Hahahah I had the exact same thought. The "crime" in question is definitely going to be a hit-and-run on a middle class cyclist on his way to work through central London.
At a time when writers are struggling to make ends meet, it is definitely concerning that celebrities are ghostwriting fiction. It honestly so bizzare. Like why would you want to stamp your name on some thing you didn't actually write? Like you said memoirs still makes sense. But even then I am a firm proponent of biographies vs ghostwritten memoirs.
I will never ever understand ghostwriting (other than, perhaps, for autobiographies in which the celeb sits down with a ghostwriter over the course of months—if not years—to share their story for write up). Otherwise, what on earth is this point?! You didn't write it? Why is your name on the book!?
Completely agree with you, would love to wave goodbye to half-assed celebrity fiction for good if it opens the door for *actually talented* writers. I have a few on Substack in mind already...
I think this is both ridiculous and quite depressing. It's already so hard for authors (and not only debut authors) to make a living and to get published. If we then throw celebs into the mix - who don't even actually write their books! - it borders on impossible. Talent becomes irrelevant because if it's all about what will sell then a big famous name will always outsell a super-talented but unknown author. If you aren't willing to LEARN the craft of writing fiction, then just stick to acting/presenting, there is nothing wrong with that.
Exactly! It’s not like they don’t have plenty of other outlets at their disposal. I guess it’s just frustrating because there really are only so many signings that can take place. So it’s not like you can just “not buy their work”, when their work is actively taking up space that someone else could fill 🙄
Whilst I don’t actually disagree with the sentiment, I have seen a number of essays and posts recently that centre around the same theme and I’m not sure I can agree that writing has to be exclusive.
Yes, people (those noted in your post as an example) may have started out in a different profession, but who is to say we cannot explore other interests and hobbies. I am an interior designer who happens to also love writing and illustration and have a Substack and an Etsy page because of that.
At the end of the day, if you don’t like it, don’t buy it. But there’s plenty of others who will chose to, and should be able to do so without judgement.
Oh I don’t think writing should be an elite thing at all! I’m specifically talking about people in wealthy, powerful positions (who are usually white, too) taking up MORE space without the passion or interest to pull it off. For these people, I think writing a book is simply a cash grab because they know it will sell because of who they are. It makes me sad for the many people out there (professional writers or not) who can’t get a foot in the door.
God, I love this piece. I had some semi-intelligent thing to say and then the Kanye West quote about Lady Gaga being Creative Director of Polaroid came into my head that I think is probably better suited: "I like some of the Gaga songs... what the fuck does she know about cameras?"
That’s an interesting family connection! I have half an essay in my drafts about ‘what are we scaring the kids with these days?’ I’m v interested in this move away from terror in children’s media. I feel like they used to Go For It way more in the era of the child catcher, even the bad guys in Annie. Noticeable also in Disney films, like Hans from Frozen was no Maleficent/Scar/Ursula. I’m not even necessarily saying ‘bring back scary villains’ (maybe I am I haven’t decided yet), but I do think it’s an interesting shift
Omg please write about this, I find it such an interesting/divisive subject. Because I LOVED a healthy dose of fear when I was a child, but I do admit I grew up to be an adult that loves a good horror film (which I know loads of people DON'T). But I do sometimes watch Peppa Pig/Bluey with my niece and I'm like...where's the conflict?? Where's the adrenaline?!
I'm like you. I don't really see the appeal of having a celebrity name on a fiction book. I guess there are a lot of people who think otherwise and would buy the book for the name. In that case, maybe it should be in the name of the actual writer "in collaboration with" or "based on an idea from" the famous person? If it helps the ghostwriters get the deals or sell more why not. But yes I still agree with you and would rather just leave the fiction writing to the actual authors
Yeah, I just find it baffling!? Maybe if you’re a super fan of that particular celeb you might buy basically everything they create, but generally speaking, I just want to read something suuuuper compelling!
And yeah, justice for ghostwriters 😂 Imagine someone just OPENLY lying/taking credit for your talent. I don’t think I could do it, I’m too salty haha
What on earth is Jeremy Vine going to write about? Vigilante cyclists?! 😂
Hahahah I had the exact same thought. The "crime" in question is definitely going to be a hit-and-run on a middle class cyclist on his way to work through central London.
