I think we all start out as readers who are out of touch. Simply reading books, no community and not understanding how close an Author is within reach. Then one day randomly you start finding your "people". Other readers, aspiring authors, actual authors, bloggers the likes. And suddenly you're thrusted into this world that seems like a utopia, and you find yourself communicating with an author you truly admire.
but as a reader first when do you realize that there are actual boundaries that we should not ignore when it comes to these "relationships"? I love being able to express my gratitude for an Authors work of art. I'm thankful for some of the books I have been able to read because of their beautiful minds. But do you ever find yourself hounding them for more? more as soon as they've just delivered? I wonder what that feels like for them and does that "more" register faster than the actual praise.
Some books aren't deep emotionally and don't require a lot of "getting into character" but an Author still has to become someone else to write a story. With this in mind I asked one of my most favorite Authors "Is it hard to take yourself to a dark place to write a character's story or is it harder to come out of it?" I truly had to take into consideration what goes into an Author's work.
They need downtime after several characters have talked and talked and talked to them for however long it took them to write their story. Losing sleep, disconnecting from everything and everyone. And then to hit publish and the only responses are "when's the next one?" that has to seem like a dismissal to one's process.
It's not all readers and it may not even be you, but it happens, and often. Then as readers some have the tendency to get way beside themselves and send emails. Are you people mad? What does an Author owe you that makes you feel comfortable enough to harass them because yes, it's harassment. We have to truly remember that beyond being an Author, they are human first and foremost then a writer right after, or hell even a mother or wife before that.
I'm not a review reader type of girl but the ignorance that goes into reviews sometimes is sort of baffling. lol like are you dumb? they (authors) can't say it, but I can! ARE YOU DUMB?
*Points to temples* TURN IT ONNNNNN!
We have to remember to give Authors grace. There's a process, a very long, tedious, sometimes daunting process but nevertheless it should be respected. And also remember they aren't really our friends. (Well, some are mine lmfao) social media has definitely thrown a metaphorical wrench in the Author/Reader line but we should also be checking our peers who we see stepping over said line in kitten heels.
When is enough, enough?
Imagine a book not coming out on its original release date, are you immediately asking for it? Only concerned about what you were promised, or you concerned about what might have happened for it to be delayed?
With all that being said, Authors your process is important. Your work even more important. And I admire the blood, sweet and literal tears you put into your work. It's truly not an easy task to take on other personalities to deliver a well written story to readers who don't take nearly as long to read the story as you took writing it. May words flow effortlessly in abundance for whatever project you are currently plotting or in the middle of writing.
Dear readers if you are a real reader and you admire the work of an Author remember to tell them in a review with no pressure behind it. Consume their catalogue and always remember to recommend their work to others! They'll appreciate that more than being hounded.
oh. and WEBSITE EXCLUSIVES are just that. support it the way you would an amazon release. with the exact same haste because you truly love and support the Authors work. They deserve to reap all the benefits of their labor.