quick curious q

[rm]

Pro authors are all over LJ, often in very participatory fashion. Does this effect how or to what degree you critique their books?

I'm being relentless on the subject of Melusine and was just sort of taken up short by "Monette is on my friends list" in another comment on it. Of course, it doesn't really change my tonal quality, which is what it is, but it interested me.

Conversely, for those of you published or working on publishing, how do you want that sort of thing handled and how do you intend to handle it on your end.

Personally, I think I'd have to do a lot of constant reminding my myself not to engage, because I can explain my work all day long, but ultimately a book must speak for itself, no matter how engaging I seem to think I am on the subject.

Comments

[earthgoat.livejournal.com]

Frequently, I'm very cautious in what I specifically say to the authors themselves. On the other hand, if they ask my opinion, which is rare, I try to be honest without being cruel or gushing. I have a good friend in particular who's initial few books I loved. His writing has gone down the toilet since. However, he doesn't ask my opinion, nor am I one of his advance readers, so I just leave it alone.

I am of the opinion that when you are having a friendly discussion about a book, you are entitled to your opinion.

Additionally, most of the writers that I know of on lj are rather reasonable about reviews. They realize that not everyone will like their writing style or topic. They obviously prefer it when people like their books, but they do not seem to expect it.