Thursday, January 7, 2010

Where Has All the Ink Gone?

By Stephanie Duncan, Marketing Assistant at Moody Publishers

Welcome back to the new Moody Fiction Blog! Today we are continuing in the third day of our launch contest from Jan. 5-9th, and will be giving away 10 free copies of The Missionary by William Carmichael and David Lambert! Read on for details...


Every morning, I become an anthropologist for about 30 minutes for my commute on the public “EL” train in Chicago.  There are few other social circumstances that offer me anything as interesting as watching complete strangers cram themselves in close quarters with other complete strangers in a box speeding along at 55 miles per hour.  It’s always entertaining to see the many ways with which people occupy themselves in this social context.  There was a time before I was engaged that I would always catch myself noticing the rocks on women’s hands as they hold the pole, and now I play another game: I like to see what people are reading.  And my recent favorite sighting is the Kindle, Amazon’s new digital reading device.
Kindle is a lightweight, portable device that makes books available for reading on a handheld screen.  This product has wireless that enables users to purchase books which are delivered in less than 60 seconds and can store thousands of documents.  Kindle users praise this invention for the convenience of being able to put their library in their pocket and instant access to manuscripts.  Needless to say, when I saw my first Kindle on the EL, I was curious.

But as I looked into this new technology, I began to feel conflicted.  What about the printed page? What about underlining your favorite part of your novel? What about the satisfaction of watching your bookmark migrate from one side of the binding to the other or hearing the hushed sound of a page being turned?
When I purchased a magazine once at a writing conference, I asked the editor if her magazine was also available online, following the trend of many publishers in this web-savvy age.   The look on her face told me immediately I might as well have asked her if she wanted to go out of business.  “Oh no,” she said, “We believe in the sacrament of print.”
Well.  She put her finger on it.  Call me an elitist, but I also value the sacrament of print.  There’s something enchanting about holding a book in my hands and knowing another world is hiding just under the cover. 
But I’m not closing any doors.  Technology definitely has advantages in this age, and we are just seeing the beginning of it. So I would like to hear from you:
How do you feel about electronic reading devices versus reading from the printed page? Do you think the reading format of a story also changes the dynamic of the story? 
To enter to win a copy of The Missionary, all you have to do is leave your comment below (along with your email--important for us to contact you if you are a winner!) answering the question above or responding to this post, and you will be entered into the contest.  Winners will be selected at random and will be notified the day after their comment is posted. Good luck!
David Eller is an American missionary in Venezuela, married to missionary nurse Christie. Together they rescue homeless children in Caracas. But for David, that isn’t enough. The supply of homeless children is endless because of massive poverty and the oppressive policies of the Venezuelan government, led by the Hugo Chavez– like Armando Guzman. 

In a moment of anger, David publicly rails against the government, unaware that someone dangerous might be listening—a revolutionary looking for recruits. David falls into an unimaginable nightmare of espionage, ending in a desperate, life-or-death gamble to flee the country with his wife and son, with all the resources of a corrupt dictatorship at their heels. 

Watch the Trailer...


45 comments:

  1. I would enjoy using an electronic devise such as the Kindle on occasion. However, I'm "old school" and can't give up the print copies! I agree with your statement, you can't beat the sound of a turning page! I'm not sure that the reading format would change the dynamics of a story. I think it's whatever a persons personal preference is, keeps the story flowing, no matter it's format.

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  2. I enjoy books to hold. A book is sacred and not a piece of machinery. Marissa
    smrogi at att dot net

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  3. My husband keeps telling me that I want a Kindle. I keep telling him I don't. There's something very kinesthetic about a book that is not present when I am at the computer, even real computers with great resolution. I always want to print out long things that I have to read, rather than read them on the computer. The Kindle is going to have to be REALLY awesome for me to use it.

    princessbride42 (AT) gmail (DOT) com

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  4. My son and I were talking about that yesterday because he had a book shoved in his coat pocket in case he got to an appt. early. We both agreed we don't like to read off of a screen.

