This was a stomper, Larry. I have a friend who’s a well respected TV presenter, literary critic and author. But although I love her dearly, she’s literary snob and almost vomits if I mention Dan Brown or J.K.Rowling to her. (It’s actually wicked fun to do it on purpose. ) But I think she’s missing a huge point, unless she’s deliberately chosen to have the respect of a few other other academics and literary critics instead of posts of cash and popularity. The points you mention above are the golden keys; they make millionaires out of good writers. I adore the Harry Potter books. She writes brilliantly, but our whole family re-reads them because of their cinematographic qualities, and because of the points you make above. We are totally engaged with the people -the world -she has created. By far the biggest reason for films that flop is writers thinking they don’t have to do what you suggest above. take Burn After reading, for example. I hated it. The plot was intriguing enough to carry me for a bit, but couldn’t empathise with or give a shit about any of the characters.

Keep them coming, Larry! I’m adding a link to this site on my blog. If all the folk who enjoy me discussing writing jump ship and come here, I’ll probably have to ‘retire’ and take up knitting, but at least I’ll know they’re in good hands!

Thanks for the post.

I’m enjoying following your articles here.

Your method of editing posts is remarkably similar to mine. It’s funny how those small typos, ackward sentences become so clear after the publish button is clicked.