You are currently browsing the monthly archive for September 2009.
It’s always exciting to see one of these, and it’ll be interesting to see how Harvard Book Store does with this. I imagine many folks (including myself) will be watching how the Espresso instant book machine goes over with the reading public.
The original blog, via LA Times Book Blog
I am going to simply post the link and HIGHLY encourage you to read this. This blog, and the thesis it refers to, hits the figurative nail on the head. Where will publishing be in 5, 10, or even 20 years? This is a topic we all need to discuss, and timely if anything else.
Branding: The Future of Publishing?
The official thesis that resulted in this wonderful discussion: if:book: a clean well-lighted place for books
One of my favorite editors in history is Ursula Nordstrom. She was a woman who changed how children’s books were viewed, and published. Ursula’s special mark was refusing to march to the beat of the figurative drum, by doing things HER own way. That is why readers are fortunate enough to know of Maurice Sendak, and many other authors of notable respect.
One of Ursula’s main goals was to publish “good books for bad kids.” Ultimately the reasoning for this was to get those non-readers, those children who can’t sit down long enough to focus on a good story, to actually fall in love with reading. Also to get away from the practice of didactic books, where the author tells the children what to do, because it’s a “good” thing.
In an odd way, I am of the belief that we need to do the same for “big kid” readers, a.k.a. adults. I’m not advocating bad books. I’m advocating that we publish books that are interesting, with a good narrative, and that will rope in all the folks who seem to have the same issue loving books, especially during adulthood. I’m not leaning toward sensational books either. This is a simple statement that publishers should open their doors to new, quirky, sometimes less-than-mainstream titles vs. staying with “same old, same old” books.
There is a reason why “The Zombie Survival Guide” became a best-seller. It was smart, unique, and appealed to an entirely new set of potential readers. It may not win the Nobel Peace Prize, but “The Zombie Survival Guide” won the attention of consumers. In this day and age, it’s nice to have such success for less mainstream books.
As October rolls in, look at the movie theatres, you will see several movies based on books; including one based on a YA Novel by Shauna Cross, titled “Derby Girl” and the other known as the beloved “Where the Wild Things Are.” Apparently the film industry is in agreement, by taking such exciting risks, and realizing there is an audience for these movies.
That ‘s why I will always admire Ursulsa Nordstorm, and why I’ll allway be on this figurative train; as I believe the more people who love reading = a more successful and long-lasting publishing industry.
Sometimes I find the best way to get to know a person (or company) is getting to know the interesting factoids that make the person who he/she is. Being that it’s Labor Day week, and many folks are off work and/or dealing with a crazy busy work week, this seems like the best time to get a little personal. It’ll add a little “zest” to the agency’s workday, which is always welcome.
Some folks know, others don’t, that I am heavily involved with women’s flat-track roller derby. I love this eight-wheel sport, and spend many hours every week getting my “skate” on. In addition, there’s the bicycle in the garage too, obviously on two wheels. Yet, the coolest factoid about Red Sofa is that my intern, Kim, is a medal-winning UNIcyclist. Yes, Kim naturally is able to bike on ONE wheel. That is quite the accomplishment, especially for folks (like myself) who fear we’d hurt ourselves doing such a thing.
This leads into the next bit of advice, in regard to writing. The best thing a writer can do is bring a passion to the writing process. Sometimes this “passion” may be interconnected to one’s hobbies, career, and life. Much like putting the time into developing one’s ability to ride a unicycle or skate naturally, writing about an area of interest that an author loves (and knows intimately) is always good idea. The “passion” will show in the narrative, and result in a stronger book, vs. half-heartedly writing about a topic that one could care less about.
As for how this “wheel love” connects to Red Sofa’s mission? It is further evidence that Red Sofa is naturally a risk taker, and an agency that loves all things odd, quirky, smart, and fun.
I know I’m not the only person who finds it difficult to keep up with all the reading that’s required in my publishing life, while taking the time to focus on entertaining “reads.” Between queries, book proposals, emails, requested manuscripts, and staggering piles of books elaborately & artistically placed between various rooms, I always hope I’ll “catch up.” Several years ago, long before my many administrative duties to the agency, networking sites, Twitter, emails, and meetings took over a large hunk of my weekly schedule – I could easily get through a book a day–this is in regard to pleasure reading.
Nowadays I find that while I am still quite the avid reader, I’ve also fallen behind on my pleasure reading time. I know it’s life, my responsiblities, and the fact that sometimes one needs to be in the “mood” to read particular book categories.
On MPR (Minnesota Public Radio), David Ulin was interviewed this morning. The interview being initiated due to a recent editorial of his titled “The Lost Art of Reading.”
After realizing I wasn’t alone in this feeling, and that many others are feeling the same way, it resulted in a new inspiration. A goal more than anything else. A goal to simplify this crazy, hectic schedule of mine. A goal to get back into the pattern of intensiving focusing on my pleasure reading again. Not only will my agency benefit, but it affect my general happiness as a reader and lover of all things called books.
Taking a break from the rat race, getting back into that book nostalgia, and turning on one’s imagination = a good thing.
I’d love to hear what others think. Drop me a note, or even leave a comment.
