tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post2638611465052984136..comments2023-12-09T00:33:24.572-08:00Comments on Novel Matters: Lessons for Writers from the LibraryBonnie Grovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11377519561074174038noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-45984919271561476422011-06-07T07:32:36.630-07:002011-06-07T07:32:36.630-07:00There are a few new Western writers I like, but th...There are a few new Western writers I like, but they are writing about the new West. That is why the Western genre readers like the old West stories better.<br /><br />CJ Box is a good example. He writes a series about a game warden who deals not with the old Cowboys and Indians, but with the hunters, poachers, lawyers, judges, DOW and landowners--a whole new world of settling the West. Plus he always starts his books with a "grab 'em by the throat" beginning to get your attention.<br /><br />As always Patti, it is a pleasure to hear your words.BrendaBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06369941624639597685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-90551992731055239432011-06-05T20:36:43.380-07:002011-06-05T20:36:43.380-07:00Just de-lurking to say this was such an interestin...Just de-lurking to say this was such an interesting post! I love our local library system. My kids and I will do things like place a hold on every version of The Gingerbread Man (we can reserve books from several branches and have them delivered one place), read them all, and compare contrast. Sometimes the fox helps him cross a river and sometimes they are just standing there. Great fun.<br /><br />Patti, I also just finished reading your book The Queen of Sleepy Eye (which I checked out at the library) and I loved it! I think your agent describes your style well. :)Amy T.http://www.amysgarden.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-69245153352489797422011-06-03T11:10:04.733-07:002011-06-03T11:10:04.733-07:00I go to libraries to use the computer or to study ...I go to libraries to use the computer or to study and rarely now check out books. I've been doing a lot of reviews and then my husband has been buying books that snag my interest. My favorite memory is walking to the library (actually running down the block because a man tried to pick me up in his car) and down into the lower level where they had a dark amphitheater. I could sit on the carpeted steps and feel safe while my mind ran over old Hans Christian Anderson stories.Nikole Hahnhttp://www.thehahnhuntinglodge.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-19056130479820146732011-06-02T21:23:31.605-07:002011-06-02T21:23:31.605-07:00Patti,
Thanks for the library "shout out!&qu...Patti,<br /><br />Thanks for the library "shout out!" You're going to be missed.LiberryLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11601808329863114166noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-68811475992052437332011-06-02T20:40:59.079-07:002011-06-02T20:40:59.079-07:00I'm a library regular, but not to check out bo...I'm a library regular, but not to check out books. If I don't get called in to work on the days my kids are in daycare, I drop them off and go straight to the library to sit and work on my novel all day. There's something inspiring about sitting surrounded by so many books. No distractions, either. Unfortunately I've been working quite a bit lately, but I usually manage at least one day a fortnight.<br /><br />Patti, I'm glad you've wrangled things so you're able to get back to full time writing! You must be over the moon. :)Karen @ a house full of sunshinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17787916466155321686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-40685978979995440782011-06-02T14:58:05.249-07:002011-06-02T14:58:05.249-07:00heavenlygurl: I should say your childhood library ...heavenlygurl: I should say your childhood library made a big impression. From your description, I can see it perfectly. Thanks for sharing!<br /><br />Chris: I had to laugh about the library calling you. We have "dailies" too. If they didn't show up, I think the walls would fall down. And I'll take your word for it about winning readers back. You would know.<br /><br />Lori: I think there's a librarian code of etiquette that says we're not supposed to comment on patron's materials. That never stopped me. I especially let kiddos know when they make good choices. And if someone were to come to my station with a plethora of gun books, I might say something like, "I'm noticing a theme here." And then the patron fills me in. I did not comment on books about mental health or dieting. <br /><br />Honestly, the hardest were the people who maxed out their limit of DVDs on a regular basis. I said things like, "And would you like a book to go with that DVD?" or "You should read the book before you watch the movie. It's so much better." or if the kiddos were young, I'd say, "Now, here's how it works: Watch some of your movie, then run in the sunshine. Watch a little movie. Run in the sun. Watch. Run. That's the library rule." They thought I was crazy.Patti Hillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07575415697841348226noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-27011539284163293942011-06-02T12:11:30.394-07:002011-06-02T12:11:30.394-07:00Patti, can you tell the writers who come in from r...Patti, can you tell the writers who come in from regular folk? I often wonder what the check out librarians think of me, when I haul home a stack of books on rifles, pistols and 18th century warfare one week, then every book under the sun on wood working the next, then everything they have to offer about the Shawnee and Cherokee, fiction and nonfiction, a month later. No one ever asks. :)<br /><br />And while I'm at the library at least once a week, I do purchase plenty of books too. Because I need so many books, I get as many from the library as I can, then buy the rest. Sometimes I'll check out a library book and like it so much (novel) or it proves so indispensable (research), I'll buy my own copy even though I could have kept checking out the library's. <br /><br />So, now I have to head out to the library because I think I have a stack of about 10 books waiting on me. Everything the library has to