I read the Kinsale essay over on Smart Bitches and thought it was beautiful. It truly is a beautiful piece of writing but as I was reading it through again my left eyebrow started twitching and I thought “What the-?” Because there’s only one topic that brings about that reaction and I’d swear she never used the word review.
Yes, I actually typed the word. That should tell you something. What I don’t know.
I even did a search. Not there.
Only it is. When one gets right down to it, beautifully written or not, it’s all a thinly disguised variation on who can talk about what, and how, and if that ain’t about reviewing I don’t know what is anymore. And maybe I don’t at this point. I’m perfectly willing to admit that. All I’m really saying here is what something “sounds” like to me and it sounds amazingly like a discussion of reviewing, only with an added layer that I don’t like the sound of at all.
Really, it was one thing when the actual topic that was being beat to death was what should or shouldn’t be in reviews – that I could actually ignore because frankly I don’t care – but suddenly it’s as if readers aren’t even supposed to discuss the books in any depth because we might harm the precious child. Or their parent. Whatever.
Well, if books are really children to authors, then I wish they’d stop selling them and keep them safe at home where they belong.
I guess what bothers me, Tara, is the unbalanced practicality of the whole thing. Ms. Kinsale’s comments are so very practical for the writers, but I’m not sure simply reminding readers that writing is art to be respected is all that practical from a reader’s standpoint. Interesting? Yes. Enlightening. Absolutely.
But, practical? Um, not so much.
And particularly so when, if I’m not mistaken, the original essay was written in response to something the Smart Bitches had posted earlier about the blurring of the lines between writers, their work and readers. She was so eloquent in showing how authors need to stay true to their focus (paraphrased greatly) that I wish she’s been a little clearer about the other side of the equation related to just how we “show” that respect for the artwork we’re supposed to have.
Somehow, standing back and admiring the books as they sit on my shelves just doesn’t fit. (Okay, now that was definitely sarcastic. ;D)
Bev,
Maybe I too am misunderstanding this, but I don’t think the quote ‘I believe the art (and craft) of writing itself deserves more respect than as a commodity. This from the authors, too.’ is directed at any one group. It’s more about the process than the end result. The actual process of writing comes from an artistic point of view, the product may ultimately become a commodity.
I think she’s reminding readers that good writing is an artform and writers to treat their work as an art or craft, not just a means to a profitable end.
With all respect, Bev, you have misunderstood what I said.
It’s entirely possible that I could’ve. Absolutely. And after reading a comment made on Dear Author.com about this I realized I needed to reread your original essay as if the intended audience was writers not readers. Read that way, it makes a lot more sense to me than taking it as directed at readers.
However I’m still not sure that’s how you meant it because . . .
I believe the art (and craft) of writing itself deserves more respect than as a commodity. This from the authors, too.
. . . seems to again be pointed to readers, first, and authors as an afterthought, and begs the question all over again – how, as readers, do we show this respect for the art if this is true?
Please, understand, I’m not being sarcastic, but honestly curious. I don’t understand where this viewpoint leaves the readers, while I see your point about the writers needing to preserve their focus in creating the artwork. So, if this is directed at readers, what is it we need to do to show this respect that we aren’t already doing?
With all respect, Bev, you have misunderstood what I said.
I wasn’t at all talking or even thinking about reveiws when I wrote. I was thinking about the idea of books as a commodity and the concept of writing as a “service industry.” IE, in service primarily to the consumers’ tastes and needs.
Just wanted to clarify that. And I’ll got around the whole blogosphere clarifying, lol, if I must because it’s just the kind of thing that ppl start whispering, oh Laura Kinsale claims we should respect any old book just because it’s a book, then I’m tarred for good with something I never said and never meant.
I believe the art (and craft) of writing itself deserves more respect than as a commodity. This from the authors, too.
I am not talking about specific books, I’m talking about the art. And I know Jane doesn’t like that word but every time I search for a better one I don’t find it. 😉
I guess as far as I’m concerned, whenever you create something, whether it be a story in print, an image on paper or a splash on canvas and then bring it out into the world for the public to see, you’re just asking for critisism. Perhaps authors can’t write to please their readers, or won’t. I’ve had this happen several times when I’m writing. I think, “as a reader, if I read this from someone else, I’d hate it” but it still comes out on paper that way. Which is why I don’t ever want my writing to be published. Ever. I write to please myself, not everyone else. So why in the world would I want to have something published and disected and discussed to death? I wrote it to please myself, not the rest of the world.
Of course, that’s just my opinion, and we all know how that goes, right? Still, I have to agree with you on this, Bev. They should just keep them home. 😉
I am definitely not one of the readers who have ever felt comfortable being buddy, buddy with authors online. Yes, there have been a couple that I have exchanged emails with about their books but I still never felt like they were my friends. Nor would I want to. So, I tend to believe it’s more that it’s finally showing how big the disconnect has always been. Maybe even should be.
All I know for sure is that I’ve always questioned authors insistence that they’re also “just readers” because they aren’t. I’m sorry but they’ve crossed a threshold that they can’t uncross unless they make a concious effort to do so. That effort involves actively choosing to be a reader and only a reader in certain discussions and if they can’t then they just proved unequivocably that they are no longer “just readers”. They can’t have it both ways and either one of us keep our sanity. 😀
ROLF! On a serious note, though, doesn’t this debate and the comments show how big the reader/author disconnect is?