Why does the Reader interview the Author?

So an author e-mailed me about reading their book and possibly doing a review and possibly a giveaway and maybe even a review on my blog after reading the book for them.

And it hit me!  

Why do Readers interview Authors?  

I mean, really why do we?  Well there are a few answers but the biggest one that comes to mind is:  

We want to know more about the person who writers our favorite books.  

But after honestly thinking about it. . . shouldn't it be the other way around?  Shouldn't the author want to interview the reader?  Get the readers opinion?  I want to know what my readers want when it comes to my books.   Dislikes, likes, how they would do it different.  I mean, seriously what better way to get rid of Writers Character Block?  

I mean, of course readers want to know more about their favorite authors and I have seen some really cool interviews.  And yes, reviews are written by readers so the whole world knows what they think of that book BUT how often do Authors stay away from reviews?  

And honestly, how much information does a book review REALLY give us?  

I think Authors should start interview the readers.  If the reader has read the book written by the interview author, GREAT! Ask questions about how they feel about certain things in the book.  

If they haven't. . . . even GREATER!  Ask them what they think the book is about just by looking at the cover and reading the title.  Ask them what they THINK is going to happen.  

Besides, this is no more crazy than Authors interview the characters from the book. . . is it? 

So seriously,  this isn't just some crazy idea I will later on forget about.  If you're an author, wanting to get more exposure, send me an e-mail with your interview questions, whether I have read your book or not.  I will post the interview on my blog, you can post the interview on your blog.  We can post the links all over Facebook and Twitter and Goodreads and Google+ and any other social networking sites you can think of! 

nothought2small(at)gmail(dot)com

We can discuss what I like about your book or whether I honestly believe I would bring myself to read the book if I just happened across it.  You ask me, and I'll answer! 

PLEASE tell me what you think in the comments or on the form below! 

Do you ever feel like a Squib of a writer?

Do you ever feel like a Squib of a writer? 

Okay, let me make it clear, I am not referring to the Chinese explosive or referencing Star Wars. 

I'm actually talking about Harry Potter; Specifically, Mr. Filch.  

For the avid Harry Potter fans, you may skip to the next bold sentence.  For this of you who have NO IDEA what I am referring to, continue reading.  

Mr. Filch is the grumpy caretaker in Harry Potter.  The only thing he loves is his cat Mrs. Norris and for those who don't know anything about him, he can seem like a cranky old man.  Okay, he is a cranky old man.  BUT there is a reason for his mood.  He. Is. A. Squib.  

Squib: Squib is the term applied to a child who is born of magical parents, but who develops no magical abilities. They are considered to be the opposite of Muggle-born wizards/witches.^[13] Squib births are rare: the only squibs noted as such in the books are Argus Filch, Arabella Figg, and Molly Weasley's second cousin who was an accountant. The Ministry does not require them to be registered as part of the Community.^[13] Squibs share some things with wizards and they are aware of and comprehend the wizarding world. They also can see Hogwarts, which ordinary Muggles cannot. However, according to Ron's Aunt Muriel, the custom with squibs has been to send them to Muggle schools and encourage them to integrate into the Muggle world, which is "much kinder" than keeping them in the wizarding world where they will always be "second-class". In contrast to most of the wizarding world's acceptance and even respect for Muggles and Muggle-born wizards and witches, it is often considered embarrassing to have a squib in the family. Rowling has stated that Muggle-born witches and wizards are descended from squibs who married Muggles; the magical gene may resurface after many generations unexpectedly. (Taken from Wikipedia.) 

So, Argus Filch is not JUST a cranky old man.  He is angry, annoyed and hurt that he has to work for those who have the magic, the magic he should have but can't. 

Here is the bold sentence for those who did not need to read the definition of a Squib.  

So, do you ever feel like that?  Like you're supposed to be a writer but you don't have the "magic" of it.  And so you help other authors.  Like posting reviews and going to book signings and attending writers conferences even though you just can't finish your own book?  

Yeah, that's how I feel right about now.  I know I am supposed to have "the magic" but I just can't seem to find it, use it or control it.  So instead of focusing on my work, I read books for review and help spread the word about new releases and I do giveaways and constantly talk about all the books I've read and the authors I know.  I wear t-shirts for various books and I even have pens and bookmarks custom made for other authors.  And though I LOVE what I do (don't get me wrong, I LOVE it).  Sometimes, I feel like a squib.  

It makes me wonder though.  Was I supposed to be a Writer, or just a helper for other writers?  

Like. . . Mr. Filch. (No worries though, I'm not gonna become a grumpy old man and be cold hearted about it, I honestly truly LOVE helping other authors.) 

Have you ever felt this way?  What do you do about it? Does it go away?  Have you given up writing and just become a book reviewer/blogger because of it? 

How to get the attention of major authors at writer's conferences 101

I know LDStorymakers was a month ago but I have been so busy that I am only barely getting to posting about it.  I know, slacker.  Anyway,  not only am I going to talk about how amazing this conference is, I am going to tell you a secret that very few know.  This secret can help you have the perfect opening topic to approach authors. . . or better yet, have authors approach you!

But first, the conference!

If you have a chance to go to LDStorymakers, GO! In fact, they are doing a mid-west conference so find a way to go there or to the one here in Salt Lake City!  Yes, you have to pay, yes it is expensive, and yes, it is worth it!

There are so many amazing classes and panels.  Everything is wonderful.  Meals are included in the package and if you stay at the hotel the conference is being held at, you get a discount on your room! (Or better yet, stay with friends!)

Also, don't miss out on the contests.  Enter the first chapter contest and all the other contests they do. I saw some of those prizes and I promise, you do not want to miss out!

I can't say that I really have ONE favorite class.  I loved the one on writing Suspense by Rachelle Christensen and the one by Dan Wells about writing sequels.  I also love the extra that Liz and I paid for by Tristi Pinkston. The Ruthless red pen.  Good times. . .good times.  Another favorite was Magic Systems by Amber Arygle.  (Funniest author ever!)

And now. . . are you ready. . . to see. . . my name tag?  Yes, my name tag.  One name tag changed my life!

Knostanz Silverbow

(sorry, the picture didn't work. So now I will just show you what it said)

Notice the mistake?  Since when is my name Knostanz?  Really?  But no, don't laugh.  Don't think it's horrible and embarrassing.  That one mistake, is the secret.  Hence the name of this post.  That mistake is how I got the attention of some major authors at the writers conference.  Kiersten White?  (Yeah I'm sure you have heard of her. . Paranormalcy, Supernaturally. . . ring a bell?) Dan Wells. . . ya know, 'I am not a serial killer'. . . 'Mr. Monster'. . . 'I don't want to kill you'. . . ?  How about Janette Rallsion?  (My Fairy godmother, my unfair godmother, Slayers (CJ Hill.). . any of those you recognize?)  Yep! They all know who I am because of a little misspelling on my name.   In fact, Dan Wells asked for my card, Janette/CJ/Sierra said she will never forget my name (or how to spell it).  Kiersten White, this is what she wrote to me in my copy of Paranormalcy:

To Konstanz-
Whose name is awesome, even when misspelled!

One mistake and now there are a ton of authors who will ALWAYS remember my name.  One. Mistake.  And that is how awesome Story Makers was for me! :)

Oh yeah, and the amazing Lisa Mangum gave me an ARC of After Hello.  Best. Conference. Ever!

Oh yeah . .  did I mention that Lizzy and I walked around as spies?  We were pro!  We only had authors laughing and staring everywhere we went!  :)  So ya know, if this whole author things doesn't work out, I guess I will be a spy instead. . . (that or a comedian).