The following back from Rosemary Kirstein:

Based on the comments so far, I responded that I thought we could have a good discussion with her present, and that I at least was interested to have a "primary source" to discuss with. But if folks do feel that they couldn't be honest and forthright with the author listening, speak up, please.

I have no problem being honest. I just grabbed the book from Overdrive and once I finish the book I am reading in a day or two, I'll start on [i]The Steerswoman[/i.

I'm all for it. It would be an interesting experiment. We've had comments both pro and con on the works of other MobileRead authors in other threads, but I don't recall ever having an author joining for the express purpose of participating in a thread in the MobileRead Book Club.

Thank you, Charlie. I think this is a wonderful plan.

I'd just like to hope people will make a point of reading and showing up for the discussion. This has the potential to be a blast.

I hope so too. I know I have one hard question to ask and this is a good venue for that.

Early on in the book club I think there was at least one author who joined the discussions, he may have been already a member but it still went well it appears.

Looks like he's been a member for a year when that discussion took place.

I agree and I'll be there if I can. I'm away on the 19th for six days. But I should have WiFi access at night and/or late afternoon so I should be able to participate somewhat. I'll be starting the book probably Tuesday.

It would be good to have the discussion with the author present. It's true that I might be slightly more diplomatic with the author present, but no less honest.

I think that's exactly what any author would want, frankly. Honest opinions expressed without venom, and especially if backed by specifics, are actually quite helpful. Blanket "it sucked" is, however, rather useless and counter productive. But equally "it's perfect" is equally useless and counter productive, though perhaps easier on the ego. :)

Another thread where the author participated:

https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=103214

I'm joining the book club this month. Bought a copy of The Steerswoman and started reading it this afternoon. It had a good beginning and I have a lot of hope for it to continue to keep me engaged.

Welcome! As are any others, of course.

FYI, Ms. Kirstein has replied that she would be joining us for the discussion. Should be fun!

Looking forward to it. I don't discuss much but will be interesting discussion to watch. The book itself has been very gripping so far..!

This is ridiculous. The Steerswoman is FANTASY and should never have been nominated let alone win. I do think there's enough time to dump it and go with The Door into Summer.

I want to know why this sort of thing is allowed.