Independent writers
I read a Korean novel for the first time and it was peak. The title of the book is No One Writes Back by Jang Eun-Jin. Pretty sad title, right? I’m not going to talk about the story, I think it’s best left unsaid. The title should have moved you already.
If you want to read it, you can download the file here It’s in epub format but you can easily convert it to pdf via epub to pdf converter websites. I have a subscription with Scribd, so I read there.
Reading this novel the first time felt like I was watching a Korean drama except that it’s even better because I was reading it. Perhaps I can share a bit of the story – it centers on communication and the lack thereof. The protagonist travels with his dog and writes letters (actual paper) sends them via post to people he had met along his journey.
Anyhow, what I’m going to talk about is not about the story nor the protagonist himself, but rather a side character, who I find – and I’m confident that all the writers out there will agree – is especially interesting. This character is a novelist, a woman who also travels while writing her novels. What’s interesting, though, is that she sells her books herself. She does so by playing her harmonica in public spaces as a way to catch people’s attention to her books.
Her reasons for selling the books herself are also best left unsaid, but I suppose I can spill a bit – this isn’t her main reasons but she mentioned that she likes to meet and talk to people who buy her books and sign them as well. This also gives opportunity to readers to ask her questions in person. When I thought about the prompt independent writers, I immediately thought of this woman, as she resembles it in every way.
To close, I’d like to reassure y’all that this book isn’t a love story. If that helps.
Prompt: independent writers see link
No love story! 😲
No one writes back, sounds like social media where people only write back if you piss them off.
So she travels to sell her books amd to talk with her readers to know why they read her although they never read her?
There can be a good reason why no one writes back: moved is one of them or notremembering the writer. Still, it would ne great to receive a letter for a change instead of bills or an empty mailbox.
♥️🍀
Great. You kinda figured out the reason😅
Though it has potential, but it didn't transpire. I guess the author wanted her readers to internalize the story's final take on communication.
So true. And if they’re not pissed, all you get are reactions—likes, hearts, etc. I hate those reactions; they’re real conversation enders.
people who bought her books often asks her questions. It's understandable because the first sentence in her book reads: “Today, I ate toothpaste. Tomorrow, I will eat soap.” 😅
I know! Friends rarely check up on us, though I understand many of them have their plates full with family responsibilities. I tried going offline for a month, and sadly, no one really bothered to check in except for those who had questions or needed favors. I get that a lot.
0.00 SBD,
0.00 STEEM,
0.38 SP
It's not only the internet you know or being busy. People have always been busy but they had time for a chat or made that time. They understood that it's important to invest in "engagement".
Today with all the quick ways we can connect no one has time. Seriously? I travelled 1800 km to hear: pfff I am so tired and busy. After the plane back landed I received an app: I hope to find a bit of time to app you tomorrow. Of course that didn't happen. Finding time? An app is typing a few words everyone does 24/7 even if they are on the toilet or in bed. It's not about finding the time but priorities. Busy is an excuse. Those who are busy rarely give their full attention to the family and why should they be more busy than you and I?
I tell you how I used to be (old me). On Fridays, I called everyone to check on them and wish them a great weekend (family and friends). At a certain point, I thought: Does anyone ever call me? So I skipped one week. No one called. I skipped another week.. not a single call. After 3 weeks of silence, I called. First response: Anger and the words: So... are you still alive? That did it. I decided to never call again and delete all those energy-consuming people out of my life. I never regretted it. It's not great to only be asked if needed to clean up someone else's mess. It was "lonely" for a while but I got used to it, had more time and attracted different people, less abusive. Perhaps not more attentive but for sure less abusive.
Did people have better friends in the old days? I don't think so. Back then people were also friends out of need. It's the reason why my grandmother accepted that a neighbour (a chain-smoker) smoked in her house (sons were friends) and you never knew if you might need them.
Interesting start to the book. Toothpaste, it's food, why not. LOL
♥️🍀 (sorry, I leave the hated emojis behind but know I do wish you love and luck).