I went to Wicklow for the day and got all sorts of notions about what I’m demanding from books and TV shows from now on. And just like those shows, some parts of this post will be more enjoyable than others. Boom!
As we are now in a post-thinking society, I’ve decided to pose some questions relating to the publishing world after Brexit, and what it’s all going to mean for writers and readers. Warning: this post contains no fake news, and one shocking lean towards optimism.
They say everyone has a book in them: I reckon it goes further than that. I believe we also have a book in us that we’re afraid to write. What’s yours, and what the hell has this got to do with my girl crushes?
I’m bucking the trend of the aspirational and inspirational online trailblazers, and now present you with the ultimate in demotivational posters for writers. Honestly, the reverse psychology in them would make you weep. You’re bound to get at least 2 books out of it.
This week, I set out to enquire what drives people to write really nasty reviews. Not only did I find the answer, but I also found out that I was the culprit (and so are you). In an attempt to soften this shocking revelation I have turned this life lesson into unmissable advice for authors and internet users. Just call me Dr. Spin-ling.
It’s time for more fun with fictional stereotypes. What would happen to the characters we all know and love if literary genres collided? What if a tousled Historical Fiction Hero were to dwell in domestic disharmony with the world-weary genius that is the protagonist of a Young Adult fiction novel?
How in Blog’s name is anyone supposed to sell a book nowadays, when 33,000 other books will be released on the same day as yours? The answer is to look for patterns. Unfortunately, this has global consequences… much like reading this blog on an empty stomach.
If you want to determine the state of humanity, just look at popular fiction, because we’re reading the opposite of what we’re living. Right now the people demand uplifting tales of generosity, kindness, and collaborative triumph over adversity. With that in mind, I’m predicting what we’ll be reading next, linked to whichever fresh disaster befalls the world this week. You’re welcome.
Occasionally, I turn abstract thoughts into shamelessly shallow analogies and set them down in this blog. Nobody ever asked me to do this, which is precisely why I do it. I will now attempt to link driving in heavy traffic with the business of writing. You have been warned.
Tara Sparling writes 