Good Writing vs. Talented Writing and the Changing Pub World

Here's an interesting take- Good Writing vs. Talented Writing.

This article from Maria Popova is on the Brainpickings site, and The Passive Guy linked it and put it up.

There is "good" writing that is technically correct, but has no flavor, no zip, and no interest for the reader. Since I read a great deal, I find a lot of this.

I love to find a book that sucks me right in, and makes me want more like a junkie. That's the talented side.

What are your favorite books showcasing talented writing?

And what have you read recently that's "good" but left you cold as a reader?

*****

In other news, here's an awesome article (also linked by The Passive Guy) on the Independent Book Publishers Association Publishing University in Chicago.

This is a must-read for all writers. A real eye-opener.

Quick bullet points:

The flaws in the traditional publishing model are everywhere. It is not a viable model.
(Holy crap, someone is saying this to publishers and not getting attacked!)

The future is global virtual distribution.
(Agreed)

It is no longer all about distribution (that part is easy), it is now about discoverability.

This is the Era of Artisanal Publishing

The Myth of Big 5 Marketing Support
(Data point- my friend has a great book out from a publisher-- Chasing Alaska-- and he's having a devil of a time getting it into bookstores, despite rave reviews from prestigious industry sites.)

Yapping too much can kill sales.
(All you people relentlessly screaming "Buy my book" via social media take note.)


Discuss...

Help on Selling Books- and Recommended Book

Here's a bit of help for struggling authors.
How To Sell Loads of Books - My Approach by Russell Blake

This 27-point piece gives much good advice on just what it says. While Your Mileage May Vary, it still has something for most writers looking to sell their books online. Some of it is good, hard-nosed business advice that will cause some folks consternation (you mean we have to work? And think?). There are points of argument, but overall a great list that should be studied.

While waiting for copies of my latest Zack Taylor mystery A Shadow on the Wall to arrive, I'm currently listed on the Sisters in Crime website, with a cover of the previous Zack Taylor mystery, A Fall From Grace as part of their display. Very cool to get this up.

A friend of mine, Chris Bernard, has his new non-fiction book out: Chasing Alaska: A Portrait of the Last Frontier Then and Now. It's received a lot of critical praise already, and my copy just arrived today. Chris went to Alaska and discovered some long-forgotten roots in the guise of an ancestor who went Alaska exploring years before. So you get a feel for our largest state in the past and in the present.

Another Appearance

Had another great "do" today, with an author appearance at the Used Book Superstore in Burlington, MA.

Lots of interested folks stopping by, including the writer support crew- many thanks to those who took time out of a busy and beautiful day to come by to see how it was going: Ann, Ursula, Pete, Vlad, Jordanna. And my loving wife and daughter.

And thanks to the nice staff of the store, who had the setup all ready, and my brochures right by the front register! And to Elizabeth, for making this all possible, and seeing to it that their website had the notice up for all to see. Am hoping that success will bring more writers and readers to connect there.

Thanks also to Joe Ross of Rosstrum Publishing, publisher of my upcoming third Zack Taylor mystery, A Shadow on the Wall, who showed up to help out with promo and talking to prospective writers and book buyers.

Next appearance- talk and signing with author Vlad Vaslyn on Saturday, June 8th at the Haverhill MA library from 2-4.

Book Talks

Quite a busy time here at Writing Central. Book talks aplenty!

Yesterday, author Vlad Vaslyn and I journeyed down to Conn. to the cool new bookstore Books and Boos for a guest appearance. We had a blast, chatting with Jason and Stacey, who own the store.

We're even going back for more, on Saturday, June 22, for an all-day author signing event to benefit Holly Newstein Hautala.

My name was in the Boston Globe today, mentioning my talk and signing next Saturday, May 4th, at the Used Book Superstore in Burlington, Mass. from11-2.

And today I'll be at the talk by Andre Dubus III sponsored by the Chelmsford Library.

I got to meet Andre at the Stephen King talk back in December, and he seemed like a pretty cool guy. Then I read Townie, and was blown away. Awesome book, incredible life journey, and an amazing story.

The Truth Hurts

Noted best-selling author Barry Eisler gave an address (On Digital Denial) at the Pike's Peak Writers Convention. You can read all about the fallout here on Joe Konrath's site.

The gist of it is, Barry once more told a few truths that sent Big Publishers and agents harumphing over the Internet, saying all kinds of crap.

The buggy-whip salespeople really hate it when people get the truth. They piss and moan on their social media sites, but they do not engage Barry in actual debate, though he and others invite it.

They won't, because he's right. He tells the truth, and they bloody well know it, but they don't want anyone hearing it.

Come on, industry apologists, if you think he's full of pony poop, have the stones to come out and engage in a discussion and debate.

You don't dare, because he'll shred you with the truth.

Nigel Bird New Work

British writer Nigel Bird is best known for his gritty crime dramas, with writing that encompasses the dark side of our nature. His work reminds you of the good stuff from Ian Rankin, George Pelecanos, and a host of other chroniclers of the seamy life.

In his latest work, The Rocks Below, the darkness comes from our actions, and nature responds.
It's a novella, free on Kindle now (if you're quick), and worth it if you have to buy it when it stops being free. It's good writing that layers in something bigger, a warning to us about our actions.

Here's my review- like the work- brief, sharp, and to the point:

Nigel Bird's The Rocks Below is a series of short, hard punches, character sketches that are all part of a larger mosaic. There is visceral, heart-pounding action as the different folks handle a tense situation in various ways. Bird gives us vivid imagery that puts you right in the action. Good entertainment with a moral, one that may help us if we listen. Top marks.

Fun Pulp Covers and Great Reviews

Wow, check this out-- you can make your own pulp magazine cover, with different pics, colors, and text. Here's one I did:

 

 

This coolness can be yours-- check out http://thrilling-tales.webomator.com/derange-o-lab/pulp-o-mizer/pulp-o-mizer.html

And got a pair of great reviews for my first two Zack Taylor mysteries.
"This was a well-written mystery, well-paced and well-constructed."

"I really enjoyed reading this book. It is well-written and engaging."