If you could be best friends with an author (alive or dead), who would you choose and why?
45 thoughts on “Reader Friday – If you could be besties with any author…”
Part of me wants to go with the “Never meet your hero’s” approach to this question. The other part of me would like to pull back the curtain and know the man/woman behind a work that drew me to them. I guess my pre coffee brain doesn’t have an outright answer.
I know what you mean about “being careful what you wish for.” I had a unique opportunity to meet a fav TV show actor I admired & spend time with him – huge mistake. Sometimes its best not to burst that admiration bubble with reality.
I need coffee too, James.
Maybe being “besties” means the author you most admire, or find interesting, is likeable & worthy of your best friend status.
I’d like to hang with Robert Crais & have him show me his favorite spots in LA.
Or I’d like to spend quality time with Markus Zusak, author of my fav book called THE BOOK THIEF, and hope his genius rubs off on me by close proximity.
Not Hemingway. He could be a real pill. Always wanting to put on the gloves and telling you your writing stinks.
To hang with, maybe Adela Rogers St. Johns. What stories she could tell, what people she knew (starting with her legendary father). It would never be dull
Good point on Hemingway. Thanks, Jim.
Besides the crew represented here?
🙂
Good one, George. Wouldn’t it be fun to have a TKZ grand meeting? Woot! Make it so.
Okay we’ve been talking about a TKZ gathering for years. Let’s DO it! First, let’s set up a future conference for us to target, then we can try to set up mini meet and greet and whatever. That idea really appeals to me. Suggestions for an upcoming conference in the not-too-immediate future? (If you’re like me, plans have to be laid somewhat ahead of a three month curve of opportunity). I’ll toss out two conference ideas to get the ball rolling. Sleuthfest 2017. http://sleuthfest.com/ I have a particular affection for Sleuthfest, because it was 1) the first writers conference I ever attended, and 2) the place I first met Kris and Elaine. Plus, serendipitously, this would work out well for me because we’re already planning a trip to Florida around that timeframe. Okay I won’t even suggest another conference because I want to set up a TKZ fun club at the next Sleuthfest. How ’bout it, y’all?
Which island, CF? Like it matters. Ha! Very cool idea.
They’re calling this year’s edition “Honolulu Havoc”, and the Hilton Hawaiian Village is the convention hotel. That’s the hotel you see in the current Hawaii 5-0.
Left Coast Crime in Hawaii?! I’m in! 🙂
Wow, Kathryn. Great idea. I’ll stay tuned to the deets. Maybe you can post a general discussion on your next post day to get feedback.
Yes, I’m definitely going to push this idea to try to bring it into reality. Would Hawaii stretch people’s budgets too much? I would love it, wish I were there right now!
I’d love to stroll through the dark recesses of Poe’s mind. For a living author, maybe Thomas Harris so I could dig through his past and discover some hidden gems in his previous profession.
Omg, this is so YOU!!! Perfect. Thanks for the shiver, Sue
Dean Koontz.
Not only do I love his work, but I also like his sense of humor. And of course, we’re both fellow dog lovers.
It’s not that I don’t love J.K. Rowling, Poe, Hitchcock, Serling, or King through and through. But Koontz had me at dogs. So for me, it’s not all about the craft. Since we’re talking besties, it’s about other interests as well.
Good one, Michelle I’m a rescue dog person & love Koontz for his brilliant storytelling & wry humor, but doubled down on his love for dogs. Yeah, baby
Ann Patchett. Not only is she the author of one of the books in my top five, Bel Canto, but every interview I hear with her makes her seem personable, intelligent, sensitive, and fun. And I’d love to hear her stories about owning an actual book store.
Hi Maggie. Good one. And there is something comforting to me about being in a library or cozy bookstore. Love it
That is such an interesting question…and before my morning wake-up tea, it’s a poser! My favourites as a teenager were Georgette Heyer, Agatha Christie and Walter Farley. At that time, I would have swooned to meet any of them. Now my list is filled with indies. I just finished the second book in Jane Davis’ list. She is a British writer with an impressive list of books under her belt, but not so well known that I would feel intimidated and overwhelmed. 🙂
Then, too, I would love to be besties with you, Jordan! I really admire your work and love your posts.
Omg, red faced here. I’d love to spend time with you too, Julie. Besties is right!