At a time when writers are struggling to make ends meet, it is definitely concerning that celebrities are ghostwriting fiction. It honestly so bizzare. Like why would you want to stamp your name on some thing you didn't actually write? Like you said memoirs still makes sense. But even then I am a firm proponent of biographies vs ghostwritten memoirs.
Absolutely! And I also think that if you really can't write a book, just don't! There are plenty of other ways to tell a story.
I will never ever understand ghostwriting (other than, perhaps, for autobiographies in which the celeb sits down with a ghostwriter over the course of months—if not years—to share their story for write up). Otherwise, what on earth is this point?! You didn't write it? Why is your name on the book!?
Completely agree with you, would love to wave goodbye to half-assed celebrity fiction for good if it opens the door for *actually talented* writers. I have a few on Substack in mind already...
Absolutely! I’d feel so unsatisfied as both “author” AND ghostwriter
I think this is both ridiculous and quite depressing. It's already so hard for authors (and not only debut authors) to make a living and to get published. If we then throw celebs into the mix - who don't even actually write their books! - it borders on impossible. Talent becomes irrelevant because if it's all about what will sell then a big famous name will always outsell a super-talented but unknown author. If you aren't willing to LEARN the craft of writing fiction, then just stick to acting/presenting, there is nothing wrong with that.
Exactly! It’s not like they don’t have plenty of other outlets at their disposal. I guess it’s just frustrating because there really are only so many signings that can take place. So it’s not like you can just “not buy their work”, when their work is actively taking up space that someone else could fill 🙄
Whilst I don’t actually disagree with the sentiment, I have seen a number of essays and posts recently that centre around the same theme and I’m not sure I can agree that writing has to be exclusive.
Yes, people (those noted in your post as an example) may have started out in a different profession, but who is to say we cannot explore other interests and hobbies. I am an interior designer who happens to also love writing and illustration and have a Substack and an Etsy page because of that.
At the end of the day, if you don’t like it, don’t buy it. But there’s plenty of others who will chose to, and should be able to do so without judgement.
Oh I don’t think writing should be an elite thing at all! I’m specifically talking about people in wealthy, powerful positions (who are usually white, too) taking up MORE space without the passion or interest to pull it off. For these people, I think writing a book is simply a cash grab because they know it will sell because of who they are. It makes me sad for the many people out there (professional writers or not) who can’t get a foot in the door.
God, I love this piece. I had some semi-intelligent thing to say and then the Kanye West quote about Lady Gaga being Creative Director of Polaroid came into my head that I think is probably better suited: "I like some of the Gaga songs... what the fuck does she know about cameras?"
Hahaa my boyfriend and I quote this all the time!! It’s the perfect way to explain this
That’s an interesting family connection! I have half an essay in my drafts about ‘what are we scaring the kids with these days?’ I’m v interested in this move away from terror in children’s media. I feel like they used to Go For It way more in the era of the child catcher, even the bad guys in Annie. Noticeable also in Disney films, like Hans from Frozen was no Maleficent/Scar/Ursula. I’m not even necessarily saying ‘bring back scary villains’ (maybe I am I haven’t decided yet), but I do think it’s an interesting shift
Omg please write about this, I find it such an interesting/divisive subject. Because I LOVED a healthy dose of fear when I was a child, but I do admit I grew up to be an adult that loves a good horror film (which I know loads of people DON'T). But I do sometimes watch Peppa Pig/Bluey with my niece and I'm like...where's the conflict?? Where's the adrenaline?!
I'm like you. I don't really see the appeal of having a celebrity name on a fiction book. I guess there are a lot of people who think otherwise and would buy the book for the name. In that case, maybe it should be in the name of the actual writer "in collaboration with" or "based on an idea from" the famous person? If it helps the ghostwriters get the deals or sell more why not. But yes I still agree with you and would rather just leave the fiction writing to the actual authors
Yeah, I just find it baffling!? Maybe if you’re a super fan of that particular celeb you might buy basically everything they create, but generally speaking, I just want to read something suuuuper compelling!
And yeah, justice for ghostwriters 😂 Imagine someone just OPENLY lying/taking credit for your talent. I don’t think I could do it, I’m too salty haha
Same! I feel way too strongly about fairness to ever be able to do this job 😂. I would just be mad constantly.
It’s tiring isn’t it?? They have everything at their disposal and they choose the one outlet that SHOULD transcend being “known” 😩