Robert Parker was one of our favorite authors – both Gordon and I really liked his work.
‘All Our Yesterdays’ was unquestionably the best work I have ever done. And the reading public stayed away in droves.
Robert B. Parker
I have a feeling we’ll be saying that about BAYOU MOON
College had little effect on me. I’d have been the same writer if I’d gone to MIT, except I’d have flunked out sooner.
Robert B. Parker
Hehe!
I didn’t have to say it. I just had to write it. It was painful enough.
Robert B. Parker
Yup.
I think at this stage in my life I have learned that there are any number of things that men will never know, and can never hope to know, about women.
Robert B. Parker
Pretty much.
If you want to write, write it. That’s the first rule. And send it in, and send it in to someone who can publish it or get it published. Don’t send it to me. Don’t show it to your spouse, or your significant other, or your parents, or somebody. They’re not going to publish it.
Robert B. Parker
Word!
Send it to someone who can publish it. And if they won’t publish it, send it to someone else who can publish it! And keep sending it! Of course, if no one will publish it, at that point you might want to think about doing something other than writing.
Robert B. Parker
Hehe.
Sure, I have advice for people starting to write. Don’t. I don’t need the competition.
Robert B. Parker
LOL.
Wow, these quotes are cool. I haven’t read his books which really amazes me because when I was broke, and couldn’t buy books, back when the kids were tiny, my dad gave me paper sacks full of paperbacks– I’ve read A LOT of police novels-I’m sure that’s not what you call them, but hopefully you know what I mean. I haven’t read that genre in a long time. I need to. I also read a lot of serial killer themed books and for awhile there any strange man I saw looked like one. BAHAHAHAHAHA Thanks for sharing the quotes.
LOL. I didn’t realize I was channeling Mr. Parker when folks ask me for writing advice and the first words off my tongue are usually, “Don’t. There’s enough competition as it is.” Then after I’ve totally appalled people I do try to help. I must have read this quote somewhere and internalized it. Thanks for sharing all these gems.
Robert will be missed, not only for the story’s told but for the ones we will never get
I loved reading Robert Parker. He wrote great dialogue in a very concise style that I always appreciated. I also liked the relationships he built. I was unaware of his smart quips in real life but should have known from his books.
I liked the “I just had to write it. It was painful enough.”
Just as an aside – I can’t wait for Bayou Moon. I’m glad you have a countdown clock on the site. I keep thinking, “I can’t do anything on September 28th. Why was that again? . . . Oh, yes, that’s right! New Ilona Andrews book that day!!!”
I’ve been reading a lot of mediocre fiction lately which just makes me love you guys all the more. Your brilliance and hard work has been noted.
I love the snarky dialogue in Robert B Parker’s novels, but confess that I found Susan a less than ideal heroine- I have the sneaky suspicion he would have been better off with Hawk!
Bayou Moon is on my can’t wait , must buy list.
I hope you are wrong about Bayou Moon because I want you to be able to write lots of stories about the Edge and the Weird.
I am eagerly awaiting Bayou Moon, it will be great. I look forward to more books in the series
“Don’t. I don’t need the competition.”
LOL.
Love the quotes. Should I wish you luck on the Bayou Moon release? Luck. I am looking forward to it.
Very cool quotes, but I think you are wrong about Bayou Moon from reading the snippets. I’m looking more forward to it than the new Kate Daniels which is saying a TON!
Great quotes! I know you worry about each new book, I think you said it was the Russian in you.
I really don’t think you have to worry. Personally, I can’t wait for this book to come out.
ahh, love the quotes. thank you!
just downloaded On the Edge, so I know I will be buying Bayou Moon when it comes out!
I am sensing that success is its own form of pressure. Lots of praise and love for the Kate books and On the Edge. Now we are all looking forward to Bayou Moon, and lots of fans will buy it because they love the other books, but what if they’re disappointed?
Just remember, YOU are probably not the best judge of your work. You see every flaw and wrinkle, every tough issue resolved… but you’re not sure if the resolution is as good as it should be. WE, on the other hand, are reading your books and re-reading your books and practically salivating, looking forward to the next. Not to mention the demands to write a snarky pretty-boy vampire YA novel!
