She's an Awful Writer

What kind of writing does she do? Mysteries? Children's books? Whatever it is, you could just tell her that you're not into that genre, and your opinion doesn't mean that much. But don't forget to tell her the public sure enjoys it, since she's still getting published.
Or something along those lines. That's what I'd do, anywho.

that depends .
Does her book really sell?
Is her book geared to a target audience ? Meaning.. the people who buy it MUST like that kind of writting style..
Is she catering to the needs of that target audience?
Or is she trying to cater to a diffrent audience, and just completely missing the mark?

If she is writting specifically for ( example) 12 year old kids. And it READS like a 12 year old's book.. then right on for her!!

If she is trying to cater to 30 year old males.. but writes like a 12 year olds teenage drama.. then i would take that stand point.

i would say, " I know you are trying to reach blah blah market. Blah blah market buys ( list some titles) kinds of books like crazy. Have you thought about going that direction? "
and completely stay away from her 'ability' because her ability has to appeal to someone, or it would sell.
No matter how bad it really is..

I don't think her books sell all that well (she's doing okay but definitely living hand-to-mouth) but there must be an audience if she's continuously offered deals. Right now she has a three book deal with St. Martin's Press. This book falls under the heading of erotica.

I've always hidden from her my true opinion of her writing style. Her storylines are fine, clever even, but her writing is just not very good, full of cliches, rudimentary descriptions, timeworn expressions and basic, trite stereotypes.

There's really nothing for me to say to her about it and I know it. My criticism she doesn't need. But I just hate being put on that spot, having to lie, and lie BIG. But to tell her the truth would be like taking a knife and stabbing her in the heart. I'd rather lie.

Well, how good of a friend is she?

I say if it is someone you value in your life you should maybe keep the harshest criticisms to yourself if she really isn't looking for them. I am leaning towards tin's idea of saying... "Well erotica isn't really my cup of tea but it was ok."

Not to big of a lie and no ones feelings get hurt.

so,
maybe you can find a way to lie gentler.

you can always just say as tin suggested
" that isnt my usual reading so I dont really have an opinion since I dont read enough to base your work off of... "

Hey, it's erotica. How bad could it be?

Erotica eh? Well, if she wants some expert advice, you know the sort of thing, what bit of the body does this and that, what parts are supposed to jiggle and turn pink etc, please tell her that she can come here and ask me anytime.

But even with erotica, you want skill. It's like porn. It doesn't have to be hardcore with harsh lights and no imagination, less than pretty people and a cheap set. You can dress it up and present it with skill and care.

Truthfully, her other books weren't erotica but still poorly written. And she was writing with a partner then! I wanted to believe that it was her partner with the less-than-stellar skills but, unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be the case.

You say porn like it's a bad thing...

No, what I said was porn with harsh lighting, little imagination, less than pretty people and a cheap set is a bad thing. :wink:

Eoe--

I know exactly the sort of writer you mean--never coin a phrase when a well-worn cliche will do.

Furthermore, she has the disclipine to sit down at the keyboard and plow onward, onward, onward until she has a manuscript that a publisher will buy and faithful readers will read.

Praise the storyline. Admit to a special fondness for one or more characters. Admire some vivid detail. Swallow your bile and forge onward, letting your horseshoes fall where they may with your nose to the anvil.

Before you put a lot of energy into the book cover, be sure that St. Martin's wants you to design the cover. Publishers usually have a stable of proven artists on call because an attractive cover can make or break book sales.

Rather than slog on through the pounderous prose, ask her what her favorite scene is. Judging from a number of book covers I've seen, illustrators don't necessarily read the books they portray.

Good luck.

Now, you sit down at your typewriter....hold your dominion.

I know Noddy...I've got some nerve, right?

Of course I'll wait for the go ahead from St. Martin's Press before doing anything as far as the cover goes. I emailed a mini portfolio and her agent supposedly loves my work but as you say, there are designers on staff. Publishing houses do job out some of the work tho' and my friend is, of course, pushing hard for me to do it. I do wish I felt differently but as far as designing the cover goes, what I think doesn't matter. She's a good friend and I'll do my absolute best for her, naturally. I just wish I could tell her I love the book and mean it.

Eoe--

Takes one to know one. If the novels I've written in my head while falling asleep were on paper.....

If "if's" and "ands" were pots and pans
There'd be no need for tinkers.

Race you to the keyboard?

I'm trying, Noddy. I wrote a little about a week or so ago but then got busy with my "real job" and haven't had the chance to get back to it yet. Always something else that needs to be done.

Can that be the tack you take? "I'm so impressed that you have been able to get all of these books done, and published even!! I try but I just can't make it happen. <sigh>"

Eoe--

Writers must be ruthless--not vicious, just articulate women with a firm sense of priorities and the will-power to enforce time for these priorities.

"Ladylike" is not an advantage.

I wholeheartedly agree, noddy. A commitment to writing, like committing to anything else, is necessary in order to get it done. You've definitely got to be ruthless about your time and your priorities.

We've had those discussions numerous times, soz. Both she and I are major procrastinators but at least in her case, once you're paid an advance, you'd better sit down and make it happen.