These are interesting arguments, particularly the rising tide. I did get annoyed last year at EIBF by the roll out of celebrity crime writers, I’ll be honest. But ticket sales seemed to support the decision. And Julian Clary is very funny.
Well said, David. Another way of looking at it is that - however much the pain (momentarily) outweighs the pleasure, and however much the cost in time (persistently) outweighs the benefit in money - it's the process rather than the product that really matters.
There is something wonderful about the creative process and those who don't even attempt to write their own material, who fail and try again, who hone their craft at each setback until they find those glorious moments of 'flow'.
Let us pity rather than envy the ghost-written celebrities - they just don't know what they are missing!
I'd love to see ghostwriters more prominently credited on their work, as I'm sure I'd be more likely to read a 'celeb' book if I knew who'd been involved in the actual writing. That said, I know at least one who is more than happy not be credited! Whether it's just a paycheque or if they don't really want to be associated with the celeb in question is another matter...
Sorry Helen and I can't make it to Dunoon tonight - though we are north of the border this week (specifically outside Linlithgow), it's still a bit far! However, we have bought Shadow of Madness (actually, two copies, but that's another story...), and I've just downloaded the audiobook as well. Until the publication of Shadow, I was up to date with the series, which I absolutely adore (they have become my audiobooks of choice as I commute to uni). Can't wait to read the new one (and H says thanks again for the proof of Carnival of Lies).
Almost goes without saying, I agree with your nuanced view re ghostwriters. Take care, Martin
No worries, hope you're enjoying Scotland. Linlithgow has a lovely indie bookshop on its high street. Far From the Madding Crowd, where Sally is a wonderful presence (if you go in, say hi from me!). Safe travels, and haste ye back.
These are interesting arguments, particularly the rising tide. I did get annoyed last year at EIBF by the roll out of celebrity crime writers, I’ll be honest. But ticket sales seemed to support the decision. And Julian Clary is very funny.
Celebs get bums on seats, hence their presence at festivals. But when the celeb doesn't even write the book, that's when my hackles rise...
Well said, David. Another way of looking at it is that - however much the pain (momentarily) outweighs the pleasure, and however much the cost in time (persistently) outweighs the benefit in money - it's the process rather than the product that really matters.
There is something wonderful about the creative process and those who don't even attempt to write their own material, who fail and try again, who hone their craft at each setback until they find those glorious moments of 'flow'.
Let us pity rather than envy the ghost-written celebrities - they just don't know what they are missing!
Indeed! See also people who choose to 'generate' their book via AI, thus entirely missing the point of creativity.
I'd love to see ghostwriters more prominently credited on their work, as I'm sure I'd be more likely to read a 'celeb' book if I knew who'd been involved in the actual writing. That said, I know at least one who is more than happy not be credited! Whether it's just a paycheque or if they don't really want to be associated with the celeb in question is another matter...
Ghostwriters should be credited on the front cover IMHO unless they specifically ask not to be named!
Sorry Helen and I can't make it to Dunoon tonight - though we are north of the border this week (specifically outside Linlithgow), it's still a bit far! However, we have bought Shadow of Madness (actually, two copies, but that's another story...), and I've just downloaded the audiobook as well. Until the publication of Shadow, I was up to date with the series, which I absolutely adore (they have become my audiobooks of choice as I commute to uni). Can't wait to read the new one (and H says thanks again for the proof of Carnival of Lies).
Almost goes without saying, I agree with your nuanced view re ghostwriters. Take care, Martin
No worries, hope you're enjoying Scotland. Linlithgow has a lovely indie bookshop on its high street. Far From the Madding Crowd, where Sally is a wonderful presence (if you go in, say hi from me!). Safe travels, and haste ye back.