New Book Idea--Question

[Rionna]

I've come up with a great new book idea...it deals with "THE LADY OF SHALOTT"
by ALFRED, LORD TENNYSON.

I'm just wondering, have you read this poem?
Do you think it's enough in the collective knowledge of people for it to play a starring role in my new book?

Thank you!! I'm super excited about it.

[Peggy]

Lovely idea. Anything connected to Camelot has always appealed to me--and to lots of other people. This is one character loosely connected to Camelot who hasn't been extensively written about, I don't think. Don't think she was in "Mists of Avalon," for example. Wonder if Wikopedia would have that information?

[Kay]

Camelot themes are always loved and believe it can be done...even if those have never heard of the poem

[David]

Golly. I so envy you intellectuals who can read and understand poetry. I'm just a simple mystery writer. LOL www.davidbishopbooks.com

[Uvi]

I have read it, but feel that it is up to you as a writer to describe the poem and its meaning to you (and to your characters) into the consciousness of a reader who is unfamiliar with it, so as not to rely on prior her knowledge.

The trick is, you have to do it in a charming and engaging way, with new observations and revelations, so as not to exhaust the attention span of readers who have read it already.

[Roger]

I teach this poem every year. The problem would be capturing the essence of the character with just the poem. The epic story is something to think about reading closely. Read Donna Di Scalotta (English Translation) if you want to get a good overview of the character.

[Rionna]

Roger,
Wonderful. I was an English teacher for more than a decade. I have always loved this poem. Thank you for your tip. I will definitely do that!!

All the Best,
Rionna