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So much to read, so little time

The 500 excerpts were posted in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards. Anyone can down-load the excerpts and review them. The feedback will effect the judges' decisions as they cut the field down to three finalists.

I'm trying to read and review as many as possible over the next few weeks. I am, of course, giving priority to those on my blog, my Amazon friend list, and my Facebook friends. If you're still in the running, post your link and I will add it to my reading list. I can't read all 500, but I'll do what I can.

Last night I read my first two. One was a YA fantasy of magical Female pirates and fourteen-year-old girls. Not my usual fare, but it was very well written. I was captivated and would love to read more. The other was a biblical story, set in the time of the Gospels. It's written from the POV of a Biblical heroine, who – we are told – wrote the first Gospel account. Very interesting, and one I will certainly buy when it is published.

I gave good reviews to both and rated them 4 stars (out of five) You should not expect 5 stars from me unless something really knocks me out of my socks. Four will most likely be the highest rank I will give to an excerpt, but one may surprise me. It would need to be completely flawless, and have me begging the author for the full manuscript.

The two I mentioned above were both top quality, well written, and I think very marketable. I hope they are both published, either through this contest or by another publisher. Both could conceivably become best sellers, but I would not give a five to most best sellers I've read.

I hope no one is offended by my rather conservative rating standards, but IMHO a 5 star should be reserved for a truly monumental work – Tolkien, Twain, Poe, and other greats. I may very well see the next great novel in the ABNA excerpts and if I do, it will get 5 stars. If you get four stars from me, read the review – I really liked your work.

To me a one star excerpt shouldn't be in the competition. I will trash it. Sorry. A two star needs a lot of work to be publishable. A three is average, and could do well on the bookshelves, but not a winner. Four star excerpts are the ones to watch, they could be best sellers and/or win the competition. A five is out of the league of normal writers, a classic that our grandchildren will read.

I hope that clears up my personal rating system. I know, I have rambled on for almost 500 words now. Go to http://amazon.com/abna and read a few for yourself. When you are done

make sure to rate and review each entry. Make your voice heard, and may the best novel win :)

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