Matt Lucas has responded to criticism, after he appeared to block a children’s author who complained about the prominence of novels by celebrities, including himself, in bookshops.
The Little Britain comic actor and former Great British Bake Off host said he had been “oversensitive” to a post by writer Lindsay Littleson. She had shared a photo of a bookshelf in a branch of WH Smith filled with fiction written by stars including Lucas, Alesha Dixon, Geri Halliwell, Stephen Mulhern and Jamie Oliver.
She wrote: “Makes me wonder why I keep trying,” to which Lucas replied: "I’m very proud of my book, I worked hard on it.” Littleson, the author of newly released children’s book Ice Cream Boy, replied: “I'm very proud of mine too. I work hard visiting schools to try and inspire more children to read for pleasure. My new novel came out last week and is being well reviewed. But it isn't on that shelf. None of my books are, or any others by indie authors. Books by celebrities rule.”
Lucas wrote back: “I've been writing for a living since 1992, before I was famous. But anyway I wish you all the best and congratulations on your reviews.” He then appeared to block Littleson on Twitter/X. Littleson told her followers: “Still believe this was a conversation worth having but Matt’s team clearly disagree. Anyway, it was great to hear from so many lovely authors and indie bookshops!”
Lucas was derided for blocking Littleson. Chaos Walking author Patrick Ness wrote: “Bad move, @RealMattLucas Children’s writers all talk to each other, you know. Hoping this was all a PR team mistake.”
After taking “some time to reflect”, Lucas then posted: “Because I write for a living I think I was oversensitive about @ljlittleson‘s initial post. I understand the frustrations other writers must be feeling when they struggle to get their great work on shelves. Please tell me how I can help support them.”
Lucas’s comments have since been flooded with suggestions on how he can help independent writers. Writer James Withey said: “Tweet about new children’s books you’ve read and loved. Maybe a new one each month. Talk about your favourite living authors in interviews whilst promoting your book and mention authors you admire who haven’t had the success they deserve.”
Writer Marie Basting said: “Hi Matt, if you look at the timelines of children’s authors, you’ll see how we champion, boost & support each other. We also work with schools, reading orgs, bookshops & bloggers to promote reading for pleasure. It would be fantastic if you cld use your platform in a similar way.”
