Publicity and Publicly

A Lot of Publicity

Over at Emerging Writer’s blog there’s a very good epanel featuring Lauren Snyder, from Coffee House Press, Marty Matze – Graywolf Press and Caitlin Hamilton Summie – Unbridled Books.

A Little Etiquette

Overheard at a bookstore event over the weekend: A well reviewed literary author, let’s call her Matilda, was at the event. It wasn’t her event so she was neither besieged, overwhelmed, nor nervous.

At one point, the bookstore manager introduced Matilda to a well published mystery writer named Gertrude.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, I think your books are wonderful,” Gertrude said.

“Thank you,” Matilda answered.

“I was amazed by the scope of your last book.”

“Thanks,” Matilda answered.

The bookstore manager realizing Matilda had not recognized Gertrude’s name, and very much liking both authors, proceeded to tell Matilda that Gertrude was a published author also. “She writes terrific mysteries,” the manager said.

“Isn’t that nice,” Matilda muttered, with attitude and walked away.

Here’s the deal. Even if you think you’re a bigger author than the other author, would it kill you to ask her a question about her books, career, editor, publisher anything but the dismissive isn’t’ that nice?

Isn’t life too short and too miserable for us to treat each other that way?

Guess not.

And isn't that nice?

Comments

[Martha O'Connor]

How rotten. Some people are just full of it... or full of themselves... maybe it's the same thing, ha ha. It's true in all professions, but it may be more true in the arts.

[Bill Thompson]

I believe it. Similar situation: well-known thriller writer is approached at cocktail party by well-known YA author. Latter introduces himself, makes favorable observation about former's books. Thriller writer snorts, "Yeah, my kids read your stuff," then turns his back and walks away. Amazing. (The story told to me, BTW, by the YA author.)

[Rob Gregory Browne]

I know I shouldn't be surprised by these stories. Humans can be unbelievably insensitive and self-absorbed at times.

But at what point does one go from being grateful that you're part of a wonderful fraternity to thinking you're somehow better than everyone else?

How many sales does it take to turn someone into a jerk? Or were they simply ALWAYS a jerk who just got lucky?

If I ever act this way in front of another writer, please, do me a favor and slap me very hard across the face.

[Anne]

So often I see writers doing this.. being snarky to one another, and also to the reader. The authors whom I know do this with regularity, I no longer purchase books from, even though I love their work. I just can't bring myself to spend my hard earned money on someone with such "holier than thou" and condescending attitude. Just doesn't work for me.

[Trace]

I just don't understand this attitude. Why? Does it make them feel better to crush somebody else? How insecure do you have to be to be that way?

[Diana]

Bill, I think I might be oblivious to that and think "my kids read your books" was a huge compliment. I remember in an interview with Gary Oldman when the third Harry Potter movie came out, he said that finally the children in his family were impressed with his career, because it was a movie that mattered to them and they could tell their friends about it. Not so much with Immortal Beloved. ;-)

[Karen Scott]

I for one am not surprised in the least. Author bitchiness happens in blogland, so why not in real life?

[Mark Terry]

Overall, though, I have been impressed with how support the majority of writers are to other writers when I attend cons. Not without exception, of course, but I've been pleasantly surprised.

Best,
Mark Terry

[Bernita]

Terry, I agree. From the blogs I've read, bichiness is the exception, not the rule.