Pakistani Readers discussion
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Would to rather read a renowned Pakistani writer or someone who is an amateur?
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If I was asked the same question a year ago, I would've said that I'd prefer to read a book by the former. But now I've been betrayed by so many "Indie" authors that I dare not touch another book by a newbie unless I get some sort of recommendation.As to how I'd share my opinion with them, I've found that the newbies are the easiest to contact on the account that they're mostly tech savvy and have got some sort of social media platform (Twitter and GR, mostly).
Well, I would say everyone should be given a chance and I have seen so many talented authors going waste because they are the newbies. You should be open, there are so many author, who ain't good but then, they got and wrote therefore, it's the thought that counts.It's one of the promotional and marketing techniques that the authors be present on their social media to interact with their readers. Only for a couple of books, you can't hold everyone responsible.
Mod
no one is born with a book published on their name. "try, try again" i would say to encourage them. if they wrote one book bad so what! let em right as many stupid, obnoxious book as they can. one day a good book will come up too.
Maira wrote: "Lets not forget these "Amateurs" then grow to become the best-seller writers that you prefer to read today. no one is born with a book published on their name. "try, try again" i would say to enc..."
I agree, Maira. Nobody is born with experience, they have to go through different stages to learn and therefore, they should be given a chance and a platform to improve.
This is what we are taught, to keep trying. Not every author is like J.K.Rowling or Mohsin Hamid, some need to work hard despite of their talent. One year ago, I didn't know what the publishing industry was about and now, I have more knowledge than many writers.
Maira wrote: "Exactly."I've got a review blog too and believe me, I have read some of really good novels but it's all about exposure.
Mod
they are proud of the work they did and if we, due to some specific reasons, don't like it tell them so but don't shoot them down either.
Maira wrote: "i know. being a literature student i came across many people who are writing a book or have written one etc.they are proud of the work they did and if we, due to some specific reasons, don't like..."
Indeed, we can share our views with them to make it better, not to disheart them from something that they have gathered the courage to do. Not everyone can write, and believe me, even I think I'm not a good enough writer..lol!
Mod
Hahaha, I've got some feedback though!! :D It's been good but well, there's always a room for improvement.
Mod
It's been good but well, there's always a room for improvement."
indeed. ;p
Hmmm, it seems we got off the wrong foot. Xunaira, I wasn't aware of the fact that you are a writer. Allow me to apologize if I offended you. It was not my intention to single you out. What I meant was that out of all the books I've read by indie authors, most weren't very good. In past 4 years, since I actively started reading, I have only read one neophyte author whose works I liked: David Estes.Being a well-known author doesn't mean that you are a good author, J.K. Rowling's non-fantasy books being the prime example. But if I liked one book written by an author, odds are that his other works would be enjoyable for me, too.
Maira, I didn't mean to shoot anyone down. I can't imagine the kind of work and devotion that goes into writing a novel and if someone dedicates that sort of time to create something for us, the readers, they have my salutations.
Maira wrote: "Xunaira wrote: "Hahaha, I've got some feedback though!! :D It's been good but well, there's always a room for improvement."
indeed. ;p"
I am planning to bring spotlight on Pakistani authors so that their talents gets the attention it deserves.
No hard feelings, Osama. This was a general questions that I would ask every reader. I agree that self-publishing is quite easy nowadays and there are writers who can publish their books real easy but the question arises, Can you identify a talented writer in this sea of so many writers, some of who are just adequate?? Like I said, it is possible that an author's first book is a flop but the next one hits the world by storm. There is hope there right? So why become hopeless then on just a couple of authors? Remember, an author is a reader first.
Mod
Aalia wrote: "I would never rebuke a writer just because he/she isn't an already established and successful writer. Finding a publisher is one of the hardest times of a writer's life, and that's what J.K Rowling..."I agree with you Aalia, I have read many great books written by Indie Authors. The purpose of this thread was to know how many would prefer that in Pakistan as I can hardly see Pakistani authors around. You are right, blogs and social media helps a lot.
@ Xunaira The problem isn't that there aren't enough talented writers, the problem is that the people of Pakistan don't read. At my college, out of a hundred students in my class, only two are regular readers. Authors need booksales to prosper and, sadly, it is practically impossible for them to get a substantial amount of those in Pakistan.
