Cynthia Hamilton's Blog: Reading and Writing, page 8
September 21, 2014
The "Independent" Spirit
I would hazard a guess that nearly all writers who are pleased with their work hanker for it to be published. This is only natural, as writing and publishing are the two halves of book production, which in turn puts books into the hands of readers. As with any manner of goods, without both components of creating the product and bringing it to market, there is nothing for the consumer to buy.
But how does an unknown writer build a bridge to the publishing house? The writer must first find an agent. That agent will become the human bridge to the publishers. As writers, we get that: publishing houses are behemoth enterprises that rely on time-tested literary agencies to perform the introductions.
So, how does a writer find this go-between? Hours, months, years of researching for the right agent for your genre, and hoping against hope some assistant will find your query letter and sample chapters enthralling enough to pass on to his or her boss. If that happens—and I’ve gotten to first base twice—you will receive the heart-stopping request to see more material. If you should be so fortunate to find an agent who loves your work AND knows which publishing house might want to offer you a book deal, then you’ve beaten staggering odds. Kudos to all of those gifted, lucky writers who have slipped into the ranks of the “published author!”
Only in recent years has it become less of a stigma to infiltrate the literary marketplace as a self-published writer. Or maybe it is better said that writers no longer have to spend a good chuck of their precious writing time on fashioning endless queries to the gatekeepers. Now, thanks largely to Amazon as the pioneer of the free literary marketplace, anyone who has written just about anything can put it out there for public consumption.
More published writers means more choices for the reading public, often at a fraction of what a publishing house would demand for the pleasure or peril of buying their product. That is a good thing, right? Okay, this also means more books are out there that haven’t been properly edited or vetted. But now the buying public has also made the transition from passive buyer, relying on a handful of critics to guide their purchasing choices, to being critics in their own right.
The result: all writers can be read and all readers’ voices can be heard. Good works will be acknowledged by the people who have read them and the writer’s career will succeed or flounder accordingly. Rather democratic, I’d say. And this brings me to my question: does the distinction between “traditionally published” and “self-published” really matter anymore? I’d like to think it doesn’t, but it is very difficult to hit the best-sellers list if a writer doesn’t have that publishing machine behind it.
Still, in my mind, the advantages of being an “independent” publisher far outweigh the lingering stigma of not having passed through the magical hoop that leads to seeing your book for sale. What I love about my independence is being able to publish my books, written as I see fit, deciding when—if ever—they will go out of print, charging much less to the end-user and making much more per sale than I ever could if I had sold my rights to a publisher. Plus, as my own publisher, I can make my books available for free whenever I chose.
Having all those advantages comes with a price tag, literally. I must hire my own editors, formatters, graphic artists, cover designers and printers, and wage my own publicity assault, something I haven’t fully mastered yet. I am learning. The biggest cost is time spent on those efforts, time taken out of my writing day. But in the end, I have a product I feel proud of that I feel is worthy of being read. Most importantly, my books are “out there,” in the marketplace, and there’s no better feeling for an author than that!
Until next time,
Independently yours,
Cynthia
But how does an unknown writer build a bridge to the publishing house? The writer must first find an agent. That agent will become the human bridge to the publishers. As writers, we get that: publishing houses are behemoth enterprises that rely on time-tested literary agencies to perform the introductions.
So, how does a writer find this go-between? Hours, months, years of researching for the right agent for your genre, and hoping against hope some assistant will find your query letter and sample chapters enthralling enough to pass on to his or her boss. If that happens—and I’ve gotten to first base twice—you will receive the heart-stopping request to see more material. If you should be so fortunate to find an agent who loves your work AND knows which publishing house might want to offer you a book deal, then you’ve beaten staggering odds. Kudos to all of those gifted, lucky writers who have slipped into the ranks of the “published author!”
Only in recent years has it become less of a stigma to infiltrate the literary marketplace as a self-published writer. Or maybe it is better said that writers no longer have to spend a good chuck of their precious writing time on fashioning endless queries to the gatekeepers. Now, thanks largely to Amazon as the pioneer of the free literary marketplace, anyone who has written just about anything can put it out there for public consumption.
More published writers means more choices for the reading public, often at a fraction of what a publishing house would demand for the pleasure or peril of buying their product. That is a good thing, right? Okay, this also means more books are out there that haven’t been properly edited or vetted. But now the buying public has also made the transition from passive buyer, relying on a handful of critics to guide their purchasing choices, to being critics in their own right.
The result: all writers can be read and all readers’ voices can be heard. Good works will be acknowledged by the people who have read them and the writer’s career will succeed or flounder accordingly. Rather democratic, I’d say. And this brings me to my question: does the distinction between “traditionally published” and “self-published” really matter anymore? I’d like to think it doesn’t, but it is very difficult to hit the best-sellers list if a writer doesn’t have that publishing machine behind it.
Still, in my mind, the advantages of being an “independent” publisher far outweigh the lingering stigma of not having passed through the magical hoop that leads to seeing your book for sale. What I love about my independence is being able to publish my books, written as I see fit, deciding when—if ever—they will go out of print, charging much less to the end-user and making much more per sale than I ever could if I had sold my rights to a publisher. Plus, as my own publisher, I can make my books available for free whenever I chose.
