Booksellers wanting less diversity (?!); a long look at the publishing industry; #Booktok; the Colleen Hoover backlash; and why authors need to check their contracts
A million years ago (back when I was studying anthropology) I attended an Anthropological Association of America meeting in Washington DC. One of the guest speakers was Jane Goodall. I arrived in the auditorium 30 minutes early because I knew it'd be packed and wanted a seat, yet....5 minutes before she appeared, there were maybe two dozen seats filled. WHAT? I sat in the front row, a few feet from her, mesmerized by her every word. After the talk I walked up to her, shook her hand (almost swooning) and asked if I could please come work for her. She, of course, charmingly declined my offer to carry her kit or cook for her--I would have done anything--but encouraged me to apply to her foundation after I completed my Phd. I never did, but that talk remains as one my life's highlights. Thanks for letting me share this trivial memory with you, SF. And oh, thank you for this post. As always, it makes me, as both an author and general human, reflect on some intriguing and topical subjects. I love your essays!!!!
Lisa this is an amazing story! Thanks so much for taking the time to share it with me, I loved living that vicariously through you! I’m absolutely a fellow Jane G devotee! I really hoping I get to listen to her live at least once more.
And thanks for your very kind words about the Substack too, it’s so much appreciated. ❤️
Gosh, that Robinson's apology was the worst, wasn't it? I thought what they'd said on X was awful and to then double down on it showed such a lack of judgement. It's such a shame because we need bookshops to stay alive and to stay relevant and to keep being wonderful places, not to do this.
A million years ago (back when I was studying anthropology) I attended an Anthropological Association of America meeting in Washington DC. One of the guest speakers was Jane Goodall. I arrived in the auditorium 30 minutes early because I knew it'd be packed and wanted a seat, yet....5 minutes before she appeared, there were maybe two dozen seats filled. WHAT? I sat in the front row, a few feet from her, mesmerized by her every word. After the talk I walked up to her, shook her hand (almost swooning) and asked if I could please come work for her. She, of course, charmingly declined my offer to carry her kit or cook for her--I would have done anything--but encouraged me to apply to her foundation after I completed my Phd. I never did, but that talk remains as one my life's highlights. Thanks for letting me share this trivial memory with you, SF. And oh, thank you for this post. As always, it makes me, as both an author and general human, reflect on some intriguing and topical subjects. I love your essays!!!!
Lisa this is an amazing story! Thanks so much for taking the time to share it with me, I loved living that vicariously through you! I’m absolutely a fellow Jane G devotee! I really hoping I get to listen to her live at least once more.
And thanks for your very kind words about the Substack too, it’s so much appreciated. ❤️
Gosh, that Robinson's apology was the worst, wasn't it? I thought what they'd said on X was awful and to then double down on it showed such a lack of judgement. It's such a shame because we need bookshops to stay alive and to stay relevant and to keep being wonderful places, not to do this.
Absolutely, the whole thing is awful and so depressing. I'm glad so many authors are speaking out in response.