I agree Osama. I am in my undergrad and whoever hears that I am writer as well, they just say, I'm crazy because I write. Pakistani youth doesn't like to read that's what I have gathered. They want to do everything ready made but there are still the 1% who do read and one of the reasons is that we don't have an adequate library except for in Lahore.
Exactly! It's impossible to find someone to discuss literature with. Its like living in a dang literary wasteland. People who do like fiction prefer the electronic media.
Indeed Osama, electronic media is good enough but reading a paperback is something else. I love the feeling of holding a paperback and going through it's pages, although Amazon and Nook has introduced Kindle and there are so many apps to read books but still, the Pakistani youth doesn't prefer books.I know this reading club here in Kuch Khaas, they only spotlight those books who have reached the international markets whereas there are so many good and talented authors striving to showoff their talent. I think this is a waste of their talents and in my opinion, it should be changed.
Mod
Maira wrote: "And the sad part is non-readers give us the nerd eyes if they know we love to read. the sad part is they are the nerd one here who are inept and have no actual interesting information of the langua..."I agree Maira. Even my teachers give me those weird looks and my friends, when I quote from somewhere, I'm called the blue-blood and the nerd as I'm wasting my time reading.
I agree with Mairas point about every one having a first time. I agree with xunairas point that we don't appreciate our own authors enough. I agree with osamas point about a lot of low quality indie books.( I have read just excerpts with incorrect English).My take on this is that although I self published my first book( please read it!! It's in the books section if u want it for free)I will not go that route for the second one, even if it means waiting years to find a publisher, because most people who read the book appreciated it, but reviewers and readers assume it's not up-to-the-mark without reading it, plus how does one promote it? Social media can only do so much.
I have limited time, so I choose carefully what I read. I look at the back description to see if its my type of book, and then I browse through the good reads ratings and reviews, I find them credible for the most part.
As for criticism, does it sting? Sure it does, but once you let the pain subside, and analyze the points, they actually make your future work better. I could have deleted the critique I received on Pakistani readers, but I chose not to. Praise too goes a long way and impacts a writer's morale which is necessary to keep him/her going.
One last point: every reader is different, so not every book works for everyone..choose a book that is likely to match your taste, so your time is well-spent.
Please don't let The Lost Pearl get lost in the rubble. Looking forward to more reviews from you all, and I am open to criticism.
Xunaira, will look at your writing some time this week.
Apologize for the long post. Others here know that I've been gone a while, just happy to be back.
Aalia, just know that it's cool to be uncool sometimes. We are all a minority, but we are blessed. Our lives are enriched, our hearts are fulfilled because of books; Will quote someone else's words:Those who don't read live only one life, those who read live many. I actually regret the time I didn't spend reading or writing, don't let life's obligations come between you and your books. Read on..
Xunaira wrote:I've got a review blog too and believe me, I have read some of really good novels but it's all about exposure."
Xunaira, what is your review blog about? I am looking for Pakistani and Indian reviewers, but struggling to find reviewers for popular fiction.
Lara wrote: "I agree with Mairas point about every one having a first time. I agree with xunairas point that we don't appreciate our own authors enough. I agree with osamas point about a lot of low quality indi..."Lara, first of all, it's nice to connect with a Pakistani writer. I hardly see them anywhere. Now, about self-publishing, it takes a lot of time and determination as there are so many techniques out there that you don't understand what is right and what is not. You are right about the agent, they are the best source of showcasing out talent and I'm blessed to have had that opportunity although I let it pass because my manuscript wasn't complete.
I will definitely look at your book and would love to write a review for you.
Aalia wrote: "True! True! Oh, why on earth are we living so far away from each other??? My mother and I are the only ones in the family who love to read(dad's into astrology, history, Islamic books and Urdu/Fars..."Aalia, I go through the same everything. It's a part of us who read so just ignore the comments because in my opinion they are the ignorant ones. Atleast, she we are striving hard to gain knowledge( in all kinds of literature) so keep your head high and read on..!
Sabahat wrote: "Xunaira wrote:I've got a review blog too and believe me, I have read some of really good novels but it's all about exposure."
