579 New Year New You! Conversations with Bethanne Patrick and Aislyn Greene
Jan 1, 2024
auto_awesome
Bethanne Patrick and Aislyn Greene discuss the new seasons of Missing Pages and Travel Tales by AFAR respectively. Topics include book bands, publishing controversies, censorship, ghostwriting, and the joys of second-hand bookstores and travel.
The podcast explores the challenges and complexities of the writing community, including ethical implications of borrowing personal experiences and legal aspects of copyright infringement.
The mini-series on travel highlights the importance of local bookstores, cultural immersion, and active travel as ways to gain a deeper understanding of different cultures and places.
Ghost writing is a common practice in both fiction and non-fiction, and it is important to recognize the value and skill of ghost writers in creating meaningful and authentic works.
Deep dives
Who holds the power in book publishing?
This mini-series explores the changing landscape of book publishing, starting with an episode on Colleen Hoover. Hoover started out as a self-published author but gained massive success and is now published by major publishers. The series also delves into the world of fanfiction and the legal issues surrounding copyright and creative borrowing. Additionally, it examines the challenges of book banning and the impact it has on different communities and identities. The episodes feature interviews with authors and industry experts to provide a comprehensive look at these issues.
Writing communities under attack
This episode focuses on the bad art friend scandal and explores the ethical implications of writers using each other's stories or personal experiences in their own work. It also delves into the role of writing communities and how they can be both supportive and contentious. The legal aspects of copyright infringement and the recent ruling in the case between the two individuals involved are discussed. The episode aims to shed light on the complexities of the writing community and the potential conflicts that can arise.
Travel Tales by afar
This mini-series explores the world of travel and features interviews with travel experts and authors. It highlights the experiences and perspectives of travelers, including their favorite destinations, travel styles, and memorable moments. The episodes touch on various aspects of travel, such as active travel, cultural immersion, and the importance of local bookstores in exploring a city. The series aims to inspire listeners to embark on their own travel adventures and gain a deeper understanding of different cultures and places.
The Fascination with Ghost Writers in Publishing
Ghost writers have been a part of publishing for a long time, with even beloved children's series like Nancy Drew and the Babysitter's Club being written by multiple authors under pseudonyms. Publishers often employ ghost writers to create a sense of continuity and ensure that series feel like the work of a single author. Collaborations, like those seen with James Patterson, are also common in the industry. The podcast emphasizes that there is nothing shameful about ghost writing, and it should not diminish the value of a book or series.
Exploring Ghost Writing in Non-Fiction and Cookbooks
Ghost writing is not limited to fiction; it extends to non-fiction and cookbooks as well. The podcast mentions the need for more diverse ghost writers to better represent underrepresented backgrounds. The focus is not just on the writing itself, but also on understanding the impact ghost writers have on the content and the importance of collaboration in creating meaningful and authentic works. The podcast emphasizes that readers should not feel deceived by the use of ghost writers and should recognize the skill and honor in the profession.
Happy New Year! Jacke kicks off 2024 with two of his favorite subjects: Books and Travel. First, Bethanne Patrick stops by to talk about the new season of Missing Pages, the Signal Award-winning, Webby Award-nominated, and chart-topping podcast about the world of books and book culture. Next, Aislyn Greene, host of the podcast Travel Tales by AFAR, joins Jacke for a discussion of conscientious travel, reading while traveling, and the pleasures of discovering bookstores in new places. Enjoy!
Help support the show at patreon.com/literature or historyofliterature.com/donate. The History of Literature Podcast is a member of Lit Hub Radio and the Podglomerate Network. Learn more at www.thepodglomerate.com/historyofliterature.