One of the most common things a new novelist is likely to hear from well- meaning friends and relatives is, “Hey, why don’t you call Oprah
and see if she’ll put you on the show?”
Yes, and right after I do that, I’ll go down to the local convenience store and ask if they could please sell me a winning lottery ticket.
The truth is no one seems to know how you “get on Oprah;” and that was what made her book club so powerful. It wasn’t t based on hype, connections, or influence of any kind. It was rooted in one woman’s love for reading, and her honest desire to share that passion with a country, by all accounts, in danger of forgetting its power.
There are countless theories about why “reading is at risk,” but I suspect the reason people are spending their entertainment dollars elsewhere is simple: readers are having too many experiences with much hyped books that turn out to be disappointing. So what do they do? They put in a Netflix movie; they turn on the computer; they take up Sudoku. (No offense to aficionados, but what exactly is Sudoku?)
In the past three weeks, I’ve had the great priviledge of speaking to various groups, both in crowded bookstores and at small ones with only a handful of full seats. Of course, I was supposed to be talking about my own novel, but I soon found that what I really wanted to discuss was reading itself. I wanted to talk about the books that turned me into a reader as a child, and the ones that absorb and entrance me today. Soon it wasn't just a reading; it was a discussion, with those who'd come to listen eagerly sharing their own favorites.
In the process, I got lots of fabulous book recommendations. But I also heard some frustration. Despite the ever more hyperbolic claims made by the hype machine, far too many book lovers are being led to novels that just don’t live up their extravagant praise.
It’s not that those books aren’t being written; it's that the books that readers would enjoy are not always the ones that are being loudly touted by the machine. Oprah set out to point out some novels that may have gone unnoticed, and others that she thought were worthy of the kudos they received. In the integrity of her process, she energized the publishing industry and re-introduced countless readers to the unmatched joy of a fully-engaged imagination interacting with the written word.
But just as every great story generates new readers eager for a repeat experience, every time a reader forces him or herself to slog through another plotless, “well-written” book, they become just a little less likely to pick up another one--and a little more likely to choose a more predictably satisfying form of entertainment instead.
One problem is that books are now being divided into two categories: books that are good for you (otherwise known as literary) and books that taste good (the commercial.)
But what all the classic writers from Dickens to Jane Austen knew, and what category-resistant authors like J.K. Rowling have proven conclusively today, is that readers are hungry for both:
they want fiction of substance, with characters that fully engage them, and they want--and deserve-- to be entertained and consumed by a great story.
The writer who delivers that, and manages to work their way through the maze to real live readers, will prove the doomsayers wrong every time.
Meanwhile, if anyone knows how I can get on Oprah...
Patry Francis, Books Correspondent:
Patry's column, Diary of a First Novelist, published every Thursday to Gather Essentials: Books. It will detail all she knows--and is in the process of learning--about writing and publishing.
To learn more about Patry and her debut novel, The Liar's Diary, visit her Website.
You can find all of Patry's articles, Diary of a First Novelist, at www.gather.com/patryfrancis
Keep up with Patry’s other postings and Gather activity by joining her Gather network -- just click here and select the orange “Connect” button on the left-hand side of the page
You’ll find Patry and other Book Correspondents, plus celebrity author content and plenty of other bibliophiles at Books.gather.com
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Comments: 72
Seriously.
The people I know who did get on (Dr. John Ratey, author of Driven to Distraction) were part of the Random House machine. His is an interesting book for people interested in ADHD, (btw, he's a personal friend and I'll keep you guessing as to if THIS Doc has ADHD or not.)
Patry, all kidding aside, I love your articles as Books Correspondent. You write so well and clearly, and it is a joy to read you.
Kathryn: Interesting about Dr. Ratey. Of course, it's easier for a non-fiction author with a particular expertise to get on her show, but we fiction writers can always dream...Thanks for all your good words and encouragement!
flit: love your hummingbird! Thank you!
Aniko: Speaking of hooks, I thought I'd give it a try with my title! Thanks for your good wishes.
Joe: Thanks for reading with me on Thursdays!
Sorry I couldn't resist. You're right about quality. I've started buying paper-backs, so I won't feel so guilty when I heave them in the pond.
