Fay Weldon has misread 'non-literary'ebook readers

The novelist has advised writers to publish easier, event-driven versions of their books for impatient digital audiences. Has she lost the plot?

I learned something this morning. I have learned that because I use an e-reader, I prefer a certain type of book: not too complicated or contemplative, and driven by plot. That’s according to Fay Weldon, at least, who suggested to the Bath Literature festival this week that “writers should ‘abandon literary dignity’ and write page-turning versions of their thoughtful masterpieces for the ebook audience,” the Independent reports.

“Writers have to write now for a world where readers are busy, on the move and have little time for contemplation and reflection. The writer has to focus on writing better, cutting to the chase and doing more of the readers’ contemplative work for them,” Weldon added.

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