I often visit the sites of other writers and literary agents to gain insights into the business of writing. However, it's essential not to lose sight of the end game--the sale to the consumer. I'd like to recommend Bookseller Chick's site. In addition to posting with a great sense of humor and wit, she sees what and how people buy in her bookstore. For example, check out her insights on Romance Covers and Spray On Ethnicity.
And when you stop by, please be sure to say hello!
Thanks for pointing me in that direction - nice blog!
ReplyDeleteI won't even go into the way most authors continue to play lip-service to the actual culture itself (beyond the cover), throwing in some words (that they may or may not be using correctly) in the native language, mentioning that they have big families or love the bambinos, and lets not even talk about leather that makes its way onto every Native American romance.
ReplyDeletehehe. Somewhere in one of my mss., I mention that in Hollywood movies about Rome, the Romans are played by Brits and the Jews are played by Italians.
I'm doing what I can to portray my culture as something other than a bunch of extras from the cast of The Godfather or The Sopranos.
Good links by the way. Thanks.
Terri, thanks for stopping over and commenting. :)
ReplyDeleteM.G., good point about Hollywood. In Highlander, they've got a Swede playing a Scotsman, and a Scotman playing a Spaniard.
Sarah, yes, she does a great job. And thanks for the compliment!
Thanks, Jason, I'll be sure to visit. That post was great!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed her blog. Thanks for the link. She's going onto my list.
ReplyDeleteStereotypes are never good characters, whether they are a stereotypical rendition of their race or culture, or just a stereotypical type - the hardened tough cop, the gameplaying serial killer... But I've noticed some popular writers sell a lot of books filled with stereotypes.
Thanks for the links, J.
ReplyDeleteTanya
I enjoyed cruising her site.
ReplyDeleteGreat fun reading.
What a wonderful link!
Thanks Jason!!!!
Kelly, I don't understand why more visitors don't comment! She does great posts.
ReplyDeleteMark, you're right. Stereotype characters are empty characters.
Shesawriter, thanks for visiting. :)
Michele, great comments over there!
Aw, you think I'm witty, I think I might cry. Thanks for sending visitors, and thanks for everyone who visited. I love getting feedback and questions, helps me figure out what to write about, otherwise you just get a reguritation of my day (rather repetitive and boring).
ReplyDeleteThank you, thank you, thaaaaank you.
Bookseller Chick, the pleasure is ours! We'd be honored to be part of your crew.
ReplyDeleteoh yeah. this looks like one i'll have to add to my must-reads. thanks, jason.
ReplyDelete