Week2 Readings

I was talking to my sister the other day about that vid that came out on Saturday Night Live a couple weeks ago, I dont know if anyone saw it, it just just this guy who wins a trip on a boat and he takes a friend and singer T.I. and they basically just sing about being on a boat. We just laughed about the ridiculous lyrics that some songs have, even if they mean nothing, as long as they have a good beat (preferably a dancable beat) then it doesnt matter what the lyrics are. If it sticks to people's heads, there's an existing audience, sells a few records, then the company is happy. Why bother with out of the box singers when you've got tons of cookie cutter one's that will guarantee you album sales. I guess the same applies to books. If you have a writer who is fairly established, it's much easier to publish his works even if they start to suck as long as you have a built in audience for it.

Johnny Temple's article got me thinking about that. Dont get me wrong, I totally enjoy the pop songs that get me moving and vacuuming my house. I need the energy with two kids, and I dont mind glancing at the books by writer's that have been around for a while. But i think it's more of a trust issue. You expect certain things from pop music, you expect to dance and not think too deep. You expect certain things from Patterson, Rice, King, if you like the genres then you anticipate religion, crime, the supernatural. Books are expensive so not everyone has the money or time to invest in a writer they have never heard before, it seems convenient and easier to hear someone say, "hey you should check this book out," or "lots of people are reading this.." and its not to say that you will automatically like it but it seems like well if these people read this book and enjoyed it so much to recommend it to others, then why not try it yourself.

I think its great that there are independent publishers taking risks, really getting to know fresh names, books that may never be touched by larger publishers and that's great for everyone. because it means there is someone else out there who's voice is being heard.

I dont ever see myself publishing anything I've written, thats for me to keep. I hope to one day get good enough to write that i can find another medium to write in. Theres too much to risk to publish my own work. It's not to say that the article has deterred me from wanting to publish, i never really had that desire. As you can see, I'm a terrible speller. But in the position in life that i am right now, thats not a risk for me. But I would hope that knowing there are people out there, as rare as they are, who will take the time to get to know you, to invest in your vision, to give you the opportunity to basically run your own show and thats an incredible thing, for anyone who loves to write.