    It's my 48th bd and I do not want a Kindle.

    kathycassel@knology.net

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  5. This sounds like quite an interesting book!

    Persnally, I like books -- the tactile sensations you described, the individual look and feel of each book. Somehow curling up on the couch with a throw blanket, a cup of coffee, and an electric reading device just doesn't sound as cozy as doing the same with a book. Plus a lot of electronic devices make my eyes feel strained (I can't even look at my cell phone display too long), and the thought of only being able to see that little screen rather than a whole page just bugs me.

    But I can see the portability of them. I like to read when I travel and tend to take too many books so I don't run out of reading material.

    And my son loves reading that way. He is not inclined to pick up a book, but he does read a lot via his electronic device. It makes me sad to think that much we associate with reading books might be lost in a generation or two, but I would rather having people reading electronically than not at all.

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  6. Oops -- my e-mail for the above comment is barbarah06 (at) gmail (dot) com.

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  7. derekannette at gmail dot com (before I forget)

    So I like books. I really do! Enough that I wouldn't purchase a Kindle type device. HOWEVER, I really want to try one since I've heard they are nice to read off (unlike a computer screen). One big issue for me is that I tend to borrow books from friends and libraries. Especially fiction (which is 95% of what I read). So, yes, I am a bit old-school, but I still want to experience the Kindle for myself.

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  8. I'm a huge fan of printed books. I love the smell and feel of a new book. I haven't used a Kindle, but I don't think that I would like it as much. I do a lot of work on the computer, and I find that words on the screen don't stick with me as well as words on a printed page. I'm sure that I could get used to it if I had to, but as long as I can get "real" books, I will.

    I would love to read The Missionary. I've heard a lot of good things about it!

    stinarose(at)bell(dot)net

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  9. Who are the folks that are winning the books? I sure would like to win this one. I'm a fan of books - the real ones. The ones that you hold and turn pages and turn down the corners if you want. The ones you can lend or give to a friend. The ones you fill up bookcases with.. the ones you furnish a living room with.. a life with.

    I hope I win.

    I do not publish my email. However - if you will comment at my blog, I will then email you my email.

    Is that ok? I hope so.

    Cheers. And happy Thursday.

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  10. I can't bring myself to use a Kindle or something like that. I love love the feel of holding a book. Reading on a devise like that would be too much like reading online. Not the same at all. I realize some people want the quickness and all of getting books...not me:)
    talker445 at yahoo dot com

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  11. I like the idea of an ebook reader, especially for travel. It's difficult to lug several heavy tomes with me! However, I haven't spent the money to buy one (and probably won't, at least in the forseeable future), in part because of DRM, proprietary formats, etc. Plus: The ebooks available are still pretty expensive (and so many just plain not available!).

    wordlily@gmail.com

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  12. I much prefer a real book! I don't personally care for e-books or Kindle, although I have read a couple e-books...it's just not the same!
    onepilgrim86[at]yahoo.com

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  13. Electronic books are a two sided issue for me.
    As a reader and book collector, I will always prefer traditional print books.
    As an author, however, I made sure that my book was avaiable on Kindle as soon as possible. It's now an established part of the book market.
    And in this economy it has an appeal because book downloads are cheaper.
    emilyannbenedict(at)gmail.com

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  14. I personally read both. More so a regular book but I do put e-books on my ipod touch and read them also. I prefer a regular book because you're not constantly turning a page but when I am packing light or maybe I can get the book quicker on e-books rather than wait to run to the store that is the only advantage. Plus, if I am reading more than one book at a time then it's easier to have them both on my ipod so that I can switch between the two and my place is held on both. I always have a book with me so that I can read no matter where I am and waiting is not a problem nor do I become an impatient and rude customer because I have something to occupy my time.

    Shannon
    wesnshan@gmail.com

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  15. I am enjoying my ereader and Kindle apps for my iPod. I can't say that I will invest the money in a Sony reader or a Kindle, but I don't mind the free apps for my iPod.

