Our book club is currently reading a short-story collection written by the husband of one of our members. I’m only halfway through it, but I am enjoying it very much. When we first decided to read it, the plan was for the author to come to our meeting, which is next week, and join in our discussion. Now I’m not sure that he is coming, because we’ll be meeting at a restaurant instead of at their home as we typically do.
But either way, I’m a little stuck on what to say and ask. Typically our discussions tend toward what we liked and didn’t, characters that annoyed us, what we found believable or un-, what messages we took away from the book. I’m curious as to how that will all play out with the very different dynamic of having to consider the author’s feelings too.
What would you want to know? Would you focus on questions about writing process or seize the opportunity to dive more deeply into the characters’, and the author’s, motivations and choices?
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve heard that there is a way to express that you didn’t like something and still be polite. Sounds weird to me, since I prefer the “you know what really sucked?” method.
My book group considered having an author attend, but we’d decided against it, because I think it really changes the dynamic of the group and tilts the discussion.
One idea would be to get the author’s input and then talk about the book behind her back, after she leaves.
I would ask the author… once the book ends, what do you see next for the characters? I’m also curious what happens to them after the last page.
Good question. It’s always hard to know what to say to the creator of the work.
That said, I’d be interested in knowing about the process.
I think I’d want to know if his characters were inspired by people in his life, who inspired him as a writer, why he chose short story rather than novel as his format, and my standard question that I love to ask authors: what have you read recently that you really liked? If it feels awkward you can always move away from his book and more toward literature in general.
Two things sprang to mind: 1) How fortunate that you’re enjoying the book! and 2) The episode of SATC where Carrie criticizes the scrunchie in Berger’s book.
I would love to hear from a fiction author about how he/she becomes attached to the characters. Sadly, so much recent fiction involves zero character development that I can’t imagine many authors even care about their characters.
Character development all the way baby!
Wow – what an opportunity. I’d like to know it all. What is his favorite story in the collection and why? who are his favorite characters and where did they come from? where does he get inspiration? how does he come up with a plot? has he attempted a novel and how does writing a short story differ from writing a novel? how does he read a book? does he read for plot, enjoy the words, look for ideas, criticize the approach, able to be a reader without the writing side intruding?
I hope he attends.
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I would ask if the idea for the story came first…or if the idea for one of the characters. Plus, I’m always curious about the writing process. Day or night? Piecemeal or hours of writing at a time?
Wow! What a great opportunity! But first, I have to ask (totally off the record), what did you think of the book? I’m in need of some book club recommendations and based on the Amazon review, this one sounds rather interesting.
I would go with Jen’s and Wendy’s ideas of asking what writers he likes, what inspires his writing, and who are his biggest influences.
I’ve got an award waiting for you at my place! xoxo
Was there anything about the characters that he had wanted to include but had to cut to make the story flow more smoothly?
Love the new look!!
I want to join a book club- that is a wonderful idea!!