In the E-Reader Era, a Book a Year Is Slacking - Page 3

MV64 · 05-20-2012, 08:41 AM

Authors are publishing a lot more frequently, but it has nothing to do with e-readers. It's just part of marketing.

ProfCrash · 05-20-2012, 09:29 AM

The number he has given has changed. And my disappointment is that the books are boring now. It is the same cycle every time and I am tired of things being presented only from Harry's point of view. Never mind that they have lost a fair amount of the light hearted fun of the first batch.

Butcher did a bang up job on Codex Alera. He developed a new world, introduced a bunch of new characters, and wrapped a massive plot line all in6 books. He could have done more in fewer books with Dresden.

I know that there are folks who disagree with me but while the first books I read on my Kindle where om Codex and I bought the Dresden books on pre order, I. Am thinking of not getting the next Dresden because I have been so disappointed.

Sil_liS · 05-24-2012, 09:22 AM

Isaac Asimov managed to be a prolific writer while also being a university professor. Why are there so many authors who think that having an output of only 1 or 2 pages per day is a wonderful achievement?

Kirtai · 05-24-2012, 10:00 AM

Maybe they put more thought into their books?

Or maybe they're not just machines with a guaranteed minimum output speed?

morantis · 05-24-2012, 10:17 AM

I was just saying in another forum that back in the early 1990's I can remember sitting and reading a book with maybe the radio on. These days, I have the computer on, the TV on, reading a book, and perhaps even some radio. The times have changed so much that it feels like the mind expects so much more input in any given moment.

ProfCrash · 05-24-2012, 10:18 AM

Asimov's books are pretty darn thoughtful. The man was writing about Game Theory before Game Theory was really invented and actually ended up incorporating bayseian updating, floating preferences, and a whole series of advanced game theoretic techniques that were not fully fleshed. He did not discuss the specific math but the fact that they were possible. It is insane what the man came up with.

Jim Butcher puts out at least one book a year, for a while it was two books a year, Codex Alera and Dresden. While I am getting tired of Dresden, I think it has gone on far too long and I am bored with the first person perspective, Butcher has still maintained a tight story where the characters have developed and changed in ways that make sense. It is clear that he knows where he is going with the story and what the end point is.

I cannot say the same for Robert Jordon and the Wheel of Time. There were far too many books that were pretty repetitive and did not advance the story line. Martin sure sounds like he is making stuff up as he goes and his series has become bloated.

So there are folks who enter a series with a good enough grasp on where they are going and what they are doing to make it work and publish on a regular schedule. It would be nice to see more editors and Publishers demand accountability from others.

elcreative · 05-24-2012, 10:28 AM

You are missing a fundamental fact... different authors work in different ways. Some plan everything out with detailed timelines, a project chart and acres of notes, some don't and work on a more ad hoc basis. It would be ludicrous to interfere with with what works for an author to meet the perceived needs of some readers when the majority are buying the books as is... if you don't like the way something's going then stop reading, that's fine but you can't compel people to write in a fashion that doesn't work for them... and what happens if what was going to be a minor point suddenly provokes a stream of thought leading to a whole new angle on the story...

I agree that many authors could do with tighter editing but that is getting to be a lost battle with both cost-cutting and more self-pubbing contradicting the use of professional editing and work relationships between author and editor... hopefully it may come back into fashion but I'm not holding my breath...

Sil_liS · 05-24-2012, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kirtai

Maybe they put more thought into their books?

Or maybe they're not just machines with a guaranteed minimum output speed?

Have you read anything by Asimov?

Quote:

Originally Posted by elcreative

You are missing a fundamental fact... different authors work in different ways. Some plan everything out with detailed timelines, a project chart and acres of notes, some don't and work on a more ad hoc basis. It would be ludicrous to interfere with with what works for an author to meet the perceived needs of some readers when the majority are buying the books as is... if you don't like the way something's going then stop reading, that's fine but you can't compel people to write in a fashion that doesn't work for them... and what happens if what was going to be a minor point suddenly provokes a stream of thought leading to a whole new angle on the story...

I can open a can with just a knife, but I can open it faster with a can opener. If you see someone using a knife would you consider it "ludicrous to interfere with with what works" and point them to a can opener?

EDIT: I meant to say "or point them to a can opener".

orlok · 05-24-2012, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sil_liS

I can open a can with just a knife, but I can open it faster with a can opener. If you see someone using a knife would you consider it "ludicrous to interfere with with what works" and point them to a can opener?

