Those who cannot write, read. I made up this rule just now and I think it may only apply to me. That is ok, though because as mentioned before: it’s my blog and I do what I want. My point is that I like to picture myself as this great author waiting for the right inspiration, but the truth is that I’m just not. I’ve started about thirty books and each one is exponentially worse than the one before. I get so excited about the style and the symbolism and motifs and themes that I forget that there needs to be a plot. About a page and a half into my super awesome novel I’ve exhausted all my creative elements, but haven’t introduced a character yet. It is sad because I love to read (hence my rule) and I truly get joy out of analyzing literature, but I can’t reverse the formula to end up with a great book.
great book = relatable characters + relevant conflict + subtle genius + firm handle on English language
[(allegory + figurative language) x overdone themes - talent]^tragic confidence = Trash, a novel by Susan
I’ve come to terms with this, though and I promise not to subject you to any rough drafts of what I deem to be the next Harry Potter or something of the sort. Besides, if I do come up with something super awesome enough for me to post, than it would be super awesome enough for me to publish and make some cash. Whats-her-face is sitting on eleventy billion euro now and if my math is correct, that is roughly infinity dollars US. I wouldn’t just give up a gold mine like that.
All this is to say that I may occasionally do (am currently working on) some book reviews here and I want to make sure that my intent is understood. I do not claim to be any ultimate authority on the subject. I graduated from a mediocre school with a bachelor’s degree in literature (and a minor in American Cultures… surely that will come in handy down the road). I genuinely love books and I’d like to show anyone who is interested that there is often a lot more to them than just an entertaining story. This is also an effort to practice some critical thinking before my brain atrophies completely. I gladly invite comments and suggestions and opposing viewpoints. Please just refrain from personal insults, unless they are funny.
I love your blog...you are so witty!
ReplyDeleteI bet you could write a super great book and make a caZillion $'s!
Last post was from Mimi (not Mom). I was signed in for Audrey's blog = Mom.
ReplyDelete