tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post4704636982299256869..comments2024-03-28T15:01:21.285-04:00Comments on SleuthSayers: A Blurb in the HandLeigh Lundinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07921276795499571578noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-87887975693302366822021-01-04T09:01:41.774-05:002021-01-04T09:01:41.774-05:00Anne, your opinion was very welcome, and I'm h...Anne, your opinion was very welcome, and I'm honored that you took the time to chime in here at SS. "Anne from Thorn" sounds a lot more interesting than "John from Brandon."<br /><br />Best to you and yours, this year. Please stay in touch!John Floydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04001712728130488485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-82279695491633912462021-01-04T05:10:45.863-05:002021-01-04T05:10:45.863-05:00You're welcome, John. And thanks for bringing ...You're welcome, John. And thanks for bringing this topic up. I've just read all the comments and had fun reading them. They didn't alter my opinion, though.<br /><br />And, as Josh Pachter so graciously mentioned, I'm a boy. Anne is a common name for a boy in The Netherlands, where I live. (By the way, I live in a place called Doorn. The English word for "Doorn" is "Thorn", and my name in English would be "Anne from Thorn".)Anne van Doornhttp://www.annevandoorn.benoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-17528722083624368572021-01-03T13:30:25.308-05:002021-01-03T13:30:25.308-05:00I definitely ain't, Brian. I knew you were kid...I definitely ain't, Brian. I knew you were kidding about sending the ARC, but I'm pleasantly surprised to hear there IS one about to make the rounds. Best of luck with the novel! John Floydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04001712728130488485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-66796278804283532002021-01-03T13:16:01.707-05:002021-01-03T13:16:01.707-05:00Adam, thanks for the thoughts. As mentioned in my ...Adam, thanks for the thoughts. As mentioned in my response to C.S., I believe too that a blurb can make a difference, and you make a good point: it's especially influential if it's by an author you like or by an author of the same kind of fiction as that being blurbed.<br /><br />Thanks also for your kind congratulations. Fiction writing involves hills and valleys, and I've been fortunate that 2020 had some peaks for me. There are probably plenty of deep valleys and dry spells ahead, but the writing's still fun. John Floydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04001712728130488485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-9861418705209395912021-01-03T12:36:58.103-05:002021-01-03T12:36:58.103-05:00John, such a great topic! Personally, I'm in ...John, such a great topic! Personally, I'm in the camp where blurbs DO sway me -- at least a little. If it's an author I'm trying for the first time, especially, a blurb can make the difference between whether I pick up the book or not. That goes double if the blurb comes from an author I really like and who writes more or less the same kind of thing as the book being blurbed. Also, congrats on your 43 stories (amazing!) and hope you have a great 2021!Adam Meyerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13002576075065193119noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-24280825621487660522021-01-03T11:14:26.669-05:002021-01-03T11:14:26.669-05:00Hi C.S. -- I agree that they do make a difference ...Hi C.S. -- I agree that they do make a difference to some readers, and they are certainly expected, these days.<br /><br />I've also noticed that even the more "famous" writers, when asked for blurbs, are almost always kind and willing to help. Long ago that would've surprised me, but I've seen that kindness so many times, especially in the mystery-writing community, it no longer seems unusual. <br /><br />Thanks for your thoughts, and have a great 2021!John Floydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04001712728130488485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-89989933535106519332021-01-03T09:33:25.677-05:002021-01-03T09:33:25.677-05:00FYI, BSS is Brian Silverman. That should be a less...FYI, BSS is Brian Silverman. That should be a less subtle heads up for the ARC (just kidding). But I am sending them out for reviews and blurbs for my novel in the next month, so the timing of your post was perfect even though you ain't no expert on the subject. BSShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09314306619705254859noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-43500095303035469602021-01-03T09:06:59.362-05:002021-01-03T09:06:59.362-05:00I think yawl are answering as writers instead of t...I think yawl are answering as writers instead of the general populace of readers. Blurbs