4 Comments
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Ghost of Mr Punch's avatar

Publishing readers no longer understand the difference between narrative and narration, and expect manuscripts that are as close to a screenplay as possible. Literary excursions into character, place and world view that don't translate to camera are seen as superfluous.

Ed Baines's avatar

I am always off-trend. I read more now than at any time. I entirely agree with your five reasons, particularly regarding the dominance of authoresses. However, have you read Lionel Shriver's A Better Life, by the way? I found it a perfect partner to Submission.

Zoe Henry's avatar

The first books I remember really liking were the point horror books, me and my pals used to swap them at school 🤣🫶 I loved trick or treat 👻 it sounds stupid but I really fancied the guy in it called Blake. Pretty embarrassing now lol… and my pal gave me Martina Cole books 📕 but she kinda writes half in cockney so it was a weird read.

Martin's avatar

I used to wander into bookshops and buy something new fairly often. It's too risky now as there's so much poor quality woke writing out there. It's made me a lot more selective and has cost publishers money.