If only 'twere so simple. Must go search for my can opener...

.

Sil_liS · 05-24-2012, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orlok

If only 'twere so simple. Must go search for my can opener...

.

Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. But it looks like those who don't follow a plan have more difficulties finishing stories.

elcreative · 05-24-2012, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sil_liS

Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. But it looks like those who don't follow a plan have more difficulties finishing stories.

No... but since you don't seem to know that creative minds work in differing ways and you can't force one to another then rest of discussion pointless...

Latinandgreek · 05-24-2012, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elcreative

No... but since you don't seem to know that creative minds work in differing ways

They really do. Also, not all books are the same - they vary greatly in size, scope, character development, etc. and likely need differing measures of effort from the author when being written as well.

Sometimes, when doing academic writing, I go through periods where I am extremely fruitful, and others when I am in a slump. Differing rhythms have to be taken into consideration as well, as well as any personal problems going on in the author's life.

QuantumIguana · 05-24-2012, 01:07 PM

Asimov had in incredible mind, and could produce good books at an amazing rate; not just fiction, but non-fiction on an impressive array of subjects. Not everyone can be as prolific as Asimov. If an author must write at a slower pace than Asimov to produce quality work, there's no shame in that.

BeccaPrice · 05-24-2012, 01:13 PM

One of my favorite authors (Lois Bujold) turns out maybe a book every two years (she's had health problems, which may have affected this thoug). I'd hate to have her feel rushed to get out more books faster, because her writing is so rich it's worth the wait.

Another favorite author is Nora Roberts, who turns out 4-6 books a year. She's incredibly dedicated, but also very prolific. some of her books (like the Inn Boonsboro books) read like she's calling them in, but other books (The Witness) are rich in plot and characterization.

All of which goes to say that different authors write differently, and nobody should be rushed if they happen to be a slow writer.

ProfCrash · 05-24-2012, 01:42 PM

What matters most to me is that the author sets a deadline that they hit that deadline. I understand that people have different work styles and that some works are more detailed.

I do think that there are some authors, and I count GRR Martin in this catagory, that started off with a strong idea and a game plan and then let success get in his way. Instead of sticking to his original plan, he just let himself go where the muse took him and we ended up with a fourth book that contains minor characters and, based on reviews from many folks, was unfocused and far too long. The fifth book was better but still far too long and unfocused. Both books were woefully off from the deadlines that he set.

Set a three year deadline, fine. But stick to it. Or at least don't blow off your fans when you miss the deadline.

05-24-2012, 10:00 AM	#34
Kirtai Addict Posts: 304 Karma: 2454436 Join Date: Sep 2008 Device: PRS-505, PRS-650, iPad, Samsung Galaxy SII (JB), Google Nexus 7 (2013)	Maybe they put more thought into their books? Or maybe they're not just machines with a guaranteed minimum output speed? Last edited by Kirtai; 05-24-2012 at 10:04 AM.

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05-20-2012, 08:41 AM	#31
MV64 Addict Posts: 271 Karma: 2000000 Join Date: Jan 2009 Device: Sony PRS-505	Authors are publishing a lot more frequently, but it has nothing to do with e-readers. It's just part of marketing.

05-20-2012, 09:29 AM	#32
ProfCrash Tea Enthusiast Posts: 8,554 Karma: 75384937 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Somewhere in the USA Device: Kindle1, Kindle DX Graphite, K3 3G, IPad 3, PW2	The number he has given has changed. And my disappointment is that the books are boring now. It is the same cycle every time and I am tired of things being presented only from Harry's point of view. Never mind that they have lost a fair amount of the light hearted fun of the first batch. Butcher did a bang up job on Codex Alera. He developed a new world, introduced a bunch of new characters, and wrapped a massive plot line all in6 books. He could have done more in fewer books with Dresden. I know that there are folks who disagree with me but while the first books I read on my Kindle where om Codex and I bought the Dresden books on pre order, I. Am thinking of not getting the next Dresden because I have been so disappointed.

05-24-2012, 09:22 AM	#33
Sil_liS Wizard Posts: 4,896 Karma: 33602910 Join Date: Oct 2010 Device: PocketBook 903 & 360+	Isaac Asimov managed to be a prolific writer while also being a university professor. Why are there so many authors who think that having an output of only 1 or 2 pages per day is a wonderful achievement?

