On 25 Nov 2013 at 5:27pm Reader wrote:
Having now read this, I am guessing that DM Stone is older rather than younger, male rather than female and that English is not their first language. Interesting.
Hot, warm, cold? Anyone know?
On 25 Nov 2013 at 7:23pm Mme B wrote:
Interesting theory. What makes you think English not first language?
On 26 Nov 2013 at 7:47am DM Stone wrote:
Nice try.
On 26 Nov 2013 at 8:02am Reader wrote:
A couple of things for example; at one point the author refers to a ten pence piece as a "10 p bit", at another point teenagers get "restive". Although restive is a word, it wouldn't be used in that context, and these two things (and many others) would never be written by a native speaker.
Having said all that, I am always impressed by people with imagination, and the drive and tenacity to get it all on paper!
On 26 Nov 2013 at 8:14am DM Stone wrote:
Oxford dictionaries - restive
adjective
(of a person) unable to remain still, silent, or submissive, especially because of boredom or dissatisfaction: the crowd had been waiting for hours and many were becoming restive
On 26 Nov 2013 at 8:37am Reader wrote:
That would have been a much much better use of the word.
And by the way it isn't a pi$$ing contest.
On 26 Nov 2013 at 8:37am DM Stone wrote:
Why do get a thumbs down?! It's the right word in the right context.
I'm interested in how you think you can identify my gender.
On 26 Nov 2013 at 8:39am Belladonna wrote:
Reader - I can understand the query over 'bit', which sounds American, but your quibble over 'restive' is puzzling. There's no reason at all why it shouldn't be coupled with teenagers - in fact its a very apposite description- and not sure why it would indicate someone is not a native English speaker.
What are your other examples?
I deal frequently with checking writing from non native English speakers and the most common trait is dropping the use of definite and indefinite articles. That and poor spelling.
On 26 Nov 2013 at 8:39am DM Stone wrote:
Don't get you. Not a pissing contest, but you have to allow me to answer criticism.
The context is exactly the same.
On 26 Nov 2013 at 8:40am Reader wrote:
honestly, it wasn't me that did the thumbs down (I don't use those). There must be a silent partner in this conversation..
On 26 Nov 2013 at 8:48am Reader wrote:
Sorry DM, my intention wasn't to criticise, I rather like the mystery of the pseudonym and was light heartedly trying to work out the background of the writer. That's all. The context didn't appear correct to me because I did not get the impression that the teenagers had actually been at the party for hours.
On 26 Nov 2013 at 8:55am DM Stone wrote:
No probs.
You may be right about the 10 p bit. It's an expression I use but that may be due to my (apparently) advanced age.
I have actually provided a biog on the Amazon page
Check it out here »
On 26 Nov 2013 at 9:04am Belladonna wrote:
If you'd said 'tuppeny bit' you could be accused of being ancient !
On 26 Nov 2013 at 9:13am Reader wrote:
Yes, or thruppeny bit, but that didn't make me think you were old...:-))
oh, and I read the Amazon blurb when I downloaded the book...
On 26 Nov 2013 at 9:26am DM Stone wrote:
This new money is so confusing...
I would like to know how you think you've worked out my gender.
On 26 Nov 2013 at 10:20am Clifford wrote:
Is it a first novel? Some of the opening sentences are a bit strained. No criticism though, I've never got past writing the first 20 ages so admire anyone who can complete.
On 26 Nov 2013 at 10:29am DM Stone wrote:
Sorry you think that. It's the first one that's got this far.
I think that everyone could so with an editor and a proof reader, but I haven't had either.
On 26 Nov 2013 at 10:31am Sweet Pea wrote:
Rather stereotypical (and incorrect description) of who lives in Lewes. The majority are working class, probably born nearby and couldn't give a toss about 'alternative' lifestyles.
On 26 Nov 2013 at 11:00am Lewes Smuggler wrote:
S - Very true, but unfortunately the more "vocal" section of the town's population (unfortunately) are probably not locally-born working class people.
Witness the large number of posts on this forum from people who think everyone has money to spare like they do, and that everyone can, and should, oppose fracking, buy organic, oppose bonfire, stop moaning about local house prices, and bemoan the loss of over-priced trendy or "designer" shops etc.
