Robin Agnew
Owning a bookstore, with my nose almost constantly in a book (since birth) I get asked this question a lot, and most people are surprised when I say "no." I love writing, I love books, but I know I don't have the skill or talent to write an entire one.
In my job, I do write a lot, however. For about 15 of the 18 (almost 19) years that the store has been open, we've had a newsletter, which of course while it lists events and awards nominations also has book reviews, written mostly by me but sometimes when the fancy takes him, by my husband, who, I must add, is a far better writer than I am.
However, I will say over the years I've become a much more fluid and confortable writer. My first reviews were very short and almost fearful. I didn't want to say the wrong thing! Then around year two I realized I could say whatever I wanted, however I wanted to say it. That was sort of liberating and I began to feel more comfortable writing reviews, which over the years, have gotten longer. With some authors, I even dare to discuss a theme.
Every ten reviews or so (I write 4 to 6 reviews a month) I feel I've written a good sentance or paragraph, and that's very pleasing. Somehow I've managed to convey the complexity of whatever the writer is concerned with in a coherent manner. This is why I admire good writers: they can do this kind of thing through an entire book! Amazing! I'm happy to do it for a few paragraphs, at which point I wipe the sweat off my brow with relief.
I enjoy author interviews more than the reviews, and I only do them on a whim. Something about the book has to capture my interest so completely that I'm compelled to "stalk" the author - i.e. e-mail them and ask them some questions. I'm always fascinated by not only the diversity of answers but by the way the questions are answered - tersely or expansively, as fits whoever is answering them But the spirit only moves me occasionally, while the reviews must be witten every month.
That is the only way I feel akin to the great Margery Allingham, who described hersef as "an ink stained wretch." You know what? This blog is the same - some weeks I'm pleased, some weeks I feel my effort is more crnge worthy. It seems to be the repetition that does the trick. I figure if I hit 25 years of writing my newsletter, I'll really have something.