I love to read for many reasons , these days mostly to be entertainly and to relax . I confess my ability to process a lot of material that makes you do a lot of critical thinking is not something I do well these days. So a lot of self help books remain untouched on my shelf. My favorite genre is fiction -romnatic, historical , inspriational , mystery ,intrigue or a mix of any of those. What I am starved for is people to share my passion for reading with. When I read a good book I want to talk about it , and share it with others. That is a frustration of mine to be unable to do that .
I feel the audience, for the most part, have been disappointed because they are picking up the books like you said, with the most "hype." People are busy, and it is easier for them to follow the crowd.
I think that is a shame. Someimes it's who you know...you know?
Enjoye your article.
Thanks
Dolphi: "Intrinsic value"--that's so important.
Robin: Me, too! I didn't love every single one of her choices, but she definitely helped me discover some interesting books.
Wendy: Maybe you should start a book club on Gather. I created one for my blog, but since I haven't read the books before I select them, but rather read along with the group,
some have turned out to be a disappointment.
Sherry: I suppose it's worth a try! (Scroll down and read my response to Lydia.)
Kathleen G: I look for books that combine the best of both; unfortunately, they're not as easy to find as they should be.
Pat: Amen to that!
Jana: I couldn't agree more...how about a lifelong waitress who finally publishes her first novel? Doesn't get much more real than that. And when yours is ready, I'm sure you'll have a great story, too!
Patti: The publishing industry needs to realize that the hunger for books that possess all the qualities you describe hasn't changed an iota since Shakespeare was creating masterful plots with larger than life characters, and respond to that need.
Cheri: Thank you!
Lydia: You know, I started out this article by saying how crazy it was to even think of getting on those type of shows, but if I wasn't an impractical dreamer, I wouldn't be a writer...Thanks for the link--and especially your faith. Just for the fun of it, I left this message:
"My recently published novel (Dutton, February, 2007) is called The Liar's Diary. It is about the most deadly lies of all: the ones we tell ourselves, and the destruction they wreak on family and friends.
I have been stunned by readers, who have responded with their own stories about the deadly impact denial and self-deception has had on their lives."
Sharon: Good luck with the novel! I have faith that things will change, and good work will eventually get the attention it deserves.
I just stumbled across you, and I must say I'm intrigued by your "journey". Thanks for sharing your experiences. As an "aspiring"novelist, it's fascinating to see what it's like for one of our ilk who's "made it", so to speak.
I can appreciate the naive, but well-meaning friends who suggest, "Why don't you call Oprah...."
I recall watching the movie "Sideways" where Miles' buddy, in discussing the novel he's trying to publish, says something like, "I'll help you. We need to get it reviewed; get it in libraries." I (alone among those in the audience) laughed out loud.
I agree that it's inexplicable how some books ever manage to see the light of day. "House of Sand and Fog", for example, was so utterly implausible that I tore it in half halfway through.
Your background is interesting. I wonder, have you read the memoir of the waitress turned writer called "Waiting"?
Best of luck with your book. Your website is very well done. (I would be interested in knowing how you managed to get such high-profile writers to read your book and write blurbs.)
Now, to your article. Beautifully stated. You hit on many issues that tickle my hot buttons!
The biggest one, by far, deals with the apparent need to conform one's work to a specific genre, trying to squeeze into a finite category.
Here's my dilemna.
I'm trying to sell a musical mystery series to a large publisher. I call them mysteries, but they are also full of cozy family scenes interwoven with page turning suspense/action. Also, there's a love story, lessons in dealing with grief and loss, examples of how nurturing one's family and gardens can provide immense therapy, but by far and foremost there's always a tantalyzing mystery.
My local readers (about 500) don't CARE what genre it is (though they call it 'mystery' most often). They don't CARE who published it. All they want is more stories about the LeGarde family, which pleases me to no end, and humbles me beyond belief. But it doesn't put bread on the table.
The quandry is that until I get a publisher with deep pockets who is willing to put up some money for national advertising, I can't generate those 10 or 20,000 sales that would interest a big publisher! It's such a convoluted cycle. I'm not giving up. I'll still do every book club that comes my way and appear at all local events that I can fit into my schedule. (I do a few dozen clubs and events each year) I'll still flood the internet with carefully chosen ads and articles. I'll never give up.
