'Casefiles' Interspersed Through EF Narrative...?

DavidBrett · 12-17-2012, 07:29 PM

Hi all,

So, my mentor for back to me with the critiqued MS of the first Enigma Files book. Now, one of her little rules is that I'm not allowed to touch it for 3 days, just take the comments onboard, let then stew, then come back fighting.

Which is fine, but her #1 suggestion - other than character improvements - was to add casefiles from the Enigma Files 'site', and scatter them throughout the narrative. These files would detail real-life accounts of paranormal phenomena, written in the 'fun but dry' style of Karl, and refer to things he'd actually mention in the book. For example, after the chapter in which Karl and Mason discuss poltergeists, telekinesis and screaming skulls, there would be a break in the story for the casefiles, going into slightly more detail and describing a real-life event or proven hoax. Then back to the story.

I personally think it's a great idea: it gives both the EF and Karl more character as it would SHOW he knows what he's talking about, rather than just saying he has a wiki on weird stuff. It would also be a great way to establish time jumps, as by the time the reader returns to the narrative, it's the next day or later. Not to mention the strange, fascinating information kids at the target age should gobble up - let alone adults still missing the X-Files!

But maybe I'm just blinded by excitement: what does everyone ELSE think? Does a book layout like this sound appealing? I know out would be slightly unique, but in a good way or bad one?

Comments?

Dave

Myrealana · 12-17-2012, 07:47 PM

I think it sounds like a great idea.

SheilaJG · 12-17-2012, 08:18 PM

I think it's a good idea, but you have to be careful not to slow down the narrative too much (in other words, don't get carried away). If you keep them brief, and get right back to the story, I think that would work really well. Especially when you mention paranormal phenomenon that is not so well-known.

I love her advice to let the critique sit for a few days. It sounds like you got a really great mentor!

MsJudy · 12-18-2012, 04:32 AM

It seems to me that if you feel excited by the idea, you should go for it. So far, trusting your own enthusiasm has served you well, hasn't it?

Britwriter · 12-18-2012, 08:41 AM

I like it, but agree with Judy that you must make sure you don't interrupt the flow too much.

I notice how many MG books do this. Breaking up the text is a huge thing, especially for more reluctant readers, often boys. Personally, I find it irritating, and so do my girls. But, my son likes stories broken up in this way. It has to be well done, as in, not making it feel disjointed.

Some kids, and adults like me, tend to skip 'extras' like this, as we want to get on with the story. I assume that they won't be essential reading to make sense of the plot? I think that if you can do it so that the reader has the option of skipping on, it would work well.

12-17-2012, 07:47 PM	#2
Myrealana I aim to misbehave Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 829	I think it sounds like a great idea. __________________ -- Myrea "You don't fix faith. Faith fixes you." - Shepherd Book "It's not enough to bash in heads, You've got to bash in minds" - Captain Hammer

12-17-2012, 08:18 PM	#3
SheilaJG practical experience, FTW Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Northern California Posts: 1,491	I think it's a good idea, but you have to be careful not to slow down the narrative too much (in other words, don't get carried away). If you keep them brief, and get right back to the story, I think that would work really well. Especially when you mention paranormal phenomenon that is not so well-known. I love her advice to let the critique sit for a few days. It sounds like you got a really great mentor! __________________ "Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known." - Carl Sagan Represented by Molly Ker Hawn of The Bent Agency Twitter

12-18-2012, 04:32 AM	#4
MsJudy practical experience, FTW Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: california Posts: 5,673	It seems to me that if you feel excited by the idea, you should go for it. So far, trusting your own enthusiasm has served you well, hasn't it? __________________ represented by Jenny Bent of the Bent Agency. Most happy.

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12-17-2012, 07:29 PM	#1
DavidBrett Alas, poor Yorick, he fed me 'nanas Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: London, UK Posts: 1,162	'Casefiles' Interspersed Through EF Narrative...? Hi all, So, my mentor for back to me with the critiqued MS of the first Enigma Files book. Now, one of her little rules is that I'm not allowed to touch it for 3 days, just take the comments onboard, let then stew, then come back fighting. Which is fine, but her #1 suggestion - other than character improvements - was to add casefiles from the Enigma Files 'site', and scatter them throughout the narrative. These files would detail real-life accounts of paranormal phenomena, written in the 'fun but dry' style of Karl, and refer to things he'd actually mention in the book. For example, after the chapter in which Karl and Mason discuss poltergeists, telekinesis and screaming skulls, there would be a break in the story for the casefiles, going into slightly more detail and describing a real-life event or proven hoax. Then back to the story. I personally think it's a great idea: it gives both the EF and Karl more character as it would SHOW he knows what he's talking about, rather than just saying he has a wiki on weird stuff. It would also be a great way to establish time jumps, as by the time the reader returns to the narrative, it's the next day or later. Not to mention the strange, fascinating information kids at the target age should gobble up - let alone adults still missing the X-Files! But maybe I'm just blinded by excitement: what does everyone ELSE think? Does a book layout like this sound appealing? I know out would be slightly unique, but in a good way or bad one? Comments? Dave __________________ Enigma Files: Phantom Thief - 3rd Draft finished @37k EF: Cursed - 1st Draft @ 1.5k words! Authors warn me writing children's books is a lot of work - signings, school events, literary festivals, a blog, etc. I always reply "I WANT THAT!" I don't claim to be a professional (yet). I just try and help others when and where I can. Follow me @symplesymon

12-18-2012, 08:41 AM	#5
Britwriter practical experience, FTW Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 493	I like it, but agree with Judy that you must make sure you don't interrupt the flow too much. I notice how many MG books do this. Breaking up the text is a huge thing, especially for more reluctant readers, often boys. Personally, I find it irritating, and so do my girls. But, my son likes stories broken up in this way. It has to be well done, as in, not making it feel disjointed. Some kids, and adults like me, tend to skip 'extras' like this, as we want to get on with the story. I assume that they won't be essential reading to make sense of the plot? I think that if you can do it so that the reader has the option of skipping on, it would work well.