Don't worry, I'm not talking about you. Or you.
Truthfully, 95% of what I do read is not publishable. Usually the stories are good, but the execution fails. Poor spelling, no grasp of basic grammar (and I am not a grammar nazi, not even close) or a choppy narrative...Of that 95%, I'd say 80% can be redeemed, and most of them can be turned into something very, very good. Some even outstanding.
But...a lot of what I get is just awful, and it takes some consideration before I can tell the writer it really isn't going anywhere, and probably won't. I do that as little s possible, because almost everything does have a place and an audience, and if the writer is willing to do the work and learn the things they need to learn, it's worth the time and effort.
Yesterday I was asked by a casual online acquaintance to read a short story by a friend of hers. I don't know her well, but it was only a short story, and I had time--and no obligation to say anything beyond whether I liked it, or whether I did not.
So I said yes. And the manuscript I got was more novella length than short story, and a genre I don't typically read...Fantasy Romance. Whimsical fantasy romance. I'm not even sure that's a real genre, or just an apt description, but it fit.
And it was good.
I started reading last night at 10:30, and finished it at 1:30. I could barely put it down, and dang near wet myself because I didn't want to get up to pee.
I read it and finished it with the sense that when I grow up, I want to write like that.
So...keep your eyes peeled for a new writer named L.Donna Le'Donna (LOL no, I'm not kidding...that's her pen name) and a novella titled Rufus Romeo Enchanted.
It will so totally be worth it.
6 comments:
Well, now you're going to get about 20 pieces a week to read!
Where can I purchase a copy?
Please forward as necessary.
I like your books so anything that you like, I'll probably like also (or at least I'm willing to gamble on it)
She's still in the draft stage and is submitting to agents and publishers, but as soon as I know the publication date, I'll let everyone know.
That's why you need to read on something portable, so when you really, really can't put it down, you can take it with you.
Tara
I am in nodding acquaintances with several writers and would never presume to have them read any thing I have written, I know I can not write, spell or form correct sentences!
I'm with Christie. Do tell when you find out. And since I don't write for readership (which is a good thing when you consider my current audience size), I'm happy enough to read... vociferously! (see? those dot, dot, dots would drive an editor crazy. they'd see them and run) :)
Post a Comment