What's more important for web writers right now? Blogged novels or blogs by novelists?
I've been interviewing some of the most cutting edge writers of the digital age for over one year (!) now, and I've seen plenty of writers blogging about their lives, favorite writers, readers' questions, and current events.
But I've still yet to see somebody who can deliver a satisfying blogged novel--the pacing is all wrong, it's hard to read, and it's really hard to make any money. Monster Island was one exception to that rule, and I'd love to know about more successfully blogged novels.
Until the book is replaced my an iPod-esque digital reader, we will still see LOTS and LOTS of blogs by novelists, it's the perfect way to build community and connect with your readers. But what do I know? Read this essay about the subject, written by Tom Cox (himself a blogging novelist). It links to great, community-minded sites by novelists Jeanette Winterson and Ian Banks.
"It is yet to be seen, however, how more literary publishing will react to the internet age. Three of last year’s six Booker shortlisters are without an official website. Perhaps serious novelists fear that maintaining a website can only take one away from the more important business of satisfying the muse. When asked the reason for the longish gap between his past two novels, Louis de Berniãres put it down to 'answering 25 e-mails a day.'"
Comment Preview