Opinions on the thingy I'm describing

[Nikos]

Sorry for the title, I had no idea what to put there, but here goes:

What would be your first thought if you saw someone promoting a project that they described as a dark mythic poetic narrative?

That is, a story that is written more or less in rhymes. I haven't had any actual training in this, it more or less follows a rhythm inside my head.

Personally I have never enjoyed writing and reading something as much as I did with this. But there is always this little voice in my head that says: "how pretentious can you be?"
That is probably more due to my upbringing, so I would like to hear some opinions here from people from all over. Thanks.

 

[Karlin]

My first thought was "Gilgamesh", though others might think of Homer. Yet few read those in the form they originally were in. HAve you tried chanting your test outloud?

 

[Nikos]

My first thought was "Gilgamesh", though others might think of Homer. Yet few read those in the form they originally were in. HAve you tried chanting your test outloud?

It is not exactly a test, the whole thing is finished in text and I am currently working with an illustrator... I have not yet read the epic of Gilgamesh to compare but it is not really like Homer's poetry where the lyric quality is based on the number of syllables. Mine is more random. It follows a rhythm in a way, and I use the end-sounds of every line to make it pleasing to the ear( my ear anyway). I have read it out loud but nothing close to a chant. I even worked with someone to turn it into audiobook form and it came out quite well (for my tastes). But what I'm mostly interested in, is if it sounds as a description as something worth looking into rather than something cringy that you really shouldn't bother with. Not really looking for what my promotional hook should be, but rather if in a casual conversation someone described it as such, would your inner voice tell you: interesting? or whatever?

 

[pmmg]

Paradise lost

Given, by your own admission, your lack of experience, I am dubious you could produce this as a first effort, but maybe...

If you were trying to pitch this to me to see if I would back it, I would pass due to your lack of experience. Right now, its just an idea, you have to produce something to show.

 

[JBCrowson]

It wouldn't be an absolute "no" for me, but in all probability would become a no two lines in. I'm not much of a reader of poetry, and it has to land exactly right for me to read it, which given how personal tastes are (in poetry especially), almost nothing ever does.

I would say if you believe in it do it. There will probably be people who like it out there, whether they will ever find it is another question (and one we all wrestle with).

 

[Genly]

A modern novel in verse can be done -- I'm thinking of Vikram Seth's The Golden Gate. It was very well received, but then again, it wasn't his first book, and he is an enormously talented writer. I'm not saying that no one would read a book in verse, just that it will be a difficult sell for most readers. But well done for finishing it. You could try publishing it, but I'm not sure how to promote it.

 

[Diana Silver]

a dark mythic poetic narrative

This sounds insanely intruiging. I love classic epic poems - especially long ones. If someone produced a genuine work of that kind of style in modern day, I would for sure check it out. And from there, it'd all the be in the execution.

Personally I have never enjoyed writing and reading something as much as I did with this.

Sounds like a good place to start. If you like it, chances are others will too.

 

[Nikos]

Thank you all for your opinions, now I really want to see some critiques of the actual work! Maybe once I unlock the portfolio thingy here I could upload the first of four parts. (I am still learning the ropes here and I don't want to shove links in everyone's faces or abuse the platform). I would also like to see if I can upload some of the illustrations once that time has come. Thank you again for your responses!

 

[Nikos]

Thank you all for your opinions, now I really want to see some critiques of the actual work! Maybe once I unlock the portfolio thingy here I could upload the first of four parts. (I am still learning the ropes here and I don't want to shove links in everyone's faces or abuse the platform). I would also like to see if I can upload some of the illustrations once that time has come. Thank you again for your responses!

I actually did not wait, and as soon as I found the showcase room, I uploaded it there...

 

[Diana Silver]

Well a showcase is a showcase, a critique request is a critique request. It's pretty easy to unlock, takes like - 5 posts? It might be nice to critique some other people's work, so it's a fair trade

 

[Nikos]

Well a showcase is a showcase, a critique request is a critique request. It's pretty easy to unlock, takes like - 5 posts? It might be nice to critique some other people's work, so it's a fair trade

I am not very good at the critique thing, but as I'm working through the page the forums etc, I am trying to give my honest opinions! I'll be sure to lookout for the critique requests and try to give my opinions on those as well!

 

[minta]

Dark mythic poetic narrating sounds like something fascinating to me. If it will stay true to your voice and give you joy in the writing process, then that's all that matters because readers can feel that passion and the most remarkable way has always been.