Hello Lovely Readers,
This week, two of my favorite authors made announcements that I thought I would pass on to you guys. Then a third author was the subject of a rather “interesting” criticism, that I just can’t help weighing in on! Best yet, is that I realized I have met all three of these wonderful women!
The last author that was in the news this week was JK Rowling. In a very strange move, novelist and copywriter Lynn Sheperd, wrote a rather scathing opinion about Rowling. You can and should read the article here. It is a very strange move, especially as she opens with a note that her friend told her it was a bad idea to write this piece. The article titled, “If JK Rowling Cares About Writing, She Should Stop Doing It.” I will admit it was very hard for me to keep a level head while I read the article, but it was hard when Sheperd not only attacks Rowling, but those of us adults who read “children’s” novels. Sheperd’s basic argument is big names in adult (she doesn’t care about children’s or YA novels or their authors) literature should step aside and let new people try their luck. Unfortunately, I (and most commentators) do not believe that publishing is a zero-sum game. Instead big authors get people’s initial attention and then cause the readers to look for similar titles, thus bringing attention to the newer writers. Not only are Sheperd’s arguments feeble, she judges Rowling’s works without ever having attempted to read any of her works. Basically the article comes across as another author being bitter and delusional. Worse it has probably done the opposite of what she wanted, she has angered many readers, who will most likely never give her books a fair chance (I know I feel rather personally insulted by the article and have no wish to read any of her work).
What did you guys think of the article about Rowling? Are you excited about Rice’s or McKinley’s news?
Until next time,
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Frances and Lynne 