The author-reader conversation
Alexandra Sokoloff's Writing Life
One of the most magical things about being an author (and there are so many!) is the explosive expanding of the universe of your book that happens when the book is actually published — and the conversations start about it with actual real people and not just in your own head.
Yes, Craig & I wrote The Grapevine together and had many conversations about it between ourselves, but those were… “Fraught” is one word. “Bloody” is another. In fact, “conversation” is maybe not as accurate a word as—
Well, never mind that.
But now, even before publication, we are having conversations with early readers, podcasters, authors, librarians, radio hosts, managers, producers.
And every day so many great things are happening, giving us so much to think about and build on.
First, it’s clear that the book works. Everything we wanted to get into it, and get across with it, are all the things that people are saying to us about it, and loving about it. That is so miraculous and humbling.
Stephen King says this perfectly about books - they are telepathy between author and reader. We authors think, see, feel something and put it on the page, and the reader thinks, sees, feels the same thing in their head.
How magical is that??? It is one of the true miracles of human existence.
Of course there will be people who don’t like our book, and that’s fine and to be expected. There are a lot of people these days who don’t like what’s in my head. (Just wait till those people get a load of my next book!)
But we have already achieved something extraordinary: we wrote the book we wanted to write, the one we hoped we were writing — and there is a passionate audience for it.
That is already amazing on an existential level, as in “Why are we here?” and “What is my purpose?”
Beyond that, it means that we have enough of an audience to sustain our writing careers. Which is always pretty life-affirming.
These conversations with readers and the book world are so much a part of that sustenance.
It’s not just our book any more. And the author-reader conversation is especially important with a series. The reviews by, comments from and conversations with readers will shape the next books in the series. People we talk to ask questions that demand answers, in the form of new scenes, characters, subplots, locations. Readers tell us things we didn’t know about our characters and themes, which affect the next books, and inspire the short stories/novellas we’re planning in between book releases.
All this may seem like a faraway dream to writers who are just starting out. Which is why I make myself do these weekly Screenwriting Tricks for Authors newsletters. I know writing and publishing a book and making a writing career is not impossible, and I know the path, and I’m pretty good at helping people make it happen.
I also really, truly get why so many writers here on Substack are looking to serialize their work. It’s very hard to work in the vacuum that writing a book is. And with the rise of AI and the world situation so tenuous right now - mostly because of the horror show that the US has created - why wouldn’t you want to just skip ahead to starting the author-reader conversation RIGHT NOW? There might not be a tomorrow to do it in.
And yeah, I need to talk more about serialization but I’ve realized that deserves a whole post to itself. It’s on the list.
But I did want to say this. There are ways to start that author-reader conversation now — without putting unfinished work out for public consumption. Like these:
Finding a CRITIQUE GROUP- is essential.
I was a highly paid professional screenwriter when I started writing my first novel (at night, sometimes just five minutes a night, driven by rage…). But I knew I needed feedback to pull off this medium we call books. I acknowledged I was a beginner who needed help. I found a great novel critique group run by another screenwriter-turned-novelist, and I went to that group every week to read my chapters aloud to the group and get that essential feedback about what was working and what wasn’t. Since I’ve been published I’ve had other invaluable critique groups.
And here’s the thing:
Critiquing other writers’ work is every bit as essential to your writing as you getting their critique of yours.
You need to learn how to solve story problems. When you wrestle with someone else’s story problem, you are developing the priceless skill of how to solve your own.
Joining a writers’ organization puts you in touch with other writers who can form your critique group.
In the US, Sisters in Crime is a fantastic resource, whether or not you write crime/mystery thrillers, whether or not you identify as female! Join a local chapter and find other committed writers to work with.
Romance Writers of America used to be exceptionally good at teaching the business and craft of writing. No one was more sorry than I was to see that organization implode due to a faction of racists.
I’ve made a note to myself to compile some resources, which I can’t get to before our tour. I would love suggestions in the Comments!
But you know where else is a good place to find your critique group?
Right here on Substack.
There are so many passionate readers, writers, readers on this platform who are writing books, or thinking of writing a book. Read other writers’ posts. Follow them. Interact with them in their Comments. Find some kindred spirits (yes, I did just reference Anne of Green Gables) and ask them if they want to do a critique group with you.
And read and respond to what readers are writing about books! You need to have those conversations about books that you love, so you can write books that you love, that other people will love, too.
The writer-reader community here is a gift, and an opportunity. Revel in it!
Are you finding your own writer/reader tribe on Substack? Or elsewhere? I’d love to hear about it!
—Alex
The Grapevine will release on June 23, in hardcover, e book versions and audiobook - and paperback to come.
If you can pre-order, that would be lovely! - you can do that in all formats on various platforms here:
There’s also a Goodreads giveaway going on - for US readers only - but both US and UK readers can enter multiple giveaways by subscribing here:
If you’re already subscribed, you’re automatically entered.
And if any of you Bookstackers are interested in an ARC of The Grapevine, message me - I’d love to get you a Netgalley invite or Kindle copy.
You are a gem. Thanks for sharing your talents with the world, both by your books and by your generous spirit in nurturing creative souls. ESPECIALLY in these trying times!