Ierrech
Super hard. Especially since I have no background in engineering or mechanics. Can't even change my own oil. I also haven't explored steampunk as much as I'd like to.

The novel's turned out much better than I expected all things considered. It continuously challenges me with a theme I'm not super comfortable in. On the flip-side, my novel contains mana which is a super cheat code for me lol.

      Ierrech Thanks for the review. I'm glad you like it. I'm a new writer, so I'm struggling with the balance between world-building and action. I've been shifting chapters and scenes around like crazy since I first wrote this a week ago.

      The next chapter was actually the first one I wrote, but then I was like "If I were a reader, would I give a sh*t about these idiots running around in the sewer shooting at giant bugs?" So I added two chapters to introduce the main characters, which became four chapters. Right now I'm tempted to add even more, but I'm restraining myself. Gotta get to the action before the audience gets bored :D.

          ImBloo
          I know the struggle lol. I was told my 1st novel was too slow-paced. My 2nd novel which is doing better has been deemed as too fast-paced. Such is life lol. I get a funny feeling my 2nd novel will get really popular right around when I run out of stuff to write and finish it. Then I'll be back to square 1 lol.

              SnoozySloth Yep I spotted that (your lack of engineering knowledge) too in the first few chaps. Though you wisely dodged that later with the addition of mana. But personally, I think having some simple background knowledge will not limit your options, but give you more ideas instead.

              Anyway, care for a review swap :D?

                  ImBloo
                  Sure. Yours was already in my library from an earlier forum thread anyways. I remember discussing the synopsis with you before =p. I try to check out some new entries each writing contest, but I was way too slammed during the cyberpunk contest lol. I'll probably get to your book sometime today or tomorrow.

                      BabyTanuki reviewed! Only reached chapter 4, but enjoying it alot ;) I genuinely felt happy and cute when they said that other guilds won't have such a cute mascot :) that got me hooked... lol.

                      Do you need help editing...? I could probably edit a chapter a day...

                          Ierrech I couldn't force you to edit for me! But thank you very much for the offer! Just this week I took away my bonus chapters so I would have more time to edit my past ones. I was previously doing 7 a week + about 2 bonus which was killing me... I still need to pay back my readers with bonus chapters, but I will try to edit ahead of you that way you can enjoy a more streamlined version of the story!

                          Still editing one of my bonus chapters for this past week, will work on your review afterward (only on Chapter 3).

                              BabyTanuki How about I try my hand at editing some chaps...? Do you keep the backup raws in doc or txt format...?

                                  SnoozySloth reviewed! I was wondering why you would write about something you're not familiar with, then I realised you did really well in the competition! Grats! And going well!

                                    [unknown] I do it in google docs. Also, finished doing a review for you

                                      ImBloo thank you! Looking forward to more chapters ;) lemme know if you want help editing... since you have fewer chapters, it shouldn't be so tough haha!

                                          Hmmm, reading this gave me a few spontaneous ideas on how I'd like to write a novel and put my own personal spin on it if I ever did write a novel. After all, he who is a critic must have a clear understanding of what a novel is lacking or overdoing to be able to point it out. From the standpoint of a reader, I'm sure there's some wisdom for a writer to be gleaned from and gained. Who knows maybe you should try to read other novels and look at it from different perspectives, what do you like about them, what are they missing, what are they over-exhausting, what would you do if you were their shoes in regards to specific chapters, character evolution, or arc development.

                                          I think that you're not confident enough in your own opinion and the countless possibilities to be able to press forward, that's why you asked for others opinions originally out of anxiety. Not that I'm saying you shouldn't listen to the opinion of others, that's a critical thing a writer has to have, no one likes a jackass who doesn't listen to others and their critiques. In any case, just keep doing what you're doing and slowly gain experience, level up and if that doesn't work change your grinding spot and use different tactics such as kiting.

                                          Then again I haven't slept for two days nor have I properly written a novel before so I might just be rambling nonsense -shrugs-

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