Posted by Dave (205.188.196.36) on March 05, 2000 at 07:01:06:
Hi Carl,
I too do some writing on the side. Been working
on a novel for two years now called "The Fig Tree"
(fiction), and completely understand what you mean
by the "boring" spots. But, I've never read any book
that this wasn't the case, otherwise we wouldn't have
that connection to the characters down the line.
I cheated a bit and used the first chapter to grab
the readers attention, giving them some sort of anticipation as to what might lay ahead (although I'm
really just setting them up..heh heh). Next comes the
"boring part", but I wouldn't worry about that too much. It's probably only really boring to us, since we'd much rather get to the real crux of the story.
Funny thing is, as I have a few people I let read it as I go, they have actually said they'd like a little
more background and personality traits on some of the characters. I've only got 10 chapters, and find myself
going back to rewrite often. It's hard to be patient, and I've realized it's going to take some time.
As for publishing, I agree with Bob. Not that it isn't worth a shot trying Oprah. But, I've tried to get her attention before. I tried writing her a letter from the prospective of a child in a Greek institute for handicapped children. What this child saw around her each day, and the turmoils in her own life their.
I was sure this would at least get some type of follow
up...even a "Thanks but no thanks" would have been something. Instead I only got "auto-responses" that said they received the letter(s) ; )
But, I also found out that she gets hundreds daily from around the world, so it's understandable.
Don't let that "boring stuff" get to you. I'm learning there are ways to make it more interesting to you the writer. Things like getting the reader to say, " Yeah,
that person reminds me of someone I know....or yeah, I
know a shithead like that." All seems to help get through that stage of the book.
Hang in there, I for one will be looking forward to reading it.
Best of luck!
Dave