I am getting ready to work on my November Novel Month novel. I would like to finish the work that was in the "Guess The Author" thread, but I forget the number.
It is yet another King Arthor story, but with what I believe a fresh new approach, or better, an Old, Traditional approach. Instead of going into historical/roman/celtic angles I went back to Mallory and brought back gallant knights in armor, chivalry, etc. etc.
When my first chapter was reviewed by a writing group, however, I got a big complaint that it was too dependent on my knowledge of the myth. It would only be appreciated by experts and Arthur fanatics.
This scared me. I didn't want to waste time writing something only I would understand and appreciate, so I went on to other projects.
Then I realized that the reviewer who brought up those problems may have just been a stupid jerk. (He didn't like unanswered questions either, which are mandatory for any first chapter)
I need an unbiased opinion. Is this story worth continueing or is it confusing.
Anyone willing to read my first three chapters and give me their honest opinions, let me know. You can e-mail me, or if your email is in your file, I'll send it to you from that.
Remember, I don't need a full critique. Those take time. I just need to know if the rough draft I've created is worth polishing.
[ November 19, 2003, 04:26 PM: Message edited by: Dan_raven ]
Posted by Sopwith (Member # 4640) on :
Dan, feel free to send it on to me.
I've run into that problem with review groups before as well. You throw out the first chapter or two and there's always someone who wants the whole book spelled out in the first paragraph. They often style themselves as the big literary critic of the group, but often their impatience belies, well, a lack of maturity.
Someone once said, avoid review groups like the plague, they are often filled with could have beens, never wases and I could do it betters. Instead, put your time into churning out your own story, for that is what you have to offer to your overall audience.
But hey, your mileage may vary.
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
I'll read it Dan--send it on!
Posted by Dead_Horse (Member # 3027) on :
That sounds good! Count me as a volunteer.
Posted by larisse (Member # 2221) on :
Dan,
You can send it my way, too. My e-mail is in my profile. I cannot guarantee a speedy return, but I will get back to you on it.
And you had to go and remind me that Nano starts tomorrow now didn't you. Hmmm. Like the big 10/31 didn't do it already. Well I am committed. Might as well do it.
Posted by eslaine (Member # 5433) on :
quote: When my first chapter was reviewed by a writing group, however, I got a big complaint that it was too dependent on my knowledge of the myth. It would only be appreciated by experts and Arthur fanatics.
They do not take in the scope of the number of people that are more informed on Arthur. The ancient stories of Arthur were a popular source of entertainment for centuries. There is no reason that the old themes could not be entertaining again.
Posted by Boon (Member # 4646) on :
I'm in!
Posted by BelladonnaOrchid (Member # 188) on :
Count me in, Dan! I'm always up for reading about ol' King Arthur . I believe my hotmail account is in my profile, so send away!
Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
Send it on!
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
OK. This is the cut off. No new contenders please.
Posted by Wonko The Sane (Member # 2945) on :
come on, me to plz
Posted by Scott R (Member # 567) on :
I'll read it! I'll review it! I'll put it in a blender than thoroughly stew it!
Posted by amira tharani (Member # 182) on :
Go for it - my email address should be in my profile, if not post back here and let me know.
Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
You can e-mail it to me if you want my point of view. I won't be able to say much things about your style because I'm not used enough to read literature in English, but I may help bout the story.
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
Sorry Folks, I can't spend all day sending it out. I am busy writing more. I've sent out a bunch, but no more.
Posted by Sopwith (Member # 4640) on :
I've recently read the first chapter...
Dan, I wish I had something to be critical of, but WOW!
You have one of the smoothest styles I've seen. Short sentences, but perfect word choice. The flow is steady and elegant, you don't really notice the pace of the writing until you reach the end of the chapter. Seamless work.
The subject matter, while a tried and true warhorse, is handled deftly and lovingly, there is life here among the old dusty standards. Well done!
Edit to add: Thinking back over the last year, most of what I spent money on to read wasn't as good as your work. Wow, once again.
[ November 03, 2003, 04:51 PM: Message edited by: Sopwith ]
Posted by Sopwith (Member # 4640) on :
The second chapter, Guinevere, was another tour de force. A few typos, but once again, a truly compelling story. Bravo!
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
I was going to send out the finished next two chapters at the end of November as a thank you for these reviews. (That was my NoNaWrMo goal this year)
That may not be possible.
Lancelot is almost done (Working on him at home), but Mordred (working while waiting for my computer to move at work) ran into a snag.
I've been building up to the scene where Mordred kills his mother in a fit of rage. Doing some research I discover that Mordred did not kill his mother, (he does kill his mother's lover with a dagger in the back). It was Gaheris who did the matricide.
While this will work well--Mordred prompting Gaheris to catch Lamorak and Morgause together being mirrored by the scene where Mordred prompts Agravain to catch Lancelot and Guenevere together--it does mean a rewrite.
I don't think I'll finish it in a weak, but I'll send it to you guys when its done.
Thanks again.
Posted by HollowEarth (Member # 2586) on :
you might want to watch those homophones in your actual novel, dan.
![[Wall Bash]](graemlins/wallbash.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
. I believe my hotmail account is in my profile, so send away!
![[Smile]](smile.gif)