count. Blurbs from famous writers hold the most weight. John, you rock. C.S.Poulsenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16543815556918004433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-58601855240732741412021-01-03T08:46:57.978-05:002021-01-03T08:46:57.978-05:00Hi Jeff. I don't know that one. As usual, yo...Hi Jeff. I don't know that one. As usual, you've taught me something!John Floydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04001712728130488485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-12954432866053446722021-01-03T04:12:13.979-05:002021-01-03T04:12:13.979-05:00Oh, that's good!! Speaking of Burgess, anybody...Oh, that's good!! Speaking of Burgess, anybody here read "The Master of Mysteries?"Jeff Bakerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00316081079528920123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-4246739235489336612021-01-02T21:57:41.853-05:002021-01-02T21:57:41.853-05:00Well said, Liz. I agree that it's sometimes a ...Well said, Liz. I agree that it's sometimes a hard decision, whether it's who to approach to write a blurb or whether to agree if you're asked to write one. Again, the non-promotional aspects of writing are always a lot more fun, for me--and a lot easier also. It's a crazy business.<br /><br />Keep writing the good stories, and stay in touch. Hope you have a great year!John Floydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04001712728130488485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-85477235419350643512021-01-02T21:31:01.785-05:002021-01-02T21:31:01.785-05:00Oops. "edited"Oops. "edited"Elizabeth Zelvinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13944424094949207841noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-88341584666357968002021-01-02T21:30:15.653-05:002021-01-02T21:30:15.653-05:00My answer is a hearty It depends. 1. Consider the ...My answer is a hearty It depends. 1. Consider the source. 2. What does it say? I've been thrilled to have well known authors I respect willing to praise my novels and anthologies I've edit in perceptive comments. When I can do the same for others, I do, though I warn them my name doesn't carry much weight. But I don't say yes if I don't know the writer's work, am short on time, or suspect I won't be enthusiastic about the work. It's uncomfortable to say, Sorry, I can't do it, but I won't lie about what I think, and as you say, John, the object is promotion.Elizabeth Zelvinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13944424094949207841noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-48680863742909598912021-01-02T14:02:47.791-05:002021-01-02T14:02:47.791-05:00Thanks, Rob, for the extra info. I spent years in...Thanks, Rob, for the extra info. I spent years in Oklahoma and probably should have known about Cronley (I bet I've read some of his sports pieces). <br /><br />That's interesting, about Westlake and the ghost town. I must go back and re-read those Dortmunders.John Floydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04001712728130488485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-48220837476976995922021-01-02T13:42:04.337-05:002021-01-02T13:42:04.337-05:00John, Cronley was a sports writer in Oklahoma. He...John, Cronley was a sports writer in Oklahoma. He wrote several novels about sports, the two pseudo-Dortmunder books and a book called Good Vibes which was made into the movie Let It Ride. If you can imagine a Dortmunder novel without crime, Good Vibes is it. Oh, and his Walking Papers has a stunning concept: Man's wife divorces him so he decides to secretly turn into her ideal man, complete with plastic surgery. By the way, in Westlake's Drowned Hopes, Dortmunder visits a miserable ghost town in Oklahoma. Its name is Cronley...Robert Loprestihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08844889305615182897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-81803506075569038072021-01-02T13:38:54.288-05:002021-01-02T13:38:54.288-05:00Hi Eve--I'm with you, on recommendations from ...Hi Eve--I'm with you, on recommendations from friends. That's how I've found most of the new authors I've read lately. As for drawing your attention, I think that's really all blurbees can hope for and are looking for. If it does that, the blurb's probably been successful. John Floydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04001712728130488485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-49101136978937299122021-01-02T13:35:53.371-05:002021-01-02T13:35:53.371-05:00Thanks, BSS--it probably raised more questions tha...Thanks, BSS--it probably raised more questions than it answered, cause I sho ain't no expert on blurbs. But it's an interesting topic.