[Lazamataz]

It’s not autobiographical, is it?

Nope. It's a science fiction novel, about First Contact as well as many other things.

[ComputerGuy]

OK. I might could read it then.

[z3n]

Assuming you have a strong vision of the story arc, and also assuming you do not have a problem fleshing out your characters, then I would suggest dividing up the progression of your story arc into smaller concise groups, then go through each one and how you can make each of those stories of their own merit. Sub-plots with arcs of their own.

By doing that, you wont be diluting your content with verbosity or artificially florid words-smithing.

[xp38]

It's a science fiction novel, about First Contact as well as many other things.

First contact is clearly about hitting it right?

[Magnum44]

It's a science fiction novel, about First Contact as well as many other things.

[The Duke]

Hey! I'm *EXACTLY* where you are with my own dystopian sci-fi novel. In fact, my word count is 17162, and it *IS* work. The biggest problem I find is working through transitional parts of the story.

Also, I've had to learn how to handle dialogue. I've been using the 'Claude' AI site to do proofreading. It's actually pretty good at making suggestions.

I'd be happy to co-critique if you want. I can also provide my work-in-progress in PDF format.

[FrozenAssets]

Did he strain his eyes through the windscreen?

[StAnDeliver]

"It's a science fiction novel, about First Contact as well as many other things."

I would read that, especially if the green alien gal is hawt.