Do You Invite the Author?
Posted by: Ted Balcom
Oprah invites the authors to her book discussions. Publishers are now encouraging readers to contact authors to participate in discussions of their books, if not in person, then via the telephone. Several members of my book discussion group have speculated that having an author join us for a session might be “fun,” but somehow the idea lacks appeal for me.
I keep thinking that if the author showed up, the people in the group might be too awestruck to say anything critical about the book. Certainly the author would be an asset in answering questions about the book and its deeper meanings, but wouldn’t it be awkward if a group member confessed that an important aspect of the story completely sailed over her head, or — worse! — she got what the author was trying to say, but she didn’t like the message, or the way it was rendered?
So perhaps I’m contradicting myself here. On the one hand, I’m worried that my group members would be intimidated by the presence of the author, and on the other, I’m concerned that they’ll be too outspoken and wind up hurting the author’s feelings! I’m wondering if any Book Group Buzz readers have had experience with authors attending discussions of their books, and if the result has been positive or otherwise.
I’ve observed that when Oprah has the author sit in, what transpires is less of a discussion than a presentation by the author, telling what prompted the writing of the book, what difficulties the author had to surmount to create the work, and what parts of the book the author feels most strongly about. All of which is quite interesting — but is it really a book discussion? If the participants don’t have a chance to exchange ideas and impressions and express their opinions, are they going to be satisfied? And what happens to the leader? Does he find his role as facilitator flying out the window, and instead, interviewing the author for the enlightenment of the group members?
Is there anyone out there who has actually experienced this situation — either as a group leader or group member? Please, if you have, I’d like you to weigh in on the topic, and let us know if it can work!
March 30th, 2009 at 9:28 pm
Yes. Twice I had an author “phone it in” and it was a tremendous addition to the club’s discussion. You get an insight that you don’t get from reader discussion alone. both were excellent books and totally enjoyed by all the club members so there was no need for criticism so I can’t speak of that. One author was Donna Woolfolk Cross who was a pioneer in doing this. She wrote “Pope Joan”, the other was a book called In Good Company. The author works on staff at America Magazine. So it was a great time. I encourage it.
March 31st, 2009 at 6:46 pm
You point out many of the pros and cons to inviting an author to a discussion of their book. We’ve had authors a few times and have never felt it was an interview. The author has been able to answer questions about choices made for characters, settings, etc. We have also contacted the author by email after a discussion to ask why they took the plot one way or another. We have been pleased with responses.
Last year we discussed two science fiction books by a local author and invited her to attend. Some of us did not particularly care for the books but were able to ask some critical questions that were answered with grace by the author. We came away with a better appreciation for the stories.
This year we planned to discuss two books by the same author, quite well known. I asked the leader if she would like to try to get the author for a phone or video conference. She said no as she was worried we would not be as honest about the books if the author was present.
I look forward to hearing comments from others.
April 9th, 2009 at 9:05 am
As an author, I’d like to speak from the other side. Joining book clubs, when I can, is very rewarding. It’s a two-way street, this writing. When I am able to connect to my readers in a book group in person or even on the telephone, it allows me to put faces and voices to my readership. When we write, it’s a solitary thing. I like to remember those faces, those personal stories of people that I’ve met, people whom I know will be looking for my next book. I like to keep them in mind. It’s these people that push me to create my best work.
I am always happy to accommodate book clubs in whatever way possible–I think most authors feel the same. I find that readers get more out of my books by learning the behind-the-scenes facts. And I, in turn, get something back from them.
April 9th, 2009 at 9:27 am
As both a member of a book group and as an author who’s been invited to speak about her work at book groups, having the author visit by telephone (or Skype) for half an hour lets you have it both ways.
April 9th, 2009 at 9:41 am
I’ve been on both sides of this so to speak; as a book group member and as an author invited to speak at book groups.
I loved both because it made the book come more alive and gave more depth in our discussion as pointed out above. And food is always involved! As an author it’s great to revisit the story behind the story which readers always want to know.
