In late September, I finished up a silly story called Cud On the Prairie It's a comedy-western mystery that takes place in a fictional place called Grannitetown, a central Minnesota town on the banks of the Mississippi.

The story clocks in at 30,000 words. It's a bit longer than I thought it would be, but I have edited the piece down about as far as I dare.

Here's the deal: like a lot of writers, I have many friends who have been very supportive -- even to the point of saying they would be beta-readers for me. When I finished the story, these people sent me emails asking to read it.

So I sent it out.

Now it's in the middle of December, and not ONE has gotten back to me.

Not ONE.

I'm a bit discouraged, because I really like this one, and I want to submit it somewhere. The length of the story is a hard sell, but seriously, I think it's one of the best things I've ever written. Even my lovely girlfriend didn't want to read it -- although she LOVED it when I read it to her. She thinks I should record it and try to sell it as an audio book.

"People just don't read that much any more," she said. "Especially long stories like this."

For the most of my life, I have written primarily for my own enjoyment, or for the stage, or audio theatre. My audience has been small, even though I have written many short plays and a few long ones. Cud On the Prairie is my first real foray into this kind of writing, and so far I'm not enjoying the ride.

Luckily, there's another story brewing in the noggin: something scary and romantic. At this point, it's to big for a short story and not big enough for a novel. I've composed much of the first chapter in my head, and it's almost time to put the fingers to keys and make it real.

But I'm still discouraged about Cud On the Prairie

I'm starting my Christmas break from school next week, so if you'd like me to read it then, I'd be glad to.

Mudd, don't be. I have written three novels for NaNoWriMo. The man who likes to say I am his best friend in life has only read one of them. Of the people who have read them, about all any of them would say is "I liked it." I had exactly one person analyze it in any way shape or form. He had a valid criticism that will be a weakness of my work forever, which is the amount of time I spend setting the scene. I hate defining scenery and environs as much as I love defining people and relationships.

My point, before I lapsed into egotism, is that most people don't do that, even ones that like you. Don't be discouraged. Let Monk read it and anyone here who is of a literary bent who is interested. I'm too busy these days otherwise I'd volunteer to read it myself. If you're still discouraged and wanting analysis in mid January, PM me.

Thanks, guys.

Mudd, I'd like to read your book, but I think I would do you a disservice to tell you that I'm going to read it when I have other things on my reading list. You want someone to read it NOW and give you feedback, even if said feedback is "I'm sorry, but I didn't like the story. Here's why."

When my plate is clear, I'll send you a PM and you can send me the story and I *will* give you feedback. Is that a deal?

Mudd, just to explain the other side of the coin:

My wife can write circles around most every pro I've read.
It's all longhand on legal pads.
She can't type.
She can't computer (not a verb, but you know what I mean).
I'm going to transcribe her work, send it out, cash fat checks,
negotiate movie rights, and sell out for millions of $;
just as soon as I can get around to it.
It's only been 37 years since I told myself this.
I'm a lazy fuck
because I'm sure she's good enough to at least spark interest from a publisher or agent,
but it's only been 37 years since I told myself this so I still have plenty of time to be more of a lazy fuck
before I get fatter and rich off her talent.

In other words, my brother, don't make the mistake that my lady love did until I confessed the above to her.
Your intimate, your best friend, and others who love but don't read you, in no way consider that a sign of their degree of love for you.
so don't you do that either!
They have their weaknesses like I have mine.
I've always said, "If you can't love someone in spite of their faults, love them because of their faults".
Me, my fault is I'm a lazy fuck.

BTW, If you want to PM it to me, you never know when I might need to kill a 12 hr overnight shift
when there is actually (!) nothing to do. You never know. No promises. After all, I'm a lazy fuck!
If I do read it, I WILL write back my opinion(s) but it won't be an over-long or professional
level review or commentary. You see, I'm a lazy fuck.

The very best of luck in getting an audience
and I mean a high paying one!

OK, I'm sending you a PM so you can e-mail me the story.

I have so little time, but I am making the most of long commutes by listening to audio books.
You really should try reading it and recording it. I'd give it a listen.