Good Stories

If you've been reading any of these blogs, you know that I'm working my way through several books as a judge for a contest. These are published books. One I liked a lot, one so-so and I'm slogging through a third. It's not bad, but it's "put-down-able" which means it doesn't capture my attention enough for me to want to keep reading. If something else comes up - like cleaning the house or doing the dishes - I'm okay with putting this one down and doing that. Not good.

I'm also critiquing a friend's manuscript. I worked on her chapters last night up until after 10 p.m. Now anyone that knows me, knows I am a morning person. I do not stay up past 10 for any reason. Except that I did last night. Reading her story. It was so good I forgot to edit and had to go back today and type in my notes. This is a story I should be reading for this contest, not the published books I am.

And yet, she doesn't have an agent. She is published, but not by the big boys in New York. Her story is so edge of your seat gripping and so well written, it makes me want to toss my own stuff away and just work on hers.

Her characters are real; her settings well done without being intrusive; her plot lines take you by the throat, then give you a chance to gulp a breath of air before tightening the grip and taking you further.

I can't wait to finish this crit so I can see where it ends. And I know when she sells this book - and she WILL sell it - I will be one of the first in line to buy it, even though I've already read it. My schedule today doesn't allow time to work on it until later tonight, but I know where I'll be and what I'll be doing then! I can't wait.
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Birthdays: Edward Gibbon, Irene Hunt, Peter Benchley, Elizabeth Becker

Tips and Teasers: What action have you taken that has affected the lives of others?

Thought for the day: "A superhuman will is needed in order to write, and I am only a man." Gustave Flaubert