By Richard Jay Parker
There has been a very healthy discussion about Kindle on the blog recently. It's a very poular topic with writers at the moment mainly because the technology's potential is opening up all sorts of exciting new opportunities.
Soon, however, it doesn't matter what writers, publishers or agents have got to say about it. It's readers who are shaping its ultimate success. In the UK this Christmas a million more Kindles were sold and Harper Collins alone experienced 100,000 downloads of books on Christmas Day. I was certainly pleased to find out via Twitter messages that my own book had made it onto some brand new Kindles over the holiday period.
With rumours of high street bookshops stocking only chart books in the future it looks like online will be the best recourse for readers eager to disover something fresh and different.
I don't think physical books have been written off and believe there will always be outlets for people who love all the virtues paper has that digital can't offer. It does seem, however, that many readers are now embracing a new way of enjoying books that will ultimately alter the way the entire industry operates.
Exciting times.
Happy New Year.
I had a Kindle for Christmas, and must say that despite my reservations I LOVE it. I tend to be really naughty with books and fold them in half and end up breaking the spine. Well, with a Kindle, (obviously!)it's like holding a folded book. Also there's the obvious bonus of not having to take 3 or 4 books in your suitcase when you go away - so more space for shopping :o)
ReplyDeleteMary
PS When's your new book coming out?!
Hi Mary,
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to post a comment on my blog. Glad to hear you're enjoying the advantages of your Kindle. Am still awaiting news re book 2 from publishers but hope that you'll be able to download it in 2012.