Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Reading Confession (Anniversary Edition)

I have a weak spot for authors. The kind who take time to respond to a twitter comment or visit me here on my blog. The ones who aren't trying to pitch their books. Well, maybe they are in a way. But they don't mention their books--at least not at first. Their simple act of outreach makes me curious about them--and their books. Maybe it's intentional on their part. Maybe not.

What I do know is that it sparks my interest, and I've been known to seek out and buy the author's book. It may take me a while to read said book given how large my TBR collection is, but it is added to my personal library just the same. If it's a book I am not interested in reading myself, I keep it in mind for others.

Sometimes the attention and kindness an author shows other bloggers and readers has the same effect on me. However, a negative interaction can be a big turn off.

This is just another something I have to be grateful for since I began blogging. Not only am I influenced by other bloggers and their reading recommendations, but I have the opportunity to meet authors as well and check out their books.

Are you more motivated to read a book by a friendly author?


© 2011, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

13 comments:

  1. Most definitely! I made a commitment at the beginning of the year to accept review copies from only a few authors, but after meeting two authors online and through Twitter - not pitching their book, but commenting and chatting - I happily accepted review copies of their books. And, fortunately, I loved both of them.

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  2. Absolutely! Just recently I accepted an ARC from Wendy Wax, who, in the past, has actually purchased her own books and signed them and donated them for my ALL event. I have been taking a break from ARCs but I had to do her this favor because she was so nice!

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  3. I met a wonderful author through blogging and to date I've purchased everything he's ever released because I've come to know him more like a character. This reach extends past authors, though. I found my editor through reading articles on editors and reading the comments they left. A lot of them were really nasty comments! I chose her because she was tactful and light-hearted no matter what the articles said.

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  4. I agree with everything you said. I am more likely to buy an author's book if they have contacted me personally have reading a review on my blog too. I've also been known to be turned off by author's based on comments they have made that I've read.

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  5. Of course! After a while the friendly authors feel like old friends to me.

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  6. Oh, absolutely! If they take the time to put themselves out there I like to return the favor.

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  7. Yes and no. Obviously the attention is nice, but most of the time they expect something. I would rather discover the book on my own, read it and THEN chat with the author. I feel awkward about interacting with authors too much before reading the book; I think it sets up unrealistic expectations on both sides.

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  8. I think it depends on the author and their genuineness. I like interacting with authors, but I generally don't accept pitches directly from authors because then everything seems awkward (and most I have been pitched directly I have had issues with). It's just uncomfortable to say, "Thanks for the free book, but I didn't like it at all."

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  9. I love it when an author takes the time to send me a message or leaves a comment on my blog. I have tremendous respect for authors, and feel like when I get to speak with them that it's like rubbing elbows with a celebrity. I have been known to buy a book or two based on an author contact, and also to accept review copies from them. I never expected that when I began to review books that I would someday be chatting with their authors. A good interaction with an author just makes my day!

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  10. I definitely enjoy the opportunity to interact with authors that my blog gives me!

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  11. Thank you all for your comments! I found it interesting how many of you automatically thought of ARCs and review books. :-) I was actually thinking more along the lines of books I've bought on my own as a result of an author's friendliness. But, when I think about it, the holds true for review books as well.

    I do understand what Marie is saying about unrealistic expectations and awkwardness that might creep in on either end if I don't like a book, like Alyce suggested. There is always that possibility.

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  12. I totally agree! Michelle Moran - she is awesome in the bloggy world, has a great internet presence, and I've collected all her books. Love her! Yet I've yet to get around to reading her!! She's just one of a ton of authors I love but haven't read yet.

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