Forum: Bug Report and Feature Requests

Not as elegant as a built in feature. Also less likely to be seen by others. But a good suggestion. Thanks.

I went to a meet and greet at my local book store. The store was hosting an author, best seller type, and asked her if she had a preferred ratio for narrative and dialog.

Her response was a derogatory question of 'What are you some type of engineer?'

I might also add that she seemed self-centered and to have a very high opinion of herself. Stuck-up comes to mind.

I might also add that she seemed self-centered and to have a very high opinion of herself. Stuck-up comes to mind.

Unfortunately those 'qualities' are more-or-less mandatory these days. Humble, self-effacing authors lose points when considered by publishers because they know those authors are not going to play a significant role in the book promotion process.

Despite what many think of her writing, it was rather satisfying to see that someone like E L James, who was totally out-of-sorts in her initial public interviews, can occasionally succeed despite the system ;)

AJ

when considered by publishers

Her answer may have been amusing, but I was trying to learn how to improve my stories and was asking for advice. I found the remark insulting.

She was invited to discuss her books. Instead she talked about herself. Her remark seemed to be very condescending toward her audience as if she thought she deserved to be placed on a pedestal. Her tone of voice was very haughty-toity.

She was invited to discuss her books. Instead she talked about herself. Her remark seemed to be very condescending toward her audience as if she thought she deserved to be placed on a pedestal. Her tone of voice was very haughty-toity.

There are various author signing techniques: talk about your book, talk about yourself, or the more successful, find a way to involve the readers/audience rather than leaving them sitting passively as they listen to you drone on.

It sounds like this author was of the 'I'm the celebrity here' crowd (and her insulting engineers was an undeserved low-blow against an entire population segment, who never hurt her in any way (that we know of, at least).

That said, generally the last thing an author wants to deal with during book signings are wanna-be authors seeking advice.

I still don't have a ratio. I just write a balance that seems right for the scene.

I still don't have a ratio. I just write a balance that seems right for the scene.

Generally, the ratio depends upon your own strengths. If you're good at writing dialogue, you use more. If they suck, you use a LOT less! Generally, authors know their strengths, and focus on those, while avoiding those they continue struggling with.

'What are you some type of engineer?'

I read her response as creative people aren't engineers. There is no formula.

Her response was a derogatory question of 'What are you some type of engineer?'

More than anything, it's an incredibly weak comeback for a supposedly successful author. A better quip would have been: "Once you master dialog, maybe you'd have a better idea."