I haven’t been doing as much should with writing and publishing as I should, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been thinking about it. However, I’ve been reading more than ever. For example, all those articles decrying all things Amazon finally climaxed when Borders went under. As someone soon to lose their job, I feel for the people losing their work, but I feel nothing towards losing another giant chain bookstore going under.

Of course, if Amazon makes buying books fun and easy, created a device that allows me to read ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD AT ANYTIME, and promotes self-published authors they must be evil since it puts giant bookstores out of business. It couldn’t be, I don’t know, the new publishing ecosystem rejecting the unyielding dinosaurs of the past? Losing Borders barely registers as an issue, but say if we lost Taylor Books that would be tragic. Yes, I am aware of there being true tragedies in the world right now, but let’s just stick to the publishing ones.

This post started to bubble up after seeing a commercial to scare parents from their kids’ being exposed to media because “they are getting exposed to more media than ever before.” Filter it sure, but the PSA seemed to be upset that there is so much out there to consume in general. I think that’s wonderful. I’m reading more than ever before, three books at a time. Usually one on audio book, one on a Kindle app, and a real book in the bathroom (that one takes the longest).

The impotent rage that finally turned these feelings into words came from finding out that the new Dresden book will not be narrated by James Marsters. I was pissed off, and seeing that sample chapter on Audible’s reviews many other fans were too. The most common being along the lines of “the new narrator is fine, but he just READS” or “I guess I’m just going to read this one myself.” It made me realize that in the last couple of years I’ve completely changed how I read and enjoy books.

When David Sedaris was in town (Charleston, WV) I jumped on the chance at tickets. After that great reading, everyone piled into the line for signatures. Rachel asked if I wanted to buy a book to sign. I said, “Why? I just wanted him to tell stories. That’s why I listen to him. I’ve never picked up one of his books.” I did immediately put his newest on my Audible wish list.

There are a plethora of authors I’ve never actually picked up their books. Neil Gaiman and David Sedaris are far better as storytellers than just the written word. If Jim Butcher had a signing and reading from the Dresden files, I’m not even sure I would go. I love and appreciate Jim Butcher for his series, but I don’t want to go see him read it. Yet if James Marsters was reading live I would be all over that, because he is Harry Dresden.

Now I have to sit and think how I want to read the next Dresden book after Marsters has left. Oh, wait it just downloaded to my phone. In the end I’ve got at least eight hours a day I’d rather pretend to be somewhere else. Apologies to the front lines of Borders for being dragged into what is essentially my nerd nitpicking. You may be pleased to know that Books a Million is already trying to pull Borders’ bloody hide over it’s bloated body.

Being the next J.K. Rowling or Stephen King might be all well and good. But such huge audiences are freaks of nature. Both of them were accidents. Who knew that they were going to be adored by millions. They certainly didn’t. Trying to tool your work into the next big thing is a terrible strategy, because most of the time all that just means copying the above. 

Filling a niche is a more reliable method. where people buy lot’s a t-shirts that make no sense to anyone else. The thing is: you can’t fill a niche that you don’t occupy. Do you think Stephanie Meyer would be so popular amongst stay at home Moms desperate for attention without being one herself? (The whole Tween thing is just a creepy accident. Or ::gulp:: a vision into the future.)

I’m suddenly reminded of an old boss who wanted to make his millions by making personalized newsletters for newborns. It was…God awful, but really want do you suspect of someone that doesn’t even have a vagina? I saw the most stunning example of filling a niche in Columbus this weekend.

A transcript (paraphrased).

Man: I’m a relative of (famous general from war of 1812). 

Woman: Incredible! I’ve always been an admirer of him! Do you know just how important he was to the War of 1812? This is amazing! I want to have your historical babies!

Actually she said, “I want to put you on the front page of the Gazette.” Same difference, but we all know he filled the niche that night (that’s what she said).