What do writers owe their readers? Do readers owe writers anything? I did a guest post on the topic of writer-reader loyalty on the site BooksAnd.net I hope you will check it out and let me know what you think.
The way I see it. We are mutually dependent on each other. Without readers, writers are out of business. Without writers, what will we read? So if you have any insights about how we can help each other out, do let me know.
3 comments:
I agree that it goes both ways. There is definitely a co-dependency. If we as writers are careful to hone our craft, create stories that hold the reader,we will do well and our readers will long for our next book. If we as readers make sure we buy books of the authors we adore and spread the word, the sales of that book will soar. That means the publishers are more likely to publish that author's next book. This is a symbiosis of pleasure.
"A symbiosis of pleasure." I like that!
I believe authors should write meaningful stories with messages that can be life-changing or at least inspiring; something that leaves the reader thinking. Yes, the stories should be entertaining or who is going to want to read them. But I believe we have an obligation to use the gift God gave us to try to make the reader's life better in some way. I have read books that didn't say anything that really mattered and I'm not into those.
As for readers, I don't really think they owe authors anything. They don't have to buy our books, so I am very grateful for every sale I get. I do think, though, that readers who are also book bloggers should respect what we do (I've found that the majority do - at least most of the ones I've come across)and if they don't like a story they've read there is such a thing as constructive criticism - they should never bash or say anything against the author; just stick to the story and if they didn't like it they should explain why in a professional manner without being overly critical.
Post a Comment