Having all those advantages comes with a price tag, literally. I must hire my own editors, formatters, graphic artists, cover designers and printers, and wage my own publicity assault, something I haven’t fully mastered yet. I am learning. The biggest cost is time spent on those efforts, time taken out of my writing day. But in the end, I have a product I feel proud of that I feel is worthy of being read. Most importantly, my books are “out there,” in the marketplace, and there’s no better feeling for an author than that!
Until next time,
Independently yours,
Cynthia
September 13, 2014
The E-Reader's Best Friend
As I’ve battled my way through the challenges of being an independent writer, I’ve had some wonderful experiences that have made the effort so worthwhile. Connecting with readers is at the top of the list; nothing I’ve come across is quite as rewarding as hearing from strangers who have enjoyed my books. I can’t say what compels me to write and brave the vast, overwhelming world of publishing, but I can definitely say it’s the reading public who motivates me to keep slogging along.
Another heartening upside to what I do is being featured on sites that sift through the multitude of daily free book offerings, wading through the stacks to find the best picks for their readers. As making books available for free is a great way to establish a reader base, getting the nod from these various sites is a real boost. And being a ravenous reader as well as a writer, these sites have become the handiest tool when looking for new reading material. I’m so glad I no longer have to spend precious time trying to find something I might enjoy reading. And getting good material for free—what could be better than that??
In preparation of writing this post, I went online to do another type of sifting: finding the most reliable sites that feature free eBooks. The verdict: searching for sites that make it easier to find new reads is as daunting as trying to find a book without the aid of these sites. In other words, it can be a Catch-22.
After spending over an hour running down the best bets, I’ve got a small but trustworthy list of sites that don’t make me feel like I need a machete to clear a path through the offerings.
So, my three favorite sites? Free eBooks Daily: http://www.freeebooksdaily.com/ Digital Book Today: http://digitalbooktoday.com/; One Hundred Free Books.com: http://ohfb.com/newest-free-books-for.... Both Free eBooks Daily and Digital Book Today have a lot to offer readers besides free book listings. Both have extensive archived interviews from hundreds of writers. All feature the ability to check offerings by genre, which is also handy.
My guess is many of you are far more evolved than I when it comes to navigating the free eBook forums. I invite you to share your favorite haunts with me and others, let us in on what we might be missing. After all, you can never have too many good books to read!
Until next time,
Cynthia
Another heartening upside to what I do is being featured on sites that sift through the multitude of daily free book offerings, wading through the stacks to find the best picks for their readers. As making books available for free is a great way to establish a reader base, getting the nod from these various sites is a real boost. And being a ravenous reader as well as a writer, these sites have become the handiest tool when looking for new reading material. I’m so glad I no longer have to spend precious time trying to find something I might enjoy reading. And getting good material for free—what could be better than that??
In preparation of writing this post, I went online to do another type of sifting: finding the most reliable sites that feature free eBooks. The verdict: searching for sites that make it easier to find new reads is as daunting as trying to find a book without the aid of these sites. In other words, it can be a Catch-22.
After spending over an hour running down the best bets, I’ve got a small but trustworthy list of sites that don’t make me feel like I need a machete to clear a path through the offerings.
So, my three favorite sites? Free eBooks Daily: http://www.freeebooksdaily.com/ Digital Book Today: http://digitalbooktoday.com/; One Hundred Free Books.com: http://ohfb.com/newest-free-books-for.... Both Free eBooks Daily and Digital Book Today have a lot to offer readers besides free book listings. Both have extensive archived interviews from hundreds of writers. All feature the ability to check offerings by genre, which is also handy.
My guess is many of you are far more evolved than I when it comes to navigating the free eBook forums. I invite you to share your favorite haunts with me and others, let us in on what we might be missing. After all, you can never have too many good books to read!
Until next time,
Cynthia
September 5, 2014
The Happy Accidents
It's been my experience as I’ve embarked on the Madeline Dawkins series that more concentration on plot is required when crafting a mystery. While writing general fiction, all I needed to certify my leap into a new novel was some well-thought out characters, a good premise, and at least one plausible ending. At that point, I was welcome to let my imagination run wild.
Now that I’ve taken this new path, I’m realizing how necessary it is to see both ahead and behind, running scenarios through a prism, seeing them from every angle and noting the consequences of every line, no matter how trivial they might seem on the surface. In fact, it’s those seemingly innocuous moments that lend themselves to the most unexpected opportunities.
While writing “Spouse Trap,” the prequel to the Madeline series, I was picking my way through a style of writing that was loaded with alleyways that could sneak back around and bite me on the tokus. This prosprct was as exciting as it was scary. To ward off the unknown, I armed myself with as much knowledge as I could, taking a private investigator course so that I would know what I was talking about, and “virtually” living on Guam for months.
Still, treading as carefully as I could, I had a heart-stopping moment as I neared the end of the book and saw a hole in the plot that threatened the credibility of the story. I panicked, naturally, and executed a mental face-slapping, which brought about a simple solution, one so benign and natural, it had the added bonus of delivering the ending in a nicely tied bow. Had I not gone down that blind alley, I would not have had that opportunity to punctuate the finale while underscoring the birth of the series.I won’t give specifics to avoid spoilers, but this once glaringly obvious oversight ended up as the unexpected twist in a perfectly shaken Sazerac.
