An Observation.

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Thu, 2012-06-07 17:53

An Observation.

I've just finished reading a book called The lottery Winner. It had in excess of a hundred typos in it. The writing was ridiculously predictable. The characters were stereotypical and underdeveloped. The storylines were juvenile and seemed lacking in any maturity or merit.

It was one of hundreds of books that I had on my kindle that I began reading without paying any attention to the author.

I can honestly say that at least two-thirds of the stuff that I have read on here lately, and that's being conservative, could knock spots off that book. I am always so surprised that the standard on ABC is so high. We aren't an exclusive club, anybody can play, so where are all the shite writers who can't string a sentence together?

Imagine my shock when I finished the book and found that it was written by Mary Higgins Clark.

I would have said it was written by somebody posting to a writing site and hoping to get better as they progressed. I wouldn't have cherried it, but I'd have given out three cherries on here today.

Thu, 2012-06-07 18:02

scratch

Well it's three more than the ed's have given out - the meanies! I say Sooz for an editors spot. Sooz Sooz Sooz... P.S. I couldn't agree more by the way.

Thu, 2012-06-07 21:13

Florian

Interesting title - The Lottery Winner - because that's exactly what Mary Higgins Clark and so many other published authors actually are - J K Rowling not excepted. With so many brilliant novels being written (with a typical small sample here on this site) only a tiny, tiny handful ever make it into print via one of the mainstream publishing houses. That's not surprising given the enormous volume of submissions and the rapacious disinterest of literary agents. Even the ones that are published are nudged off the shelves after a month or two by the tsunami of new titles following on their heels. Even Booker prize winning novels often die a quick death. When selling books becomes like dealing in fresh produce it's bound to be the shiniest apples, made to formula - and boasting a recognised brand label - that go on sale, even if the inside tastes like cardboard. Don't expect the average consumer to be discerning - they aren't about anything else.

Thu, 2012-06-07 21:17

well-wisher

I've often wondered the same thing. If only good writers become successful then how does one account for all the dross that manages to end up on bookshelves. It's the same with music/film/the visual arts etc eg. Jedward

Oh look, a link. I wonder where it leads.

JoHn

Thu, 2012-06-07 21:58

scratch

Correct Stan.

Thu, 2012-06-07 22:15

Richard L. Prov...

I agree with many comments here today. From my experience there are many writers who get published because of who they know. It gets their foot in the door, and re picture books, their illustrations are so good. Have you ever read a picture book by some of the movie stars, or Sarah Ferguson? I have read material on ABC far superior to her work. It indicates the competition for others and to never give up trying. For large scale printing, you also have to be very lucky, or get on Oprah's Book Club. Apparently she is bringing it back after a hiatus of two years. For the new writer, I suggest a TV and Radio interview path to promote, and promote your work. Go for it. Richard LP

Richard L. Provencher

Thu, 2012-06-07 22:29

scratch

Sage words Richard.

Fri, 2012-06-08 00:01

Sooz006

I would love to be an ABC Ed, but am probably nowhere near competent enough. Some good comments. I agree totally re King, big fan of his early stuff until he decided to take 1,000000 pages to say what could be better said in under 400 And sadly, my all time favourite author, Mr Koontz is churning out utter dross, I'd still have his babies though.

Fri, 2012-06-08 02:42

Indrani Ananda

Indrani Ananda Well said Well-wisher! And it's just the same with songwriting. Only the crass rubbish, crappy lyrics and pornophonic caterwauling gets anywhere these days - and you have to be half naked to "sing" it! As a sci-fi freak I'd like to see more tellers of wondrous tales like Arthur C.Clarke and Ray Bradbury come to the fore - along with some of the brilliant sci-fi stories on here.

Indrani Ananda

Fri, 2012-06-08 13:50

#10

sid

Noticing I read a lot, a kind old lady gave me a load of Danielle Steele books. My lip curled a bit, but I read some of them to be polite. I was genuinely surprised by the quality of some of her historical novels; in-depth, well researched and quite compelling. But with some of the others- they were the same size book but the text was twice the size! They were shallow, sloppily written dross. I got the impression her accountant rang up and said, 'you've got a big tax bill to pay this year Ms Steele- best dash one out post haste!'

Thu, 2012-06-14 23:32

#11

thanksforthepar...

'Chick-lit'...God please help us. You know the ones, cartoony stick figures of skinny city girls with curly handwriting style font and some inane and mildly suggestive title: Spew. (sorry if you like those books but I feel lighter now).

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