The following back from Rosemary Kirstein:
Quote:
What lovely news! When I read your email, I immediately thought that it would be great fun to follow along in the discussion, and occasionally comment …
But then, I thought about it, and something occurred to me. If the book club members knew that the author was reading everything they said, would some of them feel a bit hesitant to speak honestly? Although it would be nice if everyone loved my book, I’d really like it if people also felt totally free to hate my book! And to talk about it, and get in arguments about it with each other!
I wouldn’t want my presence to have a dampening effect on the discussion. You know these people; what’s your impression on this? Do they know that you’ve asked me? Are they expressing any opinions about the possibility?
Thanks for the invitation – let me know what you (and they) think.
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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.