Would you read this?

[Tom]

I've recently started writing a novel with the working title of Opportunists. A short preview is available on my blog.

The basic idea I have is to write a novel(ette) about a group of petty criminals who, after being shot at and barely escaping with their lives, decide a change is needed. Do they get jobs? No. They go for one BIG job.

They attempt to rob a small bank on the outskirts of an unremarkable town. This bank, it is revealed, will be owned and run by the supernatural (haven't decided what yet :P ).

The narrative then turns on it's head from a run of the mill crime novel to a monster survival horror, with a fair bit of dark humour.

The title is a play not only on the criminal protagonists' lifestyle but also that of the bank staff who prey on attempted felons.

What do you guys reckon? Is this something you would be interested in reading?

Thanks for any input.

[Jute]

I don't know about anyone else, but what matters most to me is good writing. If you just want to know if it's an interesting plot... well, pretty much any plot can be made to be interesting.

I once heard a story that Jim Butcher was arguing with someone who said plot mattered the most and he challenged them to give him two ridiculous things and he would write a story about them. Purportedly they gave him Pokemon and the Lost Roman Legion. Mr. Butcher then wrote Furies of Calderon.

He is an awesome writer and was able to create a great story from a ridiculous premise.

So, write your story. If it's good... people will read it.

[Ann aka Iftcan]

I have to admit--I would also probably pick up and read a book with the back blurb saying what you did. But then again--my Mum used to say that if there was printing on toilet paper, they'd only see me out of the bathroom when I had finished reading the entire roll. :oP I think I was about 11 when she said that. And the way I was punished as a kid--NO READING FOR (a day, week, 2 weeks, depending on how serious the offense was.) Threatening to take my books will STILL get you maimed.

[Tom]

I agree with what you've said in some ways and not in others. Yes, good writing makes or breaks a book but I still place a good plot very high up in the list of essentials. A lot of books that win major awards and become best sellers purely because of the style in which they are written are, I think, usually terrible. I got a third of the way in to Cormac Mcarthy's The Road before I had to jack it in. Terrible book, yet critics love it for reasons I cannot grasp.

I'll keep you all updated if I can. Writing is moving on swiftly with this. May ask for advice on some parts of it down the line.

Thanks guys :)

[Tiffany]

Sounds interesting... get your butt working on it!

[Wren]

Tom wrote: "I've recently started writing a novel with the working title of Opportunists. A short preview is available on my blog.

The basic idea I have is to write a novel(ette) about a group of petty crimin..."
Sounds awesome

[Tom]

Mary wrote: "Ok goodreads ate my comment, so I'll try again.

I see what you're saying, and you're right plot does have a part to play in any book as do characters, pacing, dialogue, scenes, conflict, etc.

Bu..."

Agreed.

I honestly thought the Twilight books were okay. Not great, but okay. Got in there before the film, though, so maybe my mind wasn't tainted. :P