The subtitle of this site is: “Romance Authors and Readers Who Blog.” When I first noticed that, I thought to myself: Self, you’re not a romance author or a romance reader. Why have they asked you to be part of this? Well, because you’re a literary agent, probably… And I realized almost immediately that I had just done something to myself that I have, in the past, objected to – the categorization of agent as a non-reader. So, I started to pick away at why I might have done that and it got me thinking…
One of my clients occasionally waxes eloquent on the “reader-writer transaction,” or more specifically on the notion that once the piece of writing has been released into the world, the author is then dependent, to a certain extent, on what each individual reader brings to the table from their own experience(s) and how that will affect their response to the writing. With regard to the romance genre, it seems to me that this transaction is extremely applicable. Romance is designed by its very nature to pluck at the heartstrings and engage the innermost feelings of the reader. This, then, should be the most important relationship for the writer to cultivate. Not the one with their publisher, their editor, or their agent. But the one they have with each individual reader, which includes those three parties and more. Of course, it’s pretty much impossible for an author to meet each reader that has picked up their book. Or is it? Don’t they meet the writer through the pages of the book itself? This relationship is even more tenuous than the one I might have with anyone who reads this entry online. They may have the opportunity to comment, but the reader of an author’s book does not. Or at least, usually not directly. But it does come back. Through letters, perhaps. Through word-of-mouth. And eventually the writer will know they’ve reached someone. And it only takes one for the transaction to be made.
I might sometimes only be a reader in the context of being an agent. But I was a reader long before I was an agent. My dad brought home science fiction and fantasy from the library and my mother brought home mysteries and romance novels. I was snitching from their piles when my own books had been read long before I had even heard of query letters. And if, for some inexplicable reason, I find myself in a world where I am no longer a literary agent, I will remain a reader. And that relationship will be just as vital, if not moreso, to the future careers of writers as the one I have now.
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Interesting post, Jennifer! I’d never thought about it before, but it is amazing how we, as readers, feel like we know something about an author after we finish reading their books. And you’re right, to some extent we do. Because as authors, pieces of ourselves, no matter how small or large, go into each and every story we create.
Great food for thought!
I bet that to be a good agent (or a good author) you have to be first and foremost, a reader.
The hardest part of being an author,(for me anyway) is opening up and leaving something of myself behind on paper for the reader. It’s easy to write description and action, but when you’re talking about emotion you’re talking about letting the reader look straight into your heart, and sometimes that is about as easy as cutting yourself and letting your blood flow onto the keyboard.
Great post, Jenn. When we’re in the throes of a deadline or pounding our heads against the wall trying to nail down a character or a plot point, it might help to picture the end of the road — the reader who will (hopefully) feel what we’re trying to convey. Glad you’re here!
Great blog, Jennifer. And I agree. I’m an author, but I’m also a reader. And as a reader I develop a relationship with the writer of every book I read. The writer’s story becomes my personal journey, whether it be contemporary, paranormal, futuristic or any of the many genres I love to read.
When I pick up a book and sit down on my sofa, my legs curled under me, I cease being a writer. I’m merely a fan.
The reason I became a writer is because of that relationship with my favorite writers. Not that I know any of them personally. But I still feel close to them because of what they’ve brought to my reading experience. I’ve immersed myself in their journey, have laughed and cried and celebrated the happily ever after, thankful to have been given the opportunity to live in the worlds they have created.
Now if I could only find time to read as much as I used to…..
And authors start as readers too…
Sometimes reading a favorite author can help rejuvenate those creative juices when they’re drying up. I love the thrill of reading a wonderful book, and knowing it will join my “Keeper Shelf.” I think the more an author is willing to reach out and expose herself to readers, sometimes the closer that emotional read can become. It’s wrenching, but there are certain books I will always buy because I know the payoff will be there.
Amy G. – good to “see” you again – sounds like a good idea, there: keeping your eyes on the prize of readers when struggling with those nasty deadlines and other things.
Jaci – Interesting point about sharing the journey and getting to visit elsewhere. That’s what I look for in a book too… And I wish I had more time for reading myself. Too many books, not enough time.
Michelle – Sometimes when I feel a little down about all the paperwork or finding that next gem or whatever I go back and read my favorites too – both clients and otherwise. A great story is always good for what ails you, I think.