Now...........it's not yet common knowledge, but I too have written a novel.
It has pathos...........it has eros............it has, um.........artemus and d'artagnan. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll reach for the bottle of Jim Beam or the bimbo on the bar stool next to you. It'll make you want to join the military, run for office, and father twenty children (or, um, mother twenty children). Thrills, chills, more death than a Bruce Willis movie, and a soft, tender side.
The story is set in post-suburban-sprawl Wretchedlife, Wisconsin. The working title is "Butterflies Have Feelings, Too.........But No One Cares."
Whaddya think? Have a shot????
If you are completely committed to it, have a thick skin, are willing to get others involved in helping and then listen to what they say and respond accordingly (note - this doesn't necessarily mean you change everything anytime anyone says, it just means you seriously consider what they say and make necessary tweaks to account for it, or major changes if necessary) and then if you are patient ... ABSOLUTELY it has a shot.
See my post #143.
I attended the wedding of a friend and co-worker whose Iowa born husband is one of 15 kids.
RE: Breath of Tire ..... until a couple of years ago, Akron would have been the perfect setting. The aroma was indescribable.
Best to ya & keep writing.