tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3744476144670229998.post1270665566698748870..comments2024-02-06T12:33:57.316+00:00Comments on Stuart Aken: Seeking Readers’ Views on Matters of Fantasy.stuartaken.nethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05695584662320617659noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3744476144670229998.post-22050276463241423252012-08-18T14:35:45.277+01:002012-08-18T14:35:45.277+01:00Paul, many thanks for your response. I have experi...Paul, many thanks for your response. I have experience in publishing on Kindle, so it's one of the options I'm considering. I like the idea of the booklet for the map - it may well get over the issues that might otherwise cause problems with self-publishing in paperback. Good thought. Thanks again.stuartaken.nethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05695584662320617659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3744476144670229998.post-46647945512567339972012-08-17T21:12:17.861+01:002012-08-17T21:12:17.861+01:00I consider myself to be a good reader, and the fan...I consider myself to be a good reader, and the fantasy genre is something I enjoy visiting from time to time. It wouldn't surprise you to learn that Tolkien is one of my favourite authors.<br /><br />As for the theme, I could go along with that. I do feel that organised religion is a con, and I abandoned mine a long time ago (Roman Catholic), however, I have retained my spirituality. So a tale based on that theme may well grab my attention, and I suspect a lot of other folk could relate to it.<br /><br />I do feel that over 200'000 words in each part would be a trifle long, but if the story "grips you" then they would fly by.<br /><br />I also feel that mapping the locations in the story is essential. If it is good enough for Tolkien, then why not. It transports the reader to the location, and gets them more involved in the tale. Have you thought about breaking the map down into 16 segments and turning it into a booklet, to be issued with volume 1.<br /><br />As for publishing. Why not go the Kindle route? If the book starts to pick up readers, I'm sure the publishing houses will come knocking.<br /><br />I wish you well in your endeavours.Paul Reynoldshttp://www.wise-life.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3744476144670229998.post-78275092873146102512012-08-17T20:37:03.894+01:002012-08-17T20:37:03.894+01:00Thanks for your comments, Terry. There's some ...Thanks for your comments, Terry. There's some interesting and useful stuff here to add to the response I've had via Goodreads. It's so helpful to have views from as many people as possible and I'm pleased you took the time and trouble in spite of the fact that the theme would deter you from sampling the book. Many thanks.stuartaken.nethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05695584662320617659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3744476144670229998.post-83987888611582416242012-08-16T19:51:52.700+01:002012-08-16T19:51:52.700+01:00The content being for those above 15 is reasonable...The content being for those above 15 is reasonable.<br /><br />Since I practice in an organized religion, the overarching theme would deter me from purchasing the novel. Organized religion is made up of humans, who are flawed, and I recognize this. So having a writer making this a theme of a work wouldn't interest me.<br /><br />216,000 words is pretty long. If it's good and keeps one's interest it's a positive. If it is long and could have stood for some editing/cutting, this would deter me. Kind of common sense.<br /><br />I tend to wait for a full trilogy to be published before I consider reading the first, especially if I know it will take the author a long time to get the rest out. Having 1 and 2 ready, with #3 ready within a year, would work.<br /><br />Really, the cost factor would be important with respect to what format I would read it in. Being 200,000+ word novels, print format will likely be pretty pricy with respect to POD, so a traditional publisher using off-set printing would be necessary to make the price competitive.<br /><br />With the theme, I would't have much interest in sampling.<br /><br />Good luck with whatever route you take and wish you much success with it!Terry W. Ervin IIhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13561009802388207515noreply@blogger.com