Does the Author Want to Talk to the Individual Reader?

[Margot Renne Payne]

I've been to readings by some big name authors and they were funny, charming, witty, thought-provoking--and then once off stage they completely shut down. I felt like a stalker when I tried to engage them in a conversation. They didn't even look up from singing their book. Maybe they were tired. Tough shit. I get tired too, but I don't stop doing my job.

If an author's job is to engage readers, to draw them into their story-- then should he or she be willing to talk to them as well? Am I wrong to assume the author wants to engage the reader in anything beyond buying and reading the book? Or, is the job finished?

It makes me not want to pick up their next book--no matter how good the reveiws. Once the charm turned on for the book promotion fades to nothingness when faced with the reader as individual, does the author feel he/she has nothing to gain?

I'm not talking about all authors. Most have been extremely gracious, some want to talk & even go to the bar and hang out with the common reader and over a beer-- or two-- talk about life beyond the book.

From the writer's viewpoint what's your take on this? And, no, in case you're wondering--I've not actually stalked anyone. Yet.

[Pepper Smith]

Sometimes I think it is a case of the author has gotten burned one too many times. Not that I've ever done a booksigning, but you really don't know the people who are in the line waiting to talk to you and get your autograph. There are readers out there who feel that an author whose books have captured their interest has thrown the door wide open and invited them into every aspect of his or her life. That can be enough to downright frighten someone. An author who has been accosted once too often by lunatics isn't going to be as open as one who hasn't. Or there could be something in that person's life at that moment that's got him or her distracted. Life is full of things that can cause people to be on less than their best behavior. Plus, some people may give wonderful talks, but are extremely introverted. It may be taking all they have just to get up there and talk in public, and then sit there without leaping up and running out screaming while people ask for their autograph and talk to them.

Then again, there are authors out there who have very high opinions of themselves. But it's too easy to take someone's actions at face value rather than giving them the benefit of the doubt, especially if it's someone whom we somehow feel connected with or would like to connect with. And if we're exhausted, we might be doing our jobs, whatever they might be, but how many of us are going to be at our charming best?

Just some thoughts...

[Sandra Ruttan]

There are a number of factors at play. It's hard to take any one experience and make a hard and fast assertion off of it.

One of the things that can be an issue is down to personality. Writers are often introverts. Much of what we do is done in isolation for months. Then, suddenly, you're to go out there, engage with strangers and talk about yourself. For some of us it's an enormous adjustment.

These are skills that are learned over time. I had a really tough time at Left Coast Crime, as I had strep (although I didn't know it then - I just knew I was sick). That was my first experience of having people come us and say, "Tell me about your book." My auto-reply was, "What do you want to know" or "It's out now." Really, I had no idea what to say.

I really do want to talk to people. However, I can be quite a shy person. Sometimes I sense from others that the reason they're keeping their head down is they're intimidated. They don't want you to feel forced to talk to them about their book. But some of them don't know how to start that conversation without making you feel intimidated.

My first big author event was to see Ian Rankin. It was a sell-out, hundreds of people. Easily the most impersonal event I've been to, not because of him, but because of how popular he is in Canada. How many authors will sell out a theatre on a Friday night in October anywhere?

Despite that, he did a great job with the audience interaction. I was sitting front row and got to ask the last question of the night, which came about because of hearing him on a radio program a few weeks earlier. He actually asked me how I'd heard that, as it was a UK program. Of course, it was a music question and if you want to see Ian animated, talk about the music.

When I got a book signed I asked him a more personal question, about his son. You could just tell the organizers were pissed at me, because they wanted to keep that line (and it was a looooong line) moving. Not only did Ian answer it, he made a more personal remark. I'd been incredibly nervous about asking, but he was really gracious about it. (And I had a reason beyond being nosy but I'm not saying more here.)

I will say this, though. When I was at his house last summer he talked about the bizarre questions he sometimes gets asked. I'm not going to use his example, but I remember thinking how tempted I'd be to give a flippant response if it was me.

I've met Michael Connelly a few times, and he's an incredibly shy person. I've heard a few people say he's snobby, but that's a really superficial assessment. First time I saw him he was being interviewed for an hour. The man was so clearly uncomfortable I felt sorry for him. I waited until his line was completely finished (this was at Harrogate 2005) and he wasn't looking up or making any eye contact, and then I just went over to say hi and shake his hand. It took everything in me to force me to do that then, but I told myself "You'll never get another chance." And he was really very nice.