Before I started writing, I never knew an author, yet grew up as a young reader & into my adult years, developing such admiration for the art. When I joined a writers grp in OK (after moving to the state & discovering wonderful local authors), I met my first author. It was someone I’d found in a bookstore & later devoured all her books. Sharon Sala was a member of the grp & I acted like a complete idiot until she calmed me down with her generous heartwarming personality. She later helped me get published. I’m still a huge fan of her novels & gift for storytelling. Thanks for taking me down memory lane, Julie BFF
Alive BFF? Not to sound like a potential groupie, but Robin Cook, I think. I heard him speak at a conference (Maybe it was Thrillerfest? I can’t remember.) I summoned up the courage to ask a question that had been gnawing at me for a while–I was wondering why the style of bestselling thrillers has changed over time, and what is behind it–and raised my hand to get his thoughts. After all, some of the first thrillers I’d ever loved had been written by Cook, and he’s still going strong despite constant changes in the craft and industry. He had a gracious, well-informed and thoughtful answer. I spent the rest of the conference wishing I could have dinner with Robin Cook and just talk about the craft of writing forever.
Dead? That’s a tough one. I think I’d like to be BFF with someone who is simply a blast to hang out with. And of course they must like to drink. I would say Hemingway, but shy away because he was such a crabbyappleton and narcissist (not to mention that he had some well known women issues–I have NO desire to find out more him along those lines).
Perhaps Shakespeare, since it would be such a journey of discovery (and I’m fairly sure he liked to raise an occasional glass bubbly). I’d probably have to bring along a translator to our dinner, to be sure. I watched a movie on Netflix last night that featured a Scottish protagonist and couldn’t understand a danged thing without the captions. Same language, very different delivery!
p.s. Speaking of Robin Cook, I just looked up his web site and saw that he has a recent new book, HOST. How awesome is he? Yes, I guess I’m a groupie. Off now to order HOST.
Robin Cook is a good one too. Imagine having medical training yet with the deviously dark mind of a writer. Very cool. Thanks, Kathryn.
Would I like to have lunch with my favorite author? Yes. Besties? Maybe not. I haven’t thought about in in conjunction with authors but I have found that learning too much about favorite actors is often disappointing. There’s usually too much dirty laundry with them. I’d just as soon stick with the larger than life characters they created.
I might have that ques on fictional characters coming up soon. Hold your answer. Thanks BK.
Patrick Rothfuss because, after 21 years of not writing, his The Name of the Wind made me believe I could write again. He brought imagination back to me. And a confidence I perhaps don’t deserve–yet.
That said, I have met both Larry Brooks and Les Edgerton through the free conference I run, Writers Workshop @ Your Library (in Fayetteville, NC. 2016 dates are 10/29-11/6. Larry’s teaching all weeked on 11/5-11/6. More info and registration at http://www.cumberland.lib.nc.us) I love both of these guys. So generous and amazingly knowledgeable. I don’t feel qualified to call myself a bestie, but am honored to know them both.
Wonderful, Robin. I’m thrilled to hear you were inspired to write yourself. Love it. We wish you well & we’re glad you’re a member at TKZ.
Thanks for your writers conference info & link. Free? What a great gift for attendees. Thanks for all your work on that front– and to our TKZ cohort, Larry Brooks. Well done.
Well, anyone that has read my comments on here is probably already aware of who I would like to be besties with: Agatha Christie. She would be #1. Also, remember Mary Roberts Rhinehart? Dorothy Eden? I used to love all of those Gothics when I was a teenager. As far as live authors: Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Harlan Coben, Diana Gabaldon, Mary Higgins Clark, Wendy Corsi Staub, Lisa Jackson, Martha Grimes and Heather Graham–to name a few. 🙂
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting & getting to know some of the wonderful authors on your list. Very exception folks – in their writing and the way they are in person. Thanks Rebecca.
Agatha Christie and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Of course high tea would be involved. Well done.
Terry Brooks, Author of the Shannara series.
Thanks for your recommendation, Chris. Have a good weekend.
Hunter H Thompson…. the drinks would flow and so would the Political rants and the shooting of the guns, what a time that would be!!!! and it would all be in a journalism piece he would he writing the entire time!
Alcohol & firearms – wow. Thanks for the chuckle, James.
Agatha Christie and Cormac McCarthy. We would travel together, visiting great restaurants around the world, telling stories and smoking cigars. : )
I can totally see it, Laura. Ha!
I would spend a day lying in a field of wild flowers with Theodor Seuss Geisel and Ray Bradbury. Oh, the places we would go; the stories we would tell.
Lovely, Janet. You had me at wildflowers.
James Lee Burke and Nelson DeMille – fun, fascinating, and brilliant!
Physician-author mind—devious, dark, but fun?
Thanks, Tom. Good authors there. Both would be fun to hang out with.
There are so many–too hard to choose just one! However, Carl Hiassen is a “fave.” His characters are crazy, wild, and so entertaining. I’ve read all his books including his non-fiction narrative -365 days of golf. I’m looking forward to reading his newest, “Razor Girl.”
I’ve heard so many good things about Carl but have never resd him. Time to fix that. Thanks Francis.
