The Crap-O-Meter Cometh
Well, crappers, here's the Snark's view on my hook. I didn't even realize how someone not familiar with the story might link it to the Predator movie. Course, now that I look at my hook with that movie in mind, I see how it does make it sound like it. Yup, I did a piss-poor job of describing my plot in 250 words. There are no military, no aliens... the only real similarity is that both stories happen to occur in the jungle... and both stories happen to have characters trying to get out alive (but even that part is only partially similar).
What can I take from this? It gives me the ability to see what people think when they see that initial description I give them. It'll help me figure out how to tailor my description to be a better representation of my novel.
On a completely side note... as I was waiting for my hook to hit the crap-o-meter I found a couple of interesting links. If you are a fan of Hannibal Lecter by Thomas Harris here's an interesting blog post on the new book.
And, fresh from Backspace a link to some news about Judith Regan, the publisher who was working on the OJ Simpson book If I Did It, got canned.
What can I take from this? It gives me the ability to see what people think when they see that initial description I give them. It'll help me figure out how to tailor my description to be a better representation of my novel.
On a completely side note... as I was waiting for my hook to hit the crap-o-meter I found a couple of interesting links. If you are a fan of Hannibal Lecter by Thomas Harris here's an interesting blog post on the new book.
And, fresh from Backspace a link to some news about Judith Regan, the publisher who was working on the OJ Simpson book If I Did It, got canned.
Labels: General Writing, My Novel
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3 Comments:
Other than that Predator link, Miss Snark was pretty kind. I think that's a good sign, especially compared to what some of the others were told.
You did good, woman.
(and that bit about Judith Regan is shocking, but I think we'll be even more shocked when we hear where she winds up next! Someone like Judith will land on her feet. For better or for worse.)
Kudos on keeping your equanimity and a positive attitude regarding the crapometer! I only hope I can do the same when it's my turn to be judged... Like you, I've learned the hard way that what seems brilliant/riveting to me can come off completely differently when I try to explain my stories to someone else. (My first ever conference pitch went exactly like that. The response was, "Like _You've Got Mail_?" which was not the intention at all.) And I agree--this kind of impartial feedback before we "really" query is invaluable. Points for being brave enough to send it in, and like Susan pointed out, your hook was good enough not to get lambasted by Miss Snark!
SHG and Erica are right, you are at least presenting a great attitude. It really does help to have someone who has no attachment look at your work. Hey doesn't that happen on blogs? LOL. Keep going.
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