I think for a lot of authors it's just very hard turning it on and then off.

I actually really enjoy emails from people talking about the book. It's easier for me to process a response and not to feel invasive, but that's just me. I haven't done many signings, but I've been blessed with mostly positive experiences with authors. There are a few who have egos that are beyond belief, and I usually avoid them.

[Margot Renne Payne]

I understand about the introvert, shyness issue. I also understand the stalker thing. I work in a public library so there are some very weird people who know my name, the hours I work, where I live, where I eat, etc.

A few authors we've had at the library-Michael Martone, Mary Doria Russell and poet Kay Ryan, for example commented about writing being such a solitary act that they enjoy talking to others about their work--and are so gracious. Kay Ryan was just here in April--wonderful person and poet. Huge name in poetry. After the reading when she was in the bar at her hotel a friend of mine from book group who had missed the reading overheard Kay making small talk with the bartender and said, "You must be Kay Ryan!" They ended up chatting over a couple of drinks.

Also, I've had a similar experience as you--where I met Ridley Pearson at the GLBA (Great Lakes Booksellers Association) Trade Show last year. I actually sat next to him at the "moveable feast" dinner where authors move from table to table throughout the dinner. It was the same deal--there was an open seat, I'm one person, I'll never get another chance. He was a speaker--and just as engaging talking to the entire room as he was one-on-one. And we had a conversation. I've also been in line at signings when you know the organizers are getting mad--like at GLBA or SEBA--and they just want you to move along but the author is engaged with the reader.

On the other hand DePauw University has brought in some hugely popular authors and while talking to the crowd are incredibly charming, funny, forthcoming, witty--then when it's time for the signing it's--ZIP. One author in particular was very funny, and at the signing when I mentioned how much our book group enjoyed her books (which we read before the reading at the university) didn't even respond. Well, she did--but it was a mumble and I didn't ask her to repeat it. It was like I had leprosy. She came into the previously mentioned bar--and with her escort from the university moved to the closed section--physcially closed off by chairs and dark--to sit in the corner. Had to walk right by our table. I bought her book, still buy them for the library--but haven't even read it yet. I guess she could have suspected we were the book group stalkers--but we were there first.

Another amazingly popular author was at DePauw this fall. And, while I don't particularly like his writing I felt I should go because our patrons love him. Again--highly entertaining, charming, funny stories, witty, etc.--then at the signing I felt like a cow being pushed out the shoot into the stockyard. Not by the organizers --but by him. He didn't even respond to my comment about working at the public library and how much people enjoyed his books. Most people will at least pretend they like libraries. Nothing. Didn't look up. And I know he's not shy. Makes me feel completely different about his touchy-feely get close to God books.

I guess for some it is ego. On the other hand when Billy Collins was at DePauw I had a drink in the bar with him--a group of people-- and actually talked (there had been a reception and I have many friends in the English department) about New York, his writing, being Poet Laureate.

I'm not sure why I started this discussion. Kind of wish I hadn't. Especially for a first! I now sound like an ass-hole and really I'm not--well don't ask my 16 year-old. And most of my experiences meeting authors have been very positive, too.

But, I guess what I would like to know is should the reader expect anything from an author once the book is purchased? Do some authors like to get feedback on their books from readers? I'm not talking groupie, stalker situation. I'm talking about a book event where authors are invited to talk about their book & experience as a writer and the readers are there out of true interest. Once the book is written and sold is that it? I'm just curious, I guess.

[Sandra Ruttan]

I agree, don't feel bad asking! It's a worthwhile topic, for a lot of reasons.

For one thing, it's always good for authors to think about the impression they're giving. You see, nobody educates us about how to do the conferences and tours and all that. Well, okay, you can get advice if you ask for it. I asked Jon Jordan before B'con last year. I'll never forget what he told me - I paid attention to the people he told me to pay attention to and I learned a lot.

I'm actually really nervous interacting at conventions, though, because what if you're talking to someone and say, "So what do you do?" and they're an author and you don't know them? Duh. So embarrassing! I've been trying to think up generic chat lines.

As David said below, there's that whole 'will you read my manuscript' thing as well. I also get 'will you review my book' and 'you should interview me'.

I do think it's hard to know what's fair, when. I said this on DorothyL once. When I worked with kids still, I was out one night having dinner with Evil Kev. The parents of one of my clients were at the same restaurant. They wanted to have a long chat about program. Evil Kev and I were out because we'd just gotten engaged - work was the last thing on my mind. Did they care? Nope. Was I on the clock? Nope. If I'd brushed them off would they have been very forgiving? Well...