Other unforeseen opportunities presented themselves in “A High Price to Pay.” I was not petrified by the gaffs this time, and was able to exploit them to their full advantage. What I’ve discovered in this style of writing is that every scenario has multiple possibilities—of both the subliminal and red herring variety—that give us diehard mystery lovers what we crave: the satisfaction of being so close to figuring it out and still being surprised at the end.
As I wade into the third Madeline book, I’m letting out more line and keeping my eye out for any and all happy surprises. May all your “mysterious” endeavors lead to satisfying conclusions!
Until next time,
Cynthia
Now that I’ve taken this new path, I’m realizing how necessary it is to see both ahead and behind, running scenarios through a prism, seeing them from every angle and noting the consequences of every line, no matter how trivial they might seem on the surface. In fact, it’s those seemingly innocuous moments that lend themselves to the most unexpected opportunities.
While writing “Spouse Trap,” the prequel to the Madeline series, I was picking my way through a style of writing that was loaded with alleyways that could sneak back around and bite me on the tokus. This prosprct was as exciting as it was scary. To ward off the unknown, I armed myself with as much knowledge as I could, taking a private investigator course so that I would know what I was talking about, and “virtually” living on Guam for months.
Still, treading as carefully as I could, I had a heart-stopping moment as I neared the end of the book and saw a hole in the plot that threatened the credibility of the story. I panicked, naturally, and executed a mental face-slapping, which brought about a simple solution, one so benign and natural, it had the added bonus of delivering the ending in a nicely tied bow. Had I not gone down that blind alley, I would not have had that opportunity to punctuate the finale while underscoring the birth of the series.I won’t give specifics to avoid spoilers, but this once glaringly obvious oversight ended up as the unexpected twist in a perfectly shaken Sazerac.
Other unforeseen opportunities presented themselves in “A High Price to Pay.” I was not petrified by the gaffs this time, and was able to exploit them to their full advantage. What I’ve discovered in this style of writing is that every scenario has multiple possibilities—of both the subliminal and red herring variety—that give us diehard mystery lovers what we crave: the satisfaction of being so close to figuring it out and still being surprised at the end.
As I wade into the third Madeline book, I’m letting out more line and keeping my eye out for any and all happy surprises. May all your “mysterious” endeavors lead to satisfying conclusions!
Until next time,
Cynthia
August 23, 2014
Anatomy of a Mystery
It was never my intention to delve into the mystery/suspense genre, or write a series for that matter. But now I’ve taken this path, I’m truly loving all the opportunities and challenges that come with the territory. Every aspect of the process is different than what I’ve done it the past; creating a character whom I can follow and expand on is a test as well as an opportunity. But the biggest hurdle is keeping it fresh and mining new scenarios that will bring readers back for more while keeping Madeline interested in her role.
Fortunately, by a fluke of the writing process, my protagonist ended up dual careers. This is not only good for adding dimension to the character’s life, but it allows Madeline to realistically build on her accidental role as P.I., while giving her unique opportunities to rustle up business. In “A High Price to Pay,” Madeline picks up her first client at the most prestigious and annoying job as an event coordinator. The vehicle of her event planning career also made it feasible for Madeline to work through her three-year private investigator apprenticeship. And it gives her an edge when setting up a sting operation to bring a slippery fraud to justice in the third installment in the series.
So…everything is purring along just fine—except for one crucial element: adequate writing time. I do know writers who are very disciplined and almost never let anything get in the way of their writing time. Oh, how I envy them! Sure, I don’t have a regular 9-5 job anymore, but it’s not always easy to keep the tide of life from surging over your imaginary time boundaries. But I won’t blame my separation from my favorite pursuit on anyone or any one thing. Life just happens.
I would be in total despair at my relative lack of progress on this third book in Madeline’s saga if I didn’t have the secret weapon of being able to plot and write the story in my head. It is in those moments when I realize I can switch to auto-pilot and turn off the needless narrative that I’m able to tap back into what’s happening at M.D.P.I.
Because of a recent foot surgery, I’ve been unable to take my customary walks on the beach, where most of my book development takes place. I’ve had to hold onto my sanity by consciously blocking out all the brain noise so I can stitch together fragments of the plot. It does take the edge off the frustration of not being able to sit down at the computer, though it’s hard to fight down the creeping dread that I’m not working fast enough.
Fortunately, as I found in book two, fermenting time is actually very beneficial when brewing up a steamy cauldron of whodunit and why. Random thoughts stop by to toss in their two-cents’ worth, adding twists and turns I would’ve missed if I’d been busy pounding out the story. I also have to remind myself that I experienced a seven-month lag time while writing “High Price,” but managed to pull it all together in three months, something I couldn’t have done if the book hadn’t been writing itself in my head.
So, I bide my time as well as I can, making promises to myself that I no longer believe. Yet I know somehow, someway, this book will get written—just as I know “life” will never get out of my way!
Until next time,
Cynthia
Fortunately, by a fluke of the writing process, my protagonist ended up dual careers. This is not only good for adding dimension to the character’s life, but it allows Madeline to realistically build on her accidental role as P.I., while giving her unique opportunities to rustle up business. In “A High Price to Pay,” Madeline picks up her first client at the most prestigious and annoying job as an event coordinator. The vehicle of her event planning career also made it feasible for Madeline to work through her three-year private investigator apprenticeship. And it gives her an edge when setting up a sting operation to bring a slippery fraud to justice in the third installment in the series.
