I am looking for beta readers for my first short story I have completed!
Swaps: I am open to swaps around similar genres.
Word Count: 9,640
Title: The Madness of a Woman
Genre: Literary Fiction | Psychological | Women’s | LGBT
Blurb: On a rainy afternoon, Nell and Stella open their door to an unexpected visitor, who appears to have descended into madness. As paranoia seeps into their lives, they must uncover the truth and reclaim what the world once tried to define for them.
Content Warning: Mild suggestive sexual language
Timeline: Flexible
Looking for: Feedback around general concept, theme and flow.
- Does the symbolism feel effective and provide enough clarity?
- Is the theme represented clearly throughout and in each character arc?
- Does the ambiguity feel cohesive, or are there areas where it creates confusion?
First Paragraph:
It was a Sunday, rain fell from the grey, gloomy sky in a steady but heavy stream, collecting in shallow pits that pooled around the house. Nell wrapped herself in a robe the color of melted candle wax and curled into the yellow-striped wingback chair in the corner of the fire-lit room. The fireplace crackled softly as she watched the embers glow red and fall to ash, forming a smoldering heap below the fresh-cut and split logs. The air was thick with the scent of smoky pine and bitter wood as the flames cast shadows that flickered and danced along the walls.
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