April 9th, 2009 at 9:48 am
I have attended one book club session where the author was in attendance and, speaking for myself, I did not feel free to make a negative comment. It was interesting to hear his comments, but I do think his presence was inhibiting to the discussion. In reference to the leaders comment that everyone enjoyed the book thoroughly, I think it is possible to enjoy a book, but still have questions or negative points that could be voiced, but would not be in the presence of the author.
April 9th, 2009 at 10:58 am
We have had an author appear in person to our book club meeting. We had 2 authors phone into the discussion. My members were more quiet and intimidated by the phone chats, rather than the in-person visit. I think more preparation goes into the phone chat. You almost have to queue the members to ask their questions just to avoid dead air on the phone. In person, you have a natural conversation. It also seems like the author may be able to gauge when when to stay on point or shorten their answers. On the phone, I think some authors keep talking for fear of hearing that dead silence when they are done!
April 9th, 2009 at 11:23 am
As the author of 3 historical novels (The Kitchen Boy, Rasputin’s Daughter, The Romanov Bride), I have spoken in person to over 200 book clubs. And my resounding reply is: Yes, invite the author whenever you can. It adds an entirely different dimension to any book, one that is enriching and (truly) always fun.
You’re quite correct in that having the author present changes the dynamics from a critical discussion into more of a presentation. Oh, I’ve had pointed, critical questions, but they have always been asked not simply courteously but with a true desire to understand.
When it comes right down to it, any author would rather speak to a group of engaged readers than sit at a card table in a mall and not be approached by a book lover but by someone wanting directions to the restroom.
And by the way, if you’re interested in historical novels set during the Russian Revolution, don’t hesitate to contact me via my website (www.robertalexanderbooks.com) so that we can set up a conference call or video chat (via Skype or iChat).
April 11th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
My book discussion group has had one telephone chat with an author. I asked the group to submit a few questions in advance, which I e-mailed to the author, though we did not limit ourselves to those. This gave him a chance to be a bit prepared, though the intent was that he would e-mail responses if the call could not take place for some reason. The group discussed the book for about 30 minutes before the phone call, so we had a chance to say what we wanted without any intimidation. The call lasted 30 minutes, and then we had a chance to discuss our reactions to his comments. It was fun, and this format worked well for us.
April 13th, 2009 at 10:08 am
Hello,
My book club has invited authors to meetings on several occasions and always with great interaction between the author and the group. We have never been awestruck and the dialogue has proven to be quite energetic. Our book-club reads a good deal of non-fiction and having the chance to discuss with one of those authors is terrific. By the same token when we read fiction, the differences of opinion amongst the group offers great exhanges with the author.
Bottom line - I recommend having an author, on occasion. I would not make it a habit, after all the idea is to share thoughts within the group.
Regards, Debra Spruill
April 13th, 2009 at 11:56 am
We invited the author of one of our books this winter. while it was interesting hearing her I felt that it wiped out the group’s discussion of the book.
So if the purpose is to encourage broad reading and have a social evening doing something different together I think inviting the author is great. I think even another book club member who considered themselves an expert on the book or the subject of the book creates a problem in the discussing of the book and listening to each other about our reactions to the book. If you really want to have a discussion of the book with the book group members I think the author inhibits that.
April 23rd, 2009 at 11:05 am
Last month I was contacted by a woman who wanted to have me come speak at her book club meeting. She was the initiative in having my book read. I was ecstatic and marked my calendar. A few weeks prior to the club discussion the ‘group’ informed her of their preference…that I should not attend. Reason: If I were present, it might inhibit them from having a debate, and discourage or prohibit normal conversation amongst them. The woman contacted me with a heartfelt apology, and cancellation.
As a first time author, I would have loved to attend this meeting to gain insight and/or encouragement with my writing career…and experience it all first hand and by the reader. I believe most authors know that their writing may be a treasure for one person and not for another, and that’s okay. Thick skins are prevalent in authors. Continuing to learn and improve is what it’s all about.
May 28th, 2009 at 10:59 am
what is the site to contact authors for them to call in to bookclub?