US 98: Tales of Carrabelle

Book Cover

MYSTERY FAMILY

20th Century (multiple decades),2000s,Contemporary

Paul Dean Moore

TaleFlick Pick!

  • -
  • Views

Submision Type

book

Logline

It is the story of a four generation family living in a small fishing village on the Gulf of Mexico in the panhandle of Florida. It follows the lives and tragedies of the family members starting in 1942 through 2015. It is a story of discovery and hope with a touch of mystery.

Genre

Mystery,Family

Short Summary

Receiving military training along the Florida coast as a driver of an amphibious landing craft, James Long relocates his family to Carrabelle following World War II. As employment opportunities wane, the Longs leave without son, Jim, who wants to make his life.

Setting

Carrabelle, Florida on US 98.

Based on a True Story

No

Plot - Premise

Internal Journey/Rebirth

Plot - Other Elements

Twist,Happy Ending

Mature Audience Themes

Information not completed

Main Character Details

Name: Enos Willie Boy Long

Age: birth to 35

Gender: Male

Role: Emotional

Key Traits: Complex,Naive,Religious,Selfless

Additional Character Details

Name: Audra Long

Age: birth to 35

Gender: Female

Role: Mentor

Key Traits: Selfless,Faithful,Heroic

Additional Character Details

Name: Sadie Phillips

Age: 35 to 75

Gender: Female

Role: sidekick

Key Traits: Underdog,Complex,Secretive

Additional Character Details

Name: Chuck Havrill

Age: 40's

Gender: Male

Role: logical

Key Traits: Masculine,Complex,Skillful,Heroic

About The Author

Paul Dean Moore is a first time novelist but an experienced story teller and writer. Retired as a Salvation Army Major, he brings 35 years of experience working with all types of individuals. Moore possesses a Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. He and wife, Sue are parents to six grown children and eight grandchildren while making their home in Lakeland, Florida, just off US 98.

Target Audiences

Age: 35-54,55+

Target Gender: Universal

Group Specific

Information not completed

Publishing Details

Status: Yes: self-published

Publisher: Paul Dean Moore

Year Published: 2019

Hard Copy Available

No

ISBN

978-1-68471-348-6-9

Genre

DRAMA

Brief

James Long moves his family to Carabelle, Florida after his time in the service. His son creates roots but dies young, leaving his wife and young daughter, Audra. She grows up and gives birth to Enos, who is autistic. He is surrounded by love until they die young and he is raised with Sadie. She turns out to have switched identities after killing her sister's murderer.

Overall Rating

GOOD

Point of View

THIRD PERSON

Narrative Elements

Authors Writing Style: GOOD

Characterization: GOOD

Commerciality: FAIR

Franchise Potential: FAIR

Pace: GOOD

Premise: FAIR

Structure: GOOD

Theme: GOOD

Accuracy of Book Profile

Yes, the book profile accurately reflects the book.

Draw of Story

The story is very quaint and charming. It surrounds a working class family and the events of the lives of 4 generations.

Possible Drawbacks

The story is well written but is not very exciting. There are many great moments to see in the family. It is relatable to people's lives all over the world, but there is not exceptionally entertaining. There is some mystery at the end but it doesn't span the whole story. The nature of the story is slower because it spans 4 generations so not much can be avoided.

Use of Special Effects

THE STORY DOES NOT RELY ON SPECIAL EFFECTS

Primary Hook of Story

The hook is that Carabelle, Florida has been home to 4 generations of the Long family, seeing many trials and tribulations of life. Enos, the last living member is hoping to find long lost relatives through a DNA search as well as the mystery surrounding his caretaker, Sadie.

Fanbase Potential

This would not have a large fanbase. It is a slow story, traversing 80 years of the multiple generations of this family. There isn't anything unique about the story that would attract a large audience. There are interesting circumstances that happen but nothing shocking or unheard of.

Awards Potential

This could have awards attention because it is such a character driven story. There are great moments for each character. There would need to be more focus and exploration on one character as opposed to multiple characters having equal time. There is room for more dynamic storytelling if translated to screen. Enos is looking for surviving family members and his family history could be revealed in flashbacks, telling the story of how his family came to be in Carabelle.

Envisioned Budget

LOW BUDGET

Similar Films/TV Series

JOY LUCK CLUB

What’s New About the Story

The story is not very original. It is a story about a family who lives in a small town. The events that occur are normal for the genre of story. Couple gets married, has family , living the American dream until the wife find herself a widow and single mother. Her daughter grows up in a different time and finds herself as a single mother. Her son, named after his grandfather, is autistic but lives a full life in his hometown. There are a few some twists but the mystery storyline surrounding Sadie is within the realm of predictability.

Lead Characters

The lead characters do not stand out. They are small town folks, making their way in the world. They are normal people dealing with normal life circumstances.

Uniqueness of Story

This is an average story that is well written. It could be improved by more engaging storytelling. It is very linear which is effective but not as interesting.

Possible Formats

Film: Indie, Streaming, Studio

Analyst Recommendation

CONSIDER

Justification

This story is a consider because it is a well written and endearing multi-generational account of the lives of the Long family. It is a quiet, slow story but has the warmth and charm of a small town story. It could use change in the storytelling, mixing up how Enos' relatives are revealed and how their stories are told.