
"Parallel Opposites" takes into account a particular vision of human nature, relating a story about the peaks and valleys normally defining an effort to find, keep, or reconcoile the loss of a bond with another person. While probing a notion of family bonds, you consider how the past might influence a person's choices. As if through the perspectives of diverse characters, particularly Laura, you investigate issues relating to identity, spirituality, and love in various forms.
...As the work progresses, [Laura] and the others navigate a series of experiences, some of which compel them to investigate personal motivations and responses....
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Comments: 8
I have just finished reading the section of your chapter you sent. Sorry it took so long. I have been buried deep in a rush edit for an agent who - shock - has expressed interest in a book. Not Shadowboxer - something more recent. Anyhow, as a writer, I'm sure you understand. It seems like a lot of life around me suffers when I get in that zone.
Where to begin? Let me start by saying that I have a deep respect for the way you think and the journey you have clearly been on. Reading your writing made me feel as if I were learning an entirely different way of being - and yet it felt familiar at the same time. Like I was exploring an aspect of my own mind, but something so deep that it is only semi-conscious. (What can I say? I'm a Gemini. haha)
I think you are a great writer. As such, I think you are going to possibly experience a great deal of trouble getting published. I don't say this to discourage you - it's just that I recognize in what you've written the elements of what is usually not readily approved by the general public. It's the sort of thing that people recognize in time as revolutionary or great. It makes me think of Joyce or Faulkner - not in the same style, mind you, but in level of difficulty and genius. I mean this as a compliment - not a criticism. Respect.
As far as constructive criticism goes, I suppose it would depend on your goals for this book. To make it more readable (read: dumbed down), I would suggest you edit down some of the internal thoughts of Laura. There do seem to be some redundancies, which I believe you have intentionally put there for effect. But, if your goal is to publish, you will need to "get there faster," in order to appease the masses. On the other hand, these thoughts also serve as evidence of the way Laura feels trapped by them - and my suggestion of whittling away at them seems almost obscene.
I would be really interested to see more - to see where you're going with your character's journey.
Best,
Erika