The other day I watched an episode of the usually reliably funny Always Sunny in Philadelphia. I noticed that the characters, as is their norm, were holding and drinking beers as they spoke around the bar. Something was off about this scene though. All of them were drinking beer so that the label could be read, and the label wasn't a knockoff a common beer, it actually said Coors Light on it. Secondly, the tap that was just in the scene, had a Coors Light logo. So in one little shot there were three references to the Bullet. Now, I don't mind product endorsements or product placements in television or movies. I do mind when it is so obvious that it disrupts from the story or the "art." Today's article This Book Brought to You by... in the WSJ (here) by Erica Orden, makes me think that the book she describes is a "hit you over the head type." We all knew it was bound to happen, and bully for you Mr. Hurt for making some dough whilst you write and publish, but I kinda doubt if I'm going to read your work.
What's sad, and a bit confusing, about this position is that I had a similar idea years ago with my idea of racing mysteries. The plot centered around a series of deaths that took place at adventure races and triathlons that the hero either raced in or organized. I thought it would be a good idea to contact these races and for some cash-eesh promote their races in the book. Then it hit me that deaths at the races were hardly good ways to promote the race. Never followed through on the idea.
Interestingly, another article in the WSJ (here) hits on the growing popularity of adventure races. If I finish novel two quick enough, mayhaps the market will be stronger in a year or two.
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