Part of me wants to go with the “Never meet your hero’s” approach to this question. The other part of me would like to pull back the curtain and know the man/woman behind a work that drew me to them. I guess my pre coffee brain doesn’t have an outright answer.
I know what you mean about “being careful what you wish for.” I had a unique opportunity to meet a fav TV show actor I admired & spend time with him – huge mistake. Sometimes its best not to burst that admiration bubble with reality.
I need coffee too, James.
Maybe being “besties” means the author you most admire, or find interesting, is likeable & worthy of your best friend status.
I’d like to hang with Robert Crais & have him show me his favorite spots in LA.
Or I’d like to spend quality time with Markus Zusak, author of my fav book called THE BOOK THIEF, and hope his genius rubs off on me by close proximity.
Not Hemingway. He could be a real pill. Always wanting to put on the gloves and telling you your writing stinks.
To hang with, maybe Adela Rogers St. Johns. What stories she could tell, what people she knew (starting with her legendary father). It would never be dull
Good point on Hemingway. Thanks, Jim.
Besides the crew represented here?
🙂
Good one, George. Wouldn’t it be fun to have a TKZ grand meeting? Woot! Make it so.
Okay we’ve been talking about a TKZ gathering for years. Let’s DO it! First, let’s set up a future conference for us to target, then we can try to set up mini meet and greet and whatever. That idea really appeals to me. Suggestions for an upcoming conference in the not-too-immediate future? (If you’re like me, plans have to be laid somewhat ahead of a three month curve of opportunity). I’ll toss out two conference ideas to get the ball rolling. Sleuthfest 2017. http://sleuthfest.com/ I have a particular affection for Sleuthfest, because it was 1) the first writers conference I ever attended, and 2) the place I first met Kris and Elaine. Plus, serendipitously, this would work out well for me because we’re already planning a trip to Florida around that timeframe. Okay I won’t even suggest another conference because I want to set up a TKZ fun club at the next Sleuthfest. How ’bout it, y’all?
Left Coast Crime 2017 will be in Hawaii. See http://www.leftcoastcrime.org/2017/index.html What could be a better location than Hawaii?
Which island, CF? Like it matters. Ha! Very cool idea.
They’re calling this year’s edition “Honolulu Havoc”, and the Hilton Hawaiian Village is the convention hotel. That’s the hotel you see in the current Hawaii 5-0.
Left Coast Crime in Hawaii?! I’m in! 🙂
Wow, Kathryn. Great idea. I’ll stay tuned to the deets. Maybe you can post a general discussion on your next post day to get feedback.
Yes, I’m definitely going to push this idea to try to bring it into reality. Would Hawaii stretch people’s budgets too much? I would love it, wish I were there right now!
I’d love to stroll through the dark recesses of Poe’s mind. For a living author, maybe Thomas Harris so I could dig through his past and discover some hidden gems in his previous profession.
Omg, this is so YOU!!! Perfect. Thanks for the shiver, Sue
Dean Koontz.
Not only do I love his work, but I also like his sense of humor. And of course, we’re both fellow dog lovers.
It’s not that I don’t love J.K. Rowling, Poe, Hitchcock, Serling, or King through and through. But Koontz had me at dogs. So for me, it’s not all about the craft. Since we’re talking besties, it’s about other interests as well.
Good one, Michelle I’m a rescue dog person & love Koontz for his brilliant storytelling & wry humor, but doubled down on his love for dogs. Yeah, baby
Ann Patchett. Not only is she the author of one of the books in my top five, Bel Canto, but every interview I hear with her makes her seem personable, intelligent, sensitive, and fun. And I’d love to hear her stories about owning an actual book store.
Hi Maggie. Good one. And there is something comforting to me about being in a library or cozy bookstore. Love it
That is such an interesting question…and before my morning wake-up tea, it’s a poser! My favourites as a teenager were Georgette Heyer, Agatha Christie and Walter Farley. At that time, I would have swooned to meet any of them. Now my list is filled with indies. I just finished the second book in Jane Davis’ list. She is a British writer with an impressive list of books under her belt, but not so well known that I would feel intimidated and overwhelmed. 🙂
Then, too, I would love to be besties with you, Jordan! I really admire your work and love your posts.
Omg, red faced here. I’d love to spend time with you too, Julie. Besties is right!
