Bethanne Patrick

Department of Wish I'd Thought of It First
September 20, 2007

A fellow book critic once told me he never reads profiles of an author he's about to interview -- he doesn't want to sully his impressions or perspective.

I do read profiles and interviews before I talk to an author, because I try very hard not to ask them the same questions they've heard before (not always entirely possible, but I do try).

However, I do avoid other people's reviews when I take on a book -- there, I agree with my fellow critic, and like to get my impressions down fresh.

Same goes for blogging -- while I follow several book/lit blogs, I try not to read too many too often, because I don't want to unconsciously start aping other bloggers' style or structure. I tend to dip in, or follow links, sort of a serendipitous approach.

And just as print journos sometimes shake their hands at the heavens and say "Why? Why didn't I get that story?" I sometimes shake my fist at the computer screen and say "Damn you, Dwight Garner! What a great idea!" as I did yesterday after following a Gawker link. I love his playlist concept, which I just had to read yesterday because it featured Joshua Ferris.

Yes, I know Garner has been doing this for several months. Now that I know about it, I'm hooked. What else haven't I thought of that I should have? Share your favorite links with me... I'll be frustrated by my lack of creative genius, but much better informed...

Posted by Bethanne Patrick on September 20, 2007 | Comments (2)