Ploughshares list 14 ways to tick off a writer. Here are two:
Say this to a writer and see what kind of look you get:
“Email saying you want to be a writer too, and you notice the writer lives in the same city, and you wonder if he could spare two hours sometime soon to have coffee and fill you in on how this whole writing thing works. Do not give any indication that you have ever read the writer’s work or care about it in any way. Do not address the author by name. Just cut and paste.”
If that didn’t get you a dirty look, try this:
“If the author is a close friend, and especially if you’re well off, borrow her book from the library instead of buying it. Make sure she knows you spent money to go see the sequel to Snakes on a Plane. Wonder aloud, in front of her, what you’re going to get all your relatives for Christmas. Bonus points for asking if she’s making royalties yet.”
If you want to laugh, or cringe, read the entire article. Whatever suits your fancy.
