Booking Through Thursday
This week's questions were suggested by Cate.
Charming, huh? To be honest, I can't think of an author I started reading because I found the author charming. Hmmmm. . . I also can't think of an author whose works I stopped reading because of how they treated their fans.
Have you ever stumbled on a reading and found the author so charming you started reading their books? Or, have you ever met a formerly favorite author and stopped reading their works because of how they treated their fans?
I can think of two authors who I admire beyond their works. Two authors who, because of who their character and passions, I read most of their work, any interview I can find, and have even written to each of them (and received replies -- thank you both!) Those two authors are Madeleine L'Engle and Andrew Vachss. If you know both of these authors, you know that they couldn't be more different in what they write and who they are; however, they are both passionate and committed people.
Madeleine L'Engle is impassioned about being a writer and her faith. She writes eloquently about both. I've always enjoyed her Wrinkle in Time series but when I read Walking on Water it sent me on a reading binge which included The Crosswicks Journals. (Two titles from that series, A Circle of Quiet and Two Part Invention are so amazing, I can't even say how exquisite those two books are.)
Andrew Vachss is a fierce child advocate. His Burke novels are harsh. Dark beyond dark. Nevertheless, there is a redeeming quality to them in how he writes about Burke and his "family." His chosen family. The books invariably deal with child abuse so be forewarned. Take heart though, the abusers usually pay. Dearly. In life, Vachss pursues justice for children with all of his heart, soul and strength. When I read an interview with him, I get all fired up and want to lead the charge against the abusers. And. . . he loves dogs. The coolest, best dogs. Shepherds, Mastiffs, mutts.
So, I read their writing before I "met" them but my admiration goes beyond their works in print to their life's work.
3 comments:
Madeleine L'Engle's "Circle of Quiet" is one of my favorite books ever. I need to read the rest of the books you mentioned by her.
I, like you Mary, can't think of any authors I read because I found them charming... I do read everything that Anna Quindlen puts out (novels, columns) I don't always agree with her perspective, but she challenges my thinking.
L'Engle has been an inspiration to me as a writer because when she was a stay at home mom, she insisted on time for her writing every day, no matter what, even though her husband and family thought she was crazy. I have totally followed her example, and whenever I get discouraged, I think of her trying for ten years to get A Wrinkle in Time published and I keep plugging away. :)
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