Comments on: Do You Invite the Author?

By: Fran

Fran — Thu, 28 May 2009 16:59:33 +0000

what is the site to contact authors for them to call in to bookclub?

By: Valerie Anne Faulkner

Valerie Anne Faulkner — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 17:05:26 +0000

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.

By: Cheryl Bryan

Cheryl Bryan — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 17:56:20 +0000

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.

By: Debra Spruill

Debra Spruill — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 16:08:17 +0000

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

By: Debra

Debra — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 19:15:07 +0000

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.

By: Robert Alexander

Robert Alexander — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 17:23:42 +0000

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).

By: Trig

Trig — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 16:58:22 +0000

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!

By: beth b

beth b — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 15:48:50 +0000

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.

By: Cara Black

Cara Black — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 15:41:45 +0000

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.

By: Nancy Werlin

Nancy Werlin — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 15:27:03 +0000

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.