Calling all critics

As the first draft is complete on SotO, it's time to send a shout out to all those with a keen eye and the patience to read through unorganized drivel.  It's not so bad really, there are at least three good scenes in the novel.  Are you brave enough to wade through the mire of vague passive writing and clichés and help me tune this baby up?  

First things first, I am more than willing to do a draft swap.  In fact, this is what I would prefer, as I can imagine other writers are eager for a fresh pair of eyes rolling around on their writing too.  If you are just such a writer with a draft of your own, then we have something to discuss.  

Secondly, those of you interested in simply reading the novel, this isn't the time.  I have only allowed one person to read the first chapter, and was saddened when I did not receive one lick of constructive criticism.  This is a work in progress people, emphasis on progress. There is no way I can get this novel polished enough to submit to agents and publishers if all I here is "it's really descriptive; is there any more?"

There will be a time when you can read this story just to find out what happens.  I'll let you know
when I considered it submission worthy, and maybe then we'll talk.

I used to do a limited version of a writing workshop with my students. Groups of three students would sit down with their short stories and poetry and each asked to read their work aloud.  As they read, the other students would write down on a post-it one thing they liked, and one thing that could be improved.  I'm going to ask that anyone 
reading the SotO draft look for things they love and things that didn't make sense.  Yes, spelling 
and grammar stink in this thing (I was doing my best not to edit myself along the way.) But those are small issues that can be fixed in time.  What concerns me more are the plot elements, the characters, the stuff that just doesn't make sense.  

Lastly, you have to be prepared to read a traditional high fantasy story (219 pages singled-spaced, so I expect it to be about double that once I format it for reading.)  No, it's not Tolkein (which is both a good and bad thing really,) but it is the standard world with elves and dragons and knights and princesses.   Well, not completely standard, but you understand. If an evil wizard makes your skin crawl, this isn't the draft you want to read.  If a world infused with magic turns your stomach, don't volunteer to help.  I would rather the people reading the draft actually enjoy reading the genre.  After all, those are the people that will be my audience.  They my people, as it were.

So, if this sounds like your cup of tea (no pun intended ASG) then drop me a line.  Just because I'm not touching the thing this month doesn't mean others can't :P