As an author who's done hundreds of readings and signings around the country, I've frequently been asked about books on the best seller list and books in the news. I learned a long time ago to be very careful how I answer those questions. At the beginning of my career, a well-known author had warned me to watch what I said in public about other contemporary writers. He'd made an unfortunate remark about one of his peers when he was starting out, and it hurt him for years afterward.
I read a lot more indie and small presses authors than bestsellers these days, mostly because I know the writers through their short stories. After the appetizer, if I enjoyed it, I want the whole meal. Occasionally I dive into something from a big author, to see what the big business is putting out. With mixed reactions. I’m reading a recent Michael Connelly now and I’m a bit put off by the writing- I am a fan of his books usually- this one is meh… can’t win them all.
I don't take Rotten Tomatoes critics seriously (just like gaming journos today). But reading reviews from the audience gives me an idea of at least the quality of a product I want to consume. It's been more helpful. It's good we all have different tastes and enriches our discussions. What works for one doesn't work for another and that's okay. Interestingly, I thought Gone Girl as a book was good, not so much the movie. Saltburn disgusted me although I do see its merit as a satire.
Fortunately, I'm usually way behind in my reading when the book is popular, so I can plead ignorance. Also, nonfiction books don't usually draw so much controversy so I feel free talking about whatever I'm reading in addition to crime fiction.
sometimes it's easier just to agree with the consensus, which is what most people do. the reverse is not liking a book just because it's popular (which I've been guilty of as well)
As an author I'm more likely to comment about craft if anything, if I do a public review. Otherwise it's pretty much "I finished it, yup, it works for me." But I'm really not the best of critics anyway, and I'd just as soon spend time enjoying a reading when it comes to fiction.
I read a lot more indie and small presses authors than bestsellers these days, mostly because I know the writers through their short stories. After the appetizer, if I enjoyed it, I want the whole meal. Occasionally I dive into something from a big author, to see what the big business is putting out. With mixed reactions. I’m reading a recent Michael Connelly now and I’m a bit put off by the writing- I am a fan of his books usually- this one is meh… can’t win them all.
I don't take Rotten Tomatoes critics seriously (just like gaming journos today). But reading reviews from the audience gives me an idea of at least the quality of a product I want to consume. It's been more helpful. It's good we all have different tastes and enriches our discussions. What works for one doesn't work for another and that's okay. Interestingly, I thought Gone Girl as a book was good, not so much the movie. Saltburn disgusted me although I do see its merit as a satire.
Thanks Lev. Sometimes a writer gets too big for their britches. Remember Franzen and the Oprah debacle?
Fortunately, I'm usually way behind in my reading when the book is popular, so I can plead ignorance. Also, nonfiction books don't usually draw so much controversy so I feel free talking about whatever I'm reading in addition to crime fiction.
sometimes it's easier just to agree with the consensus, which is what most people do. the reverse is not liking a book just because it's popular (which I've been guilty of as well)
As an author I'm more likely to comment about craft if anything, if I do a public review. Otherwise it's pretty much "I finished it, yup, it works for me." But I'm really not the best of critics anyway, and I'd just as soon spend time enjoying a reading when it comes to fiction.