Comments for Weekly Geeks 2010-09

Weekly Geeks 2010-09: Do books do the talking or do you want more from your authors?: 03/13/10

Having recently been told that I'm odd because I'm not terribly interested in author interviews I've started to ponder whether there are two types of readers ...those who stick to the books versus those who like to know more about the author's background, thoughts, motivations and writing process.

So, what about you?

1. Do you seek out interviews with authors of books you've enjoyed? Why or why not?
   I don't typically seek out interviews with authors whose books I've enjoyed. When I was a film student (theory, not production) I learned that ultimately the artwork has to stand on its own. Even when one does know an author's intent (as through an interview) the text might work for the reader on a completely different or unexpected level. The reader's response to the text is just as valid regardless of how close that reaction is to the intended response.
   
   
2. Do you interview authors on your blog? If yes what did you gain from the interview process? If no is it because you don't want to or because you haven't felt able to ask an author yet?
   No. I don't typically run interviews. Part of that reason is I just don't have the time and I don't often feel like I have questions to ask that haven't already been asked in interviews. I would rather just link to the previously posted interview.
   
   The one big exception to that rule is for The Blue Food Revolution, a book I received for review from the author. The book is presented in an unusual fashion and the two novels that together act as one novel have surreal storylines. Although I loved the book I felt like I was anywhere close to understanding the imagery. Since I had the author's email address I asked him if I could interview him. He happily agreed and I will be getting his interview and my review posted soon.
   
   
3. Do you subscribe to the blogs of authors you like? Which ones? All the authors you like or only certain ones?
   I love author blogs. Every author should have one. Some of the author blogs I read: John Scalzi, Amanda Ashby, Nathan Hale, Shannon Hale, Meg Cabot, and Lois Lowry.
   
   
4. Do you track down author websites or look for biographical information about them elsewhere? Would you skip reading a book if you couldn't find out anything about its author?
   Sometimes I will look for biographical information on an author. The internet makes this process much easier than it used to be. I would never skip reading a book because I couldn't find biographical information. If it were presented as a memoir I would be skeptical if I couldn't verify the information presented in the book but I would still probably read it.
   
   
5. Have you hosted an author on a blog tour? Was it someone whose books you already read or did it introduce you to a new author?
   I have in the past but I find blog tours much too stressful. I haven't participated in a blog tour for more than 18 months.
   

weekly geeks

Comments (16)

Permalink

Comment #1: Saturday, March, 13, 2010 at 22:35:25

gautami

I prefer to google than subscribe to any author websites!

Comment #2: Sunday, March 14, 2010 at 20:09:23

Pussreboots

The sites I subscribe to are well written blogs and really aren't focused on promoting the published books. I don't read every post they write but I do enjoy reading them when I have the time.

Comment #3: Saturday, March, 13, 2010 at 23:13:37

sari

Like you I do not have time to interview but when I did one with Ruth Downie I asked other bloggers what one question they would like to ask of her. I chose my list of questions from the answers I received. Ruth thought this was great fun and in a way, was able to talk to more than one fan.

Comment #4: Sunday, March 14, 2010 at 20:16:31

Pussreboots

That sounds like a fun way to do an interview. Coming up with questions is the hardest part.

Comment #5: Sunday, March, 14, 2010 at 04:37:29

Kerrie

I don't really see a lot of point in blog tours. However I do like to know some bio. details about an author if I can find them.

Comment #6: Sunday, March 14, 2010 at 20:21:43

Pussreboots

I think the blog tours are to make things easy for the author... get all the publicity done at one time. But I think they over saturate the blogosphere with duplicate information.

Comment #7: Sunday, March, 14, 2010 at 04:57:31

Rikki

Totally agree with no. 1.

Comment #8: Sunday, March 14, 2010 at 20:27:45

Pussreboots

Thanks. I'm glad you stopped by.

Comment #9: Sunday, March, 14, 2010 at 11:59:23

Jeane

You are not odd. (Or if you are, then I am too!) I like for a book to stand on its own. Sometimes its interesting for me to learn more about an author, but mostly I'd just rather read the books. I've never hosted an author review on my blog and never really plan to.

Comment #10: Sunday, March 14, 2010 at 20:31:15

Pussreboots

I'm odd in my own special ways but I wasn't the one asking about being odd. I was just quoting the person who asked the question for the Weekly Geeks assignmen this week.

Comment #11: Sunday, March, 14, 2010 at 23:49:47

greytfriend

I think one of the reason I'm interested in authors' personal backgrounds is because I read so many series. After a few books I start to wonder if certain elements relate to their family life, interests, etc. I usually check for websites when I'm reading a book. I don't do blogs much just because it's takes so much time, and I want to read! But I've found that I really like following authors on twitter and getting a sense of their personalities. And I love when friends have author interviews on their blogs and I happen upon them through twitter. I guess I just like checking things out when I get a chance more than a structured following.

Comment #12: Sunday, March 14, 2010 at 10:38:34

Pussreboots

I don't read many series but I do enjoy following authors via their blogs and twitter accounts. Lately I've been following authors before I read their books instead of because I read their books.

Comment #13: Monday, March, 15, 2010 at 10:59:28

Jeane

Very sorry! I should have read that more carefully. I didn't meant to offend.

Comment #14: Sunday, March 14, 2010 at 10:42:05

Pussreboots

No offense taken. I was trying to respond in a joking fashion.

Comment #15: Tuesday, March, 16, 2010 at 11:53:11

Nicki

I like your response to question #1. You're right, an author should not have to clarify their intent in an interview.

Comment #16: Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at 21:41:15

Pussreboots

Authors don't always know why something works. They get caugt up in the excitement of reading or maybe were asked by an editor to rework a scene. There are so many factors at play in a book or other piece of art.