Idea for a novel

[Adodson]

OK, here goes (deep breath)

I have become a semi-expert on the Jamestown Colony and Capt. John Smith; my gr-gr-etc grandfather came on one of the first ships.

I have books and piles of documention, notes, etc. Always in the back of my mind is what a great story this would make.

Jamestown and Smith get short shrift next to the Pilgrims; Jamestown is a much more exciting story; an incredible tale of bravery, arrogance, stupidity, all the things that make for a good tale.

However, just because I think my family would make a good book, would anyone else? I picture my ancestors as the main characters against the backdrop of the times, places and people that settled early Virginia.

I can write (English Major), so with some hard work I could pull it off. I guess I'm looking for someone to say: 'Yeah, I would read that'.
Thanks for your input

[rtilryarms]

I love history, especially histories with mysteries.

What can you write in addition to the history books though? It gets a lot of attention in school especially John Smith.

the bravery, arrogance, stupidity is well documentd.

Is there a new twist or a new plot we haven't heard? (RT asks with a drooling query?)

If you have something new, I will be in the front of the line. If you have just elaborating information, it still might sell in the Educational Markets.

Please, more info.

Mike

[mammamaia]

my breath is bated... m

[Adodson]

Whoa, something to think about. I'll need a 'hook' and a new angle, not just report facts.

I agree that Jamestown is well documented as far as cold, hard facts go, but I've yet to find anything that delves into the characters on the first 3 ships, except for Michener's 'Chesapeake', a pretty broad stroke of an area.

I was thinking more of the personality clashes of the settlement, of which there are many delicious ones. Powhaton, for instance, was politically savvy and his dirty deeds and double dealings would make Nixon drool.

Smith was in chains on the ship and due to be hanged for insubordination - thanks to his big ego and big mouth - until the 'magic box' was opened and the Virginia Company investors had named him the leader. Almost the whole bunch on all the ships were 'gentlemen' who brought perfumers, wig makers and other necessary items and refused to work to survive until Smith ruled 'no work, no food'. Smith understood survival psychology and the colony did well until he left.

Much, much more; I have read 'Complete Writings of Smith' by Barbour (many volumes) and Smith is a complex character that you either love or hate; most hated him, thought him a braggart and a liar, which is why his writings are hard to find. Only recently has it turned out most of what he had to say is true.

OK, so is stuff like this news and could be interesting or another 'so what'?

Thanks for helping and Happy New Year!

[Lori Basiewicz]

I went to Amazon.com and searched all books related to "Jamestown Colony". There were 1881 hits. Some are fiction; some non-fiction.

You state that in part your own research comes from books. How does your proposed book differ from those you have used as research? Are the books you have used readily available to others?

[rtilryarms]

Remember this is curiosity, not criticism.

Check out Some of the stuff on Learn Writing with Uncle Jim.
See how he lays out the story and characters, puts them in conflict etc. If you can write something new or even a new twist and can follow a variation of the formula, you probably have something.

Read the threads and let us know what you got. (Think "Shogun" or something. A story within a story. A footnote character with whom to create a story. They are my favorite historic novels.)

Mike