I found a link on Bill Crider’s Blog to a letter to Oprah Winfrey, asking that she focus once again on books by contemporary authors in her book club. The request is made by Word of Mouth, An Association of Women Authors.
I too would like to see Oprah—or anyone in the world with anything near her level of influence—focus on books by contemporary writers again. All but a handful of authors have it tough today, as do small traditional presses and small independent booksellers. Maybe some attention on those quality books, publishers and booksellers will help people rediscover the magic of books.
When you consider the hours of entertainment a good book can give you for your money, it beats many forms of quick, mindless gratification, and it stays with you forever, without adding pounds.
I think she got burned when Franzen pulled his little temper tantrum. Not too long after she shut the first book program down. Imagine the readers who spent all that time clamoring for her to restart the book club. The new version is her answer. Safe ground and no reason to put up with prima donna, unappreciative contemporary authors.
Comment by Vikk — April 23, 2005 @ 5:05 pm
I understand Oprah’s goal to try and get folks to read the classics and this is a good thing. Unfortunately, literary fiction is in trouble and I would love to see Oprah support that, too…maybe she could do a classic, then a current, then a classic, then a current…this might be the answer.
Comment by violetismycolor — April 28, 2005 @ 5:36 pm
Okay. I’ve thought long and hard about whether or not to hang my ass out on this one.
I am an Oprah fan to the nth degree. I watch her nearly every day unless the topic is so not interesting to me, which is rare. I am especially enamored with episodes that showcase chubby women transformed into goddesses – that anything is possible! I have a distinct advantage of having a small TV in my studio. Yup. There go any romantic notions people might have about artists. We ain’t swilling the vino with classical music at full volume as we howl our angst across a canvas. Nope. I paint and watch TV – especially Oprah. My smock is a bathrobe and Uggs.
I might be hazy on details, but I believe this year’s Oprah theme is ‘Reaching for your Dreams’ or ‘Follow your Dreams’ or ‘Beg for your Dreams.’ Viewers have been encouraged to write to the producers regarding a dream for someone else or themselves. Now this is where my ass might start to bulge out and you all can guffaw, but I wrote to the producers regarding my dream to be published. So there you have it. And I say, “Why not?”
The first week after sending my email, I made sure the beds were made, the dishes tossed in the dishwasher, and brushed the dog. I had to make sure everything was in tiptop shape – good heavens, what if Oprah’s famous blue bus pulled up and my bed wasn’t made! In case you suspect creative embellishment, my ass is fully out now – all of the above is true.
Well, the blue bus hasn’t arrived, but I’m not discouraged. We creative sorts are somewhat immune to rejection. But don’t worry, I still have my cockamamie dreams…and I make my bed almost every morning.
Now Barbara, back to your Oprah thoughts. I do wish she would resurrect the segments reserved for emerging authors. I think they inspired us all to sharpen our pencils. Unfortunately, that mountain is still too high for me because getting published is nearly impossible. So, I propose Oprah taking it to another level – to occasionally help people get published. She has the editorial staff, connections, etc.
Stop Laughing!
Comment by Reenie — April 29, 2005 @ 8:03 am
I’m not laughing, Reenie. I think it’s a great idea. So is yours, violetismycolor. And Vikk, yes, I suspect it was the Franzen debacle. There’s one kid in every sandbox who’ll kick over the other kids’ castle. The decision is up to Oprah, though, and I personally would’ve been reluctant to sign the letter, even if my name had pull, which it doesn’t. It’s her show.
Comment by Barbara W. Klaser — April 29, 2005 @ 12:39 pm
Please ask Oprah to take the torch to the president and ask why he can’t just open up all the closed military bases and house the displaced families. These people should not have to suffer like this, for this long. Tell her to please, please ask him. All others who are reading this, send this to anyone and every one. Let’s get a massive mailing going to help these people.
Thanks
Comment by Etha Gray — September 6, 2005 @ 1:55 pm
To those asking for the book club to reinstate or help self published authors. I am a self published author with six books to my credit. They can be viewed at www.ethagray.com. However, they are not selling. I do not have enough exposure for them. I really need help. I wish she would help. I wish that she would take Sweet Daddy Red and turn it into a movie. I am willing to donate 50% of the income to the victims of Katrina. That’s how desparate I am to get noticed.
Comment by Etha Gray — September 6, 2005 @ 2:01 pm
Oprah Winfrey is one of the best examples of being born into humble circumstances and pulling oneself up by the bootstraps and going on to become one of the most confident, powerful, and successful persons in the world.
Comment by Lamar Cole — December 27, 2005 @ 6:42 am