AmyLiz, I go back a very long way with Linda Marrow - one of my books is actually dedicated to her. Back when she was editor at Pocket, she was turned down by my (now ex) then-agent after offering on my first novel and its sequel, "The Goldsmith" and "The Apprentice, because "$10,00, pfft, we can do MUCH better." The books never sold. Linda then suggested "Fire Queen" (edit: suggested that I write one, based on traditional Irish mythology). I did, but she was outbid by Bantam. So I dedicated the book to her.
I do wonder what on earth she was looking for at the end of this one, though.
being dragged into someone else's reality, under the mistaken impression you can control things
I thought this was what it was all about, and in this way, the ending fit perfectly. I must admit I didn't fully understand exactly what was going on there, but I got the feeling I wasn't supposed to fully understand every little corner of the "How does that work?". I'm usually inflicted with this too much I-want-to-understand, which is quite a strange combination with my 'please leave some mystery unexplained for me to ponder once I've finished' fondness. Still, I did liked the way it seemed there was more story there than what was simply told.
I must admit I didn't fully understand exactly what was going on there, but I got the feeling I wasn't supposed to fully understand every little corner of the "How does that work?".
Yes, exactly. I can't stand books in which the writer feels obliged to give every possible nuance of their worldview to the reader, leaving nothing for the reader to chew on. Have you ever read Margery Allingham? She has an Albert Campion novel, "Look to the Lady", in which you are left with the distinct impression that something completely supernatural has happened, and she reinforces that at the end, by having a character ask, and be told to just basically shut up and don't ask, there are things in the universe we're not going to understand, just deal with it.
Or, if you want to be monotheistic, another fun mystery writer, Edmund Crispin, said in one book that the perogative of totally understanding every quirk is unlikely to be wrested away from the Omnipotence.
Point being that it sure as hell isn't fun when the writer plays God. I always feel that shows a grotesque lack of trust in the reader.
erika: looked it up at Imdb but it doesnt really ring a bell .. it might have been on here but i havent seen it.
Deb: Its ok, i understand that. Thats the cause that i only post the summaries on our site and the rest ín a friends protected livejournal. Good luck for getting it published , btw.
For those of you interested in romances, Harlequin is advertising for freelance slush pile readers at Mediabistro.com. The site requires registration, but I can just send you the information if you're interested.
It was a television series, Kessie. For me, one of the television series of all time. On for seven years. There was a review once that called it "the best show you're not watching" so don't feel bad...and we're a little off topic here. But sometimes I wish I'd been born earlier, so I'd have had a chance to write for it, especially in the early seasons, with one of the best ensemble casts ever...and I'm gushing again. And, um, Tim Bayliss likes carrots, at least part-time.
Ginger--thanks for posting that. I just might apply.
I was thinking of you in particular, Susan. It struck me that it might both pay a little money and give you some insights you could use in writing and marketing.
I can't get the Web link to resolve.
It's working for me, but I'm registered. Here's the info:
Harlequin Books is seeking freelance readers to help us review and evaluate proposed manuscripts. These readers, working on a project by project basis, will read, review, evaluate and prepare recommendation reports.
The ideal candidate will have an intimate knowledge of the romance fiction genre, and Harlequin books in particular, and will have the ability to present their evaluations clearly and concisely.
Excellent reading and writing skills, and the ability to meet deadlines is required. A love for women’s fiction and the romance genre in particular is a Big Plus.
Freelance readers make their own hours and work from anywhere.
About Our Company Harlequin is an international pubishing company specializing in women's fiction. ''We create entertaiing and enriching experiences for women to enjoy, to share, and to return to.''
Contact
Ms. Theresa Linton
Address Harlequin Magazines Inc.
233 Broadway
New York, NY 10279 USA
Fax 212-227-8969
Interested candidates, please fax a letter describing your interest and qualifications along with your resume and a writing sample to demonstrate your ability to write analytically about a romance novel you have read to:
T. Linton
212-227-8969
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
(Edited because formatting is apparently beyond me today.)
