Potential…

There are a few aspects in which my chosen subject matter could appeal, as a piece of creative non-fiction, to both the potential audience and publishers in the contemporary market. For instance, the sheer mystery behind Richard Cabell, his death, his wife's supposed death, and the various stories of hounds around his grave is enough to entice anyone into reading a story with quite a bit of potential. Also, the way in which my subject matter is veering towards how Arthur Conan Doyle was inspired by such events, could create an interesting change for readers, particularly to read about such an infamous figure and learning new things about him. Also, the structure I intend to write in, such as, the investigative narrative approach as well as the non-linear structure; this could both appeal to readers as opposed to the tedium of a regular narrative and typical chronological telling of the story. Summerscale utilises both of these techniques in The Suspicions of Mr Whicher effectively and successfully.

This could have potential, not just for the audience, but for publishers in the contemporary market because of such a seemingly untouched subject matter. Revealing information on Arthur Conan Doyle's inspiration, that few people know about, could potentially fill a gap in the publishing, and non-fiction, market. Not to mention the fact that, if readers receive this story well, publishers would definitely be interested as their main goal is to sell. Hopefully, I will manage to construct a compelling opening with equally compelling scenes to follow as part of of the building blocks to writing creative non-fiction, a subject discussed and practiced in Week 3 of our Telling True Stories lectures.