Have any of you noticed that it's getting harder to find well-written books? Most bestsellers nowadays seem to be overtly commercial, poorly written cliches. Are people really afraid of complicated plot twists and big words? Wander through the isles these days and you'll find tired female detective formulas, idiotic romance novels, and "books" that mainly serve as marketing for TV shows like CSI and House. I used to look forward to buying a new book at the airport gift shop whenever I travelled but the last few times I've actually walked out empty handed. There are writers that still move me like Chuck Palahniuk (Fight Club, Invisible Monsters) and Vikas Swarup (Slumdog Millionaire.) Unfortunately, these writers seem to be few and far between lately, or book sellers are taking fewer risks on thought-provoking fiction, or maybe book publishers have come to the conclusion that the American public is too stupid for anything else. The last "gripping thriller" I had the misfortune of picking up used such juvenile descriptions and poorly thought-out characters that I had to re-check the cover to make sure I hadn't mistakenly picked up a book from the children's section. This was a book on the New York Times bestseller list! Has anyone else had this experience as well? Who are your favorite authors?
The only difference today is, ANYONE can be an author. What used to require talent and skill has been replaced with having a basic grasp of the english language. Take a look at these "archeological mysteries" you see clogging up the bookshelves at every supermarket and gift shop. Want to make it to the best seller list? Here's an instant formula for success: -Set your story in an exotic location that you have never actually visited and have absolutely no cultural awareness of. -Drop in your characters: A bland "everyguy" that everyone can relate to, and a brainy, unimpressed chick who doesn't think she can find love again. -Add a little friction so that your idiot readers will be shocked and amazed that these two cardboard cut-outs eventually hit it off. -Spend the first 10 chapters of your book building up to a chaste 3-second love scene that ends with the two lead characters waking up in each other's arms. (Not too kinky, don't want the midwestern housewives calling for a book ban.) -Your token minority character will illuminate the hero with his innate, homespun wisdom before he's killed off in a horribly violent fashion. -Add a hidden treasure (preferably something old and shiny) and guard it with corrupt, stereotypical government/authorities/police. -Want to try your hand at magical realism? Toss in a few slimey, befanged creatures. -Add a precocious kid for comic relief. -Blend thoroughly and serve up to the general public. You have a best seller!
Yeah you are absolutely correct..... That has also had some effects on movies... movies are also not that great or convincing...
They are not that classy as and when compared to agatha christie and the other old writers...but its eventually degrading with the standards they have set....