"Just" Readers

It always bothers me when people feel the need to qualify their opinion with "just a reader", or "I'm not published" and so on.  I guess because when I sold my book, there was no miracle fairy dust that settled over me making my opinion suddenly more valuable than it was the day before.  And on the flipside, I've had bad experiences in the past because I've put too much credence in the opinion or advice of a writer solely because he/she was published.

I think there's good advice and bad advice going around at any given time, same as there are positive influences and negative influences.  None of which are dependent on whether or not a person has written a book or sold it.

There are a couple of boards here, where in the past, I felt like I was ignored because I was a reader and not a writer, as a result I don't visit those boards.  (Although honestly, when school is in session, I don't visit anywhere, but that is a completely separate issue).  I'm more of a lurker anyway, but I do have a tendency to avoid those places, which could have changed.

As for having worthwhile opinions, I think that all readers do.  However, I would say that some people are more comfortable with saying that a book was an excellent read or didn't work for them without giving details.  Certainly, I prefer to think things through and give details, but I know that everyone is not like that.  (As a matter of fact, I would hazard a guess that my husband would prefer that I didn't analyze every little detail of a book or movie since he gets to hear all about it). 

When I read a review, I would rather see details simply because that helps me to decide whether or not I am interested in the book.  However, I also know that there are some people whose tastes are similar or mine or whose opinion I respect enough to listen to even if they don't give details.

When I see that someone did not enjoy a book that I really liked or does not care for an author that I think is wonderful, I usually chalk it up to differing tastes.  For example, you and I differ on somethings but enjoy some of the same things.  When I see that you have read a historical--say Julia Quinn for example--then I read your review carefully if I haven't read the book because I know my opinion of it will be similar, but I tend to skip over your Blaze reviews because Blazes just aren't my thing. 

I don't usually feel shy about saying that a book did/didn't work for me because 1) I think about what I am saying before I say it and 2) readers are an important part of the industry.  There would not be a publishing industry if there were not readers.  (I don't know that my thoughts about that are the same as anyone else's, but I can no means be considered shy regardless. )

What else was there?  Oh, yes, typos.  Typos make me crazy!  Nothing can pull me out of a book faster than poor editing.  I always thought that was because I can't turn off the English teacher part of my brain that is constantly editing, so I am glad to know they bother some one else!

J

First of all, let me say that I think this is a very intelligent and thought-provoking blog.  In the strangest way, it's encouraged me. 

Yes, I'm a writer.  However, first and foremost, I'm a reader.  Through the years, I've gotten caught up in fairty-tales, biographies, romances, mysteries, newspapers (this one was unavoidable) home decor books, coffee table books, and the list goes on....  From a early age I knew I also wanted to write.  However, I married a man who solely likes to read.  He has no desire to write - says it's too much trouble.  And that's fine with me, because without readers what would be the use in writing a book? 

Anyway, since you mentioned that you feel hesitant to comment in the writer's forums and blogs, I have to confess that there are times that I feel totally out-of-it myself.  Being a writer, would-be author, or a pubbed author doesn't automatically qualify a person for a mythical united writer's cult.  It can be pretty darned daunting to compare myself (even though I try not to) against other writers/authors.  There's times I want to run screaming from the forums because I feel I'll never write as prolifically or superbly as someone else.  It's a negative feeling that has to be stomped into the ground in order to keep pressing on.  But I dare say all authors have felt it at some point.

Having the ability and desire to write doesn't make me any better than the person who will one day read my book.  In fact, it's an honor to imagine that 'just readers' might review my book honestly.  So, please, Sadhbh, give us your opinions and hop into the writer's conversations, because we need people like you to voice your say-so.  I know I appreciate your candid blogs and reviews.  I need (all authors need) readers support and affection (for lack of a better word). This includes you, too, J.

Oh, and one last thing.  You touched on the differences of opinion for a book.  I've noticed this, too.  And, believe it or not, it's encouraging to a writer/author because even if the book doesn't work for one person, it does for another.  Meaning?  A fan base, of course.  It would be nice if everyone loved the same book, but it's not likely to happen.  There are too many people with too many opinions and preferences.  Again, this is more encouraging than discouraging. 

Speaking from a reader's POV, I have to agree that it does kind of baffle me when someone else doesn't like a book I'm particularly in love with.  Still, it's what makes the world go around, I guess. 

This is a great blog, Sadhbh!

You always start great discussions.  Thanks.

I try very hard not to say "I'm just a reader"!  Usually I try to say I read, I don't write or something along those lines!  After meeting authors at RWA a person realizes even more that as readers we are appreciated.  The authors would have no reason to write if we were not buying/reading books. 

Many times I've said if we were all the same it would be dull & boring!  That saying can go for our reading tastes also, if we all liked the same type of books there wouldn't be so many wonderful choices.  I prefer to not read much in the way of a serious or depressing story which is probably why I read romance.  It is to escape from my world and I love knowing there will be a HEA. 

Since I've never been one to hesitate to express my opinion!!!    When I post a review on the challenge I try to not be negative in my comments.  If I read the whole book there was something in it that kept me reading.  If I loved a book I try to not say to much or give away anything so the person that looked at the review can make their own discoveries about the book.