So…everything is purring along just fine—except for one crucial element: adequate writing time. I do know writers who are very disciplined and almost never let anything get in the way of their writing time. Oh, how I envy them! Sure, I don’t have a regular 9-5 job anymore, but it’s not always easy to keep the tide of life from surging over your imaginary time boundaries. But I won’t blame my separation from my favorite pursuit on anyone or any one thing. Life just happens.
I would be in total despair at my relative lack of progress on this third book in Madeline’s saga if I didn’t have the secret weapon of being able to plot and write the story in my head. It is in those moments when I realize I can switch to auto-pilot and turn off the needless narrative that I’m able to tap back into what’s happening at M.D.P.I.
Because of a recent foot surgery, I’ve been unable to take my customary walks on the beach, where most of my book development takes place. I’ve had to hold onto my sanity by consciously blocking out all the brain noise so I can stitch together fragments of the plot. It does take the edge off the frustration of not being able to sit down at the computer, though it’s hard to fight down the creeping dread that I’m not working fast enough.
Fortunately, as I found in book two, fermenting time is actually very beneficial when brewing up a steamy cauldron of whodunit and why. Random thoughts stop by to toss in their two-cents’ worth, adding twists and turns I would’ve missed if I’d been busy pounding out the story. I also have to remind myself that I experienced a seven-month lag time while writing “High Price,” but managed to pull it all together in three months, something I couldn’t have done if the book hadn’t been writing itself in my head.
So, I bide my time as well as I can, making promises to myself that I no longer believe. Yet I know somehow, someway, this book will get written—just as I know “life” will never get out of my way!
Until next time,
Cynthia
August 14, 2014
The Community of Reading
Though the act of reading a book is mostly a private pursuit, many of us feel the desire to share that personal experience with others. I suppose in that respect, reading is no different than most other pastimes: we like to share and compare our reactions to the things that move us, whether their impact on us is positive or negative.
Now in addition to the traditional book clubs, we have a plethora of venues where we can give our opinions and read others’. We can better sniff out a book’s potential for fitting our tastes without relying solely on its cover and the views of a handful of critics. As I expand my horizons as both a reader and a writer, I’ve been discovering just how vast the global reading community is. It boggles my mind, to be honest, as I try to take in all the online venues where readers can congregate to praise or lament or be introduced to their latest finds.
Interestingly, my role as writer has opened my eyes to much of what is out there to aid readers in expanding their horizons. This year I have been contacted by several of these online businesses that showcase free or discounted downloading opportunities, informing me that one of my books has been featured on their sites. Thrilling? Yes! But also a tad unsettling, as I realize how little I know about cyberspace and its role in the world of literature.
As reader, I am heartened by the ease of selecting new titles in more manageable doses. I’m not even going to take a guess at how many books there are to choose from, but I do know the feeling of being overwhelmed by sheer magnitude of the marketplace. Although this bounty should cheer readers by its plethora of choices, I personally have gotten lost in the maze of trying to find a new book. I’ve spent an inordinate amount of time searching for my next read, only to give up in befuddlement.
Happily, these same sites that have featured my books have been a great source for my own reading material. As I feel my way through some of these venues, I understand why there are so many. These sites are as varied as the readers who visit them, thereby giving individuals the ability to connect with the type of books they seek.
In addition to expanding our scope of selection, the Internet has made it much easier to learn about our favorite authors, often giving us the means to communicate with them directly. Sure, it’s always been possible to mail a letter of praise to a writer in hopes of getting a signed “thank you” in return. But now real contact can be established, bringing the two groups together on a personal level that was seldom enjoyed in the past.
So, hooray once again for the Computer Age! As mindboggling as it can be, there’s never been a better time to be a reader or a writer. I, for one, am grateful for our brave new reading community. It has enhanced both my reading and writing experiences. The fact that you are reading this tells me that it has expanded yours as well. Questions or comments? I’d be delighted to answer them all!
Until next time,
Cynthia
Now in addition to the traditional book clubs, we have a plethora of venues where we can give our opinions and read others’. We can better sniff out a book’s potential for fitting our tastes without relying solely on its cover and the views of a handful of critics. As I expand my horizons as both a reader and a writer, I’ve been discovering just how vast the global reading community is. It boggles my mind, to be honest, as I try to take in all the online venues where readers can congregate to praise or lament or be introduced to their latest finds.
Interestingly, my role as writer has opened my eyes to much of what is out there to aid readers in expanding their horizons. This year I have been contacted by several of these online businesses that showcase free or discounted downloading opportunities, informing me that one of my books has been featured on their sites. Thrilling? Yes! But also a tad unsettling, as I realize how little I know about cyberspace and its role in the world of literature.
As reader, I am heartened by the ease of selecting new titles in more manageable doses. I’m not even going to take a guess at how many books there are to choose from, but I do know the feeling of being overwhelmed by sheer magnitude of the marketplace. Although this bounty should cheer readers by its plethora of choices, I personally have gotten lost in the maze of trying to find a new book. I’ve spent an inordinate amount of time searching for my next read, only to give up in befuddlement.
