The Wilbur Smith Discussion Forums

There is an interesting article about Wilbur in the Wall Street journal this morning October 4,2013

Thanks Anna - and yes, it was interesting. Can hardly wait for reactions posted on here, re VC. Old WS certainly knows how to dish the dirt! I must be old fashioned; not my idea of a good book, rape and child abuse does not rock my boat. Thanks for the link.

I am not optimistic about the new books judging from the past two he has written.

Link for those interested:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000142 ... 28460.html

I really dislike this answer:

When the news broke that you're going to start using co-authors, there were some snarky headlines in U.K. publications about how you're "getting paid not to write." How much will you actually be writing?

It's going to be a learning process for me and whoever I'm working with. I imagine we will take existing characters from the 34 novels that I've written over the years. I will depend on the co-author to come up with a story line to carry that character forward.

It doesn't bode we'll for the upcoming books. I believe the article said they were going to publish six books a year. One a year would be a lot.

Only my gut feelings, but; WS's publisher is recruiting "young, American writers" as co-writers to pull in American interest. A new market - but he's running out of years - two books a year? I don't think. Not at 80 years old. Going to be a case of 'ghost' writing - sooner than later. Oh well, still have old his old books to re-read. Start with When the lion Feeds; such a beautiful story.

I don't have access to the article, but yeah, the ghost writer thing will really be interesting to follow. I will probably amount to nothing, but on the other hand: his own writing hasn't been up to par with his earlier works. So maybe the ghost writers will actually improve his novels.

I am currently reading River God for the 5th (or was it 6th?) time. Sheer brilliance. Fortunately we have so many good books to look back on and re-read over and over. You're right Jeff, we can still last a life-time with all his earlier works . I'm listening to When the Lion Feeds on my walks to work nowadays

E-Hoog wrote:... I will probably amount to nothing, but on the other hand...

Interesting typo there . Why can't I edit a post in this section of the forum?

Don't worry about it, E - we all make them.

E-Hoog wrote:

E-Hoog wrote:... I will probably amount to nothing, but on the other hand...

Interesting typo there . Why can't I edit a post in this section of the forum?

We all knew what you meant - only very smart people come here