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Tuesday Reading Kaffeeklatsch: 4/27/2021
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It does seem like authors are supposed to be photogenic and available for all sorts of media experiences.
I have done absolutely NO research on this ... but I wonder ...As publishers bow to societal pressure to feature more BIPOC authors, are they dropping the older white women to "make room" in their lineup?
Oh wow, I hadn't thought of that. But I had thought of how polished (and impersonal) a lot of American (and British?) women writers look. I don't think it's a problem in Denmark, I can think of several grand old ladies who wrote and published till they died, who weren't there for a pretty gave. Try to Google Inger Christensen, fx, she is still highly acclaimed here. If there is a bias I think it's more that new writers have a hard time breaking through because of publishers going with the safe and tried. The Danish publishing market is also a fraction of the American so the money is not that big, it's more a question of survival (you know, money talks).
*face, not gave (which means gift in Danish, which was actually why they were published ;D)
Book Concierge wrote: "I have done absolutely NO research on this ... but I wonder ...As publishers bow to societal pressure to feature more BIPOC authors, are they dropping the older white women to "make room" in thei..."
This is a concern, and not just for women or older writers. Students who audition for performance programs are worried about this as well.
But older writers, like older actors--even men, as my brother has found out (even if it's not quite as extreme) get put in smaller roles, etc.
I know nothing about age affecting the ability for authors to be published. I know that it's a dog eat dog publishing world out there. I know of one or two authors who were dropped by their publisher even though their books were selling, but had not heard that Lindsey Davis was dropped by her publisher. Seriously? As an aside, I am jealous that you got to meet Sue Grafton. I adore the Alphabet Mysteries. I think of Kinsey as my BFF and even share the same birthday. It is one big regret that I have that I never met Sue before she passed or even sent her a fan email. Luckily, she knew that her books were greatly appreciated by many many readers.
One last thought -- Does is seem to anyone else that Nora Roberts' is looking YOUNGER in her pictures as she ages instead of older LOL? Actually, in the most recent pictures it looks like she is finally looking a little closer to her age (she's 70). But she definitely aged well!
Doughgirl5562 wrote: "I know nothing about age affecting the ability for authors to be published. I know that it's a dog eat dog publishing world out there. I know of one or two authors who were dropped by their publish..."Yes - about 10 books into her Falco series her US publisher dropped her, while of course she was still published in her native England. It was several years before she was picked up by a US publisher again. I was so distressed.
Doughgirl5562 wrote: " As an aside, I am jealous that you got to meet Sue Grafton. I adore the Alphabet Mysteries. I think of Kinsey as my BFF and even share the same birthday. It is one big regret that I have that I never met Sue before she passed or even sent her a fan email. Luckily, she knew that her books were greatly appreciated by many many readers..."
In honor of your upcoming birthday, I will tell the story during Sunday's Zoom of my first meeting with her. I ended up meeting her a couple more times although not in a decade or more before her death.
Doughgirl5562 wrote: "One last thought -- Does is seem to anyone else that Nora Roberts' is looking YOUNGER in her pictures as she ages instead of older LOL? Actually, in the most recent pictures it looks like she is fiOh yes! Many women authors just keep the same photo - Stephanie Laurens has not changed her photo in 20 years or more. I always figure Nora has had work done (good for her), combined with what Charlaine Harris once confessed to the owner of my favorite mystery bookstore: you have the photos airbrushed...now that would be photoshopped.
I have heard about this problem before.Actually, I recently read a book by a German (woman) author (she is 50), Katja Oskamp Katja Oskamp, who had publlished three successful books (a book of short stories and two novels) in the first decade of the 2000s, but afterwards couldn't find a publisher for her next book.
She then started a new career as a medical podiatrist and worked in a working-class/low income neighbourhood in Berlin (Marzahn).
There she met many people and wrote a book about this, her decision to learn how to give medical pedicures and the stories that her clients told her about their lives etc.
This book (Marzahn, mon amour Marzahn, mon amour: Geschichten einer Fußpflegerin) is very successful, again. She has decided to continue to work as a podiatrist and write, too.
The book is really good, it tells the stories of those (mainly) old and sick people who haven't had much luck in their lives and many haven't had much happiness either. What makes the book so good is her point of view. She doesn't sugarcoat anything, but she portrays them in such a dignified and respectful way, all the while not shying away from difficult truths.
I am afraid it has not been translated yet.
A change of topic:Having my first social engagement tonight, with gal pals from high school I normally see every 3 months. Have not seen them in nearly 2 years...dinner at one of their houses, everyone is vaccinated. Cripes, any tips on how to behave in public, I have nearly forgotten all the social graces..LoL!
Perhaps a sign it is going to be a good day-woke to emails telling me I won, not 1 but 2 GR's giveaways.
