Hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl
This is a good idea for a theme, but I haven’t met many authors. I avoid celebrity culture in general, including when it spills over into the bookish community. Toronto often has celebrity visitors who are here filming movies, performing concerts, doing book signings, or participating in other work events for them, so it’s not exciting to me. They’re just people like you and I are.
If I were able to meet my favourite characters in person, that would be one thing. But I’d generally either rather not meet authors at all or treat them like I would anyone else if we do cross paths. That means I might congratulate them on their latest book if they bring it up, but I won’t be fawning over or swooning over them or anything because if I were in their shoes, I’d rather just have a normal conversation about the delicious food or beautiful music at an event or something instead.
(No offence intended to those of you who enjoy such things as a reader or as an author, of course).
With those caveats in mind, here are three authors I’ve met who all happen to be fellow Canadians. They were all quite kind in our brief interactions, so do feel free to say hello to them if you know who they are and see them at bookish events.
© 2019 Larry D. Moore. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
I’ve read a couple of Sawyer books and found them mixed bags — technically interesting but not executed well.
That’s interesting! I’ve only read a couple of his books, too, but it’s been ages and I don’t remember much about their execution.
I really never run into celebrities just out and about — but I do love meeting favorite authors at signings and other book events, especially when there’s the opportunity to hear more about their work, their inspiration, etc. I haven’t read anything by these authors, but I remember my kids reading Gordon Korman’s books!
He’s such a great children’s author.
I agree with you. I think some excitement is fine, but keeping the conversation respectful and grounded is the way to go.
For sure. 🙂
We don’t really have many author events near me, but when I lived in New York we did and I never really made it to very many of them. I guess it’s just not my thing. I would find it interesting to listen to any author talks, though.
I would find that interesting, too!
Definitely my best experiences with authors have been the ones that are least about getting a book signed etc. I don’t have a super huge attachment to signed books or anything, it’s more getting to talk to the author as a person that I like!
That makes sense.
I almost never take my photo with authors, but I do enjoy meeting them and talking with them. I talk a lot, so I’m sure they were exhausted when I finally left! Every time I’ve heard an author speak, I’ve come away feeling better about the world.
I like talkative people, and I’d bet some authors do, too. 🙂
I would tend to be the same (not wanting to fawn) but I also feel like I wouldn’t be able to have intelligent conversation because I would probably wouldn’t be able to think of good conversation. 🙂 How fun that you’ve met a few authors and enjoyed the meetings. Thanks for visiting my list today. 🙂
You’re welcome. I’m glad you get it.
I understand not fanning over ‘celebrity culture’, but I admit it is fun to met authors in real life, especially if I’ve enjoyed reading their books.
That makes sense.
I haven’t met any authors yet, though I agree that I’d prefer to have a normal conversation rather than fawn over them. Though, I’d probably be too shy and awkward for a conversation bigger than basic niceties 🙂
Honestly, same here. 🙂
Interesting. I never thought of wanting to have a conversation with a talented person as fawning. That said, given I’ve met one author in my 62 years, it’s obviously not a high priority of mine. Ha!
Funny!
I do want to get some signatures for my books, but I haven’t met any authors in person (on purpose, anyways). There have been a few I met at cons.
Cool!
I don’t go out of my way to meet celebrities, though I’ve made exceptions at Comic Cons (but that’s what they’re for). I would love to hear an author I’ve enjoyed reading discuss their book and writing process. But I’ve never really had the chance. Maybe I’ll give it a shot in a couple of weeks when I’m in Toronto for Word on the Street.
Hearing an author read from their book would be cool for sure. Have fun at Word on the Street! I go there some years myself. It’s a very fun experience.
I agree. Meeting the characters would be much more fun. Happy Tuesday!
Thanks. 🙂
My kids have read and enjoyed quite a few Gordon Korman books. Pretty neat you got to meet him. I didn’t know he was Canadian, thanks for sharing 🙂
Aww, that’s awesome. I hope you and your family get to meet him someday.
I’m terrible when it comes to celebrities. I would walk right by them and not notice.
haha! I’m glad you get it.
I’m not much for celebrities either, even authors. I’ve been to some book events and signings over the years, but not many. The authors I have met have been very kind and gracious, though.
Happy TTT (on a Wednesday)!
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
I’ve had those same experiences, thankfully. 🙂
I hear ya when it comes to celebrity worship. I’m glad that you’ve had some positive experience when it comes to meeting authors though.
Thank you. I’m glad you get it.
One of the two authors I’ve met is a Canadian as well! I met Kelley Armstrong when she came to San Diego Comic Con once. I didn’t go to the con itself, but I was beta reading for Kelley at the time, so when she announced a reader event before the con while she was in town, I was happy to get to go.
Kelley Armstrong has written some good books!
I loved Sawyer’s Neanderthal books.
They were awesome. I wish we could have film versions of them.