My current small press publisher (publishing my third and fourth books), is a wonderful lady and is taking good care of me for now. It's just... well, I'm sure you understand. I need to get the books out there. And it isn't likely to happen with a small press. (not that I won't pull out all stops to try to make it happen!)
I've heard both sides of the story. "You need to stop being selfish and just write to one genre. It's either a crime mystery or family drama or cozy mystery or a romance or suspense. You can't do all in one. Stop trying to make the world fit your books."
Ahem. But that's what I WRITE. Yeah, they're mildly literary, very musical, and sometimes poetic mysteries about a family dealing with loss and love. Sigh.
The other point of view I've heard goes like this: "Many authors have defined new genres over the years. Don't let artificial categories stifle your writing. Write from the heart, write well, and keep on pushing it out there. It will happen for you!"
Thoughts on this? I sure would love to hear your (and your readers') opinions!
Thanks for listening to my rant. ;o)
Regarding Oprah: As someone who works in marketing/PR, I know that most fledgling author's don't seem to grasp the concept they also need to become their own PR machine.
As usual some of the comments here are as interesting as the article. Paul G., I'm with you on "House of Sand and Fog"...how hilarious that you ripped it up in frustration!
Thanks Patry for this "First Novelist" series...I really enjoy it.
Your writing style is superb. I see why you are a published author. I wholeheartedly enjoyed your article
Thanks
Charles D
Good article. As a librarian and a guy who writes book reviews for a local newspaper, I agree with you that not all books are created equal. I work hard to put quality books in front of people. I rarely talk to people about bestsellers, because no offense intended, too many bestsellers are simply formulaic. Sorry guys, it is not possible to write a memorable novel in four months. I am not trying to be elitist here, but something by James Patterson is just not as good as "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen or "On Agate Hill" by Lee Smith or "All aunt hagar's Children" by Edward P. Jones or any of a dozen books that did not sell nearly as many copies as something by James Patterson or Nicholas Sparks or Danielle Steel.
I'm sorry if this is a rant. But sometimes I try to show people such a feast and it can be so disappointing when they say thanks anyway and reach for the junk food.
And Patry, on a personal note, you novelists on Gather are killing me with all this adding to my reading list. I recently wrote the wonderful article by Marisa de los Santos and decided that I just have to read her book. And now your article is so perceptive and fresh so of course i have to read your book too. And I promised my editor that I would read "Canaan" by Donald McCaig which is an amazing bit of historical fiction about Reconstruction and the final destruction of the Sioux and write my review this week. You people are killing me. Please continue to do so. The whole point of literature is to deepen our life experience and go places we never thought we could go. Bless you and keep it coming.
One from you and 2 from Aaron Lazar.....JOY!
I'm all set for reading material for a little while!
Write on my friend, Write on!
Just came in from my first TV appearance. (Not Oprah, alas, but for me, almost as good. It was my local cable access channel, and the people I met were WONDERFUL.)
Anyway, thanks again for the comments. Your input, encouragement, and especially your STORIES are much appreciated. I will try to do them justice, though it may take a couple of sessions at the computer:
Carla: Good luck with your novel! What you say makes sense: it's the TOPIC, not just the fact that you wrote a book.
Paul: I agree with you about Sideways, but on House of Sand and Fog, we part company. I enjoyed that book--maybe because we have some Iranians in our family, and I think he did a great job describing the culture. As far as getting blurbs, maybe I can write about how I did that next week--and how many more I might have gotten if I knew then what I know now.
More later...husband home looking for dinner. Doesn't he know I'm Oprah material?
Aaron: I've been on Gather for about a year, though I was a less active member while I was working on my novel. If you "subscribe" to my content, I think you will be notified. If not, I'll be happy to send you an email. You have a lot to say in your "rant", and I'm pleased that you decided to say it here. It sounds as if your novels are already finding their own audience and will succeed by viral marketing. It may be a slower process, but in the end, I think it's more longlasting than hype.
