I’ve listened to a character’s voice in a book and loved that character, even though my brain knew it was only a book. And I’ve kind of assumed that any author who could make a character “be” in such a way, would automatically be someone I would love too. Similarly with actors – if they play such a wonderful part, inspire me with their words and share their humanity, surely that must be a huge part of their real life persona too.

Only of course it’s not the case. In my rational moments I know that.

But it still hurts to be disillusioned.

And that whole thing about likability–I think you’ve given fantastic advice–that if an author is, well, not pleasant, they might want to have a lower profile.

On the other side, when an author has a great personality, it makes me want to read their books more.

Maureen raised an interesting point about likability. I follow(ed) the blog of a local author and I’ve begun to greatly dislike him because of his condescending personality. I do, however, really think his fiction is good.

What to do? I find myself not wanting to read his stuff anymore because he annoys me so. Maybe the lesson is: best not to blog or voice public opinions if you’re aware that you are not a pleasant person – because it will impact your audience. I don’t know how great their work would have to be for me to continue to read them if I didn’t like the author.

And I can see how that experience with an unfriendly author would turn you off her work. I wonder if it shows in her writing (her attitude)? Or if it was an off day?

As for other authors, I remember meeting an author once (spending the day in the same room with her, in fact) The whole time, she had the most pinched, sour look on her face, and could never say anything that didn’t sound snarky or superior. I tried to read her book after that and couldn’t, even though friends had raved about it. Maybe it was a bad day for her? Who knows, but the effect remains.

It makes me sad, too. I haven’t been able to pick up Ender to read it again yet, either.

If someone is being homophobic or racist or sexist, does it matter if they don’t think they are? They still have an impact on others…. Especially prominent/well-known people….

(laughing) that fanatics don’t think the rules apply to them! I agree.

Thank you, Lisa, for your thoughtful comments!

The whole OSC thing makes me sad. I still have a few of his books on my shelf, but I don’t know if I’ll be able to read them again. The more vocal he gets, the less I can shut it out when I read.

Though I see his views as misguided and wrong (bordering on evil), my guess is OSC wouldn’t agree that he’s spreading hatred or bigotry. Just as I’m guessing he’d think *I’m* misguided and wrong about views I see as spreading love or acceptance.

I’d say the rule of thumb should be “Don’t be a fanatic.” But I’m pretty fanatics don’t think such rules apply to them! That’s why they’re fanatics.