My sister Michele is back today with another discussion guest post! (Honestly, we talk so much about books, this might have to become a regular feature!) Today, Michele is talking about authors' feelings on publication day, specifically how they might feel about being asked about their next book when their current story is just making its way into the world! It's exciting to think about what might come next, but do you think it bums authors out a little if they just want to talk about this current book that they've spent so much time and energy on?
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One of the bright
spots over the past year has been authors doing more book release
events via avenues such as Zoom. No longer do you need to live close
to your favorite author to attend their in-person release party.
Authors are teaming up with libraries and book sellers across the
country to celebrate their newest releases and readers have been able
to take part in these events from the comfort of our own homes.
The format of
these events is usually similar – a greeting from the host, a
discussion between our author and a moderator (usually another author
who writes in a similar genre or is actually friends with the guest
of honor) and a session dedicated to questions from the fans.
Inevitably, someone wants to know what the author is working on next
and I feel like this can create two different scenarios for the
author.
On one hand,
their career is based on fans continuing to buy their books. That
kind of enthusiasm lets them know people are invested in what they do
and want to continue to support them. On the other hand, it can
create a ton of pressure. As someone who works in a decidedly
uncreative field, it amazes me how authors can continuously generate
new stories, worlds, and characters. Releasing one book into the
world and celebrating that achievement while also being questioned on
what is next seems so overwhelming to me. Perhaps authors want to
allow their current book to live, breathe and find its success before
the readers rush to worry what we will consume next.
Have you attended any author events via Zoom, Facebook or Instagram? If you could ask a question to your favorite author during an event like that, what would it be?
I think it's so ingrained in us to ask "what's next" in many cases. When people get engaged, they are immediately asked when's the wedding. I agree it can produce some pressure, but I have seen many authors handle the question with grace. Glad you are getting to enjoy some book events.
ReplyDeleteAnd the day you get married, they want to know when you are having kids! It's always what's next, definitely.
DeletePeople are definitely focused on what comes next, whether it's in the bookish sector or anything else. Maybe we should all just try to enjoy what we have now. Although I do think most authors don't mind talking about what will be next for them. I'm sure they're as excited as we are about future projects.
ReplyDeleteI agree, I think whatever book they are actively working on is exciting to them!
DeleteThat's a great point. I've seen some authors say things like once it's out it's out but that might be more if they're already working on the next one and so mentally involved in it. But generally I think you're right! They probably, at the point of release, want to talk about the one that just came out! I'm going to remember that if I'm at a signing or event haha!!!
ReplyDeleteWhen I go to a signing or event, I definitely try to think of other types of questions to ask!
DeleteThat's a great point! I think it's probably very mixed - most authors will probably enjoy the question of what's next because it means people are excited about their writing. But I can imagine it can also be a super stressy question, especially if they're maybe having some issues with writing something new, which we wouldn't know. I'd still try to avoid that question and instead ask more about the process of writing the book that just came out, for example.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, i try to ask different types of questions - dream casting if their book was adapted for screen, what other genres would they consider writing in, what are they reading, etc.
DeleteI imagine most authors are used to those questions, but I do think it probably rubs a little when they're totally immersed in he release day excitement and frenzy and are All About This Book... and then get questions like, yeah but when's the next one? Gah! LOL
ReplyDeleteYeah, I think it would stress me out! So much pressure to create!
DeleteI've never attended one but have come close. I really wanted to do StokerCon this year but hated to pay as much as it involved. I would love to talk to Stephen King and ask him if he ever has trouble sleeping and what actually scares him.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great feature. Love to see more of it!
I haven't attended a lot of the online bookish events and I should make time for more. I am sure that there is a considerable amount of pressure on authors to please their fans. ;)
ReplyDeleteIn person is great, but the online events have been a lot of fun!
DeleteI keep saying I'm going to attend some of the virtual bookish events but as of yet, haven't actually done it. Some day... You make a really great point here about the pressure. We, as a society, are definitely all about what's next and how long do we have to wait for it. I think I'd probably crack under the pressure if I was an author, lol.
ReplyDeleteLOL me too! Creative people are a wonder to me.
DeleteI think for me it would be hard to know that I spent all this time on this book and people are ready to move on to the next one! But maybe it depends on the author - I think for some of the bigger authors, the publishing process takes so long that by the time the book comes out, they are well into their next story, so maybe they're ready to talk about it.
ReplyDeleteOr maybe indie authors that put out multiple books per year, they need the fan base to be consistently excited about that next book.
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