Jennifer Weiner wrestles with one of the more icky aspects of book touring:
"Meanwhile, something I've been grappling with as the tour and media shapes up: if a reporter writes something bitchy about your books, do you get a bye from ever having to talk to them, or do you have to live by the all-publicity-is-good-publicity-as-long-as-they-spell-your-name-right maxim and just suck it up?"
Another good reason for authors never to read reviews: you can be nice to all reviewers.
Publicist Susan Schwartzman talks about negative publicity on her new blog, and how a positive spin can be put on anything, no matter how nasty it is -- at least from the publicist's POV.
I could debate that, too, but I think we're all depressed enough. So back to Jennifer's dilemma: if you were on tour, and scheduled for an interview with a reporter who you know has already trashed you and/or your work, how would you handle it?
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If they attack the book in a review that's one thing, but if they attacked the author I would imagine it would be very difficult for that author to sit down for a one on one interview.
ReplyDeletee.g. calling the book a turgid waste of space vs calling the author a talentless hack.
On the other hand, if they don't like the book what are they doing interviewing the author?
Poke them in the ear with a stick. Then wee in their handbag when they're not looking.
ReplyDeletethe way Vera Nazarian did over at the Smart bitches board. (an August 30th post) Granted, they were already rather friendly...
ReplyDeleteOpinions are opinions and nothing more. I'd treat the reporter the same way I treat everyone.
ReplyDeleteI've noticed that some people like to be happy, and other people like to be miserable even though they think they want to be happy (aka drama manufacturers). If I'm pleasant and polite with everyone, regardless of how they treat me, one of two things are likely to happen.
1. The happy person who's having a bad day will be cheered up, or
2. The miserable person will be ticked off.
Either way, everyone's happy!
I'd probably want to do something like Stuart proposes. I'd like to believe I could do what EJ proposes. In reality, I'd most likely fall short of either and muck around somewhere in the middle.
ReplyDeleteIf they were talking abotut he book. No problem, everyone's entilted to an opinion. I could suck it up. If they were talking about me, the writer, I'd have to be vocal in my own opinions. I'm not shy, and I'm nto stupid, so I'd like to think I could make them feel like crap, or look like crap. Either one is fine with me.
ReplyDeleteI have been criticized for my non fiction work and then had someone smile in my face - I just smile back.
ReplyDeleteBut you can bet that I'd remember any criticisms she had and remind her of them just in case she decided to flip flop and talk out of the side of her mouth...
"Yes, I know that the book has done well... oh, yes, I do think my characters were well rounded... tell me, why did you think it was rubbish then? Oh, that's ok, it is hard to really value it when your head is crammed up your... oh, I see our time is done."
I'm not really mature enough to let it go.
Simon wrote: ...if they don't like the book what are they doing interviewing the author?
ReplyDeleteHoping for a second opportunity to slam her?
Stuart wrote: Poke them in the ear with a stick. Then wee in their handbag when they're not looking.
Too easy for the stick to come out the other ear. I'd be leery of catching something from the purse handles.
Sorry, Kate, I can't comment on that, not even with a ten-foot cyberpole.
EJ wrote: Opinions are opinions and nothing more. I'd treat the reporter the same way I treat everyone.
You won't be getting sued by a disgruntled reporter, either; always a plus.
Jean wrote: I'd probably want to do something like Stuart proposes. I'd like to believe I could do what EJ proposes. In reality, I'd most likely fall short of either and muck around somewhere in the middle.
Politely wee in the handbag? Lol.
Sasha wrote: If they were talking about me, the writer, I'd have to be vocal in my own opinions.
I've seen you express your opinions, Sasha, and I don't think you have anything to worry about -- still, be prepared to be accused of being bitter, unable to accept criticism, sour grapes, etc.
Goodapple wrote: I'm not really mature enough to let it go.
It's okay -- generally neither are they.
JW has edited that post to remove the part about the reporter, btw.
ReplyDelete