My post Beastly Book prompted a respnse from the author, Gregory Janicke. This is what he wrote in his email:
Hello! My name is Gregory Janicke. I am the author of The Dark Mystery of the Shadow Beasts. I read your Sept. 17 review of my book on your website. I'm sorry you said it put you to sleep! :-)The adventure/fantasy series is indeed aimed at teens and tweens, as you stated. The Questions for Discussion at the end of the book are designed to stimulate conversation among young readers and teachers about such issues as cultural differences.
I do appreciate the fact that you included the cover and the listing of my website.
I had the good fortune to visit Kuala Lumpur recently. I met many wonderful young people and families, including people who purchased the book and enjoyed it. The bookstore managers and media representatives were warm and friendly. My wife and I had a lovely time and hope to return soon.
Again, thanks for the mention.
Best,
Gregory Janicke
www.artbyjanicke.com
If you've read the book and enjoyed it, drop Gregory a line via email!
Hiya. :-) I know what you mean about Burchill. She and ex-husband Tony Parsons are literary hate-figures here in the UK. A shame really. She in particular was a good music journalist but somebody must have watered her ego (or put Baby Bio on it or something) because it grew and grew until it could no longer be self-contained. Oh but the newspapers continue to pay her for bitchy comments. (They should pay me for mine instead. )
Posted by: Subtext Whore | Wednesday, September 29, 2004 at 19:33
Hi STW
I recently read a review of Julie Burchill's Sugar Rush which implied she doesn't take criticism well either and that she has an inflated opinion of her skills. I have yet to read that book but I've yet to come across a flattering review! Have to adnit I'm not a fan of burchill.
Posted by: Daphne | Monday, September 27, 2004 at 10:05
I think the last author (better known as an actor) I wrote to was Stephen Fry. And that was back in 1990! I was very impressed with Janicke's diplomatic response and you know...I'm not sure the temperaments of British artists and writers differ that much from their Malaysian counterparts. Tracey Emin is always throwing tantrums over criticism (there's a June entry in my blog about that in fact), and more recently (and more bookish!) Justin Cartwright described his absence from the Booker Longlist as "public humiliation". Your plans (interviews and stuff) are really exciting...and I can't wait to start reading the results. :-)
Posted by: Subtext Whore | Saturday, September 25, 2004 at 03:53
Hi there, STW!!
Yes, it's nice to hear from authors. I've written to Jennifer Donnelly and Eoin Colfer and both have replied. In fact, I'm working on some questions for JD, for an interview for this blog and also for the paper.
As for Janicke, he was very gracious, wasn't he? I wonder if a Malaysian writer would have taken a bad review as well as he did. Malaysian artists are not known for their ability to take criticism unless it's strictly in their favour!
Posted by: Daphne | Wednesday, September 22, 2004 at 10:03
Gosh that must be rewarding when they respond directly to your reviews. :-)
Posted by: Subtext Whore | Wednesday, September 22, 2004 at 05:34