offer written by Eric Sloane.Lori Bentonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04714197239425827339noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-65355131559286225092011-06-02T10:46:04.015-07:002011-06-02T10:46:04.015-07:00I have always loved my local libraries. (Yes plura...I have always loved my local libraries. (Yes plural when I was younger) When I took the job I have now, the librarian called my house to make sure I was ok as I stopped almost cold turkey going to the library. She was sure they would have to close the doors. (LOL) <br /><br />Working in a book store I hear a lot of the same things you hear in a library. It is a bit different, but readers taste in books are about the same. <br /><br />Short side note - Winning back a reader who has one book of yours they don't like (as long as it is not the first one they ever read) is a bit easier than it sounds. I can't name one author I have read and liked that doesn't have at least one book I didn't like. Unless it is a problem with morals/beliefs I usually give several tries before I stop reading them all together.Chris Jager - Baker Book House-fiction buyerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04070215521212726907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-85588326570156666452011-06-02T09:56:51.813-07:002011-06-02T09:56:51.813-07:00Oh my! I hadn't thought about my childhood lib...Oh my! I hadn't thought about my childhood library in say...40 years? It was smaller than my house, which is 1200 square feet! It was a tiny, pristine building, white with black window trim. There was one door at the front and one at the back. It was straight back like a shotgun house and had sparkling clean wood floors. The lone librarian, sitting by the exit in her perfectly pressed cotton dress, handled the books like they were golden treasure, which is ingrained in me even today. <br /><br />The thing I loved most was the smell of all that ink and paper in that small place. Wow! I was definitely one of my influencers for become a writer. After nearly 50 years of denying it, I now love saying... I'm a writer! *Sigh* LOL!<br /><br />Ur blog is always an inspiration to me. Thanks for all you do!heavenlygurlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02242360209014187644noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-37464042449009513302011-06-01T20:16:37.088-07:002011-06-01T20:16:37.088-07:00Jodi: Thanks for your thoughtful additions to the ...Jodi: Thanks for your thoughtful additions to the conversation. Happy to hear my lessons are shared. I love your idea about loving a book and then buying it for your church library. That is a win-win. <br />Diane: Reading from A to Z, why didn't I try that? I know why. In a library, I'm like a cat pawing at dust motes. Oh, there's one I like. Oops, no, I like that one better. I've read Teen, JF, and adult fiction in no particular order. <br />Sharon: The patrons and the staff MAKE the library. It's a real community, meeting vital needs. The people who come there have taught me so much about looking at the heart. I hope I came away from the experience a better person.<br />Judy: No slapping of hands from us. I should have mentioned your service. Folks, follow that link to reach libraries all over North America. Thanks for stopping by, Judy.<br />Bonnie: You're a deary.<br />Henrietta: Run, don't walk to your library. A good librarian doesn't hold fines against you. It happens. Say your sorry. Perhaps make payments, if needed. We always welcome back patrons. If your library staff doesn't, shame on them.Patti Hillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07575415697841348226noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-32645658701049280452011-06-01T19:11:24.016-07:002011-06-01T19:11:24.016-07:00I owe my library so much money for overdue fines I...I owe my library so much money for overdue fines I can't show my face within its doors. <br />Thanks for the inside scoop, Patti, it was fascinating and enlightening. I am glad you are back to full time writing. I hope you also saw the library as a safe place to compose stories.Henrietta Frankenseenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-15541440038078498732011-06-01T18:28:19.791-07:002011-06-01T18:28:19.791-07:00Judy: We'd never slap your hands! You're a...Judy: We'd never slap your hands! You're a hero for readers and writers alike. We love you!<br /><br />Patti: Great post. I felt like an insider! Mwah!Bonnie Grovehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11377519561074174038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-67264279324250972972011-06-01T17:02:27.569-07:002011-06-01T17:02:27.569-07:00Great post, Patti! Couldn't have said it bette...Great post, Patti! Couldn't have said it better myself. :-)<br /><br />Authors, Patti's correct, you're really missing a terrific opportunity if you're not marketing to libraries. <br /><br />The Novel Matters ladies may slap my hands for this, but I offer library marketing news & tips on the Library Insider(TM) FB page at <br />www.facebook.com/libraryinsider. Or check out our website at<br />www.libraryinsider.com <br /><br />Judy, the shameless library promoterJudy Gannhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05011682327930823519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-75819155656626951032011-06-01T16:40:03.618-07:002011-06-01T16:40:03.618-07:00I love this post, Patti. It's very informative...I love this post, Patti. It's very informative, and I think it's fun to have an inside track to what happens in the local library. One thing is for sure: it's a great place to hang out and people watch. <br /><br />I've always been a big fan of the library. I'm glad you had such a good experience working at yours, but I'm so glad you're back to a place where you can write full time.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-58600583347966537452011-06-01T16:05:06.591-07:002011-06-01T16:05:06.591-07:00I love libraries. When I was in Junior High I stoo...I love libraries. When I was in Junior High I stood in the fiction section of our library at the beginning - the letter A - and said to myself that I was going to read through to the Z's. Needless to say I haven't made it but I do read over 200 books a year.