A Photo of the Artist as a Young Woman

Why do some authors insist on using old photographs of themselves on the back flaps of their books? The process of crafting their latest work cannot possibly be so demanding that they can’t spare a few minutes once in a while to snap a new picture. In particular, I’m thinking of Lois McMaster Bujold, who has been using the same picture of herself for more than five years now. Kudos to Terry Pratchett, who, after showcasing his bald pate and hairy arms to millions of readers worldwide, has finally decided to update his image; he's lost the John Lennon-tint to his glasses and finally donned the hat he’s been holding for what seems like two decades. In the years since the picture was taken, his arms have apparently gotten tired because his new publicity photo shows him leaning on a cane. Let that be a lesson to all.