<br /><br />Looking forward to the ARC. I promise to be eloquent.John Floydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04001712728130488485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-57444345215266484472021-01-02T13:33:30.885-05:002021-01-02T13:33:30.885-05:00You and Gelett Burgess, Josh! Well done.You and Gelett Burgess, Josh! Well done.John Floydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04001712728130488485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-44236163767405437102021-01-02T12:57:02.327-05:002021-01-02T12:57:02.327-05:00Sometimes it works to draw my attention, but I'...Sometimes it works to draw my attention, but I'm with Leigh, it happens mostly in the airport. Otherwise, I go by recommendations from friends of all kinds. And the occasional book review in a place I trust. Eve Fisherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03015761600962360110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-49967626107354527882021-01-02T12:36:53.821-05:002021-01-02T12:36:53.821-05:00Perfect timing on this, John. It answered many que...Perfect timing on this, John. It answered many questions...if those questions really can be answered. And just so you are aware, the ARC is on the way. I trust you to make it glowingly pithy. Thanks!BSShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09314306619705254859noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-35302220372747023322021-01-02T12:36:53.304-05:002021-01-02T12:36:53.304-05:00FYI, ladies and germs:
I never saw an Anne van D...FYI, ladies and germs: <br /><br />I never saw an Anne van Doorn,<br />I never hope to see one. <br />But I will say (though you may scorn),<br />He’s a he one, not a she one. joshpachttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12123432071405643210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-24983726368838831352021-01-02T12:23:21.858-05:002021-01-02T12:23:21.858-05:00Rob, I like the poem about the purple cow--and its...Rob, I like the poem about the purple cow--and its followup too, remember that? Didn't know about Burgess's coining of the blurb. Yes, I think Whitman was just the first to use that idea.<br /><br />I also like Westlake's blurb, one that I guess reflects the mood of the book that's being honored! Which reminds me, I have a couple of Dortmunders here that I need to re-read. I have NOT read Cronley, and will try to change that.<br /><br />I have not gone the business-card route, but that sounds like a good idea. I'm not sure I've seen that before, with the cover on one side and a blurb on the other.<br /><br />Thanks as always!<br />John Floydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04001712728130488485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-40738035320894491162021-01-02T12:05:38.567-05:002021-01-02T12:05:38.567-05:00The concept of blurb may go back to Whitman but th...The concept of blurb may go back to Whitman but the word was coined by Gelett Burgess (of "Purple Cow" fame). <br /><br />For each of my books I have business cards printed with the covers on one side and a blurb on the other. <br /><br />My all-time favorite blurb was the one Donald Westlake wrote for Jay Cronley's novel CHEAP SHOT. It ends "Cronley does better than make me suspend disbelief; he makes me throw my disbelief out the window and drop rocks on it." I love it because this book and Cronley's previous novel QUICK CHANGE were obviously inspired by Westlake's Dortmunder novels, and he was, in effect, giving them his blessing. Robert Loprestihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08844889305615182897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-58654490191734715172021-01-02T11:28:07.131-05:002021-01-02T11:28:07.131-05:00Steve, looks like I leaped only a few days before ...Steve, looks like I leaped only a few days before you did, on the topic of blurbs. Looking forward to hearing your views on this craziness. Meanwhile, Steve Liskow is an outstanding author who writes only outstanding words . . .<br /><br />As for relics of yester-year, I'm often more comfortable with those than the present day.<br /><br />Take care, and I hope your year's already started well. John Floydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04001712728130488485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-77204892523051150572021-01-02T11:18:15.877-05:002021-01-02T11:18:15.877-05:00Boy, talk about great minds thinking alike...
I w...Boy, talk about great minds thinking alike...<br /><br />I was in the middle of writing about blurbs for my own post this coming Monday. I'll still post it, but now I see a different approach to take that might actually be better. It will answer a couple of your questions/observations, too, so I'll save my comments for then.<br /><br />Coming attractions, another thrilling relic of yester-year...Steve Liskowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07107703903536520140noreply@blogger.com