<br />I try new authors by checking out a library book and then will find myself looking for that author at the book store. I have a personal library of over 1,200 books. <br />I like to read and I am also a writer, is that a surprise?<br />Thanks for the wonderful information in this blog.Diane Marie Shawhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03365346835912314686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-60877262315409876152011-06-01T14:39:06.662-07:002011-06-01T14:39:06.662-07:00Some Chick: Boy, is my face red...or read? By &quo...Some Chick: Boy, is my face red...or read? By "principle," I mean they want to hold their books, smell the ink, and turn the pages. <br /><br />We have many homeschoolers for patrons. They order so many books that we have hold shelves just for them. <br /><br />Thanks for commenting.Patti Hillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07575415697841348226noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-24800699023013066042011-06-01T14:29:18.426-07:002011-06-01T14:29:18.426-07:00I loved reading this post. I too worked in a libr...I loved reading this post. I too worked in a library. I laughed at the western comments because here in my town that is exactly TRUE. I found truth in every one of your lessons learned.<br />I never bought books before - only used my library system. I am slowly trying to change that as I am attempting to become a writer. Which means, someday I would like people to purchase my books. So now, I borrow them from the public library. If I like them, then go out and buy it for my church library. I figure that is a win-win???<br />I am just like you though in writing against the flow. In our library romance and mysteries were by far the most read. And series, too! Often our patrons were angry if an author didn't write in series. One woman said if they are going to write more than one I don't have time for them.<br />However, I have to write what is on my heart and after seven MS I haven't found the need to do a book two yet.<br />Thanks for the fun post. I really enjoyed it. <br />JodiEmbracehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12057449503326153449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-68108696176509243442011-06-01T13:28:24.009-07:002011-06-01T13:28:24.009-07:00OK, so I *have* to giggle at where you wrote "...OK, so I *have* to giggle at where you wrote "In general, they abhor eReaders, either because of the cost or for reasons of principal."<br /><br />I suppose reasons of "principal" would be the same as reasons of cost. : )<br /><br />Homophones aside, I LOVE MY LIBRARY! We go once or twice a week.<br /><br />We homeschool (I think the librarians are finally on to us), so my kids are both usually maxed out at their 50 book limits. Once I get all the books we need for school for the week, their only instruction for what that can check out (I have veto power, of course) is that they have to be able to carry the books themselves. My eight-year-old is usually *staggering* back to the car under the weight of her tote bag! I've even started taking a suitcase. <br /><br />We are definitely series lovers! My daughter is adamant that she always start at the beginning on any series and work her way through. I'm the same way, in that I love to start with an author's first work and read through in the order their books come out. Even my four-year-old does this with the graphic novels! I think he's checked out out every children's book in the system on both Batman and Ironman.<br /><br />I'm a shelf-browser, so I like going to different branches to see what they have. I could go on and on, so I'll stop there. <br /><br />Love the library!some chickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07221020771189674986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-75040518620951816502011-06-01T09:41:31.333-07:002011-06-01T09:41:31.333-07:00That link to What's Next comes from my distric...That link to What's Next comes from my district library!<br /><br />I have very fond memories of my hometown library, and still check out as many books as I can carry.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-75171500382255545932011-06-01T08:02:41.574-07:002011-06-01T08:02:41.574-07:00Thanks for expanding on the western genre, Anonymo...Thanks for expanding on the western genre, Anonymous. I couldn't agree more. What resonates most is the absence of hope in the newer stories. But that's postmodernism. I'm checking out Forlorn River today.<br /><br />Thanks for stopping by, Donna!Patti Hillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07575415697841348226noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-3286893826428914932011-06-01T07:15:44.121-07:002011-06-01T07:15:44.121-07:00Thanks so much for your insights. Most enlightenin...Thanks so much for your insights. Most enlightening! Great post.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15615035905042738222noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-79871199257909461332011-06-01T06:20:51.416-07:002011-06-01T06:20:51.416-07:00Westerns will never die, despite the moaning to th...Westerns will never die, despite the moaning to the contrary, but that market is shrinking due to a large chunk of the readership aging but also because westerns are built around morals that are absolute and we are a society that no longer likes that. (case in point, I was flabbergasted that no one on a discussion forum had problems with Danny Williams of Hawaii Five-0 and his ex-wife committing adultery.)<br /><br />The other big difference about those old westerns is that authors like Zane Grey weren't afraid of description and there are some of us out there who DON'T have ADD and want some meat on our stories.<br /><br />Finally, I don't read the newer westerns, but if they are anything like the modern western films, they are a very bad imitation. Because of the "code" that you mentioned that appears in the old westerns, these books had you walking away feeling hopeful about society. All the modern western films I have seen are dark and gloomy and even the friends don't stick together (ie. Appaloosa--yuck, what a terrible movie.)<br /><br />I love the old westerns. I re-read Zane Grey's Forlorn River at least once a year.<br /><br />BK JacksonAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com