Apologies if this is the wrong subreddit, if anyone has a better one let me know.
Anyways, I was reading a book and I think I know the exact building that might’ve inspired the one in the book. Like its history, surroundings, layout, all of it are just about spot on. Unfortunately, I’m the only one who’s made this connection so far and it’s not mentioned in any articles I can find. I have no idea if I’m right or not so it’s driving me mad.
The author in question isn’t well known. Or, well, he’s not well known for his books. He’s considered well known for his writing in other media formats though, and is a bit of a micro-celebrity in certain corners of the internet. Point is, he gets a lot of fan mail. Probably not about this book, especially now that it’s 5 years past publication, but regardless.
I’ve sent him a message on tumblr, but I’m not hopeful for a response. His asks are open and you are free to send them, but he hasn’t answered one in a long time. Not to mention, he has one other book coming out soon and his other work that is currently coming out which probably is leading to an increase of asks.
Is it rude if I sent him the question on his website? He has a contact box but I’m not sure of the etiquette on this. It’s driving me insane, but I’d hate to be rude.
TLDR: I think I’ve connected a building IRL to being inspiration for a building in a book. Would it be rude to ask the author through his contact page on his website?
by Badbitchery
8 Comments
If there’s a website it’s fine or anything they have made public to contact them like social media. It’s only not fine when you try to find out their phone number, home address, try to find them in person when not at an open event, or their email if they haven’t made it public, etc.
Using the provided contact form on his website or via the publisher would get the message to his people. In reality most authors have their publisher handle fan interactions.
Does he do book signings? Usually have a Q&A. Even time with the author as they sign. Like others are saying: as long as it’s not outside public info, it should be fine.
Not being a famous author i can’t answer for them, but i do answer a lot of customer enquiries in my businesss, and a polite inquiry isn’t likely be taken as rude – just do be aware that if they have a lot of mail to answer in the general line of things, you may not get a resposne. That said, positivity does work wonders, and if you particularly enjoyed the book, do say so, and if the building added to your pleasure, by all means mention it.
I think there’s very few authors who would take that the wrong way. I mean, someone writes a note to say “i liked your book and this bit with the building was really cool because it reminds me of X building, was this the inspiration for X in your book?” – if that’s not a validation of their hard work writing the book, then nothing is.
You’ve read their book, and remembered enough about the specifics to make a connection with something real world, and cared enough to reach out and tell them nice things about their hard work and ask a polite question. It ain’t rude, unless you’re spamming them with a dozen messages everywhere.
Just be aware that, for the reasons you mention, you may not receive a response. If you send this second message via their website and don’t get a reply, it’s not rude, it’s more that they probably have a lot on their plate, and it got filed in the “really nice letters it was good to get and made me feel good” pile.
Hope that helps!
nah, I don’t think it’s rude to reach out through the contact page, especially if you’re curious. just keep it friendly and respectful, and who knows, he might appreciate the interest in his work.
if it’s gonna drive you mad, just go for it and send the email. authors usually appreciate when someone digs deep into their work. just keep it polite and concise; no harm in asking.
If they say yes, it’s this building, what are you going to do with that knowledge? If they say no, I’ve never heard of this building, how will that change your life? Sounds like you didn’t like the book much from another comment, so this isn’t even fan-obsessing but purely for the ability to say “I told you so!” to… yourself.
I think that’s a bit self-indulgent, don’t you?
Not an author, but I do make things. I love seeing people be interested. Do it. Don’t be too sad if you hear nothing back though.