They are the only ones who have so much spare time to air their views, most working class people are too busy putting bread on the table or shoes on their kids feet to worry about other things that they see as beyond the day to day reality.
On 26 Nov 2013 at 11:13am DM Stone wrote:
I wrote about the Lewes that I know.
On 26 Nov 2013 at 12:19pm Zebedee wrote:
I think you're very brave for putting your head above water in this anonymous nest of vipers so I'm going to read your book.
On 26 Nov 2013 at 12:31pm DM Stone wrote:
Thanks. Hope you like it.
On 26 Nov 2013 at 2:06pm Bookworm wrote:
Well, DM, I enjoyed the book. I have the feeling it is a roman a clef, and feel disadvantaged because I don't know what situation or person is the origin. And I know you are not going to tell me!
On 26 Nov 2013 at 3:05pm Jane S wrote:
Clifford's perhaps right about just the first page or two, but then you hit your stride (writing, as you say, about what/ who you know - this isn't an official biography of Lewes!). Evelyn Waugh used to write a book and then delete the whole first chapter, as he found that it improved the book no end.
You sound pretty first-language-English to me, and I agree with Belladonna about 'restive'. Oh, and I think you're female! but I can be shot down.
On 26 Nov 2013 at 3:15pm DM Stone wrote:
Bookworm - Thanks - It's not though. I've been on the wrong end of planning applications but that's it. Everything else is made up. Emily certainly isn't me. I hope! You're right that I'm not going to tell you though 
Jane S - Maybe you're right about the start. Maybe you're right about me too 
The thing is, if I 'came out' everyone I've ever known would think it was about them.
On 26 Nov 2013 at 6:43pm wrote:
I very much enjoyed your book. I admire your efforts and wish I had the ability to have a go myself. It was made all the more interesting because I'm quite new to Lewes but could identify with many places. Thank you and hope you will keep up with your writing.
On 26 Nov 2013 at 7:54pm DM Stone wrote:
Thanks so much.
On 26 Nov 2013 at 8:05pm Clifford wrote:
Anyway, DM Stone, congratulations for completing the novel (many try, few succeed), sharing it with us, coming on here and engaging with us. We hope for more.
On 26 Nov 2013 at 8:36pm Kevsy wrote:
Just finished it today and I really enjoyed it, thanks for the read
On 27 Nov 2013 at 8:37am Zebedee wrote:
Have installed Kindle app on tablet and bought book. Read 900 pages in bed last night (despite rolling into bed at 12.30 am). Having lived in Brighton and Lewes at the times described and knowing exactly what PRINCE is (or more exactly PRINCE2) I am greatly enjoying the book. Love the depiction of the wimpy liberal Lewes residents and the Essex Daily Mail Tories. Spot on.
Only one factual error so far.... our beloved Ouse....... it can be described as brown, grey or muddy..... but not snot green!
The author is female and 54..... and probably moved to Brighton from a home county to attend Sussex University. She has one or two kids, now of an age to have left her enough time to write a novel and possibly is having an affair (or split from her partner/husband..... or maybe just thinking about it). She is not a supermodel.
Interested to know about the choice of moniker.... DM Stone.
On 27 Nov 2013 at 8:56am DM Stone wrote:
Ha ha! You are partially right, however I am much more connected with the area than that.
The name is based on my porn name. (If you know how they are constructed...)
Thanks Zebedee and Kevsy.
If you enjoyed the book please could you review it on Amazon.
Obviously don't bother doing this if you didn't like it.
On 27 Nov 2013 at 8:59am Zebedee wrote:
56?
On 27 Nov 2013 at 8:59am Bookworm wrote:
PLEEEEASE tell me "porn" doesn't mean what I think it means.
On 27 Nov 2013 at 9:01am Zebedee wrote:
No.. name of first pet plus name of road you grew up in. Mine would be Samantha Bubblestone (really)
On 27 Nov 2013 at 10:16am Reader wrote:
I thought it was name of first pet followed by mother's maiden name.
A friend of mine thought it hilarious that his would be Sooty Balls.
On 27 Nov 2013 at 6:39pm Belladonna wrote:
Tango Alley. Hmmm
On 28 Nov 2013 at 8:00am Webbo wrote:
You can buy the book here and the kindle app is free to download for Mobiles and desktops
Check it out here »