The Book of Lies grabbed my attention from the get-go.

Unfortunately, I had no choice but to stop reading at page 51.

I don’t blame Meltzer.  I blame the editors.

You see, I lived in Broward County for 15 years, and I visit family and friends there several times a year.  I know the area well.

I know that Victoria Park is not just a park.  I know that I-595 does not immediately connect with Alligator Alley off of I-95 (Sorry, Davie and Weston — you’ve been wiped off the map.  I’m sure the Rock won’t be happy to hear that news).  And I know that Alligator Alley always has traffic on it — it’s not some abandoned stretch of road anymore.  That was decades ago, and the book is based in the present day — complete with Department of Homeland Security references.

Like I said — I don’t blame Meltzer.  At least, I hope and pray it’s not him.  Saying I-95 connects with Alligator Alley immediately is like saying the BQE immediately leads to Long Island: “Traffic?  That’s an afterthought.  A detail worthy of being ignored.”

You see, as an unpublished/self-published Lulu author, I have heard and read all kinds of advice on how to write and get published.  One such piece of advice — do your research!  Another — make sure you use details.

Meltzer’s book fails on both counts. 

If he can get away with eliminating entire populations off the map, then Damian and I should be embraced for writing a novel like The Velvet Mask — that jumps from young adult intro to mature themes and introduces a whole universe of characters.  We should be praised for writing a controversial follow-up which introduces the Enneagram to a wider audience like Return of Joshua, which speculates on whether a worldwide hoax should be revealed, even if the world has benefited from that hoax.

I can assure you, the descriptions of Broward County and other areas in the world are researched and accurate.

BUT … for whatever reason, no agent or publisher has bought the concept.

So … the editors who preach details at the Book Expo turn around and either encourage a writer like Meltzer to tone down the details, or they did not do a proper job of fact-checking.

It’s funny — I’ve been criticized in the past for not having details in my stories … and he’s allowed to get away with it.  Must be nice to be able to focus on characters.  I’m glad he’s blessed with that free pass.

Anyway … it’s not like this is 1953, where you had to go to a library or travel to do research.  A simple scan of Google Maps would of revealed the truth about Victoria Park and I-595 — complete with street views..  A simple Wiki search will give details about towns, roads, etc.

The Book of Lies, it turns out, has an ironic and appropriate title for me.  Books like this bring out my disillusionment with the whole publishing process.  It’s not about research, writing talent, or anything else that SHOULD matter.  It’s your pedigree, your friends, and your ability to sell.

Being an author is not about writing — it’s a sales position.

I’ll probably finish The Book of Lies — I want to see what happens to Cal, Roosevelt, Lloyd … I want to see Ellis get his due.

Aaah … I’ll probably just read the Wikipedia summary. 

Glad I still have the receipt — I think I’ll go exchange this for some classic Harlan Ellison.