The Women's March: A Novel of the 1913 Woman Suffrage Procession AND
Ridgeline. (This looks like it is book 2, so now I have to find book 1 to read first)
Have never read either author, so something new to add to the pile. Anyone ever read these authors?
Like others who have done absolutely no research on this... I would like to throw Sue Monk Kidd into conversation. She started writing and published her first book in her 40s.I will say from personal experience, when I was looking to get a career coach a year or so ago, I had a woman older than me turn down working with me because I was "too old" and it would be too hard to find me a job in tech. I think there is ageism across industries but there are anomalies like Sue Monk Kidd.
Yay Joanne!!!
I get shot #2 this weekend and then we leave on our puppy road trip!!!
Those on the MLB challenge will probably be blessed with photos as I'm on my trip and trying to get in my steps. I'll be picking up my pup on May the Fourth!! Yay!!!
Joanne wrote: "A change of topic:Having my first social engagement tonight, with gal pals from high school I normally see every 3 months. Have not seen them in nearly 2 years...dinner at one of their houses, ev..."
Hah! I have been thinking a refresher course on social skills might need to be in my future. Wonder if there is a webinair?
I would say it is like riding a bike...it will come right back to you....except I disproved that adage a few years ago.
So, just wing it. If you remembered to brush your teeth, shower, and get fully dressed including a bra, you are all set! You are on top of your game if your hair is combed and you put on any make up and jewelry.
Besides, these gals knew you in high school. 'Nuf said.
Charlotte wrote: "Like others who have done absolutely no research on this... I would like to throw Sue Monk Kidd into conversation. She started writing and published her first book in her 40s.I will..."
Ageism appears across industries and professions of course, and with both men and women, but how it rears its head among published women writers with a following is puzzling. Certainly there are plenty of writers who only first are published when older, but who's to say that they too are not dropped after a while, finding themselves looking for a new publisher?
Theresa wrote: "Joanne wrote: "A change of topic:So, just wing it. If you remembered to brush your teeth, shower, and get fully dressed including a bra, you are all set! You are on top of your game if your hair is combed and you put on any make up and jewelry.."
Haha, so recognisable!
I got it all except the jewelries, don't know where they are anymore at this point ;)
Charlotte wrote: "Like others who have done absolutely no research on this... I would like to throw Sue Monk Kidd into conversation. She started writing and published her first book in her 40s.I will..."
How exciting to be going on a puppy trip!
Charlotte wrote: "I get shot #2 this weekend and then we leave on our puppy road trip!!!"Twinsies! We got shot 1 on the same day, now we'll be getting shot #2 on the same day!! (assuming you're getting yours tomorrow (5/1).
After posting earlier, I got a text from a friend suggesting a spur of the moment early dinner at Landmark Tavern. I was able to wrap up critical work and go! I even wore earrings that had not been worn in over a year! We had a great time, and it refreshed us both.
I noticed I read practically nothing the last couple days, then realized I met up yesterday with someone at an outdoor cafe and walked around with her. Today I met another friend to walk. Tomorrow my husband and I will visit his sister in the next state for the first time in many months, and Sunday I have another outdoor meeting. So I may never reproduce the reading amounts from the last year and that's probably just as well!
Robin P wrote: "I noticed I read practically nothing the last couple days, then realized I met up yesterday with someone at an outdoor cafe and walked around with her. Today I met another friend to walk. Tomorrow ..."Some things are worth giving up your reading time for.
I got my second vaccine shot yesterday! I'm feeling tired and achy, but it's no big deal.We have a family wedding in Virginia coming up at the end of May. I was waffling about going, but now that we have all our shots I really want to go. We haven't gone away together in ages. We really need this.
I haven't worn a dress in years and I'm dreading going shopping for one. I really love to dance, but the shoes I need just don't look good with dresses. Does anyone wear pants to weddings these days? Or very long skirts?
NancyJ wrote: "I got my second vaccine shot yesterday! I'm feeling tired and achy, but it's no big deal.We have a family wedding in Virginia coming up at the end of May. I was waffling about going, but now that..."
I don't know the dress-up level of your family and their area, but I think either pants or long skirts are fine with a fancy top. I hate pantyhose so I avoid them by using those options. If you aren't in the wedding party, nobody should care. If you are having family photos, you may want to check about that, if there is any preference for styles or colors.
I have worn dressy pants to weddings and other fancy events, pairing with a glitzy top, adding a jacket or something similar on top - one outfit worn to a summer wedding was black pants and tank with a colorful black floral oversized chiffon top with this awesome beaded fringe, plus big jewelry. It looked great and was incredibly comfortable. No one noticed my practical shoes. Pants are actually quite common these days. There are eveningwear suts to be had. Do a little shopping on line to see what the options are so when you do head to the store, you know what to look for and the budget. Do check dress code for reception and location...i.e. ouside in a tent will be more casual than black tie evening in a hotel ballroom or late afternoon in an event space.
