Sad but often true. Don’t get me started on the amount of frowns I’ve received recently because I’m not interested in reading ANY Dan Brown. I know his books are like marmite, but these conspiracy type stories just do not rock my boat. Yet, at the moment, due to the paperback selling at crazy discounts everywhere, it seems ‘The Lost Symbol’ is coming up in many conversations. And, I still have no interest in it. I’ll endure the frowns, thanks, and get back to my ‘unimportant’ reading.

Thinking of age concerns though I’m reminded of some authors who get worse with age. I’m not going to name them because it’s my opinion. Some authors acquire tighter deadlines when they become money-spinning machines and rattle off a plot that can become formulaic, others seem to lack the freshness of the first few books when they’re contracted to a large series or xNumber of books. Debut authors (regardless of age) have flaws – yet shouldn’t the editors be considered here too? Many authors adore their editors as they help them tighten their writing and improve their flaws. Also, some established authors get the converse treatment – their writing is considered too precious and some of these books could do with heavier editing.

Authors just give me a good story (flaws and all) I can enjoy and talk about/share with friends – I don’t really give a stuff how old you are.

More suggestions for fantasy with a London setting would be appreciated. Simon R Green’s Nightside series is unLondon too – thoroughly enjoyed those. Gaiman’s Neverwhere I adore. China’s Un-Lun-Dun has been sat on my shelves for ages untouched (will be put in TBR pile). I haven’t tried Mike Carey or Kate Griffin yet, but I’ve made a note. I’ll try anything with a London setting as it’s my old stomping ground afterall – I recently bought Marie Brennan’s ‘Midnight Never Come’ for that main reason (still unread yet).

Great post – and Mark C Newton’s comment on insecurity is refreshing to see, yet I’m sure most authors experience the same. For most writers it’s all about story isn’t it. Afterall, the large majority of authors do not earn a significant income – seems a lot of luck is involved to acquire the blockbuster status.

Harry Markov said, “Right now, you cannot separate persona from book, because now more than ever art and business have merged in the publishing industry.” It seems we readers can’t get away from this. I read a couple of author blogs regularly – not because I want to know about them personally, but moreso I like to know how they develop as writers, their general writing life, their book recommendations, and further tidbits on future publications.
Yet, learning a little about their own life interest is impossible to avoid in todays media too. You certainly wouldn’t know about Gaiman’s love for bees by reading his books.

My head is bursting now after that typing spurt!
Great post and food for thought.

I prefer the chocolate box to get a taste – and if that chocolate box is a brand/name I trust, then I know I’ll be satisfied.

If a book is deconstructed too much, or worse summarised, it’s a sale lost from me. It would be like reading the last few pages first.

On that note, I’m looking forward to catching up with your reviews.

Wen.