Before I started writing, I never knew an author, yet grew up as a young reader & into my adult years, developing such admiration for the art. When I joined a writers grp in OK (after moving to the state & discovering wonderful local authors), I met my first author. It was someone I’d found in a bookstore & later devoured all her books. Sharon Sala was a member of the grp & I acted like a complete idiot until she calmed me down with her generous heartwarming personality. She later helped me get published. I’m still a huge fan of her novels & gift for storytelling. Thanks for taking me down memory lane, Julie BFF
Alive BFF? Not to sound like a potential groupie, but Robin Cook, I think. I heard him speak at a conference (Maybe it was Thrillerfest? I can’t remember.) I summoned up the courage to ask a question that had been gnawing at me for a while–I was wondering why the style of bestselling thrillers has changed over time, and what is behind it–and raised my hand to get his thoughts. After all, some of the first thrillers I’d ever loved had been written by Cook, and he’s still going strong despite constant changes in the craft and industry. He had a gracious, well-informed and thoughtful answer. I spent the rest of the conference wishing I could have dinner with Robin Cook and just talk about the craft of writing forever.
Dead? That’s a tough one. I think I’d like to be BFF with someone who is simply a blast to hang out with. And of course they must like to drink. I would say Hemingway, but shy away because he was such a crabbyappleton and narcissist (not to mention that he had some well known women issues–I have NO desire to find out more him along those lines).
Perhaps Shakespeare, since it would be such a journey of discovery (and I’m fairly sure he liked to raise an occasional glass bubbly). I’d probably have to bring along a translator to our dinner, to be sure. I watched a movie on Netflix last night that featured a Scottish protagonist and couldn’t understand a danged thing without the captions. Same language, very different delivery!
p.s. Speaking of Robin Cook, I just looked up his web site and saw that he has a recent new book, HOST. How awesome is he? Yes, I guess I’m a groupie. Off now to order HOST.
Robin Cook is a good one too. Imagine having medical training yet with the deviously dark mind of a writer. Very cool. Thanks, Kathryn.
Would I like to have lunch with my favorite author? Yes. Besties? Maybe not. I haven’t thought about in in conjunction with authors but I have found that learning too much about favorite actors is often disappointing. There’s usually too much dirty laundry with them. I’d just as soon stick with the larger than life characters they created.
I might have that ques on fictional characters coming up soon. Hold your answer. Thanks BK.
Patrick Rothfuss because, after 21 years of not writing, his The Name of the Wind made me believe I could write again. He brought imagination back to me. And a confidence I perhaps don’t deserve–yet.
That said, I have met both Larry Brooks and Les Edgerton through the free conference I run, Writers Workshop @ Your Library (in Fayetteville, NC. 2016 dates are 10/29-11/6. Larry’s teaching all weeked on 11/5-11/6. More info and registration at http://www.cumberland.lib.nc.us) I love both of these guys. So generous and amazingly knowledgeable. I don’t feel qualified to call myself a bestie, but am honored to know them both.
Wonderful, Robin. I’m thrilled to hear you were inspired to write yourself. Love it. We wish you well & we’re glad you’re a member at TKZ.
Thanks for your writers conference info & link. Free? What a great gift for attendees. Thanks for all your work on that front– and to our TKZ cohort, Larry Brooks. Well done.
Well, anyone that has read my comments on here is probably already aware of who I would like to be besties with: Agatha Christie. She would be #1. Also, remember Mary Roberts Rhinehart? Dorothy Eden? I used to love all of those Gothics when I was a teenager. As far as live authors: Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Harlan Coben, Diana Gabaldon, Mary Higgins Clark, Wendy Corsi Staub, Lisa Jackson, Martha Grimes and Heather Graham–to name a few. 🙂
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting & getting to know some of the wonderful authors on your list. Very exception folks – in their writing and the way they are in person. Thanks Rebecca.
Agatha Christie and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Of course high tea would be involved. Well done.
Terry Brooks, Author of the Shannara series.
Thanks for your recommendation, Chris. Have a good weekend.
Hunter H Thompson…. the drinks would flow and so would the Political rants and the shooting of the guns, what a time that would be!!!! and it would all be in a journalism piece he would he writing the entire time!
Alcohol & firearms – wow. Thanks for the chuckle, James.
Agatha Christie and Cormac McCarthy. We would travel together, visiting great restaurants around the world, telling stories and smoking cigars. : )
I can totally see it, Laura. Ha!
I would spend a day lying in a field of wild flowers with Theodor Seuss Geisel and Ray Bradbury. Oh, the places we would go; the stories we would tell.
Lovely, Janet. You had me at wildflowers.
James Lee Burke and Nelson DeMille – fun, fascinating, and brilliant!
Physician-author mind—devious, dark, but fun?
Thanks, Tom. Good authors there. Both would be fun to hang out with.
There are so many–too hard to choose just one! However, Carl Hiassen is a “fave.” His characters are crazy, wild, and so entertaining. I’ve read all his books including his non-fiction narrative -365 days of golf. I’m looking forward to reading his newest, “Razor Girl.”
I’ve heard so many good things about Carl but have never resd him. Time to fix that. Thanks Francis.