Much More Cheerful

[tamaranth]

Who says this LJ thing is frivolous, then? Am extremely grateful for prompt, helpful comments on my 'Help! Flood!' post -- have limited damage and feel all Empowered.

Also much amused by this email from a Friend:

"In other news, I was forced to read the first half of a book by someone called China Mieville last week. ... Faced with a huge choice, I chose a book based ENTIRELY on what you said about the author, which had NOTHING to do with the way he wrote. Was actually quite surprised to find he can write, and now may need to actually purchase the book at lunchtime today."

Let that be a lesson to all authors. Looks do count.

Comments

[(Anonymous)]

Would a reader be allowed to say that about a female author? I suspect you'd go non-linear.

[tamaranth.livejournal.com]

It would depend what had originally been said! As I recall, in this instance I made mention of the 'spiral-bound' appearance of China Mieville's ears (or, actually, I think it's only the left one which is multiply pierced). I've certainly persuaded people to read female authors, too, by mentioning factors not strictly related to their writing ...

[tamaranth.livejournal.com]

Am now pondering how valid it is to make this sort of pseudo-sexist comment (the original one, or rather the assumed version of it) 'ironically', and whether people are likely to believe that I recommend authors on the basis of their presumed attractiveness. (And if so, whether China's earrings outweigh his opinion fo Patrick O'Brian, with which I am forced to disagree).

[ladymoonray.livejournal.com]

I'm very pleased you've tackled the plumbing. What great advice you had though!

Just thought I'd point out that I'm not reading any of China Mieville's books because I don't like the look of him. So yes, looks DO count :)

[lproven.livejournal.com]

I don't fancy him so I've never read him. Does that?

[tamaranth.livejournal.com]

I read him before I met him. And, y'know, he isn't really my type (but he's terribly polite)

[lproven.livejournal.com]

Good plan.

The thing is, I used to hang around auctorial types a lot... Couldn't help but meet 'em.

[owlrigh.livejournal.com]

Hmm! So when I become a Famous and Much Published Author[tm], the love of all sundry, I shall adopt a most sultry look and pose for the sleeve photo in. Um. A corset? Of course, the chances of my ever being a published anything are slim since I don't actually write, but one never knows. These things must be remembered!