Comments on: KidLitCon 2012: The Changing Relationship Between Reader and Writer http://www.slj.com/2012/10/events/kidlitcon-2012-the-changing-relationship-between-reader-and-writer/ The world's largest reviewer of books, multimedia, and technology for children and teens Sun, 17 Feb 2013 02:19:54 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.2 By: Jon Bard http://www.slj.com/2012/10/events/kidlitcon-2012-the-changing-relationship-between-reader-and-writer/#comment-3011 Jon Bard Mon, 01 Oct 2012 23:28:48 +0000 http://www.slj.com/?p=16450#comment-3011 Good piece. YA writers, in particular, have to think this through when establishing their on and offline personae. Teen readers, particularly those facing significant issues and who find comfort in YA books, often come to view authors as more than "the person who wrote this book". They're also "people who understand my problems" and "people who I connect with". Those are powerful feelings, and ones that are both an honor and maybe something of a burden for authors to carry. One thing that we've suggested for YA authors -- especially those who write "issues" books -- is to develop a relationship with advocacy and support organizations relating to the issues addressed, and provide connection points to those groups on author websites and blogs. If, for example, a young fan contacts an author to discuss deeply personal issues, the author can kindly guide them to a contact at the nonprofit who can help. Thanks for letting us know about this discussion -- it's one that we need to keep having. Jon Bard Children's Book Insider, the Newsletter for Children's Writers Good piece. YA writers, in particular, have to think this through when establishing their on and offline personae. Teen readers, particularly those facing significant issues and who find comfort in YA books, often come to view authors as more than “the person who wrote this book”. They’re also “people who understand my problems” and “people who I connect with”.

Those are powerful feelings, and ones that are both an honor and maybe something of a burden for authors to carry. One thing that we’ve suggested for YA authors — especially those who write “issues” books — is to develop a relationship with advocacy and support organizations relating to the issues addressed, and provide connection points to those groups on author websites and blogs. If, for example, a young fan contacts an author to discuss deeply personal issues, the author can kindly guide them to a contact at the nonprofit who can help.

Thanks for letting us know about this discussion — it’s one that we need to keep having.

Jon Bard
Children’s Book Insider, the Newsletter for Children’s Writers

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