It's time for the Insecure Writer's Support Group post of the month. The question is, "What would you like to see changed in the publishing industry?"
That's a tough one. Ebooks seem to be here to stay. And Amazon seems to be the mega-giant from whom everybody purchases books. I wish the little bookstores with physical books would be able to compete with Amazon and be found in every town. But that probably won't happen.
I guess the other thing I would like to see is an end to "trends." For a while, it was all about vampires. And then it was about books featuring diversity. And then in the middle-grade world, it's been all about relationships and bullying. Which is all good and well. But why do publishers have to go with the trends? Why can't they have a variety? Maybe people want to read something other than what everybody else writes.
Is there anything you'd like to see different in the publishing world?
And here's the other part of the post:
I'm supposed to go to Florida in a few weeks to see the University of Tampa and find an apartment for my daughter, who will be going there in August. The coronavirus numbers there are increasing and are now over 10,000. I'm concerned about getting it again. And I don't want to do that, especially since I have to go see my dad get married at the end of August. He's no spring chicken. I definitely don't want him to get it!
So, do I stay home and leave it to my ex to help her find the apartment and disappoint my daughter by not going, or do I go and risk getting the virus? What do you think?
No one can tell you what risks you should take. This is as personal as it gets. Your dilemma is the classic "sandwich generation" one. OY.
ReplyDeleteAs to publishing, I only want to see better books and stronger backbone from publishers and authors alike. This means standing up for diversity not only of race and orientation, but points of view that reflect different sensibilities.
Better books would always be good!
DeleteThat's a tough one. How much hand sanitizer do you have and how many masks? Talk to your daughter and see what she says.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter is okay with me staying home. So, that's what I will do.
DeleteHi, Sherry!
ReplyDeleteFirst, I need to applaud Mirka Breen (above) for being part of the solution. I invite Mirka and everyone who shares her passion on this vitally important issue to experience my special musical post celebrating Diversity in America to be published this Thursday at Shady's Place:
tctgyb.blogspot.com
I sometimes wonder if old fashioned books and book stores are heading for extinction. That would be a terrible shame because there is joy to be found in them.
As you know I am here in Florida and specifically in the greater Tampa Bay area. The COVID crisis keeps getting worse across the peninsula. Beaches that opened a few weeks ago are again closing. The Sane and the Sensible wear masks when in public places, but the Young & the Restless and the Skeptical and the Stubborn do not. They are promoting the spread of the virus. If you elect to come here you will need to protect yourself at all times. If you elect not to come I am sure your daughter will understand and won't fault you for it.
Enjoy the rest of your week, dear friend Sherry!
I like how you classified the groups of people. I've seen a lot of Young and Restless.
DeleteI think I will be staying in Georgia. I don't want to risk getting the virus again before my dad's wedding.
I would say if you're not comfortable traveling somewhere with high numbers, then don't go. I do know several people who live in the Tampa area. They all work in news and so have been following the CDC guidelines. They seem to be comfortable going non-work-related places with masks, but again. It's really your call. If you decide *not* to go, maybe you and your daughter could face-time while she looks at places. That way you're still part of the process.
ReplyDeleteWe don't have a locally-owned bookstore but we do have a used book store. I don't spend a lot of time there though because the owner is notorious for offering a seller 50 cents and then marking it to sell for $8. I know she's got to make a living but that's a little too far.
As far as the publishing industry goes, I read more ebooks than print books these days (our library was closed for 2 months). On that aspect I can say with 100% certainty that the process to publish an ebook must not be that difficult based on the number of books I've started and stopped because of atrocious editing. I'm also tired of trends. It's so easy to get sucked into a rabbit hole of one specific type of book on my kindle because once you read one you get hundreds of similar recommendations.
Ebooks are here to stay. In a few ways, they are good. Less storage space on the book shelf, less expensive, and immediate delivery. But I still prefer turning the pages of a paper book.
DeleteIf in doubt about going Sherry then DON'T GO.
ReplyDeleteGut instincts are very good. I do hope things turn out right for you and your family in this uncertain time in the world.
Keep safe and well.
Yvonne.
I'm not going to go. Although I've had it, I don't feel like getting it again or taking a chance of carrying it to my dad.
DeleteThat's a rough decision to make. Good luck and I agree with nashvillecats2, go with your gut instinct.
ReplyDeleteI miss having a locally owned bookstore nearby. Sad to see them close.
I've seen several small book stores where I used to do book signings and events close. It's so sad!
DeleteIt's funny that when a book hits is big, it's usually not following a trend. It's creating one. You'd think publishers would realize this...
ReplyDeleteOh, that is a dilemma. I was just reading about a woman who did not go to a family wedding, and she was glad she didn't as now several attendees, including the bride and groom, now have Covid.
Is the school opening in August for sure? Does your daughter want you to come? Do you feel like your ex would do a good job with the hunt without you? Have you and your daughter discussed your concerns?
Yes, the school is opening - early in fact. They want to do Thanksgiving break early because they think the next COVID surge will happen in November. I think it's happening now.
DeleteI agree with you on the trends. When something is popular, publishers glut the market and then don't want anymore of that genre or story line. I'm disappointed that happened with dystopian novels that I used to love.
