When I finish reading a really great story, one of the first things I want to do is go check out the author’s website. I want to see more of this world they’ve created and hope that perhaps they’ll have something extra to offer, outside of the story.
When I worked at a bookstore, there would be tables filled with little trinkets, toys, and gadgets from the most beloved book series. Of course, I found this more in the fantasy area, or the children’s area, but it’s often left me wondering, what about other story worlds that people love? Do they sometimes wish there was more after they closed the book at the end of a story?
I know of a few authors that I follow who share recipes, craft ideas related to something they wrote about, or some who even sell merchandise with favorite sayings or scriptures. I’ve been known to pour through blog post reading about what inspired an author to write certain books. Did they love knitting and had to put that in a book? Or do they live on a farm and wanted to share their experiences?
I. Love. It. The more extra fun stuff I can find, the more excited I get about that book and other books this author might write.
Am I alone in this? I’ve really been wondering.
So, I’m coming to you with my question. As readers of romance, and probably other, related genres, do you sometimes wish there was a little something more to your most beloved story worlds?
Do you check out an author’s webpage after completing a book you really enjoyed, hoping to find a little something more?
I’m going to post a poll. Let me know your thoughts. Feel free to explain more in your comments. I’d really like to know what you think. Are expanded story worlds something you enjoy, or do you simply want the story and nothing more? There are no wrong answers here. Only opinions and we all have those. Ha.
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Thanks for your votes. Click as many as apply to you. And please, share your thoughts in the comments.
And, if you feel so inclined, please check out my little Story World store by clicking here. I’m always adding new stuff. If you see something you like, use this code to get 20% off your purchase: CASTLE
VISIT: https://jackiecastle.selz.com/
Jackie Castle is the author of The White Road Chronicles a fantasy series, The Sentinel Archives for school-age readers, and newly released Madison Creek Bed & Breakfast romance series. She has also published articles and short stories in numerous magazines. She’s enjoyed many crazy adventures from working as a hairstylist, to her bravest quest: teaching children in daycare and elementary schools. Eventually, she settled down to a somewhat safer pursuit of being a Story-weaver. Now she lives in her comfortable Texas home where she spins marvelous tales and enjoys relaxing in the evenings with her husband Bob, their children and grandchild. She looks for the extraordinary in every ordinary day that she experiences.
Hi Jackie, it is always sad to come to the end of a good book- I hope for more about the characters…how does life pan out, their kids/friends…all opportunities for more books:)
Blessings:)
What an amazing analize. I left my vote, but what to share my toughts when I finish a book. I mostly read paperback, here and there an ebook. Even though I have a paperback, when it comes to the book I love, I oftet check on authors website to see if I can buy a signed copy. Some of author have an option, but a lot of them don’t. I miss that.
Hi Jackie! I love polls and authors that grab my interest I want more and therefore explore the author’s website and social media pages. Besides reading romance, I read cozy mysteries and those stories often include more – recipes, crafts, etc. at the end of each story. Also read historical fiction were the authors gives additional historical information – explains what is fiction versus real facts, maps, pictures, and more. I enjoyed that in the Tuscan Legacy series had a family tree and a glossary with French and Italian words. Some stories have chapters that start with quotes or a scripture verse. As a reader, I want to know what inspired the writer – what credibility is behind the setting – has the author lived there or at least visited. On many reveal Facebook parties authors give away merchandise related to their book or series. Bookmarks being the most popular, but I have received pens, notebooks, and journal. Thanks for interesting question. Looking forward to the results and comments. Best wishes.
If I really love a book or series I will do a thorough search of the author’s social media. I adore little trinkets from the stories or characters, enjoy the recipes and am generally willing to buy the next book the author writes.
Good morning, Jackie!! I love your poll, but I wasn’t sure that I could click on all the answers, lol!!
I worked in a book store for years, one of my favorite jobs!!
Love your poll, Jackie! I DO visit authors’ websites, after reading a great book by said author. Also, “follow” them on Amazon, and try to read other books if a series. I LOVE to read!
I remember being delighted after reading Sharon Hinck’s Restorer series to find on her website songs from the books! I do really like insights (like you’ve included in a couple of your books) on why/how an author comes up with some of their ideas.
Wow, Jackie! Your store is impressive!
I’d love to offer more to readers, but unfortunately signed copies and other swag are things it’s far harder for international authors to do due to the huge cost of postage.
Thanks for your feedback.
Good to know. I plan to start offering more signed books in the near future. Thanks for your feedback.
Great to know. Thank you.
I do the same thing and I love it when an author had put some effort into adding blogs or other stuff related to their books.
You can click on as many as you want to. =)
That’s the sign of an avid reader, I think.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Thank you. Songs are great. I think I’ve seen her songs, too. That series sounds familiar.
Yeah, I can see that, especially if a good majority of your readers are in the US.
Plus, it does take time to set all that up. I’m hoping in the long run, it’ll be worth it. =)
I enjoy series, signed books, crafts and recipes. I’m thankful for authors with a Christian world view
I didn’t vote since I’m a writer. But I do check out authors websites, I love when they share recipes or craft ideas, and I follow anything I can find when I love a series. For my books, there’s always a cut scene in my newsletter and sometimes the inspiration for the book. My favorite thing to do is create a Pinterest page for each book. Having scene ideas, faces for my characters, and pictures of settings inspires me when I’m writing and I hope readers enjoy them too.
I do love learning more about the authors that I enjoy reading.
If I really enjoyed the book, I cannot start another one right away…