This doesn't apply to your scenarios, but from what I heard last year, Friday is sort of the death day at Bouchercon - all the authors in meetings with their editors and such. If you've just had a heavy-duty meeting sometimes you just want to go clear your head.

I must say, this is why I really enjoyed Harrogate when I attended. There didn't seem to be an 'us' and 'them'. (I wasn't anywhere near being published in 2005 when I went - I went strictly as a fan. Yes, aspiring author was there, but I didn't focus on that. I didn't ask anyone to read my work - author, publisher, editor, agent or otherwise.)

And there have been a few authors who have had stalker problems. I sense with a lot of authors the desire to keep their private life private, and I understand that too.

But really, don't feel bad! I think it's a good topic! Believe me, people who are polite and engaging do have an edge on selling me on their work, over someone who's a pushy self promoter or really rude.

[David Terrenoire]

It could be a number of things. Often, the schedule is just jammed, and if an author spent time really conversing with readers, he's going to get behind. That's the most benign problem. Pepper mentioned this, and it's true, but there are some real whack-jobs out there. One guy wanted me to help him write an expose of the DC snipers and their connection to ELF. All you had to do was look in his eyes and you could tell he wasn't right, but it took a good ten minutes to extricate myself and I finally had to be rude. I hated that. This guy was extreme, yes, but it makes you a little bit wary of the next person who wants to engage you in anything but a little small talk.

You'd be shocked by how many people want you to read their manuscript, or edit their story, or want your agent's phone number.

I love people, I'm incredibly grateful when anyone spends 20 bucks on my book, and I'm anything but shy, but sometimes I don't have much to say to a stranger. If, like Sandra did with Ian Rankin, you ask me something different, like about my music or my wife or my dogs, that will most likely open up a whole new side and you'll get a real, unrehearsed answer. But if you ask me how I get my ideas, I'll probably give you a glib, practiced line and move on to sign the next guy's book.

I don't know what happened with you. The writer could have been exhausted after a day of airports, interviews, readings, talking to booksellers and fans. Or he could have been shy. Or he could just be a jerk.

But I promise, if I don't have any other place to be, offer to buy me a vodka tonic. That will get my attention.

[Margot Renne Payne]

I'll look forward to the drink--just let me know your brand.

[J.D. Rhoades]

Buy him two and he'll follow you home.

[Barbara Fister]

Don't feel bad about asking! If connecting to readers is part of the job, it's a valuable question. I think Sandra's story about Michael Connelly is an interesting one - I haven't met him, but I assumed with his journalism background and his success as a writer he'd be all used to attention. I've heard more about fans becoming tongue-tied and clumsy when faced with a writer whose work they love than writers clamming up.

I can't say I've had much experience with adoring fans (uh, make that zero experience) but one thing I find nearly impossible is to describe a whole book in a single line or two. I know, you have to be able to characterize it in a nutshell, but "what's your book about?" is really hard for me. Let's see: it's about a year of my life and a large portion of my brain, oh and my soul is in hock, too.... :o)

I once was in a huge line to get an Elmore Leonard book signed. He seemed to be a very gracious guy, even though the line was long and his hand was probably cramping up. But I think I almost threw him. In answering a question he mentioned his researcher had dug something up, and by the way his researcher was in the store somewhere. So when I got to the Great Man I said "where's your researcher? I want to talk to him." I ended up interviewing the guy for American Libraries, but realized I had been a little rude. Although to be honest, I almost thought Leonard was a little relieved to have someone else be the center of attention for just a second or two.

[Jack Getze]

At Malice, myself and other new authors had to make 90-second pitches to about 100 people, one table at a time. Summing up your novel in one or two sentences is hard for everybody, but it's something writers must do in this world to have their work read. That's why Malice feels it's important for new authors to be put through a trial like this. I really learned what caught people's interest and what didn't.

[Margot Renne Payne]

What a great experience. I've heard many authors say they enjoyed the research as much, if not more, than writing the book! I look forward to reading your interview. I plan to click on your link to American Libraries.

[Anne Frasier]

i've seen that kind of thing. I'm guessing that sometimes it's utter exhaustion, especially if a writer is on tour. Maybe they can make it through their talk but by the time it's over they crash and just shut down. but some are probably just assholes,

[Margot Renne Payne]

I think it probably was the asshole factor in these instances.