I have a small site that lists profiles of authors, and I often get some feedback (through that site) from people who think they're getting in touch with a certain author. I've been quite surprised by the content of these messages.
Some ask for things (free signed copies, a meeting, etc.), but a large portion of the messages have been negative. Just this morning I got a message from someone saying
...I couldn't get past page 63 of XXX due to your blatant anti-Christianity. It went into the garbage can, and I won't be buying any more XXX books.
Why would someone send such a negative email? I know that standing up for ones beliefs is important, but I don't get why someone would take the time to send such nastiness. (I won't even get into the hypocritical aspect of the message...I mean how 'Christian' is it to be so negative and throw a book into the garbage instead of at least donating it to a worthy cause? Okay, I guess I got into it a little bit.)
I also wonder what sort of response, if any, people who send those kinds of messages expect from the author. Is the author supposed to see the error of his/her way and change accordingly for future books? Sheesh...
I once thanked readers for buying my book new instead of used. whew. that stirred up some poop and nasty mail.
Posted by: anne frasier | April 04, 2006 at 10:40 PM