Since I started writing the educational rant as I call it, I've had very mixed responses whenever I posted an excerpt on the blog. In fact I always had mixed reactions when I ranted about the behaviour of many self-published authors or the lack of quality in their books. There are those who agreed with me and those who think I'm an arrogant twat and should just go and hang myself.Well, to be honest, I had a tiny glimmer of doubt if I'm doing the right thing here. Not so much because I think it's unfair to point out that there are a lot of shite books floating around, but because it's a risk. As a self-published author I'm making myself a target, and I'm expecting to be on the receiving end of some vicious attacks. The reason being is the delivery of my concerns. I'm not exactly known for mollycoddling anyone. But people take it all too personal when I don't point a finger at a specific author. I generalise for that very reason, and those who find themselves among the culprits will hopefully listen up and see what they're doing through other people's eyes.
I'm currently reading through the book(let), and boy, there are some harsh comments in it. I've toyed with the idea of deleting or amending them, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. It's meant to be provocative, biting, and a little bit over the top. If someone seriously feels hurt by what I'm saying, then it's possibly down to the fact that s/he can identify with the addressed 'tosser'.
For some reason I wish I could get up and put together a stand-up show together. I always wanted to try and see if I have the comedy queen in me or not. Being on stage, you have much more to play with: a smile, a wiggle with an eyebrow, a grin, body language in general. Cynical writing relies on the reader's understanding. It's very easy to get the wrong end of the stick. But then I think it's rather forthright, and those who know my well enough, know that it's just my way of poking a few sensitive areas.
Nevertheless, it could well mean the end of my 'career' and the hard work I've put into it. I guess that's a risk I'm willing to take.
Truth is painful, but I've always been a terrible liar.
The book's release is set to be on the 15th of November. I'll go and get me gear, helmet and all.
My only question - do you actually think the people who need it will buy it?
ReplyDeleteI certainly hope so. Anyway it's a book for readers and writers. We'll see. Nobody can actually foresee who will buy our books.
DeleteI think you're brave to say something that the good writers, the ones really meant to be writing, will almost certainly agree with. Most books can be better. When we think they're done, they're not. When we think we've learned everything...wait, no one thinks that, do they? And...work to make your book as absolutely great as it can be...because the more great books there are out there, the better it is for all of us who are trying so hard to write one.
ReplyDeleteI'll check out yours, and I have a feeling I'll be recommending it.
You'll probably laugh your head off, gasp a few times, thinking, did she really write that? Then laugh again. I'm not perfect, never claimed to be, and I certainly made some stupid mistakes I wish I hadn't done. :-)
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