Happily, these same sites that have featured my books have been a great source for my own reading material. As I feel my way through some of these venues, I understand why there are so many. These sites are as varied as the readers who visit them, thereby giving individuals the ability to connect with the type of books they seek.
In addition to expanding our scope of selection, the Internet has made it much easier to learn about our favorite authors, often giving us the means to communicate with them directly. Sure, it’s always been possible to mail a letter of praise to a writer in hopes of getting a signed “thank you” in return. But now real contact can be established, bringing the two groups together on a personal level that was seldom enjoyed in the past.
So, hooray once again for the Computer Age! As mindboggling as it can be, there’s never been a better time to be a reader or a writer. I, for one, am grateful for our brave new reading community. It has enhanced both my reading and writing experiences. The fact that you are reading this tells me that it has expanded yours as well. Questions or comments? I’d be delighted to answer them all!
Until next time,
Cynthia
August 2, 2014
The Relationship between Readers and Writers
As joyous as both the reading and writing experiences can be, they are individual and solitary pursuits. When I delve into a novel as a reader, I do so as a lone investigator, following the clues the writer has left for me to discover. I seldom think about what went through the author’s mind as he or she created the characters and the story they populate. Reading is something we do for our own pleasure and enjoyment, something that we internalize and interpret in our particular way.
While creating my own works of fiction, the prospective reader never enters my head. It’s already filled to capacity with character development and plotlines, so much so that whatever I’m currently working on spills over into the rest of my day, often causing me drive past my exit or put perishables in the dishwasher.
For centuries, the relationship between the reader and the writer had been a one-sided correspondence: the writers sitting in their own worlds producing books; the readers in theirs, enjoying (or not) the fruits of another’s labor, without any interaction between the two groups. The author and end-user would only get word of the book’s success through sales and reviews by a finite number of voices.
The advent of the Internet has brought these two sides of the symbiotic connection closer together. Or has it? Now, because of all the online venues for posting one’s wares and one’s opinions, the reader is not just a passive participant in the literary world. That very vocal group—of which I am a part of—can praise or dismiss the merits of the work in question, setting their opinions in cyberspace stone.
Authors can certainly take the pulse of their reading public now, though one must sometimes weed through assessments born of irritation and quick dismal, a byproduct of instantaneous access to a global mouthpiece. These rash criticisms can be misleading for both the writer and the potential reader.
As part of the latter, I look to reviews to give me a sense of what I can expect to find if I purchase the book in question. As a writer, I must sift through any derogatory comments to learn if the criticism is valid, or if it’s merely subjective—i.e., not their kind of book to start with.
If their assessment is correct, then I am grateful for the reviewer for bringing it to my attention. If it is result of mistaken identity—not what the reader had hoped to find—then it has the potential of poisoning the well for others. But like most things in life, this new tool cuts both ways. It is now up to all of us to wield it judiciously for the improved reading experience of others.
May all your reading experiences be uplifting, enlightening, or just plain fun!
Until next time,
Cynthia
While creating my own works of fiction, the prospective reader never enters my head. It’s already filled to capacity with character development and plotlines, so much so that whatever I’m currently working on spills over into the rest of my day, often causing me drive past my exit or put perishables in the dishwasher.
For centuries, the relationship between the reader and the writer had been a one-sided correspondence: the writers sitting in their own worlds producing books; the readers in theirs, enjoying (or not) the fruits of another’s labor, without any interaction between the two groups. The author and end-user would only get word of the book’s success through sales and reviews by a finite number of voices.
The advent of the Internet has brought these two sides of the symbiotic connection closer together. Or has it? Now, because of all the online venues for posting one’s wares and one’s opinions, the reader is not just a passive participant in the literary world. That very vocal group—of which I am a part of—can praise or dismiss the merits of the work in question, setting their opinions in cyberspace stone.
Authors can certainly take the pulse of their reading public now, though one must sometimes weed through assessments born of irritation and quick dismal, a byproduct of instantaneous access to a global mouthpiece. These rash criticisms can be misleading for both the writer and the potential reader.
As part of the latter, I look to reviews to give me a sense of what I can expect to find if I purchase the book in question. As a writer, I must sift through any derogatory comments to learn if the criticism is valid, or if it’s merely subjective—i.e., not their kind of book to start with.
If their assessment is correct, then I am grateful for the reviewer for bringing it to my attention. If it is result of mistaken identity—not what the reader had hoped to find—then it has the potential of poisoning the well for others. But like most things in life, this new tool cuts both ways. It is now up to all of us to wield it judiciously for the improved reading experience of others.
May all your reading experiences be uplifting, enlightening, or just plain fun!
Until next time,
Cynthia
July 26, 2014
Print vs. the Big Screen: How books translate into films
I think we’ve all been there, excited to find that our cherished reading experiences are about to be turned into motion pictures. Over the years, I’ve learned to temper my enthusiasm, thanks to less than faithful reproductions.
There are many factors that contribute to the disappointment by fans of the written version. The time constraints of trying to capture the entirety of the story is probably the biggest hurdle film makers face. But there is also the “reimagining” by several minds—producers, directors, screen writers, studio execs, actors—that plays a big part in what’s lost in the translation.
