How to talk to an author

As I was standing at the sink, doing dishes, my mind wandered to the many conversations I had with people over the last few months. I had mentioned before that many of the people I encountered over the holidays, once they discovered that I was an author, immediately responded that they "aren't readers" and are "too busy" to read books before socially maneuvering away to speak to someone else. 

Of course as an "introvert" I'm usually good with that.

But it got me to wondering what a good conversation about my books actually looks like. When I do talk to readers, the question I get the most is "What is your book about?"  That question puts me on the spot because it makes me wonder, "Which one? I have 11 of them. Are you asking about the one I first published? Are you asking about my series? Are you asking about my short story collection? Or the one I just released?"

This of course overwhelms people as they aren't aware I've published so many.

Asking the question, "What is your book about?" often leads to a long one-sided conversation by the author about the complexities of the book which causes you look bored and the obvious look on your face discourages the author from going further. It falls flat. Never ask an author straight up what their book is about, UNLESS that author is a non-fiction writer. Non-fiction is easily summed up in a single sentence.

Fiction, however, is a horse of a different color.    

So, when you do discover you are meeting an author, here are some better questions to start out with. The perfect question to start with is: 

"Which genre do you write?"

This is a good question because there are lots and lots of genres out there and knowing this can then invite you to mention the genre/author you like to read best. This can also lead you to know if they are a stand-alone novel writer, a series writer, or like to do duologies. You will now know if their books will be something you would enjoy.

"How long have you been writing?"

Asking this question will give you a more relaxed intro. Most writers/authors have been either writing or thinking about writing their book (aka "Masterpiece") for a while. Sometimes in terms of years or even decades. In their answer, the author will likely mention how many books they have written.

"Where do you find your ideas?"

This is a good question to ask if their genre intrigues you. You can offer something about yourself and how you imagine authors get ideas for their books. This can be serious or humorous. 

AFTER asking the above questions, then it is perfectly fine to ask,

"Which of your books do you recommend I start with?"

Ask this question only if you really do mean that you are interested and intend to read their book.  Usually by here in the conversation, the author will know your interests enough to recommend one of their books to you.

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Now, to help ME answer that awkward question of "What is your book about?" I was challenged this week to come up with a very short synopsis so the non-readers in my life can tell the readers that they come across about my books. It is indeed a challenge. So, here we go -- I have to think like a reader....

Along The Way/Wherever It Goes -- A duology involving life, friendship, and relationships set in a small city.  Chris Enright is used to being the leader and setting the social pace when it comes to hanging out with his two life-long best friends. Months away from his own wedding with Mackenzie Evans, Chris's insecurities and his need to control life threaten to undo everything he worked toward when he realizes that one of his best friends, Ryan Carson, has a mind, and plans, of his own with Chris's co-worker, Angelina Sutton.

Portrait of an Unlikely Affair series -- A six book adventure that entangles the reader in life, love, and honor (and has nothing to do with extra-marital sneaking around.) Nothing is as it seems in Cable Glen and no one is really who they say they are. The small, well guarded mining town is full of secrets, including the fact that it's not a mining town at all. It is a hidden military base, home to a very well insulated military force that protects the world from dangers that rarely make the media. Brian Ridley has been part of this life since the age of seven when he was put into a training program. Fifteen years later, the sole survivor of that program, he is caught between living with his terminal disease and finishing the only mission he ever failed. He was never meant for the civilian world. Avonlea Stone is a young movie star who is the 3rd generation of Hollywood Royalty. Coming off of a year of hiding due to being attacked, Avonlea has questioned how she has lived life and is now doing things differently. She accepts an invitation to go meet her boyfriend's family with images and ideas of it being like a Hallmark movie. Instead, nothing goes as she imagined it would. The only thing that makes her not abandon her trip and head home is meeting Connor's mysterious step-brother, Brian Ridley. As the two become friends, Avonlea is surprised to learn that her family's friend is the key to Brian's illness and offers to help. What happens next is a series of events that were never supposed to happen in a story that spans over 20 years. 

The Allegheny Chronicles series -- The Ghost Team of the secret military unit call Allegheny is a mix of less than perfect individuals. In Eden & the Alchemist, Colonel Eden Magnuss is tasked with taking their teenaged prodigy known only as The Reaper and overseeing his training with a very mysterious man called The Alchemist, who has a cantankerous reputation, abilities that defy science and logic, and holds answers to her husband's tragic death.  In Veil Falls, veteran Mason Beaudrie is living one day at a time. He has a good job, he has a family that loves him, and a woman he is crazy about. Unfortunately, that woman is not his girlfriend. He is also hiding two very heavy secrets -- the first is what really happened before he left the Marines and the second is the telekinesis ability he has had since he was a small child. But right when his life seems to be falling in place, it suddenly becomes unraveled. It is only then that he discovers he isn't the only one with secret abilities. 

Could've Been Something -- A collection of nine short stories that were written over a span of three decades. They stretch from different perspectives about life to romance, mysteries, and historical fiction. This collection also features "One Hell of a Best Seller" which inspired The Allegheny Chronicles: Veil Falls.

I hope this answers that question of what my books are about. I hope it also helps you in speaking with the next author (or aspiring author) you happen into conversation with. Of course, in addition to introverted authors who prefer one on one conversation, you will also find the more extroverted authors whose voices carry well over a room and they enjoy drawing a crowd. These questions will work on them as well. Jut remember -- Authors know a lot of strange trivial information, their browser histories may contain a lot of unique searches, and their bookshelves may be full of questionable books that make you wonder if you should eat a meal at their house, but I assure you, authors do enjoy talking about their work and will answer your questions -- Just so long as you don't ask them right off the bat what their book is about. 

You can find all of my books online at www.amazon.com/author/embrooks, at barnesandnoble.com, and on Apple Books! They are available in eBook, paperback, and hardcover! Please tell your favorite Barnes and Noble brick and mortar locations to carry all of my books in paperback so you can find them there too!

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