The Great Unread

I read recently about unread fiction, an attempt to discover 'mid list' authors who write good fiction that may not have sold many copies or are currently between publishers. I love the idea, its acknowledgement that when it comes to writing we may be bypassing some very interesting work in favour of work we've heard about that is more readily available.

The question of 'mid' writers is interesting to me- what constitutes it? Well, I suppose writers who may have been writing a while, may have had one or two books out on small presses but are not widely known or promoted, or between publsihers. As a reader, there is a little thrill discovering work by writers like this, a feeling of stumbling across hidden treasure. The plight of the mid writer is a sad one. They have none of the allure of the new writer, the excitement of being seen to create something shiny and new by publishers and other literary players. They have none of that vital ingredient that sees the new writer through- hope. And yet, the work may shine, polished by experience and development. Does writing shine if no one is around to read it? The plight of the mid writer isn't an easy one. Just as they hit on development or improvement in their work the excitement is short lived, by the cold hard fact of their status. What do they do with it now? I'm not sure what the answer is other than a writer keeps writing, developing. One day we pray someone may see it, maybe not.

I love the idea of the quest to find the great unread. The quest is for fiction.
It is a great idea, and instantly makes me consider finds I've made of my own.
When it comes to poetry, a list like this would be equally valid and interesting. Would such a list help the mid poet? Maybe, maybe not. I doubt there would be an interest by agents or book stores in this, but from readers of poetry? Perhaps it would be exciting way to discover work that slips under the radar somehow.

Mid writers take heart, keep writing and trying. Always.





http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2010/oct/22/help-find-fiction-unheralded-stars?CMP=twt_fd