    I like the feel of paper in my hand and not having to worry if my battery is going to die on me!

    I'll stick to my physical books for the time being... but it has been nice to have a book or two on my iPod for those times I am out and about!

    ladyverlinaATyahooDOTcom
    www.WhatYouReadingNow.blogspot.com

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  16. I am a printed book lover....i don't know that I'll ever buy an e-reader.
    ksg_amg(at)yahoo.com

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  17. I prefer the printed book. It is easier for me to read and of course, I love seeing the books in my library.
    lookupbewatchful(at)att.net

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  18. I greatly prefer real books! Ebooks just don't feel right.
    everydaysadventure(at)gmail.com

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  19. I love real books, the kind you can hold in your hands. Audio books and e books just don't do it for me at all
    mary lou
    dlowran1(at)comcast(dot)net

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  20. I would go either way. I prefer real books but I also enjoy reading ebooks.
    Thanks!

    esterried[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  21. I prefer regular books.
    Please enter me:)
    littleladyintraining(at)yahoo.com

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  22. I was raised to think of books "like chocolate" something, sweet, special and to be savoured. I prefer books, to hold, have and collect.

    scarletsierra[at]gmail[dot]com

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  23. I am not sure about digital books yet, I like my paper ones too much.
    Maryinhb at gmail.com

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  24. I am disabled and holding a book a times can be difficult. I have used the kindle format on my computer and love it. I can raise the font and I find I move through the book faster, however the nostagia of the page turning does pull me back sometimes!
    Lilpoohbearie00@aol.com

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  25. I join the ranks of the conflicted. I love the feel of books, turning pages and even the smell of older books. There's nothing like curling up on a cold day with a blanket, hot chocolate and a good book. The thought of replacing the book with something electronic just doesn't feel the same. Then again as someone who travels internationally a lot I definately see the practicality of an e-reader and have it on my wish list for when it's just not physically possible to carry enough books.
    ebowman@abwe.cc

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  26. I like books and I really don't care for
    an electronic book.
    I would really like to win this book.

    cenya2 at hotmail dot com

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  27. I am pretty old-fashioned when it comes to reading books. I dislike e-books and using electronic reading devices. Rather, I prefer the printed book, which I can hold in my hands and turn the pages at my leisure. For me, electronic reading formats change the dynamic of the story because after a long day of staring at a computer screen with my school work, the last thing I want to do while reading for relaxation is read a novel off of an electronic computer-type screen, which makes the reading experience unenjoyable.

    Please enter me in this giveaway!

    saemmerson at yahoo dot com

    Sarah Emmerson

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  28. I haven't seen anyone address the issue of reliability. The Kindle is an electronic gadget. How long does it last? Can it crash like a computer? Do you have to back it up or chance losing your library? What happens if you drop it?

    Rare and old books have been around for years. Somehow, I can't envision a book on a Kindle lasting that long.

    Personally, I prefer reading a real book.

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  29. I haven't tried an electronic reading device yet, but am thinking that I would still prefer my books. So much better to curl up in the recliner with a good book than an electronic thing. rejordan79@msn.com

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  30. My first intro to the electronic reading was my husband saying something about it. Sounded very interesting considering I need another bookshelf.

    Then, at my book club on of our readers had one. WELL!!! I thought it was great. In the book we were reading, "Any Minute" by Joyce Meyer, there were certain words used over and over again, and, (is this a run-on?) we could put in certain words to pull up where the paragraph was and we would discuss it. Quite impressive--at least for me. The only thing that was hard about it was when we wanted to find it on hard print we could not because it does not have page numbers. But, all in all, I think it is good when you want to have room on your bookshelf.

    sandee4jesus2@comcast.net

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  31. I think progress is wonderful, but I love the feel and smell of a printed book. How can you earmark or higlight an ereader? What will they do with all those spin racks that hold book marks? And how can I inscribe the first copy of my published book to my husband, who put up with me while I wrote it? These are my concerns about ereaders.
    Please enter my name in the drawing for the Missionary. Thanks!
    jeanettelevellie(at)gmail(dot)com

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  32. I love the feel of a book in my hands, and can't imagine reading off a little screen. I have tried reading PDF ebooks on my computer with big screen and absolutely hated it. I think I will stick to the old fashioned paper versions.

    alongtheway(at)telus(dot)net

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  33. I will always and forever prefer an actual book...there is nothing like it!
    Having said that, I am planning to purchase an e-reader some time this year. Haven't decided yet!
    I have already read The Missionary. It is excellent! Good luck everyone!