Although given it will be your first full social event in over a year, splurging is in order!
Love hearing everyones cautious plans and domestic jaunts! New puppy! A wedding! A graduation! Family visits!
NancyJ wrote: "I got my second vaccine shot yesterday! I'm feeling tired and achy, but it's no big deal.We have a family wedding in Virginia coming up at the end of May. I was waffling about going, but now that..."
I wore pants and a glitzy top to my son's wedding. (But it was a small gathering on a boat.) The bride had the beautiful dress she'd bought when they anticipated a more traditional setting, but she also wore deck shoes under it!
NancyJ wrote: "I got my second vaccine shot yesterday! I'm feeling tired and achy, but it's no big deal...."Congrats! And I'm not a dress or skirt person (although, yes, I do wear them occasionally - or have worn, it's been a long time). But dress pants to a wedding - probably what I've worn most of the time.
I agree, pants can be dressed up the a fabulous top -I have done it before. As Theresa said, jewelry, an oversized top, or maybe a nice shawl?Had a wonderful evening with friends last night-lordy it was great to see people. Signature cocktail (they always do this when entertaining) was a Negroni . https://www.liquor.com/recipes/negroni/ I am not a big fan of Gin, but I did have one-pretty potent!
I took Theresa's advice, reluctantly, and wore a bra😁
One thing that NEVER happened before Covid was my being mistaken for a man. But if I am wearing a big jacket, mask, sunglasses and hat, that's that happens, because my hair is short.Today I didn't have a big jacket on, but I was directing traffic as a volunteer for a fundraising craft fair and had on an orange vest. Someone said, "Thank you, sir" so I replied "Thank you, ma'am" (I never actually say ma'am since no one where I grew up ever said it in my generation) so she had I had a good laugh over it.
With my new sunglasses I also look a bit like an insect, as well. I was wearing a pair that looks like this (great for tree pollen season)
Karin wrote: "One thing that NEVER happened before Covid was my being mistaken for a man. But if I am wearing a big jacket, mask, sunglasses and hat, that's that happens, because my hair is short.Today I didn'..."
😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣
Joanne wrote: "I agree, pants can be dressed up the a fabulous top -I have done it before. As Theresa said, jewelry, an oversized top, or maybe a nice shawl?Had a wonderful evening with friends last night-lordy..."
Gin is not an alcohol I like - tast es like pine sap yo me ugh. But I for sure would have tried tbe Negroni. Would not want to be considered anti-social.
Pleased you listened to some small bit of my advice....🤓
Outside doing graduation photo shoot! Really such an emotional time!
Amy wrote: "Outside doing graduation photo shoot! Really such an emotional time!"Oh, how sweet and poignant all at once :) But congratulations to Jaden!!!
Just a few months until he's at Hofstra :)
Thanks for the advice everyone. I'm feeling both nervous and excited about going out into the world again. I've been in this little cocoon for so long now. The wedding is motivating me to work out more too, and I'm sure that will help my energy level too.
Play Book Tag
Books mentioned in this topic
The Women's March: A Novel of the 1913 Woman Suffrage Procession (other topics)Ridgeline (other topics)
Marzahn, mon amour: Geschichten einer Fußpflegerin (other topics)
Authors mentioned in this topic
Sue Monk Kidd (other topics)Sue Monk Kidd (other topics)
Sue Monk Kidd (other topics)
Katja Oskamp (other topics)
A couple of things came to my attention that I thought woudl be interesting discussions. Just a little change of pace from vaccinations, although please, anyone needing support, wanting to whine, or just share the good news is welcome to continue to do so.
Here goes the first thing that caught my attention (I'll save the other for later in the week or next week):
First up - a short interview with Martha Wells, the author of the wonderful Murderbot Diaries series, talks about how Murderbot saved her writing career just when she thought it was over, when her publisher no longer was interested in publishing her, and that as a woman writer of a certain age, her career was over. This triggered some memories for me. I happen to have met a lot of crime fiction writers over the years, some like Sue Grafton and Alan Furst hitting best seller lists regularly, and others cozy writers like Jill Churchill who have basically disappeared. I would say that almost single woman author has at some point in their writing career, usually after several years, especially if a series, has said something about being discouraged by their publisher to branch into a new or different series, or even been dropped completely. Lindsey Davis was dropped by her US publisher even though her historical mysteries were immensely popular. Ahsley Gardner experienced something similar. Some find new publishers, some went to self-publishing for a while, and some just seem to have stopped writing.
I'm thinking this is yet another instance of older women being marginalized in the work force. It certainly happens in film and theater - remember that wonderful Goldie Hawn line from First Wives Club? "There are only three ages for women in Hollywood: babe, District Attorney, and Driving Miss Daisy." There is real truth still to that.
Do you think there is such an issue in publishing and for writers?
Here's a link to Wells' interview: https://www.ocregister.com/2021/04/25...