When I look back over the years, I can think of several examples of films missing the mark of pleasing a large, expectant audience. “Memoirs of a Geisha” by Arthur Golden sticks out in my mind. Although I think great pains were taken to faithfully adapt the book to the screen—including gorgeous scenery, costumes, etc.—somehow the film lacked heart. What had been such a delightful and engrossing reading experience felt flat when viewed by eager fans, even with all the obvious care and thought that was put into bringing it to life. Those uninitiated to the story didn’t seem much impressed by it either.
One of the most anticipated adaptations was “The Da Vinci Code,” which proved to be another underwhelming experience for those who loved Dan Brown’s creation. “Water for Elephants” was a novel that I thoroughly enjoyed, and I wasn’t alone. Yet the film, despite a lot of big name talent, failed to please viewers.
These are but a few of the numerous examples of less than successful leaps to the big screen. But I have also been pleasantly surprised to find favorites that have made the conversion without losing the integrity of the story. “The Sheltering Sky” by Paul Bowles is one example. I’ve seen the movie version twice and I loved it as much as I did the book.
After seeing and being spellbound by “The English Patient,” I often overheard groups of people who were extremely disappointed by the cinematic effort. I had felt the same way about “The Last of the Mohicans,” by James Fenimore Cooper. When I heard that it was being made into a movie, I thought it would be a good idea to read it first. I wonder if I would’ve liked the film better if I hadn’t.
I finally got over being irked by the disapproval of the screen version of “The English Patient” and decided to read the book myself. I have to say I liked both very much, but I certainly understood why those who’d read the novel first didn’t; they were two very different stories. This experience taught me lesson: sometimes it’s better to leave expectations at the theater entrance and view the tale with an unbiased attitude.
So, what are YOUR favorite picks and pans? Which movie versions of your beloved books delivered satisfying results? How many of the dozens of books that have been turned into movies this year alone have made your “must see” list? I guess we’re always looking to double our pleasure, and why not??
On the “Not Soon to be a Motion Picture” list, “Alligators in the Trees” by yours truly will be available for FREE downloading tomorrow and Monday. Check out this highly-unusual love triangle on the link below:
http://www.amazon.com/Alligators-in-t...
Until next time,
Cynthia
There are many factors that contribute to the disappointment by fans of the written version. The time constraints of trying to capture the entirety of the story is probably the biggest hurdle film makers face. But there is also the “reimagining” by several minds—producers, directors, screen writers, studio execs, actors—that plays a big part in what’s lost in the translation.
When I look back over the years, I can think of several examples of films missing the mark of pleasing a large, expectant audience. “Memoirs of a Geisha” by Arthur Golden sticks out in my mind. Although I think great pains were taken to faithfully adapt the book to the screen—including gorgeous scenery, costumes, etc.—somehow the film lacked heart. What had been such a delightful and engrossing reading experience felt flat when viewed by eager fans, even with all the obvious care and thought that was put into bringing it to life. Those uninitiated to the story didn’t seem much impressed by it either.
One of the most anticipated adaptations was “The Da Vinci Code,” which proved to be another underwhelming experience for those who loved Dan Brown’s creation. “Water for Elephants” was a novel that I thoroughly enjoyed, and I wasn’t alone. Yet the film, despite a lot of big name talent, failed to please viewers.
These are but a few of the numerous examples of less than successful leaps to the big screen. But I have also been pleasantly surprised to find favorites that have made the conversion without losing the integrity of the story. “The Sheltering Sky” by Paul Bowles is one example. I’ve seen the movie version twice and I loved it as much as I did the book.
After seeing and being spellbound by “The English Patient,” I often overheard groups of people who were extremely disappointed by the cinematic effort. I had felt the same way about “The Last of the Mohicans,” by James Fenimore Cooper. When I heard that it was being made into a movie, I thought it would be a good idea to read it first. I wonder if I would’ve liked the film better if I hadn’t.
I finally got over being irked by the disapproval of the screen version of “The English Patient” and decided to read the book myself. I have to say I liked both very much, but I certainly understood why those who’d read the novel first didn’t; they were two very different stories. This experience taught me lesson: sometimes it’s better to leave expectations at the theater entrance and view the tale with an unbiased attitude.
So, what are YOUR favorite picks and pans? Which movie versions of your beloved books delivered satisfying results? How many of the dozens of books that have been turned into movies this year alone have made your “must see” list? I guess we’re always looking to double our pleasure, and why not??
On the “Not Soon to be a Motion Picture” list, “Alligators in the Trees” by yours truly will be available for FREE downloading tomorrow and Monday. Check out this highly-unusual love triangle on the link below:
http://www.amazon.com/Alligators-in-t...
Until next time,
Cynthia
July 19, 2014
eBook vs. Print: Techie or Traditionalist?
I remember reading about a Hollywood studio executive who praised her Kindle for making life easier, allowing her quicker access to reading materials as she searched for future projects. This was probably two years before I received my own Kindle, thanks to my husband, who figured it would hurt less when it fell on my face every night as I conked out while reading. Though that was very thoughtful of him, I was not an easy convert.
Like many people, I maintained until I received the gift that I wasn’t keen on abandoning traditional books; I loved the look, the feel, the ability to flip back through the pages to find a passage I wanted to reread. I wanted to see the cover—front and back—in order to glean more information about the author and reconnect with the story the cover design promised to tell. I just wanted the same relationship with books that I had always had. I was not ready for this fruit of modern technology.
