The editor in chief of Cabinet magazine, Sina Najafi, said his worst-selling issue had the subject of failure as its theme. “We asked the printer to cut the magazine a couple degrees off so that it would look awkward or crooked on the shelf next to books or other issues.” Some booksellers returned the issues, and some subscribers complained. One in Germany measured the difference and asked, “Can I get a new issue?” In Search Of the Perfect Little Magazine
Paperback Writer has, uh, written an extended and detailed fable about sheeps and PAN. As we understand it, sheep must sell fleece to appease the god. If high quality fleece is sold in sufficient quantity, the sheep will be allowed into a special pen. They will also receive a special pin. See how this stuff is confusing? In related news, we always suspected this: “Black sheep are always nothing but trouble.” Why PAN was the God of Sheep
Last night, we attended a learned lecture where the importance of subtext was discussed, at length, with examples. Also Gloria Gaynor came up, though we’re still not sure why. Today we encounter yet another discussion on that very same subject. With examples. We do so love examples. Our notes from last night are written in a manner that will require the next age’s Rosetta Stone to decipher, but we think one of the sentences says something like “care about the subtext of the movement*”, relating to the idea that physical movement should drive the story forward. Characters shouldn’t twist their
When you look for something to read, you want your characters to be: Vampires Aliens Shapeshifters Gods and/or Goddesses All of the Above While there is no right answer (though we do wonder about those who chose “e”, for obvious reasons), there is finally a blog especially for you. Though they seem normal* in real life, the authors who have formed Out of the Blogosphere like their characters on the toothy, furry, otheworldly side. Go forth at your own peril. * – After all, what is normal anyway? Out of the Blogosphere
Yes, it does appear to be MediaBistro day around here. This is the result of leaving tabs open in a browser for days on end. We knew it would end like this: a profile of The Graybill & English Literary Agency. With five agents — Nina Graybill, Elaine English, Jeff Kleinman, Kristen Auclair, and Lynn Whitaker — the agency covers a wide range of fiction and non-fiction styles. This might be a good time to note that Graybill’s website details the likes and dislikes of each agent. Do not rely on outdated listings. Take advantage of an agency that actually
Here’s an older interview with Brenda Copeland that we missed. Since all things editors are fascinating (except, possibly, the part where they put their shoes on one foot at a time, just like the rest of us), we have been burdened with guilt and whatnot because of our falling down on the job. Hmm, that might not be entirely true. Copeland goes in depth into what pleases her, describing the moment when she feels a connection with an author like this: The writing has to be top notch: strong voice, clear, so I don’t find myself skipping ahead because I’m
One of our top Trench-Coat Operatives contacted us with some rather bizarre news, so bizarre it required phone calls and coded email. Not necessarily in that order. As of September, 2006, Harlequin (the conglomerate) will cease to publish both Harlequin and Silhouette Romances — yes, those sweet, short books that serve as shorthand for all types of mockery will no longer exist. But wait! Do not despair. Do not panic. Do not think you will be forced to read books filled with minimal romance and lots of sex. While it’s the end of the world as we know it, there’s
You’ve read the hype, you’ve haunted the website, you’ve wondered what it’s all about. And, we might note, with good reason. Having an excellent book recommended is pretty much the literary equivalent of great sex. Except one lasts longer. We will not address the issue of satisfaction — some things are personal. The Litblog Co-op has announced its first Read This! pick: Kate Atkinson’s Case Histories. Check out the site (and the sites) over the coming weeks to learn more about this terrific title. We’ll be sharing our thoughts soon; however, we truly enjoyed The Old Hag’s introduction to the
We realize it’s hard to believe, but it was a crazy weekend here at Booksquare. First, we made a rare journey from the headquarters into the public sphere (publice sphere = no pajamas). While it should go without saying, the State of California should revisit its driver’s license policy. Far too many of those on the road should not be on the road. Also, we demand that all drivers put down their cell phones. Unless they’re ordering take-out timed to coincide with the arrival home. That’s the only exception. On Saturday afternoon, we participated* in the poolside chat that concluded
“Unlike scientists or musicians, say, writers tend to mature with age.” The age of 50 marks authors’ peak: Fifty is the perfect age to write a novel, a study of the best-selling authors of the past 50 years has shown.
