Dennis wrote:
"I thought of it as a step sideways into novels of ethics
rather than metaphysics."
Interesting distinction.
"And possibly a step down in that it was done to make
money."
Well, I, for one, am glad you needed to eat and started
writing crime fiction.
"Now I know that the detective or crime novel is in actuality
the perfect form for the social novel, and that was why I
chose it."
George Pelecanos has said much the same thing in
interviews.
"I got, and still get, grief from everyone. No one in the
business wants to offend or confuse potential readers by
having strong views, or any views at all. The only folks I
have nearly always done well with are critics and
reviewers."
And a bunch of readers on this list, at least. In fact, I
think it's a testament to how well integrated the social
content is that any reader, regardless of political outlook,
could still enjoy your books for the plots and characters.
For instance, while my politics largely agree with yours, I
know Jim Doherty's don't, as he mentioned in his greeting to
you. However, we both enjoy your work very much.
I wonder if readers aren't given enough credit (by marketers,
not authors). I don't check a writer's politics before I read
a book. While I probably am somewhat flattered when a
character I like has views similar to mine, I can still be
fascinated by a character (or author) whose views are
diametrically opposed to mine. In fact, it can sometimes be
more fascinating, offering me insight into something alien to
me. I would have missed a lot of great books if I only read
ones featuring thoughts and actions I approved of. I
certainly wouldn't be able to read any books featuring first
person murderers and criminals, some of which are among my
favorite crime novels.
Mark
------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
--------------------~--> In low income neighborhoods, 84%
do not own computers. At Network for Good, help bridge the
Digital Divide!
http://us.click.yahoo.com/S.QlOD/3MnJAA/Zx0JAA/kqIolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->
RARA-AVIS home page: http://www.miskatonic.org/rara-avis/
Yahoo! Groups Links
<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rara-avis-l/
<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email
to:
rara-avis-l-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : 14 May 2005 EDT