It didn’t take long before the advantages of the electronic book hooked me. Sure, I still miss the physical book itself, mainly the cover for the constant reminder of what exactly it is that I’m reading. Sadly, there have been many occasions when I’ve forgotten the name of the author who wrote the book I’ve been enjoying. This is especially true for writers who I’m not familiar with, and I must confess it is much harder for me to work their names into my memory bank where they belong without the constant reminder from the cover.
And really, after spending time with a book—something that can take an author years to write—shouldn’t we more imprinted with the details about where this book came from, be it the name of the author, cover designer or the publisher that ultimately made this work available?
As with most advances in technology, there are tradeoffs. In the four-plus years that I’ve been glued to my Kindle, the few times that I’ve attempted to read a printed book have sent to Amazon to download the digital version. This is solely due to the fact that it’s much more difficult for me to hold a traditional book aloft while lying down, which is the only time I have to read.
Fortunately, when my first, original Kindle croaked and couldn’t be repaired or replaced, I had to switch to a “Paperwhite.” Now, because of the way the books are displayed on my device, it is easier for me to familiarize myself with the covers of the books I read. And most importantly, I can now remember the names of the those who have given me the gift of hours of reading pleasure!
So, which do YOU prefer? Paper or paperless?? Please share your thoughts!
Until next time,
Cynthia
Like many people, I maintained until I received the gift that I wasn’t keen on abandoning traditional books; I loved the look, the feel, the ability to flip back through the pages to find a passage I wanted to reread. I wanted to see the cover—front and back—in order to glean more information about the author and reconnect with the story the cover design promised to tell. I just wanted the same relationship with books that I had always had. I was not ready for this fruit of modern technology.
It didn’t take long before the advantages of the electronic book hooked me. Sure, I still miss the physical book itself, mainly the cover for the constant reminder of what exactly it is that I’m reading. Sadly, there have been many occasions when I’ve forgotten the name of the author who wrote the book I’ve been enjoying. This is especially true for writers who I’m not familiar with, and I must confess it is much harder for me to work their names into my memory bank where they belong without the constant reminder from the cover.
And really, after spending time with a book—something that can take an author years to write—shouldn’t we more imprinted with the details about where this book came from, be it the name of the author, cover designer or the publisher that ultimately made this work available?
As with most advances in technology, there are tradeoffs. In the four-plus years that I’ve been glued to my Kindle, the few times that I’ve attempted to read a printed book have sent to Amazon to download the digital version. This is solely due to the fact that it’s much more difficult for me to hold a traditional book aloft while lying down, which is the only time I have to read.
Fortunately, when my first, original Kindle croaked and couldn’t be repaired or replaced, I had to switch to a “Paperwhite.” Now, because of the way the books are displayed on my device, it is easier for me to familiarize myself with the covers of the books I read. And most importantly, I can now remember the names of the those who have given me the gift of hours of reading pleasure!
So, which do YOU prefer? Paper or paperless?? Please share your thoughts!
Until next time,
Cynthia
July 11, 2014
Summertime Blues: There is a cure!
Here I sit, or lay, or I guess it’s a combination of the two, with my computer tilted at a funny angle, trying to be a good patient while healing from foot surgery. The fact that I’m able to use my computer at all right now is a definite plus, though I don’t know how long it will last. But reclined here on the sofa, I’m reminded of the familiar sight of crutch-wielders who’ve had too much outdoor fun and found themselves in a cast and out of the action for the better part of the summer. Bummer.
Though my surgery was elective—if I wanted to continue to have a normal life—I too will be missing out on my favorite activities, like karate and walking on the beach for a few weeks. The irony for me is that in all the years that I’ve been battling Lyme disease, I never spent an entire day in bed, except for when I came down with pneumonia, but that only stopped me for three days. And though I was convinced yesterday I would be unable to use my computer while keeping my foot elevated above my heart, will makes for a way.
When the doctor broke the news to me last week that I’d be in bed for at least ten days, I was in shock. "Ten days?" I thought incredulously. Not possible. But as I threw myself into double overdrive to secure both forts (ours and my mother’s), it hit me that maybe having to rest and do nothing for days on end might actually help my bigger health picture. Hey, what a concept!
So now I’m looking at this mandatory timeout as a blessing, not a curse. Now that I’ve managed to write this post, I realize I will be able to work on my latest book—a little bit here and there—and I will read all the books I’ve been collecting on my Kindle for the Big Wait. And who knows? Maybe while I rest and read to my heart’s content, maybe I will actually beat the Lyme monster back into its hole. It’s a possibility…
And speaking of writing and Lyme disease, the book some bossy part of my brain insisted I write about how having a misdiagnosed illness for nine years led me to become a writer is available for FREE downloading today and tomorrow, June 12th and 13th. Just follow the link below. Good things can come in mysterious ways…
http://www.amazon.com/Once-Upon-Lyme-...
Happy reading!
Until next time…
Cynthia
Though my surgery was elective—if I wanted to continue to have a normal life—I too will be missing out on my favorite activities, like karate and walking on the beach for a few weeks. The irony for me is that in all the years that I’ve been battling Lyme disease, I never spent an entire day in bed, except for when I came down with pneumonia, but that only stopped me for three days. And though I was convinced yesterday I would be unable to use my computer while keeping my foot elevated above my heart, will makes for a way.
