The Poll

Yes, you now have the chance to vote. After starting this conversation on Crimespace, the network's creator, Daniel, has set-up a poll to find the World's Sexiest Writer 2007*. The only criteria now is that they must have published at least one fictional novel. If you don't fancy any of the writers listed, you can use the link at the bottom of the poll to add a name of your own.

Quimble (who power the poll) also provide the code to add the poll to your webpage or blog here.

I'll admit I haven't decided who to vote for yet. I was looking at all the books in my flat last night for inspiration and lamenting the fact that I clearly haven't read enough. Some writers clearly won't do. Much as I love Terry Pratchett's books, they are not sexy. Sad to say, I don't find him sexy either. Both books and man are like a favourite uncle, witty and entertaining, but about whom having sexy thoughts would be clearly wrong.

If I was going purely on physical presence, I would probably have to go for Alex Barclay. Of the writers I've met in the flesh, she has the most complete package of svelte figure, Corr-a-like looks and hundred-mile-an-hour Irish accent, not to mention killer high heels.

While voting on that basis is entirely acceptable, my feeling is that the actual writing should play a part. That's why I was wracking my brain to think of a book that was exciting and edgy, that seduced me in and made me go 'wow' at the end. A writer that can do that is undeniably sexy.

Haven't come up with one yet. There are books I fell in love with whilst reading them, but sexiness isn't about love, it's about lust. That's why I might have to go with J.K.Rowling, because even when her books were frustrating, they were narcotically compelling. Or Susanna Clarke, for that enticing mix of Jane Austen wry wit and faerie magic. Or Michael Marshall Smith, who conjured up some strikingly original sci-fi. And I've already lauded Jonathan Stroud's Bartimaeus Trilogy enough. But again, this isn't about the books I like, it's about the sexiest writer. Not the same thing.

Hmm. Maybe I've forgotten someone. I'll keep pondering.

* - The really cool thing about coming up with this is that has become a talking point - people are suddenly considering writers in a new way.