Sunday, September 02, 2007

The annual MPH local authors meet was held recently on 25 Aug at MPH 1 Utama. Many local authors turned up for the event to meet up with friends and to make new ones. The fifth this year, the forum's discussion centered around "What is the direction of the local book industry based on current developments? Is this the direction where we want to head, or should we collectively shift the course of things to come?"

Quite a number of issues were brought up during the 2-hour session and you can read Daphne Lee's comments here or Sharon Bakar's.

Apart from a handful of local books that might attract international markets, most of them are just nothing to shout about. There is a lack of quality in terms of individuality, imagination and eccentricity. (Personally I don't think it's appropriate to term individuals who write business books as authors. They are writers, period.) That's not to say Malaysians can't write. They can. Circumstances like high costs in production impedes potential bestsellers. Children picture books unfortunately fall in this category. Or books that might only attract niche markets. I doubt the situation is going to change anytime soon unless you finance your own project or take your book to an independent publisher who appreciates your idea or if you have the right contacts to leech on to.

So while I was taking a shower this morning, I contemplated on my book idea and decided to shelf it indefinitely. I realised I need more than ideas to get published. I need courage, self-believe, patience, money and a genuine sense of sharing my story with others. And less narcissism.

The gold ribbon is a symbol of supporting local authors.

10:30 AM 0 comments hmm?