05-24-2012, 10:17 AM	#35
morantis Zealot Posts: 125 Karma: 769546 Join Date: May 2012 Device: none	I was just saying in another forum that back in the early 1990's I can remember sitting and reading a book with maybe the radio on. These days, I have the computer on, the TV on, reading a book, and perhaps even some radio. The times have changed so much that it feels like the mind expects so much more input in any given moment.

05-24-2012, 10:18 AM	#36
ProfCrash Tea Enthusiast Posts: 8,554 Karma: 75384937 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Somewhere in the USA Device: Kindle1, Kindle DX Graphite, K3 3G, IPad 3, PW2	Asimov's books are pretty darn thoughtful. The man was writing about Game Theory before Game Theory was really invented and actually ended up incorporating bayseian updating, floating preferences, and a whole series of advanced game theoretic techniques that were not fully fleshed. He did not discuss the specific math but the fact that they were possible. It is insane what the man came up with. Jim Butcher puts out at least one book a year, for a while it was two books a year, Codex Alera and Dresden. While I am getting tired of Dresden, I think it has gone on far too long and I am bored with the first person perspective, Butcher has still maintained a tight story where the characters have developed and changed in ways that make sense. It is clear that he knows where he is going with the story and what the end point is. I cannot say the same for Robert Jordon and the Wheel of Time. There were far too many books that were pretty repetitive and did not advance the story line. Martin sure sounds like he is making stuff up as he goes and his series has become bloated. So there are folks who enter a series with a good enough grasp on where they are going and what they are doing to make it work and publish on a regular schedule. It would be nice to see more editors and Publishers demand accountability from others.

05-24-2012, 10:28 AM	#37
elcreative Wizard Posts: 2,888 Karma: 5875940 Join Date: Dec 2007 Device: PRS505, 600, 350, 650, Nexus 7, Note III, iPad 4 etc	You are missing a fundamental fact... different authors work in different ways. Some plan everything out with detailed timelines, a project chart and acres of notes, some don't and work on a more ad hoc basis. It would be ludicrous to interfere with with what works for an author to meet the perceived needs of some readers when the majority are buying the books as is... if you don't like the way something's going then stop reading, that's fine but you can't compel people to write in a fashion that doesn't work for them... and what happens if what was going to be a minor point suddenly provokes a stream of thought leading to a whole new angle on the story... I agree that many authors could do with tighter editing but that is getting to be a lost battle with both cost-cutting and more self-pubbing contradicting the use of professional editing and work relationships between author and editor... hopefully it may come back into fashion but I'm not holding my breath...

05-24-2012, 01:07 PM	#43
QuantumIguana Philosopher Posts: 2,034 Karma: 18736532 Join Date: Jan 2012 Device: Kindle Paperwhite 2 gen, Kindle Fire 1st Gen, Kindle Touch	Asimov had in incredible mind, and could produce good books at an amazing rate; not just fiction, but non-fiction on an impressive array of subjects. Not everyone can be as prolific as Asimov. If an author must write at a slower pace than Asimov to produce quality work, there's no shame in that.

05-24-2012, 01:13 PM	#44
BeccaPrice Wizard Posts: 2,146 Karma: 11174187 Join Date: Jan 2011 Device: Sony 350, K3-3G, K4SO, KPW	One of my favorite authors (Lois Bujold) turns out maybe a book every two years (she's had health problems, which may have affected this thoug). I'd hate to have her feel rushed to get out more books faster, because her writing is so rich it's worth the wait. Another favorite author is Nora Roberts, who turns out 4-6 books a year. She's incredibly dedicated, but also very prolific. some of her books (like the Inn Boonsboro books) read like she's calling them in, but other books (The Witness) are rich in plot and characterization. All of which goes to say that different authors write differently, and nobody should be rushed if they happen to be a slow writer.

05-24-2012, 01:42 PM	#45
ProfCrash Tea Enthusiast Posts: 8,554 Karma: 75384937 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Somewhere in the USA Device: Kindle1, Kindle DX Graphite, K3 3G, IPad 3, PW2	What matters most to me is that the author sets a deadline that they hit that deadline. I understand that people have different work styles and that some works are more detailed. I do think that there are some authors, and I count GRR Martin in this catagory, that started off with a strong idea and a game plan and then let success get in his way. Instead of sticking to his original plan, he just let himself go where the muse took him and we ended up with a fourth book that contains minor characters and, based on reviews from many folks, was unfocused and far too long. The fifth book was better but still far too long and unfocused. Both books were woefully off from the deadlines that he set. Set a three year deadline, fine. But stick to it. Or at least don't blow off your fans when you miss the deadline.