BTW, this book would make a great movie, but it's already a pretty good novel.
Original post
Well, I haven't had time to read a book lately, but, as a few of you know, I have written one. Only problem is I can't break through to an agent to have it published. The following synopsis is basically my cover letter to agents. I would be interested in hearing whether the novel sounds interesting to fellow Freepers and, who knows, maybe if you know of an agent . . .
There was a running joke among the “‘surfmen” of the U.S. Lifesaving Service that went, “The regulations say we've got to take our boats out any time a ship runs aground – even during a hurricane. The regulations don't say anything about having to come back.”
Dear Ms. XXXXX:
Aphrodite's Whisper is a novel about Ethan Roberts, a veteran of the Spanish-American War, deeply tormented by the deaths of his best friend and an innocent woman. In becoming a surfman, he has found refuge in the untamed isolation of Cape Hatteras where he and his six crewmates stand ready to challenge the most lethal waters of the Atlantic. With nothing to rely upon but the strength of their arms, their faith in each other and a twenty-five-foot rowboat, they know that each rescue may be their last. For Ethan, the next call for help may be the one that finally frees him from his guilt and pain. Whether it be through redemption or death – he no longer cares.
The stoic Missourian’s passion for life is rekindled, however, when the rescuer becomes the rescued during a bitter nor’easter in the winter of 1903. As surely as the flare from the floundering APHRODITE signals the end of a prized yacht – so it also marks the beginning of a love that blossoms beneath the wings of the first aeroplane, endures the tragedy of a marriage of convenience, and transcends the absolute devastation of “The War to End All Wars.”
Aphrodite's Whisper is also the story of Carol Canady, a strong-willed New Yorker of prominent parents who finds herself stranded on Ocracoke, one of the Outer Banks’ most remote islands. With the help of Ocracoke’s quirky villagers, Carol begins to discover her true potential and the deeper meaning of life. In Ethan, she finds a man confident enough to accept her as an equal and caring enough to see the emptiness that has been her life. Enlisting the aid of Danny Williams, a young waterman from Harkers Island, they sail the coastal backwaters on a journey that ultimately takes them back to Carol’s home. On the way, they uncover a German plot to smuggle arms, witness man’s first flight, and discover that love does not necessarily conquer all. Then their story truly begins.
Nearly 150,000 words long, Aphrodite's Whisper represents more than two years of research, writing and editing. It is part Legends of the Fall, part Bridges of Madison County, and has test marketed exceedingly well with both men and women. Though painstakingly researched, the book’s historical detail serves only as the canvas upon which the characters come alive. The story itself, however is a timeless tale of two people who share a love so strong it survives betrayal, war and even death.
The recent success of Cold Mountain clearly demonstrates that the market is hungry for well-told historical fiction with three-dimensional characters. And though it is only a small thread woven into my story, the upcoming hundredth anniversary of the Wright brothers first flight makes that aspect of my novel all the more timely and appealing. In short, I believe that this is a well-written story about everlasting love, perseverance and human conflict that the reading public will enjoy.
Though I may be a first-time novelist, I have been a journalist and writer for many years. While I am very proud of my work, I realize that you are the expert and that your constructive criticism is essential to our combined success. With that said, I sincerely believe that you will find Aphrodite's Whisper a compelling read and a piece you will be more than willing to present to publishers. I look forward to hearing from you and hope that we will have a rewarding and productive association.
Thank you.