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  34. My mom-in-love got a Kindle and she loaned it to me because she knows how MUCH I love to read...and how much I love the ease of places like iTunes for immediate-satisfaction-downloads...but I can honestly say that I hated it! No paper smell, no pages to turn, no chance of taking that electronic doodad into the bathtub for my nightly soak-and-read session.

    My vote: stick with the paper and plant a tree! :)

    binaspad@yahoo.com

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  35. As tempted as I am to want to get a Kindle, just for the neat factor of it, I really do love my "real" books, and think the Kindle would just be an expensive toy that I would set aside for my real books, so I'm not willing to splurge and spend the $$ on one. I've tried reading books on my computer via the free B&N reader, and don't enjoy it, so think I would probably not enjoy a Kindle as much as I think I might.
    Please enter me in the giveaway.
    ludeluh(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  36. I would read and use a kindle...only if it was given to me for free. I spend my money on books...the kind that you can hold and turn the pages and (I know this will be weird) the kind that I can smell...you know...that new book fresh of the printer smell. I LOVE that....so I am a true book lover, not an ebook lover.

    Please enter me in the giveaway!
    Mollydawn1981 at aol dot com

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  37. I tried the Kindle but sent it back. I much prefer a paper copy to read. I like the feel of the book and jotting down notes and perusing through my book shelves. My books are my treasured collections of stories, gifted teachers and beautiful illustrations.

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  38. I don't think I could read a book on a kindle. It just isn't the same....like my good ol'fashioned page turning.
    pjiler2000@aol.com

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  39. To feel paper beneath the ink is a great part of the literary experience. Yet the value of being able to cram pages and pages into one small device can be a tremendous benefit. My seventy-seven year old father has spent most of his decades holding a book in his hands. He has embraced his Kindle with delight since it enables him to travel the world with multiple books at his fingertips.

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  40. I thought I wanted a Kindle. I LOVE reading. I finished a 300 page book tonight in under 3 hours. There is something about being able to turn the pages of a real book! I love the feeling I get when something good is about to happen and all I have to do is flip the page. Would love to win a book. I would pass it along to my mother who also loves to read. Thanks again!

    Amy Hager
    thehagers5@comcast.net

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  41. I've been trying to decide if I want a electronic reading device. I've only heard about them and read alittle about them. I love good ole paper and ink books. With my computer crashing and losing everything, I'm wondering if the same would happen with one of these devices
    copperllama at yahoo dot com

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  42. I sometimes download books to my computer via my library that has ebooks. I have to admitt; however, there is nothing quite as satisfying to me as holding a book in my hands and listening to the rustle of pages as I turn eagerly for the continuing story. I think the Kindle is an aid in the encouragement of workaholics who try to "have it all". For me? Give me a book I can hold in my hands anytime.

    edie77@embarqmail.com

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  43. I like to think of myself as technically savvy, but I haven't gotten into ebooks yet. Reading is my escape from a high-tech world!

    If I was traveling a lot or lived overseas, I'd probably rethink my position, but so far I'm much more likely to read a paperback than an ebook. I'm into speed reading, too - and I think ebooks make that more difficult.

    janemaritz at yahoo dot com

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  44. I think it's an interesting as an option, but still prefer the old-fashioned print book.
    pucktricks6802 at yahoo.com

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  45. I prefer to read from the printed text.

    However, I have been known to upload books on to my computer when I'm anxious to get started on a new book and don't want to wait for the paper product to arrive.

    rnomad

    ReplyDelete

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