One of the dear readers over at Dear Author is fighting mad because Karin Slaughter, author of Beyond Reach made a choice with the characters in her story to which the dear reader objected–vehemently.
I went through the drama on Ms. Slaughter’s site to see what all the hubbub was about. So, okay, it turns out to be a MAJOR plot twist in a series of stories–one likely to upset or at least impact on many readers. I don’t read the series, so I have absolutely no stake in it. Just interesting news on a rainy New York afternoon.
Then I headed over to Murder She Writes. Jen Apodaca discusses the topic of author obligation to readers. How much consideration does an author owe her readers when formulating her stories?
Here’s the part I found most interesting:
My initial reaction to this hoopla is that it’s the author’s world (she created it) and she has a reason for shifting the plot. And I’m slightly dismayed that people are criticizing the author, making it personal, instead of about the book. Many are saying they will never buy another one of the author’s books.
These days the dividing line between authors and fans is almost non-existent. Readers can reach us not only through the post office, but also through e-mail, chats, instant messages, whatever. There is so much immediacy to the contact that it’s easier for readers to imagine that we write just for them and expect that their specific wishes will be brought forward in the writing. But writers must also take into account the needs of the story, their personal predilections as well as what the publisher wants, as well. Sometimes it feels like a big game of monkey with the author in the middle.
But I have to agree with Jen again that fans are awesome. I try to give them whatever they want whenever possible.
Extremely interesting. I’ve heard stories of fanatical fans (and we’ve all seen or read Stephen King’s Misery). I find it fascinating that readers want to dictate stories. Of course I’ve read books where I didn’t agree on the plot turns, or the outcome, but I respect it as the author’s will. My take on it is, if you want to have some say in the plot, write your own book.