More random stuff

[jmc_bks]

There's an interesting thread going on over at AAR on the Reviews Message Board about the new dust jacket photo of Nora Roberts/J.D. Robb. Nora Roberts has created a new thread in answer (sort of) to the poster's concern about projecting the authorial self onto a character. It's an interesting question, and Robin (the poster) brings up some other good points about the "personal" nature of relationships between romance writers and romance readers. I posted my opinion about the new photo, which is that Eve/NR are distinct for me, and a photo won't make a difference. About Robin's point re: reader/writer relationship, I don't have an opinion to share, primarily because I don't have a personal relationship with any romance writer. I check out author websites to read excerpts, check on upcoming books, etc., and I'll even check out a message board if it is available, just to see what other readers are talking about. But I don't imagine that checking out a website makes the author my friend, nor does exchanging a cordial email about backlist or future books. And I don't ever forget that I am buying a product of author; it's a business relationship only.

Unrelated to romance novels, I went to the National Zoo yesterday and saw the baby panda Tai Shan. It was cute enough, I guess. I kinda liked the emus better. It was freezing out and I was in a dress and heels, not ideal zoo apparel. Maybe I'll go back next week properly attired and be able to appreciate him better.

Comments

Tai Shan

[(Anonymous)]

I'm in panda love. I even got up at 6:30 a.m. the week after Christmas to trek down to the zoo and get same day passes to see Tai Shan. He was so adorable. I mean, when he was sitting on his little ass clutching a bamboo shoot between his paws and then falls backward because he can't keep his balance? Adorable beyond belief.

P.Devi

Re: Tai Shan

[jmc-bks.livejournal.com]

We caught him at nap time, he was curled up against the fence, visible only as a whitish lump above the weeds/grass. He stretched, resettled himself, then went back to sleep. I'm thinking that I'll be more interested if I'm more comfortable (I'm shallow and temperature matters) and I catch him awake :)

Re: Tai Shan

[riley-merrick.livejournal.com]

Do they charge admission now? The last time I was at the National Zoo (and I may be dating myself here, LOL), admission was donations only.

Re: Tai Shan

[jmc-bks.livejournal.com]

It's still free, but for the panda exhibit, you have to get a ticket with a particular time to go through...it cuts down on the crowding.

[riley-merrick.livejournal.com]

I saw this discussion. My take on it is that Nora dresses to suit the tone of the books, and the In Death have a harder edge, thus the leather and darker makeup. Never thought she was trying to "be" Eve, though.

[jmc-bks.livejournal.com]

Me neither. The original post was thought-provoking for me, though. I hadn't thought about authors superimposing themselves on their characters in the minds of readers before. I don't think NR does it, but after considering, there are a couple who stand out in my mind who do.

Authors vs Characters

[riley-merrick.livejournal.com]

We've discussed this at the Cafe many times before. Jayne Ann Krentz's characters are very frequently foodies, and so is she. Jennifer Crusie is an avid supporter of animal rescue, and there's usually a rescued animal character in her books. Those sorts of things. The only NR book I ever thought the line blurred a little was the Garden trilogy, b/c she makes no secret of loving gardens in real life.

Re: Authors vs Characters

[jmc-bks.livejournal.com]

I wondered about Crusie's penchant for dogs; I haven't read JAK in a long time, so I haven't noticed the foodies. The two authors who really stand out for me are Janet Evanovich and Linda Fairstein. Evanovich because of the bike, the wrestling, the NASCAR, etc., and Fairstein because she had the same profession as her heroine until she retired to write.