When the doctor broke the news to me last week that I’d be in bed for at least ten days, I was in shock. "Ten days?" I thought incredulously. Not possible. But as I threw myself into double overdrive to secure both forts (ours and my mother’s), it hit me that maybe having to rest and do nothing for days on end might actually help my bigger health picture. Hey, what a concept!
So now I’m looking at this mandatory timeout as a blessing, not a curse. Now that I’ve managed to write this post, I realize I will be able to work on my latest book—a little bit here and there—and I will read all the books I’ve been collecting on my Kindle for the Big Wait. And who knows? Maybe while I rest and read to my heart’s content, maybe I will actually beat the Lyme monster back into its hole. It’s a possibility…
And speaking of writing and Lyme disease, the book some bossy part of my brain insisted I write about how having a misdiagnosed illness for nine years led me to become a writer is available for FREE downloading today and tomorrow, June 12th and 13th. Just follow the link below. Good things can come in mysterious ways…
http://www.amazon.com/Once-Upon-Lyme-...
Happy reading!
Until next time…
Cynthia
June 28, 2014
It's a Mystery: Surprise! Surprise?
One of the obvious joys of reading mysteries is trying to solve the crime before the author finishes the tale. It’s a compulsion, one that leads us into an almost schizophrenic dilemma. On one hand, if we can’t figure out who done it, we are disappointed in ourselves for not being as clever as the writer. On the other hand, if we solve it too soon in the storyline, we’re disappointed in the writer for not being as clever as we are.
Yet there is one narrow avenue to thoroughly pleasing us which provides for being right on some counts, while encountering a surprise twist at the end that stands up to scrutiny and doesn’t leave us feeling cheated by a farfetched scenario. This is the most satisfying outcome, as it allows us to feel good about our powers of observation while being dazzled by the writer’s cunning.
Okay…so being a mystery aficionada was all well and good until Madeline Dawkins—Mad Dawg—popped into my head. Now I’m on the other side of the whodunit enterprise, which is not nearly as easy as sitting back with a stick at the ready to poke holes in other writers’ plotlines. Unlike the general fiction books I have written, crafting a solid mystery requires a higher degree of forethought, resulting in weeks of drafting the plots in my head before I lay a finger on the keyboard.
Such is the case as I wade into the third book in the Madeline series. Whereas “Spouse Trap”—the prequel to the series—is more of a ‘whathappened’ than a whodunit, “A High Price to Pay” is a traditional mystery. Perhaps my entrée into this new genre is my karma for reading and watching all those mysteries with a calloused eye, itching to jump on any plot twist that didn’t measure up to my keen standards. Boy, is payback a…! But then again, if I wasn’t such a demanding critic, I might not understand how crucial it is to craft mysteries with the utmost care.
It does give me a better appreciation for what goes into honing a fine mystery now that I must turn around and cough out something that can stand up to unwavering critics, as I now see myself and other mystery enthusiasts. I must say I’m grateful for that edge, for being part of the silent, unseen audience who wants to be intrigued, challenged and occasionally right.
For all you fellow mystery hounds, I humbly offer “A High Price to Pay” for FREE downloading on Amazon today. Please check out it out on the link below. And Happy Sleuthing!
http://www.amazon.com/High-Price-Pay-...
Until next time,
Cynthia
Yet there is one narrow avenue to thoroughly pleasing us which provides for being right on some counts, while encountering a surprise twist at the end that stands up to scrutiny and doesn’t leave us feeling cheated by a farfetched scenario. This is the most satisfying outcome, as it allows us to feel good about our powers of observation while being dazzled by the writer’s cunning.
Okay…so being a mystery aficionada was all well and good until Madeline Dawkins—Mad Dawg—popped into my head. Now I’m on the other side of the whodunit enterprise, which is not nearly as easy as sitting back with a stick at the ready to poke holes in other writers’ plotlines. Unlike the general fiction books I have written, crafting a solid mystery requires a higher degree of forethought, resulting in weeks of drafting the plots in my head before I lay a finger on the keyboard.
Such is the case as I wade into the third book in the Madeline series. Whereas “Spouse Trap”—the prequel to the series—is more of a ‘whathappened’ than a whodunit, “A High Price to Pay” is a traditional mystery. Perhaps my entrée into this new genre is my karma for reading and watching all those mysteries with a calloused eye, itching to jump on any plot twist that didn’t measure up to my keen standards. Boy, is payback a…! But then again, if I wasn’t such a demanding critic, I might not understand how crucial it is to craft mysteries with the utmost care.
It does give me a better appreciation for what goes into honing a fine mystery now that I must turn around and cough out something that can stand up to unwavering critics, as I now see myself and other mystery enthusiasts. I must say I’m grateful for that edge, for being part of the silent, unseen audience who wants to be intrigued, challenged and occasionally right.
For all you fellow mystery hounds, I humbly offer “A High Price to Pay” for FREE downloading on Amazon today. Please check out it out on the link below. And Happy Sleuthing!
http://www.amazon.com/High-Price-Pay-...
Until next time,
Cynthia
