tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231007555763657967.post1602861162293341800..comments2023-10-09T00:39:53.824-07:00Comments on Melinda Szymanik: I should be writing but...: Grate expectations...Melinda Szymanikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10202080805759494767noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231007555763657967.post-4309046823153050632013-03-31T20:04:10.571-07:002013-03-31T20:04:10.571-07:00I am hoping that the people who set NZ Book Month ...I am hoping that the people who set NZ Book Month going (Booksellers Organisation) have some way of analysing what the impact is. no 1 I imagine is business based - how many $5 vouchers were cashed and whether sales went up - NZ or otherwise. No 2 might be how many people turned out for events in libraries and book shops which were all based around NZ authors and illustrators. I don't know how else we could tell if it made an impact.<br />I bought one at a book launch during the month that I wouldn't normally have bought , because I have decided not to buy any more print books unless they are a non-fiction subject I need to consult in the future or they have a strong visual appeal through design, illustration or photography or maybe that they are not available in libraries or e-retailers. I am turning into a difficult customer.<br /><br />Bookbrainz<br />Angela Shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06173074307319601881noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231007555763657967.post-65148555130629751362013-03-31T20:03:44.583-07:002013-03-31T20:03:44.583-07:00I am hoping that the people who set NZ Book Month ...I am hoping that the people who set NZ Book Month going (Booksellers Organisation) have some way of analysing what the impact is. no 1 I imagine is business based - how many $5 vouchers were cashed and whether sales went up - NZ or otherwise. No 2 might be how many people turned out for events in libraries and book shops which were all based around NZ authors and illustrators. I don't know how else we could tell if it made an impact.<br />I bought one at a book launch during the month that I wouldn't normally have bought , because I have decided not to buy any more print books unless they are a non-fiction subject I need to consult in the future or they have a strong visual appeal through design, illustration or photography or maybe that they are not available in libraries or e-retailers. I am turning into a difficult customer.<br /><br />BookbrainzAngela Shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06173074307319601881noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231007555763657967.post-27145000799188508722013-03-31T12:27:14.916-07:002013-03-31T12:27:14.916-07:00It's fantastic that NZ literature is so valued...It's fantastic that NZ literature is so valued by you and your family but I think I would definitely class you as the already converted. I don't know that NZ Book month is bringing in new recruits and I would love to know how to change that.Melinda Szymanikhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10202080805759494767noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231007555763657967.post-75421745185713561482013-03-30T21:28:43.217-07:002013-03-30T21:28:43.217-07:00Proud to have you as one of ours?!! Of course!!
...Proud to have you as one of ours?!! Of course!! <br /><br />I'm really interested in your question - is NZ literature being ignored or neglected? I certainly hope not.<br /><br />For myself, particularly when it comes to picture books, I have noticed that the firm family favourites tend to be from New Zealand (and by a long margin). I wonder if that's because we can relate more easily to the illustrations (After the War by Bob Kerr comes to mind). But not only that, but the stories are stories that reflect us; reflect our childhood and the places where we grow up. In a way it also binds us as parent and child, as well. They help us cross the divide.<br /><br />It's the same with NZ fiction for adults, I'm sure. My favourite authors are Fiona Kidman and Witi Ihimaera - what I appreciate about them both is their confidence that OUR stories, our New Zealand-ness, matters. I see myself in their stories, I see the things and people and places that have shaped me and my worldview. It's very reaffirming. It's like an anchor in some ways - I like to travel, but I also always want to come home.<br /><br />Sometimes I just think as NZers we're a little quiet in general when it comes to appreciating our own. Or perhaps we just don't value our own stories as being relevant in the grand scheme of things? Or maybe we're just complacent, thinking it'll always be there?<br /><br />Interesting questions indeed.<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com