We who traffic in stories that involve crime are used to a little condescension from the literary world. It sort of goes with the territory, so those who stay in this business for more that a year or two develop a certain deafness to the slights and disrespect we get from everyone except readers, who seem to like what we do okay.
As Erin so effectively reported on Friday, there has been an unusually high profile example of the nose-looking-down toward us guttersnipes lately, and while I have not read (nor do I intend to read) the book in question, I will not address that particular incident specifically. Erin did it brilliantly, and so did Oline Cogdill, one of my favorite writers on the genre.
The fact is, this is just another in a pathology of patronization that has been going on probably since the first crime fiction, in which one brother murdered another and then was trapped into a confession by the big inspector in the sky, long before Miranda warnings.
What we do is tawdry and cheap, the common perception seems to be, compared to the snoozers about people who stare out the window and think about their lives.
Fine. Everyone is entitled to as many opinions as the brain can hold, and if yours (or that of someone you know) is that any story that deals with crime, detection, danger, and resolution is beneath your notice, then okay, don't notice them. That's your right and your prerogative. Enjoy the people looking out the window. Life is too short for us to spend experiencing things we find unappealing. It's why I never eat fish.
What is puzzling to me is the attitude that seems to pervade the more intellectual realms of society (or at least the ones who most often express opinions on such things). They seem to think that those forms of entertainment which most amuse or delight us are somehow not as worthy of our attention and admiration as those which seem to live for the sound of their expanded vocabularies and their contemplation of "deep" and "emotionally shattering" concepts.
Personally, I don't have time for that. I'm in my 50s. If I have 50 more years in this life (and I don't), I personally want to spend as much of that time laughing or being moved as I can. Let others decide whether life is fair (it's not) or people are corruptible (yes). I'll be off in my realm, watching the Marx Brothers.
Those forms of entertainment--yeah, I said "entertainment" and not "art", mostly because anything that successfully entertains MUST be art--most often dismissed as lightweight and inconsequential are probably the ones that stay with us the longest.
Because well-made entertainment seems effortless, it is assumed no effort went into its creation. Alfred Hitchcock never won an Academy Award for directing a film, and was considered a cheap entertainer for most of his career. Charles Chaplin got his Oscar, as did Hitchcock, Peter O'Toole, Groucho Marx and Blake Edwards, as a "Lifetime Achievement Award."
And if you want to see something declared light and effortless, feel free to read a crime novel that attempts to be funny. But I've blathered on about that before, and will uncharacteristically restrain myself today. One matures as one ages. I'm told.
If you want a litmus test for condescending bullshit in writing about crime fiction, there are three words you can always seek out. If a reviewer (or blogger, or street vendor, or whomever) is trying to damn with faint praise, the phrase "transcends the genre" will appear. "This novel isn't the usual trudge through the sewer of crime fiction," is the message. "It's good enough to be thought of as a real book."
Personally, I will stand by my forms of entertainment. I'm a fan of television, when it's well done (which is more often than people like to admit). I love movies, and lean heavily toward comedies, because the ones trying to teach me about the desolation of life waste my precious time. I enjoy crossword puzzles. I absolutely need to watch baseball games. I like music that has a melody and vocal harmonies.
And I will continue to read--and write--crime fiction. Because no matter what the Literary Establishment thinks, terrific writers work in this field. I exclude myself from that group, but they certainly give me something to which I can aspire. And I hope that if I continue to practice the craft, one day I'll be just as tawdry and cheap as they are.
P.S. Pitchers and catchers report in 11 days.
Well said, my friend. My exact sentiments. And yes, you should include yourself in those who know how to entertain (which is NOT a dirty word).
Posted by: Leann Sweeney | February 03, 2014 at 08:00 AM
Isabel comes off as deficient in the research department. But I didn't think the interview was particularly disdainful. Probably the most difficult writing, regardless of the genre, is creating successful parody. (Just ask Shakespeare) To learn that IA, a successful author, didn't measure up is no big surprise and since I have never met the lady, I don't feel slighted in the least.
Posted by: carl brookins | February 03, 2014 at 08:57 AM
Keep writing the mysteries and the humor Jeff. I read once about an author who was considered a mystery writer until she switched genres and then declared she never wrote mysteries. I think I had her books on my "someday" list. I removed them that day and now can't remember her name. I don't need books in my life that depress me, or are so hard to get through that I fall asleep. I read lots of books and lots of types but I love a good cozy mystery.
Posted by: Patty | February 03, 2014 at 08:59 AM
Oh, and by the way, Jeff, you write a pretty good blog.
Posted by: carl brookins | February 03, 2014 at 08:59 AM
It is interesting that the people who find it necessary to belittle the entire genre remind me of school yard bullies - in order to make themselves look greater they must assault someone and make them appear smaller.
I guess when what is considered intellectual does not sell as well as mysteries - it is human nature to try to figure out a way to hint that the masses simply are not smart enough to understand it all. But, it appears the masses are the ones having a good time just because it is fun.
Posted by: Annette N | February 03, 2014 at 10:01 AM
Jeff, you are too modest. No excluding yourself! Mysteries are my favorite reading material, entertainment, obsession. Add a touch of humor and it's perfection. I make no apologies for that. None needed.
Posted by: Nancy Roessner | February 03, 2014 at 10:02 AM