Skip to Content

Comment from the book world in August 2009

« Prev  

August 2009

  Next »

'It's a treasure hunt'

31 August 2009

'Right now, all over the country there are people spending their early mornings, lunch breaks, holidays and any moment of spare time creating stories. They're on their own, tapping away at a keyboard and creating parallel worlds.

A small handful of these stories will become the new trendsetters, the new blockbusters, the new stand-out bestsellers of the next decade. Some chapters on a hard drive in a spare room, increasing by 500-word increments every day, will change the publishing landscape from 2012 and beyond. That is a certainty. And that's what makes the business of books so thrilling.

The chances are that these future supernovas won't be bang on trend - the next big thing seldom is. It sets future trends, it doesn't follow them. The next big thing is generally a big surprise.

The next book I love from out of my submissions pile might be on trend, before the curve or blindsiding me from out of nowhere. That's why the slush-pile is my favourite place. It's a treasure hunt.'

Julia Churchill, UK children's agent at The Greenhouse, in Writers' ForumBritish writers' magazine which is highly recommended for all writers. It features wide range of news and articles which help writers to improve their work and get published: www.writers-forum.com

  • Share this

'Treasure the moment'

17 August 2009

'Some people think they know what my books are about when they haven't read them. They feel I'm in favour of bad behaviour or swearing. Some even think I write about drugs. There's nothing of that kind. Mostly, my books are about outsiders, kids who don't fit in. I feel they're quite moral tales, although they do show that there are things even loving parents can't always protect children from. Children recognize the truth of that...

I think you have to treasure the moment and go for what you want. Mostly, I'm quite happy. In my twenties and thirties I regretted not having had further education. I was silly enough to marry at 19, but those choices make you the person that you are. I'm very happy and secure.'

Jacqueline Wilson, author of My Sister Jodie and many other bestselling children's books

'A friendly relationship with readers'

10 August 2009

'I knew what I'd get (when I started writing fiction) but I got what I hoped I would. That is, a friendly relationship with readers. I don't think they feel a distance that they might feel with a writer like Ian McEwan. I think they feel their interests and concerns are reflected in the books. They recognise the world and the details of that world. I'm Nick, I'm not Mr Hornby...

I completely understand people's reluctance to pick up a literary novel that is not going to entertain them in the 30 minutes they have before they go to sleep at night. I think the world of books forgets that because so many of us do our reading during the day. That's a luxury so many people forget.'

Nick Hornby in the Bookseller