TRACKS in Operation!

It’s official. TRACKS, a novel in stories, is now in operation. The novel has been submitted to the Gather First Chapters Writing Competition, dubbed “American Idol” for writers by The New York Times. Chapter one is available on Gather.com to read and rate.

The winner of the competition gets a standard publishing contract from Simon and Schuster!

Tracks takes place on an Amtrak train traveling from Baltimore to Chicago. Each chapter is told from the perspective of a passenger on the train.

The chapters stand alone as stories, but they become stronger when linked together. A secondary character in one chapter becomes the main character in another. Some stories offer new insights on others. The stories look at the decisions each character faces and how those decisions, as well as each character's interactions with the other passengers, alter the path ahead and cast past experiences and choices in a new light.

Although entirely unique, Tracks is similar in nature to Joan Silber's National Book Award finalist Ideas of Heaven: a ring of stories.

Chapter one, “Reset,” Opens with Gene Silverman, a recurring character who has learned to restart his life when he needs to. Before the novel ends, he’ll need to reset a new course once more. But don’t expect to see him as a main character in chapter two, “A Good Beer Needs a Good Stein.” You may notice him in the background, but you’ll have to see me through to chapter three to focus on him again -- through another set of eyes.

It only takes a minute to register at Gather.com to vote. So hop aboard! Visit the link to read and rate Chapter one of Tracks! Sit back and enjoy the ride.

http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474976929638

Let the Dialogue Begin!

The following is a message from TRACKS author Eric D. Goodman.

Earlier today, I announced my intention to enter TRACKS, my novel in stories, into the Gather First Chapters Writing Competition. The New York Times dubbed this “American Idol for writers.” I’m in, and I’m in to win!

But I’m not just starting a campaign; I’m starting a conversation -- with you. With my readers and fellow lovers of literature. Because we all need to be a part of the discussion if we expect Tracks to win.

Hop aboard. Let’s talk about Tracks, what you like about it, what you don’t like. Let’s discuss ways to improve the writing and ways to garner higher ratings.

I grew up in middle-class America believing that I was going to become a published novelist. I believed in that promise. I still do. I’ve spent my entire life trying to make good on it.

Now, thanks to you – the literary community – we can make that dream come true. Just go to http://www.gather.com/, register (it only takes a minute), read Tracks Chapter One and rate it as you see fit -- the higher the better. And leave a comment if you’d like.

So let the conversation begin. I have a feeling it’s going to be a very interesting ride.

NOTE: This is not meant as a political statement, but special thanks to Hillary Clinton’s speech writer for the use of this inspiring language. See it in its original context at the link below.

http://www.hillaryclinton.com/video/2.aspx