Quote:
Originally Posted by Tricky Woo
An ex-girlfriend once commented that everyone who thinks they have a decent novel in them should read John Irving - and if they reckon they can match it, then proceed. If not? Take up painting... or write an autobiography.
I can't paint for toffee, so that leaves me...
But I'd also say that every successful book has at least a touch of entertainment about it. The libraries are full of unread books written in the driest and most correct language. Lighten yours up a little.
TW
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Interesting thoughts there, TW.
Despite having been given a copy of A Prayer for Owen Meaney, I haven't read any John Irving. Perhaps I will. However, even if JI blows my socks off, I doubt I would want to limit my reading to just that one author. I think I am like most readers in that occasionally I want something a bit highbrow, occasionally I want something trashy, and various degrees in between.
In short, I agree with you about "at least a touch of entertainment". I'm currently working on my second novel (which has a long way to go before I submit it) and I do hope that if I get it published, readers will find it suspenseful, scary and moving. If it keeps them turning the pages to find out what happens next, and if it leaves them satisfied yet wanting more, I will have achieved what I set out to do. I have no idea if that is what counts as a "decent" novel!