Xunaira, what is your review blog about? I am looking for Pakistani ..."
Sabahat, my blog is mainly about Blog Tours, Romance Book reviews which have many authors from the US but if you wanna check it out, here is the link http://thesaucyreviewer.wordpress.com/
If you have any book that needs reviews, I would love to read and review them.
Thanks xunaira..looking forward to your review.
Lara wrote: "Thanks xunaira..looking forward to your review."@Lara How can I get your book?
Xunaira it's posted chapter-wise in the Books section of Pakistani readers. I can send you the PDF if you inbox me your email address.
Lara wrote: "Xunaira it's posted chapter-wise in the Books section of Pakistani readers. I can send you the PDF if you inbox me your email address."Sure, I would prefer a pdf. It's much easier to read.
Hi.I recently started a blog and I would really love to review or promote pakistani writers on it.So if any writers want me to promote your books or review them,u can send me a message:)
fatima wrote: "Hi.I recently started a blog and I would really love to review or promote pakistani writers on it.So if any writers want me to promote your books or review them,u can send me a message:)"Fatima, that is a good thing. What is your blog address? I would love to check it out
Xunaira wrote: "fatima wrote: "Hi.I recently started a blog and I would really love to review or promote pakistani writers on it.So if any writers want me to promote your books or review them,u can send me a messa..."Its http://thebookreadercave.blogspot.com/ .Its really new, so I don't have a lot of posts and I also have an exam next week after which I'll try to post regularly.I read a lot but I haven't yet read books by pakistani authors and I want to give them a chance.
fatima wrote: "Xunaira wrote: "fatima wrote: "Hi.I recently started a blog and I would really love to review or promote pakistani writers on it.So if any writers want me to promote your books or review them,u can..."Yes, Indeed you will find hidden talents in Pakistani authors. I wish you luck, I will check out your blog now.
Now this is a thread that i like (i like the others, but you get the point ;)..yes ppl, self-publishing is tough n ppl don't take self published authors seriously: He/She paid for their own book, who knows what's it like?! Leave it!...but it's also true, in Pak the option you have is of self-pub..even a lot of people abroad are going in that route...eitherway, try to find a 'publisher' not matter how small they are if you want to start off..they help with cover design, editing and even promote your work on variety of platforms...cos if you want to self-pub then you better be ready to promote the H*ll out of your work! ;)
Farid-ul-Haq wrote: "Now this is a thread that i like (i like the others, but you get the point ;)..yes ppl, self-publishing is tough n ppl don't take self published authors seriously: He/She paid for their own book, w..."Finding a publisher is quite difficult. Many of the publishers here in Pakistan are vanity publishers, which is what most people don't opt for. People self-publish and some of them are successful as well because they give in their 100% to their promotions. I would prefer a literary agent.
Mod
Zenab wrote: "I imagine self promotion being the most difficult part of self publishing. There is no way one person can get through to as many audiences as a publisher can. Publishers are also commercially orien..."Indeed Zenab, I've had experience with the publishers and I know people, whose books were full-edited cause it was not sellable.
@Xunaira going for a literary agent is the best way...they know, what can you say, the market and know which publishers to 'sell' your work to as @Zenab said...it's still a market and that's why, the selling part counts a lot...haven't had much experience with publishers in Pak, except for 'Fact Publishers' from lahore and that was a vanity publisher...but yes, if you can't find an agent, then self-publish if u can 'give all you've got' to promotion...but then again, don't rush..if you wrote something, doesn't mean you have to get it out at once..re-read, have a friend read it, etc..keep working on it until it's the best..you don't want your first ever reviews to be bad even if you self-publish..a lot of authors wait years until they find a publisher that can correctly handle their work
Yea, but acquiring a literary agent is quite difficult these days. There is too much competition and your talent gets wasted in the process. There are people who can't even acquire a literary agent in ten years. There are "Liberty Books" and "Sang-e-meel Publishers" who are vanity publishers and I have heard good things but I am not that trustworthy of them. I have already published two books, self-published, and I have got quite a good response from the people who have actually read my books.
So, the question arises here is whether you would read a new writer, who doesn't have a background but a talent, if yes,how would you share your opinion with them?