tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938060587020568315.post3764701453625149186..comments2024-03-29T09:22:57.031+00:00Comments on Declan Burke: Some Thoughts On The Switching Of Horses Mid-StreamUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938060587020568315.post-74457876264302803802007-08-29T15:22:00.000+01:002007-08-29T15:22:00.000+01:00It happens even with an individual author. Reader...It happens even with an individual author. Reader loyalty will only go so far. I have "automatic buys," authors who I love and look forward to reading. So much so that I'm out there that first week.<BR/><BR/>But -- they're only allowed two "stinkers." One book off I can figure is due to writing on deadline, etc. If the second is off, I might read them again, but it's from the library, not the bookstore. <BR/><BR/>A writing "franchise" only works if it satisfies those<BR/>loyal readers. Consider Robert Ludlum, who probably invented franchise writing, and who now continues via Eric Lustbader.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938060587020568315.post-32859062028853091902007-08-29T11:43:00.000+01:002007-08-29T11:43:00.000+01:00In this era when James Patterson, Tom Clancy and p...In this era when James Patterson, Tom Clancy and probably others have have ceased being names and become brands, I find it almost heartening that Francis is keeping things in the family. <BR/>==============<BR/> Detectives Beyond Borders<BR/>"Because Murder Is More Fun Away From Home"<BR/> http://www.detectivesbeyondborders.blogspot.com/Peter Rozovskyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09977933481463759162noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938060587020568315.post-1986103110881673232007-08-29T08:38:00.000+01:002007-08-29T08:38:00.000+01:00Cheers for the input, folks. I guess the answer to...Cheers for the input, folks. <BR/><BR/>I guess the answer to my final question is that I'm being deliberately naive, obtuse and pedantic. <BR/><BR/>Without prejudicing the book before I read it, I'm pretty sure Felix Francis will offer a similar level of satisfaction as Dick Francis. <BR/><BR/>But the issue isn't whether it's been done before, or done well, it's whether it's right to take reader loyalty for granted. <BR/><BR/>And so long as the reader gets value for their money and time, I suppose that's a moot point.Declan Burkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14322645323239292406noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938060587020568315.post-60345432893663153282007-08-29T05:09:00.000+01:002007-08-29T05:09:00.000+01:00I'm not sure where I heard it, but the rumour I ha...I'm not sure where I heard it, but the rumour I had heard was that it was Dick Francis' wife who did much of the writing of a "Dick Francis" book. <BR/><BR/>That being said, your "son of" assertion is surely more appropriate.<BR/><BR/>And as for the unique mind of a writer, take the James Patterson conglomerate as an example of an "author" who garners great fan loyalty.Damienhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00089258569389625489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938060587020568315.post-86950310470059278052007-08-29T02:25:00.000+01:002007-08-29T02:25:00.000+01:00I've read all the Dick Francis books. Loved some, ...I've read all the Dick Francis books. Loved some, enjoyed most, the last one -- not so much.<BR/><BR/>I agree with you, writing isn't a family occupation, but there are quite a few examples of where it's close: Mary Higgins & Carol Higgins Clark, James Lee & Alafair Burke, Frank & Brian Herbert. <BR/><BR/>The Clarks have collaborated on a book. Brian Herbert is continuing the DUNE books.<BR/><BR/>Maybe this book will be terrific. Probably not. I just hope it's not terrible.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938060587020568315.post-29337382772853050382007-08-29T01:44:00.000+01:002007-08-29T01:44:00.000+01:00I don't suppose you've noticed how Clive Cussler h...I don't suppose you've noticed how Clive Cussler has started working with his son, or Susan Conant has started working with her daughter. It's been done.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00755902390192704157noreply@blogger.com