Landen: It definitely came a shock to me, but you are absolutely right. A lot of any given book's success depends on how much the author is willing to do for him/herself. Most days that feels empowering; other days it's just plain daunting.
Mariana: Actually, I enjoy her magazine quite a lot. Tell your neighbor I look forward to meeting him when I get on Dr. Phil. Salud to you, too!
Casey: The comments here are AMAZING--instructive, inspiring, and funny. The same thing happens on my blog; the responses are frequently more incisive than the original article.
Charles: You're definitely right about authors developing a fan base. I recently read that James Patterson routinely sells 60,0000 hardcovers the first week he releases a new novel. No matter how you feel about his work, he's doing something right.
Thanks, Bonnie. Sorry for the deceptive title, but us newbies have to try harder...(And what do you expect from the author of a book entitled The Liar's Diary? (grins)
Chris: Rant away! I love hearing what librarians have to say. Water for Elephants has a story behind it that really makes me smile. Its success was not due to the hype machine, but rather came from the slow and steady buzz that satisfied readers made. As for that increasingly long reading list--mine has grown since I got here, too. I added Marisa de Los Santos' novel to mine, too (which i'd never heard of before I came here. Then I definitely want to catch up with Aaron Lazar's novels; and the non-fiction book that was featured on Borders about the Depression also caught my eye. Thanks for your interest in The Liar's Diary!
Jean: I think readers will return when they find more compelling books to read. The classics are undeniably wonderful, but young readers also want to read novels about their own time and place, told in a contemporary voice.
Fawn: The local program I appeared on today was also run by people who truly love books; they have had writers as diverse as Kurt Vonnegut and Mary Higgins Clark and they are dedicated to helping each writer find their natural audience. It's a great thing.
Elizabeth: Thank you!
Carol: Much appreciated.
Sonia: You ordered my book?? Thank you! We'll have to compare notes on Aaron's novels as we read them. I'm sure they will be wonderful.
Cherie: You're absolutely right. I'm amazed by the energy and intelligence of this community. I'm thrilled to be here--as I know you are.
I'm betting on yours!
mo-zy: You got my book! Thank you! Here's hoping you don't sleep a wink on Sunday!
josh: Maybe not now, but it could happen...One tough movie critic could be the next Siskel and Ebert (or whoever it is now). I, for one, would welcome a tough movie critic on TV, um, as long as my book doesn't get made into a movie. Then I'll be looking for one kind movie critic. LOL.
Richard: You're absolutely right. Word of mouth makes for the best, most reliable book recommendations. I'm honestly hoping that is what will make my book succeed. But as you say, if Oprah or the New York Times wants to get behind me, I'm there.
Heather: The most trustworthy recommendations are always the ones that come from friends with similar reading tastes. Thanks for your interest in the column and for all your good wishes!
Yes, I've had people tell me the same thing about my unpublished novel! "All you have to do is send it to Oprah, get it on the show." It's laughable.
I know of a writer who went overboard and literally send a copy of his book to a hundred people who worked on the Oprah show -- and still didn't get on!
I'm certainly now saying don't try -- writers are good at hitting against a brick wall until they breath through -- but just that it's not all that easy.
But, I wish you the best of luck and will tune in if you end up on the show!
at her door on a daily basis? It's true that we writers are good at hitting our heads against
brick walls until we find an opening, but sometimes you have to choose the walls where you're more likely to succeed.
Kris: Wine and Godiva would surely convince me; and the roses wouldn't hurt either. Ellen
really does seem to be branching out. Hmm....
Have a great trip to Seattle!
Lisa: Jacquelyn Mitchard has to be one of the most amazingly generous writers around. I had absolutely no connection with her when I wroter her a fan letter, telling her how much her work has meant to me, and asking if she'd consider reading mine. I did this to several of my favorite authors, but only she and Tess Gerritsen agreed to check out a few chapters, and see if it might be something of interest to them. Both then asked for the entire manuscript. I will never forget their kindness and sincere support for a new author.
and the rest really I'm not interested in, particularly not the Gather politics --
congrats again
and actually some of Oprah's books got pulled from publication because she doesn't seem to be a very close reader...