1. Kids whose parents just brought a old movie theater have to deal with the ghosts (or monsters) from classic horror films before the customers begin to catch on. -This one I've been thinking about for a couple years, but still it's probably the least developed.2. A fatherless family moves into a big old house that turns out used to be a mortuary. The old graveyard it boarders should have been a clue. But the problems really start when someone starts summoning the ghouls. -This one is probably the most developed of the three. I have a step-sheet mostly laid out.
3. A vampire novel told from a male perspective. -This one is probably more Young-YA (say eighth grade M.C.'s), and I've already completed almost 1/2 of it. My plan was bang it out and release it as a Free eBook when when I finally get Super Zombie Juice Mega Bomb published.
Except, I've ran into a roadblock and it requires some major rewriting. The main problem is, it might do fine if I release it as a free eBook, but pretty much no agent is looking at vampire novels right now. I think it'd purely have to be a promotional thing.
So, which one do you like? Which do you think has the most potential?
Honestly, I think they all sound great for all different reasons. The first one, I will admit, really excited me. It reminds me of The Last Action Hero movie. I think it is such a cool idea and the fun you could have with that...Wow.
ReplyDeleteThe second one sounds cool too. Love the idea that "someone" is summoning the dead from these graves and could have such interesting dynamics depending on the dead people who are coming back.
As for the vampire novel, I wouldn't look at the vampire genre being dead, especially if you have a different twist on it. I have yet to read a YA or MG vampire story told from a male POV, so don't let that deter you. At least finish the story and trunk it if you have to, but finish the story if you know where you want it to go. You never know. Just my 2 cents on it all. Saw your query posted in QLH. Looks like you got the feedback you were looking for. Good luck and I look forward to hearing how it all goes for you.
I'm definitely for the vampire one, but I'm biased because that's what I love the most (and what I write, too!). I agree with Melanie, though, that they all sound really cool. And as far as agents go, I've asked a few (via twitter) & they all say that good writing is good writing...so if you've got a unique enough spin on vampires, I say go for it...good luck!
ReplyDeleteThe first one sounds exactly like something Mary Kole has listed on her agent page and something she is looking for--and it sounds the most unique to me out of all of them. Love the idea, and I'd go with that! :-) Good Luck!
ReplyDeleteI loved the first idea, too. If it's the least developed, I'd love to see where it goes because the blurb makes it sound like fun to read, always a good sign.
ReplyDeleteI loved the first idea, but also the vampire story as I am a lover of anything including vampires in it. . . well almost anything.
ReplyDeleteHowever, if you check out
http://kortizzle.blogspot.com/
and look up her dream list or go under the agenting link, she says she's looking for YA told from a male protag's pov. Might be worth writing.
Lots to think about, good luck.
I know nothing about writing for young adults, but I'd love to read the story set in the cinema. On a separate note - how fantastic to have three whole ideas - I'd be celebrating just that fact.
ReplyDeleteI like one and two. Go with the one that you're most passionate about writing--even if you don't have number one mapped out like number two, the pages will come faster than you think if it's your special baby (and it sounds like it is).
ReplyDeleteNow that I think about it, I'd go with number one. You can afford to take your time on it, while you're waiting for SZJMB to be picked up. That way, if you get SZJMG agented, you can probably finish number one while the contract/publishing is going on. Then when number one is being shopped, you won't have to stress about coming up with another polished idea. You'll have number two in your backpocket, outlined and ready. That's my "thinking way ahead" opinion :)
Jess,
ReplyDeleteYou are right. I should probably go with the one that feels right. I'll re-visit #3, but I think I'll probably go with #1 or 2.
I'm going to write a scene for each and see which one I connect with most.
Jodie,
That's funny. Kathleen Ortiz is on my query list. I didn't know she was looking for a male vampire book. I started writing it because I got sick of all the female vampire romance novels. Then, all my MC does is drool at the hot blonde vampire. If I ever finish it, I'm thinking she'll need a make-under.
Rachel,
I had seen Mary Kole's wishlist (I love her blog). But she's not on my list, as I kinda know another agent from her agency.
Thanks for all the feedback. I think any of these could work. I just gotta go with the one that I really connect with!
I'm with most everyone else. I like the first one. It sounds like it has so many possibilities.
ReplyDeleteA vampire from a male perspective might be unique enough to really garner some editor and agent interest.
I sometimes get stuck when I'm between projects and trying to decide which to start next. Good luck. I hope you pick the one that will kick the muse into gear.
Ok - funny. I read your three ideas before I looked at the cartoon and I, too, was "Hmmmm?" in my head. :)
ReplyDeleteI would say, vampires are out. For now. If your interest is in writing the next thing to be published? I'd put that one on the shelf.
#2 reminded me of a made-for-tv, Sci-fi channel weekend horror flick I once saw. I'm sure you'd spin a superior angle, but that leads me to #1.
My feeling is that if #1 is one you've been wanting to write for years - maybe that should tell you something? "Let me out, I want to be written!!!" Just my humble two-cents. :)
Best of luck to you!
I'm already a fan of the first two ideas -- run with them; the third, as you say, has been overdone as far as vamps are concerned -- but if you sit on it for a decade or two, it could be HUGE!
ReplyDeleteWhat one makes you the happiest?
ReplyDeleteI like 2. But what sort of ghouls? I was always a fan of the Lovecraft dog-type ghouls.
ReplyDeleteI like both #1 and #2, but I think I'm leaning towards #1 a bit more. I think there's so much you could do with it!
ReplyDeleteGood luck! :)
I liked the first one best. I can just picture some kid watching the movie and looking at the seat beside him only to find the zombie or blob that is on the screen. Some could think it was cool like sitting next to a star. Some could be scared. Lot of fodder for the imagination.
ReplyDeleteI like the first one best!
ReplyDeleteI like first and second the best -- leaning toward the first. BUT ... if you have the second one most planned, I'd say do that one.
ReplyDeleteWhatever you choose, good luck!
I'd want to read the first. It's the most unique, and I'm a bit tired of vampires right now, even the boy kind! Also, ghost-related stories are also around a lot.
ReplyDeleteSo, definitely #1!
I've decided to start all three (well 1 and 2 and do a little re-writing of 3) and then see which one I really fall in love with.
ReplyDeleteA couple comments mentioned writing the one I love or really connect with and I think that's the best advice.
Thanks for all the feedback!
I know you said the first one is the least developed, but it was my favorite one. Good luck
ReplyDeleteI like the first one too.
ReplyDeleteThe blurb sounds excellent. Look forward to reading further :)
Just popped in to see how it was going. Hope you're doing well. Happy Writing :-)
ReplyDeleteAm I too late? Have you started the novel yet?
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the movie theater idea. I've never seen anything like that done before, and I think you could create a really fun story with that.
I really enjoyed reading the posts on your blog. I would like to invite you to come on over to my blog and check it out. God bless, Lloyd
ReplyDeleteI love the first idea! So many fun possibilities and subjects!
ReplyDelete