This week we’ve begun
putting our January issue to bed and we think the lead article is well tuned
in to your needs – a “panel discussion” with eight of New York’s top book
editors about what they look for in submissions, what’s hot and what isn’t, and
how you can gain an edge on other writers. Figuring (correctly) that she was a
well-connected literary type, we put former agent Maya Rock to work in
ferreting out the editors and assembling their insights for you.
It’s striking how many of
the editors in Maya's article mention the huge influence of Stieg Larsson’s Swedish crime
novels. And about the time I was editing their comments, I had at least four
relatives and friends tell me I had to read The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.
That did it; I had to see what all the buzz was about.
I’m now about 70 percent
of the way through Dragon Tattoo. Based strictly on this novel I’d say Larsson
is an average writer who can make up a very good suspense story. (He has a lot of
company in that respect.) Can I put this thing down? No way. Am I intrigued by Weird Tattoo Girl? Majorly --she's a great character.
* * * *
An update on a recent
blog of mine: We’ve changed the timing for our new bimonthly column by Peter Selgin called First Page. That column will debut in our March issue instead of February. In the column, Peter, an accomplished fiction writer and one of
our top contributors, will critique the opening page of a writer’s short story
or novel.
-- Ron Kovach, senior editor, The Writer
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Dr B
wrote
re: All abuzz over Stieg Larsson
on
Sat, Oct 23 2010 10:13 PM
Hi Ron,
Do see the Swedish movie AFTER you finish the book. You'll recognize the characters at once -- great casting, especially for Lisbeth.
pat
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TravelHighness
wrote
re: All abuzz over Stieg Larsson
on
Tue, Nov 2 2010 11:55 AM
I agree with Pat. Definitely see the foreign film after reading the book. I'm so sorry this gentleman passed away. I've read all 3 novels and want more. I understand his significant other may have notes for a 4th novel. Do not know how the lawsuit is coming along. Everyone pay attention: Create a will.
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