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About This Blog
Michael Merschel: Michael Merschel edits books coverage for The Dallas Morning News. November 2010
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The topic has been preserving books coverage in newspapers, to the end of promoting good books and reading overall. Yes, it's self-serving of me, considering that a newspaper employs me, in part, to provide books coverage. And I do so enjoy being employed. But bigger issues are at stake. Kathy talked about frustrations she has had with getting some publications to cover books and authors properly. And since she leads a worldwide army of tiara-wearing, book-loving and potentially world-changing readers, I suggested she encourage them to mobilize and become actively engaged in their hometown publications. By which I mean -- editors pay attention to their subscribers, now more than ever. The more vocal they are, the more the editors pay attention. And if people care about an aspect of their coverage, the time to be speaking up about it is before it vanishes. Readers need to be writing letters, sending e-mails and, yes, commenting on blogs when they see something they like, or don't like. They don't need to be cheerleaders. But if they care, they should not be passive. Again, this is not about me, nor should it be read as having anything to do with any plans I know of here in Dallas. This is one lover of books talking to another, and encouraging others to do something in their own communities. So to that end, I agreed to open a thread for discussing other ideas for keeping books coverage healthy and boosting reader participation. Your comments are welcome. (And here is a plug for the infectiously enthusiastic Kathy, the only person I know who runs a beauty shop as a way to support a book store: She is bringing Note to Self author Andrea Buchanan to Jefferson for a new lecture series called "Arts Letters and Soul." It happens 7 p.m. April 13th at Soul Surroundings, 121 North Polk, Jefferson. Tickets are $30. Kathy's contact info is here.) (2007 file photo of Kathy Patrick by Richard Michael Pruitt) Archived Comments |
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As an author, I'm grateful to Kathy Patrick for funneling her incredible energy into promoting good books. Thanks, Kathy! It's sincerely appreciated.
Uh, oh. I tried to comment earlier. Guess it didn't go through. Just wanted to say that as an author I'm grateful for the attention Kathy brings to good books! She's an incredible force, and we writers are lucky to have her in our corner!
Count me another author who is thankful for Kathi Patrick's tireless work in promoting literacy. You go, girl!
I have learned ,after 35 yrs of reading only for education purposes, to read for pleasure as a member of the Pulpwood Queens of East Texas. Thanks to Kathy and my dear sister. Kathy Patrick is allabout promoting literacy. I would like to see more in our local papers about her literacy efforts. The Longview Journal and the Marshall News Messenger.
Keep fighting the good fight!