Authors' Personalities

Today I wanted to talk a little on something that I've just realized.

An author's personality often effects my opinion of their writing.

This all kind of started about two years ago for me.  There is a certain series that I had been reading.  I read I think the first 4.  They were alright.  I didn't love them but they interested me enough that I kept reading and bought them.  But then I started following the author's blog.  I was kinda put off by her.  She did a few FAQ posts and some of her responses to her fan's questions were, well... rude.  And this seemed to be a consistent things with her.  And another thing, she didn't seem too humble about her writing.  I have to admit, I do admire her, for the amount of books she manages to publish.  She must write till her fingers bleed over the keyboard.

But you know what?  I've realized she's published 3 more books in that series and I have had no desire to pick them up again, ever since I read her blog.

On the other hand, I followed another authors book as it was leading up to publication, even talked to her a few times.  Her book came out and right as it did I had the amazing opportunity to meet her in person.  She's such a wonderful and friendly person.  The kind that will talk to you like she's known you for years.  And her posts are always so friendly and uplifting.

But when I went to read her book I was a little let down.  I liked it but I didn't love it.  But the thing is, I will continue to read the series, and probably her other books, simply for the fact of how much I like the author's personality.

One more thing I just barely remembered, there is another author who is HUGE and I feel like I'm the only one who's never read any of his works.  But because of some bashing remarks toward another author I'm a fan of, that he made in an all too public way, I won't read his books.

Is that weird?  Does an authors personality ever effect your reading of their work?  Or am I just being... judgmental or something?

5 comments:

flanpnhfpnanfnFN said...

I keep finding that I gravitate more towards books where the authors personality and mine are alike like in the Wicked Lovely series. I don't nessisarily LOVE the story in some series (i actually love every aspect of Wicked Lovely) but sometimes i contunue reading a series just for the personality like the Morganville Vampires series. Great post!

I'm doing a series on my blog for debut authors and the first post went up today, come check it out? http://blackfingernailedreviews.blogspot.com/2011/02/2011-debut-author-incites-beth-revis.html

Nicole said...

I think that's normal - I do the same thing... there's certain authors that after seeing interviews with them or reading interviews with them I just think *urk* then there's the blogger I used to follow who felt writing was an utter gift and was insulted by 'normal' people suggesting they might try it.. yuck no thanks ;p

The Arrival, only .99c on Amazon
www.damselinadirtydress.com

Trisha Wolfe said...

I completely agree with you on this. After being on Twitter for a while, and following a few authors, I now see their work a bit differently. Work that I thought was just "okay" when I see how rude an author is, suddenly becomes "bad" to me. And work that I read that is cute, but not the greatest story, when the author is truly out there sending a wonderful message to other writers, I find I enjoy their work that much more. We have been conditioned this way, ever since HS LOL. And books have a deeper connection with people, especially writers, than movies or TV shows. Great post!

Rane Anderson said...

I totally agree with you, Keary. These days it is all too easy to see what authors are like in "real" life. Their personalities do drip onto the page along with their words, but if it is a negative side to them, we can view it as the BOOK, not them. But lately I have been reading the blogs of several authors I admire, and I must say: I am put off by some of their personalities. I dislike when they are not humble about their success. I don't like rude comments or assumptions either.

Never fear: you have a great online personality! :-D

And by the way, I am most interested in what you said about your sales being more in the UK. That is so interesting! They are just catching the "fallen angel" popularity, huh? That reminds me when I went to Australia a year or two after the Twilight series had reached its "mania" stage. It was really just catching on there!!

OK talk to you later

Rane
from The Lit Express

Chantele Sedgwick said...

I don't think that's weird at all. I am always more ready to read a book by a nice, down to earth author than one who opens their mouth way too much and say things that they shouldn't. Even aspiring authors need to keep their mouths shut sometimes. People always find out about bashing someone else. It's not good for them or their book. :) Great post. Thanks for stopping by my blog! :) I'm a follower now!