I was listening to an author being interviewed about his new book on a podcast last week.
When he was asked what motivated him to write this book, she said, “Well, I wanted to start a conversation about this topic.”
No.
Start a conversation?
This is not the reason to write a book, and I don’t think it was the reason why he wrote this book. I don’t think any editor on the planet purchases a book on the idea that the author wants to “start a conversation.”
Yet it’s not the first time I’ve heard an author say this ridiculous thing.
Authors can do many things:
State an opinion. Express an idea. Challenge authority. Teach their readers something important or relevant. Change their perspective. Shine a light on a preciously ignored corner of the universe. Propose solutions. Critize the decisions of others. Take a stand. Share stories and wisdom.
These are all good reasons to write books.
If conversations emanate from an author saying something meaningful or important or illuminating, that’s terrific. But “starting a conversation” as the primary resons for writing a book?
No.
What’s a silly reason for anyone to write a book, and almost certainly disingenuous if given as a reason.
In this particular case, the author said this as a means of deflection. The podcast host was challenging his opinions in a perfectly civil, reasonable, but pointed way, but rather than defending his positions when asked why he wrote the book, he pivoted to, “Well, I wanted to start a conversation about this topic.”
It made me far less likely to purchase his book.
It made him sound less certain about his opinions.
It made me think the book is probably a little wishy-washy, too.
When asked why you wrote a book, the answer should be simple:
I had something in my brain that I wanted to share with others because I thought it was important, meaningful, entertaining, interesting, or the like.
We have conversation starters already. They tend to come in the form of packs of cards, coasters, or apps.
Books should do a lot more than just give people something to talk about.
