S.G. Browne

I have trouble blogging.  Some of that has to do with the fact that if I’m writing, I’d rather be working on a story or a novel.  But another factor is that I tend to struggle with what to blog about.  Personally, I find it somewhat tedious to talk about what I’m doing or what I’m working on.  And I’ve never been one to blog just for the sake of blogging.  I prefer blogging more when I have something specific to blog about.

So to create some structure, I’m going to try something new.  It’s a little ambitious, considering I don’t usually blog more than once or twice a week, but I’m hoping this provides some fun content and audience participation.

Beginning next week, I’m going to start off with three blogs a week.

We’ll start things off with Movie Review Mondays, in which I’ll review a movie I’ve recently seen.  Preferably something that’s in the theaters.  If not, then something I’ve watched on Netflix.  And if I don’t manage to get around to watching a movie, then I’ll review a film I’ve seen before.

I’ll follow that up with Wild Card Wednesdays, which will incorporate blogs about the writing life, reprinting some past blogs I’m particularly fond of, and – here’s the audience participation part – blogging about a subject suggested by a reader.  I’ll announce those blogs the week before to give you a heads up so you can tell me what you’d like to have me blog about.

Finally, I’ll wrap things up with Fiction Fridays, which will consist of a discussion or a review of the book I’m currently reading.  Pretty simple.  And if for some reason I’m in between books, I’ll talk about another book.  Or something fictional.  Or fiction in general.  I’ll make things up.

So there you have it.  Hopefully that will keep the blog a little fresher and more entertaining.  Sound good?  Good.

The first Movie Review Monday blog post: Black Swan.

See you next week!

So you always like to start a new year on an optimistic note, one filled with hope and prosperity and good fortune.  But for the publishing industry, which includes publishers, booksellers, and writers, this isn’t exactly what you would call starting off on the right foot.

Apparently, due to financial problems, Borders is delaying payments to major publishers.  Here’s the story reported Monday from the New York Times, which includes the industry prediction that a bankruptcy filing from Borders is now more likely than ever.

This was followed on Wednesday by an updated report in Publishers Weekly.

And the latest from Publishers Weekly says that publishers are unimpressed with Borders proposals to accept a note or bond in exchange for missed payments and for a delay in making payments. Borders told publishers it would have more details next week after it heard back from the banks it is in talks with to receive new loans. One publisher said the proposal, as it stands now, “is not going to fly.”

I’ve done a number of signings at Borders and have always appreciated their support.  And whether or not you patronize Borders or have an aversion to large chain bookstores, this is discouraging news for writers and readers alike.