"Bambi meets Cruella Devil" is a tag line I thought would appeal to publishers. But the reaction I’m getting from the publishing industry to my novel ANIMATED is that the writing is strong, the book is funny but there’s not enough conflict and intrigue in animation to sustain interest and nobody wants to read a book on the subject. This surprises and dismays me quite a bit especially as I’ve busted my chops writing a novel with an opinionated protagonist, twisted villains and colorful characters who are dealing with life’s harsh realities as well as studio dramas while animating at crunch time speed. I could even say I’m flabbergasted because so many people from all professions have expressed interest in animation over the years.
Can this be true? Are people interested in watching animation but not reading about it? “Oh, what fun!” they always say. But do they really secretly think animation is childish and silly and beneath them? This is the impression I get from a few haughty folks, but ANIMATED isn’t a book for intellectual snobs, it’s a fun look through the eyes of an animator at a wonderful, complex art that most people love.
Animation is no less compelling than the fashion industry, the vagaries of baseball, love in the mountains, sparkly vampires or the journals of a fat girl.
Those of us in the business know how much conflict and drama there is in animation so I’m wondering if this is a biased view based on ignorance or if readers really don’t want to read about animation. Many people have asked where they can buy ANIMATED so I'm wondering how many people haven't asked but might like to read the book.
So, here's the question, dear readers: would you read a novel about animation? And if not, why not? Please post a comment to this effect so I can either show publishers they’re wrong or stop wasting my time with this book.
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