A Most Remarkable Story

A Tale of the Tale...

Once upon a time there was a journalist who wanted to write fiction (though some have written fiction and called it journalism). This scribbler of words did succeed in achieving his dream of novel creation. It even gained regional recognition. Yet his popularity faded at his country’s border as he wrote in a language that was unknown to outsiders. Alas, he died before he gained the world fame he wanted. But his book lingered on.

Then a brave knight came to rescue this book from its lesser fame. This barely known crusader bought the rights to this book. Thus the magic began. The title's name, "Men Who Hate Women" was changed and given a more mystical feel like that of another time.

He and his fellow knights of Quercus traveled far and wide letting people know of this book. Their incantations worked like magic even as far as Hollywood where the book was sold. Thus ends the tale so far of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

If you would like to read the complete tale of how this book achieved world-wide acclaim click here.

Making a Date with a Book

I read an interesting article by Arielle Ford where she discusses the reasons someone buys a book. As for myself I will buy a book only if I can first actually hold it in my hand. I need to be able to read the synopsis and the info on the author. If I do buy a book online it is only after I have looked at it in hand.

I don’t really care where it is on the best seller list of The New York Times because I am not the “every person” reader. Nor do I base my decisions on someone else’s reviews. I certainly wouldn’t take into account a book store shelf talker as I would wonder if it is being highlighted because they just bought too many books.

I have quirky tastes and tend to stay within certain genres. You will never find me picking up a Harry Potter Book or any of the Twilight series. Though they are widely popular their story lines do not appeal to me. I do tend to be loyal to an author once I find that I like their story format. At times I pass on my favorite authors as the storyline has become too predictable.

When I have to start looking for a new author to read it is like the dating process. I have to first be attracted to the cover. I’ll look it over and compare it to the others on the shelf. Then we will say our first hello as I read the synopsis. The next stop is like going out for coffee as I get a little more background by reading about the author and maybe read the first few pages. If all that goes well we’re ready for the date or the book purchase. The reading is the romance. Unfortunately there is always the tender parting when the story is done. If it is part of a series there is always that chance for a more serious relationship.

If you’d like to read more about what Arielle Ford on “What Motivates the Book Buyer?” you can click here.

What's your Bookmark?

I love to read many different books at a time. So I need many bookmarks. My bookmarks are memory keepers. Some of them include actual bookmarks like the one that celebrated my local library’s grand re-opening or the one from the library on a past cruise. I also use ticket stubs from events and postcards from places I’ve visited but never got around to sending out. They do a great job in holding my place in a book but they also bring back great memories. And being a bit of a romantic I even have a pressed rose in a cherished book. That bookmark doesn’t get moved as it is too fragile.

Sometimes I love a book so much that I don’t want to finish it as it will be the end of a relationship. I will have to move on to another book. It is both a sad and a complete feeling when the reading is done.

I don’t have a house full of books as I believe in a catch and release method of ownership. I read a book and pass it on. I also buy extra copies of books that I especially love to pass on to others.

Here are some great quotes about books that I wished I had said…

If there’s a book you really want to read but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it. Toni Morrison

Always read something that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it. P.J. O’Rourke

The best of a book is not the thought which it contains, but the thought which it suggests; just as the charm of music dwells not in the tones but in the echoes of our hearts. Oliver Wendell Holmes

Guerrilla Book Marketing

Just read an interesting piece in Publisher’s Weekly about a writer who took to the streets in a new tack for promoting his new children’s book. He stood for hours in line for the Queen to pass by so he could hand her a copy of the book. He’s got the picture to prove it.

So here is the question of the day… Should he promote this action like those who giveaway their products to celebrities? Such as “It is such a good product it was given in swag bags to celebrities.” An idea for a promotion could be “This book has been given to the Queen. Buy the book and give it to those you would like to treat like royalty.”

If you would like to read the full story click here. You may need to scrool down to the story.