Could You Handle It?

As I was watching Jon & Kate Plus 8 last night (don't judge me, I freely admit my reality tv addiction) and they were discussing how public things have become about the issues they've been having and how inescapable the public eye is, I got to thinking...

Could I handle that kind of fame? Could you?

Can you imagine being photographed every time you leave the house, no matter what you're wearing or what your hair looks like?

Could you manage being followed while driving?

How enjoyable would family outings be if a band of photographers was camped out nearby with their lenses aimed at you?

What would it be like to have people call your name in public? Seek you out for an autograph or picture? What if that happened during a romantic meal? Or a not-so-happy conversation?

Could you give up your privacy in exchange for fame and fortune? Could you?

Which is better--fame or respect?

Writers have different reasons for wanting to publish their work.

Some want fame, to be in the limelight. To have lots and lots and lots of people read their novels. The more people who read their writing, the more hype and buzz can be built...which means the more novels that are sold and read.

Other writers want respect, both of their peers and of credited, authoritative reviewers--they want the prestigious awards. They want the professional acclaim. They want their work to be lauded as brilliant, crafty, and engrossing.

Are these two goals inclusive of each other? Can there be overlap? Absolutely--there are plenty of fantastic novels that are both famous and awarded. And when those two happen, you usually have the money to go along with it. haha

Let's play a game. Let's say you're a novelist, and you can only have one option with your book--either widespread fame, or literary respect. Which would you choose?

I'd love to have professional respect, but I'd choose widespread fame. I'd love the opportunity to have scads of people reading my work! After all, what good does a book do if it's lauded and awarded, but sitting on a dusty shelf unread? And for YA, some teens/kids shy away from award-winning books, afraid that they're going to be "message" books that try to "teach" them something. Blech--the humanity! haha

So, dish your choice and why you feel that way. I'd love to hear!

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ETA: WE HAVE A WINNER FOR YESTERDAY'S CONTEST!!

The winner of Carol Alt's book is: Eva Gale!

Please send an email with your name and address to: kbrunori@yahoo.com

Thanks to everyone who participated in our contest. I hope you'll stop by again. Be sure to add us to your RSS!!