Relax. It will be great. And we’ll love it.
PS – more love for you.
My Teenage Monster is refusing to loan her sister (11 yrs) a particular book, because SIX YEARS AGO little sister was hard on the spine of another book. The bickering followed me upstairs, downstairs and all around the house.
Finally, I tell the TM, “Fine, it’s your book and you don’t have to loan it to her. However, please remember that the Kate Daniels books are all mine and I don’t have to loan you Kate 5, either.” Silence. Then some muttering, and we’re now into sulking (which I appreciate, because it is quiet). I have faith that you will come through for me.
Sorry — quick question – -do you think a 12 yr old is too young for Magic Bites? He has already finished the Twilight series (not my fault — the first book was actually part of his school reading list). I thought it’ll be fine — it’s a great story & no real smexing with the main characters — I just forgot about the ‘big bad’ & his not so little family.
I’m a little worried I just did a whoopsie. Wouldn’t be the first time …
(I had let him watch Lord of the Rings with me — totally forgetting about the decapitations — I didn’t notice them — but he certainly enjoyed reenacting them with imaginary orcs later on. ) O.O
Depends a lot on the kid.
I don’t have a problem with either of my kids (11 & 13) reading Twilight or Magic Bites, but then they don’t get easily freaked. The youngest had some pretty graphic reading material assigned this last year while studying the Middle Ages. Other parents were up in arms and sent a group letter to the teacher. I asked my kid if the decapitations, etc. bothered her and she basically rolled her eyes at me.
The oldest is a Buffy fan, and the book she refused to loan is “Johhny the Homicidal Maniac – pretty dark. I would think Magic Bites is fine, but that will lead to the other books, and if the smexy bothers you, Magic Bleeds may make you uncomfortable.
Don’t know if this helps you or not. Maybe I’m just a terrible parent.
Thanks for the reply.
I’m pretty sure it’ll be fine. The problem is — he isn’t “MY” kid & my sister really doesn’t read.
I’ll just have to tell him to ask me any questions that occur. I just don’t remember what it’s like to be 12 anymore. THen again I started reading my Mom’s zebra romance novels around that time.
My only concern re: smexy is his take on it & what questions he’ll have. He’s a pretty decent kid though — so I’m sure he’ll be fine.
Guess I just needed another voice in the wilderness for *hand holding* support.
“i have a feeling we’ll be saying that about BAYOU MOON”
I totally disagree with that statment!
If the others are anything like me — you’ll see us fighting over the last copy in the book store isles.
I have a feeling we’ll be saying that about BAYOU MOON
sorry i think you’re wrong on that! I and i’m sure many others have already pre ordered Bayou moon and i simply can’t wait for it
but pesky amazon uk says delivery will be between 5 Oct 2010 – 7 Oct 2010 but i want
it on the day of release soooo badly *boohoo sob sob*
I’m not looking for a literary agent, because I’m just a reader. However, I thought this link was hilarious.
http://slushpilehell.tumblr.com/
I agree. Aug. 16 is a must-read. I almost peed myself.
I loved Spenser – I would devour each book as soon as it came out. I loved his charactors and the moral compass – kind of reminded me of Chandler or Hammett
Spenser, Hawk, Susan – they were always true to themselves.
I pre-ordered Bayou Moon and I know that Moose and I will devour it (each in our own way….)
ITA with everyone. Every snippet I’ve seen for Bayou Moon has been amazing. I can’t imagine how it won’t be HUGE!
BTW is there going to be another virtual signing at Powells? I’ve preordered from amazon but I’d like a signed copy.
Also, any word on who will be reading the audio? Cause I know it’s William’s but I do LOVE Rene.
dang..meant Renee
good quotes -i had a sudden urge to write!!! which is new for me, as usually me and and thinking scary!!
ps – i could give some beautiful quote about don’t panic re book, that Van gough only sold 4 ( possible 5) painting in his life time however…. well you know the rest re – respect for his work now!!! but i am just not that cheesy:)
Ah, no, I don’t think that you will be saying that the reading public is staying away from Bayou Moon.