ReplyDeleteWhat a hard decision you have to make! I would be worried too doing anything in public. is there a way you can go and limit visit public places? Or could she find an apartment online? That may be safer for her too.
I think there should be variety. If a story is good, it should be published. Heck with the trends.
DeleteWhat a difficult decision! I have to admit I didn't even know that there's a University of Tampa. I can't offer advice about what you should do because I don't know what I'd do. I agree with you about trends. Doesn't the world have enough vampire and zombie books now?
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
I'm going to stay home. Risking getting the virus again isn't a good idea, since I have to travel to my dad's wedding next month.
DeleteYou can always wear a mask...
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting that in my country online sales are just about 20% of book sales as people prefer not to waste their monies on postage. We had a book night here last weekend in one of our major bookchains and it attracted some 50,000 buyers in ten cities around the country.
That's amazing! I wish I could say the same for the United States. Most in-person book sales have just a few people show up.
DeleteIf your desire to leave the house is no longer unstoppable, try to leave the house to get rid of burnout. Of course keep using face mask tools and implementing health protocols.
ReplyDeleteStay safe, Sherry
Hi, Himawan. I get out of the house a lot. So I'm not stir-crazy. I just don't relish going to a place with a high population and high number of infections.
DeleteYeah. The whole trend thing would be great if they scrapped it. Why oh why all jump on the bandwagon. Oh yeah. $$$$$.
ReplyDeleteTough decision indeed. You could do everything right and some dbag could still infect you.
I'd rather be a trend-setter than someone who jumps on the band wagon!
DeleteI'm all about variety in the writing business - and probably in most industries. Trends are certainly not my thing, whether it is in fashion (I don't care how I look), drinking IPA beers (I don't drink beer), or blogging (I write about what I want, it's my blog :-)).
ReplyDeleteAs for you going to Florida, I like Alex's suggestion. Also, it sounds like you already had the virus, so shouldn't you be immune, most likely? Tough decision!!
Even though I've had the virus, it mutates, which means it's possible I could get it again or be a carrier.
DeleteI'm not sure if having more diverse books or books about bullying for kids is a trend...those books are needed, but I definitely get the vampire thing or the books inspired by 50 Shades. When something becomes a success, everyone wants to try it. And not just publishers, but writers, too.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who lives in Florida, I say...don't come here. Your health is more important and your daughter shoulder understand that and the risk. You could always be present without being physically there by using a video chat. She can call you with a video chat and show you every apartment as she walks through it.
I talked it over with my daughter. She's okay with me staying home. I just hope she'll be okay!
DeleteThe problem with trends is you can't second-guess them and if you try and jump on the bandwagon, the ship will have sailed by the time you're ready to submit. Also, they really seem to be about just one book or series - Twilight, 50 Shades - who really remembers the comparable stuff from around the same time? You've just got to follow your own path.
ReplyDeleteIt's a tough decision you've got there. Both your dad and daughter are important, but your dad is evidently more vulnerable. I would err on the side of caution. Chrys's idea of video chats is a good one.
I agree about following your own path. You have to write what you enjoy writing.
DeleteYou have a tough decision and I wonder if it will even matter--will the schools be in session or virtual in the fall. You're in my thoughts. Congratulations to your dad!
ReplyDeletewww.thepulpitandthepen.com
I'm surprised University of Tampa is actually starting early! They think the COVID cases will be worse in the fall. They want to start Thanksgiving break sooner.
DeleteI'm happy for my dad. They're a great couple.
Hi, Sherry! What a difficult decision! I don't envy you! When we were house hunting, our realtor Facetimed showings to us, because she was in Nevada and we were in Colorado. Perhaps you could FaceTime or Zoom or Skype and share the apartment-hunting experience with your daughter that way. Certainly you don't want to risk infecting your father. Alternatively, perhaps your father could share his wedding the same way. That might be safer. Coronavirus is really changing our lives, and now it's spreading . I would not do anything that I felt was unsafe. Our health and lives trump everything else. Please take care!
ReplyDeleteI won't be going to Florida. I still plan to go to Ohio for my dad's wedding, but I think I may try to do the 12 hour drive in one trip to avoid hotels.
DeleteTrust your gut. It's that innate part of you that knows what you need to do, so it seldom lets you down.
ReplyDeleteVery true!
DeleteI agree with the trend side. It'd be nice to see publishers think on their own and try to publish what kids want to read...not what they want them to. As to your daughter (how exciting!), is there anyway you can go and try to have as little outside contact as possible? Or just play it extra safe? It's a tough call, but I'm sure you'll make the 'right' decision for you.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to take a poll - especially with middle grade readers - and find out exactly what they want to read. Adventure, mystery, or relationship/social problems books.
DeleteI wish you good luck
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteDidn't life used to be simple? It seems to be getting more complicated every day. Your decisions are tough. But I know you'll make the best ones. Sending prayers and best wishes for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteLife gets more and more complicated! My grandparent's lives weren't nearly as complex!
DeleteYou definitely are in a tough spot. I think talking to your daughter might help and looking at the pros and cons together. Maybe you two can do some virtual apartment looking on the computer and narrow down some places for her to see in person? Good luck making the decision. :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
It's interesting times we live in!
ReplyDeleteWe've decided that I will stay home. She can show me pictures.
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