I’m informed that some writers, particularly some self-pubbed who do series, may seek reader suggestions, or incorporate certain twists, actions, relationships, whatever, the readers request.
I won’t, never have or will, criticize another writer’s process. Every writer has their own, and that process is right for them. There’s no right way, no wrong way, only the individual writer’s way.
But.
This is not, never has been and never will be my process. I don’t, and won’t write by committee or to satisfy certain readers. I won’t, never have, never EVER will, take a reader’s suggestion for any aspect of a story-no matter how well-meaning or how courteously offered.
I’ve been published for four decades. I don’t need or want any help. The ONLY suggestions for a change or an angle I will ever consider would come from my editor. If the idea, no matter how big, how small, doesn’t come from me, it’s never, never going to end up on the page.
I add this to clarify, and to further address why so many feel entitled to make demands on what they want for a character, for a story line. You’re barking up the wrong tree with me.
And to let others know, who honestly believe their very nicely offered suggestions may be considered—they won’t be. Not ever.
Nora
Thumbs up! I have a long-time friend who has published over 20 novels some just shy of being NYT best sellers and the winner of many awards….. We’re friends… And I wouldn’t dream of asking her to do a single thing differently. It astonishes me to think anyone would attempt it.
I am so sorry that you have to address this so often
Well stated and totally agree
Very understandable! I love all of your books!
I am 53. I have been reading your books since I was a teen. I even got my Dad hooked on your work. I would never presume to offer suggestions for a story. To me that’s very rude. You are an inspiration not asking for inspiration. Thank you for sharing your talent.
❤️ I love your books! You are my go to author. I’m sorry you felt the need to have to express your personal policy. Your life, your books, your way! I’m sorry you’ve had to deal with such rudeness… please don’t stop writing. ❤️
Bang on. Absolutely 💯.
It annoys me that some people are so entitled they think they can come into someone’s well established world and influence what goes on there. I want tell them write your own d*mn book and story, and leave multi #1 best selling authors alone and just enjoy their story/ies.
Thank you for not giving in to such stupidity…
I applaud your attitude for keeping your style intact. My first book had some spicy language and a friend asked how I could write that way when she’d never heard me talk that way. I smiled, and told her I may not use those words, but when a officer of the law has to deal with a fatal accident or a person who just knifed someone he usually doesn’t respond with ‘oh, gosh darn’.
I’m in awe if the stories that you write and taking suggestions from others would change your the stories I love so much. Thank you for staying true to you!
Well said!
Thank you
Dear Ma’am,
I have been reading your wonderful books for many years and still await each new book with great excitement. I don’t understand the world these days; the entitlement, the vitriol, the nastiness, but I hope you can accept my sincere gratitude for your books, your characters and stories always enthrall me. For me, when someone asks who my favorite author is, it’s a no brained, it’s Nora Roberts.
Sincerely,
Trish Jost
An avid reader, and a huge fan of yours.
You go, girl!!! One of the best authors ever and I have followed you since Irish Thoroughbred!!!
Absolutely 100% agree with you and to those who don’t well then they can go elsewhere. Well said on this post as well as Big Giant Wow!
I’m in awe of the stories that you write and taking suggestions from others would change your stories I love so much. Thank you for staying true to you!
That seems eminently reasonable. You are doing absolutely fine on your own.
I imagine the nightmare is some reader suggesting something it was already your intention to do lol.
It’s happened! Or I’d already done it in an upcoming book—which means that reader likely thought I’d taken the suggestion!
Bummer!
I loved ‘Dark in Death’. The parts about the writer’s interactions with readers, correspondence, the publishing process are echoes to this discussion, at least for me. Do people send you their manuscripts?
It’s happened. Not in a long time, but it’s happened. I’m sorry those who have don’t realize I won’t even read the first line. I can’t. I’ve had people accuse me of stealing their work because they believe my book somehow includes some element they wrote. So i have to be able to honestly claim I don’t read any unpublished works.
I fully support this post and previous posts. You do you and I’ve always been a fan! Keep up with your awesome work 👍❤️💐❤️
Thank you so much for the wonderful stories you tell us. James Cameron said that (after being asked for the millioneth time) ‘why didn’t Jack get on that plank – there was room ‘
‘Because the script says Jack dies’
You are fantastic just the way you are. Love your stories. Keep up the great work.
Ms. Roberts, you are a much better person than me. Very tactful means of saying “screw you and the horse you rode in on.” Thank you for sharing your talent with us.
Your books are beautifully written. Easy flow, conversational style as appropriate. Really a joy to read.
I have read some self-published authors who would have greatly benefited from grammar, punctuation, and spelling lessons plus a good editor to catch what spell-check just cannot handle.
Too often I’ve seen incomplete sentences, “reign” used instead of “rein” (yes, I do know the difference, but the author doesn’t seem to), or “sight” instead of “cite”, or even “site”. Believe me, the meaning of the sentence is altered with the incorrect spelling choice. Often I am soldiering through these stories because I was intrigued by the original idea, and want to follow it through. I am disappointed by the number of failures even with that exercise, and might have to retreat to waiting for new books from only specific authors. Thank you for your work, Nora. Your books are “must buys” for me.
I’m a professional proofreader and I say life is too short to finish a poorly self-published book–one with homophones used incorrectly, typos and misspellings everywhere, and punctuation apparently put in at random. I never find typos in Nora’s books, which make them even more of a joy to read.
I really wonder about editors. I seem to catch those kinds of mistakes on well published authors also. Or she was wearing a green dress ( lots of paragraphs describing the green dress — material etc ) and then HE comments on how beautiful the pink dress is and I am rereading the same pages over and over again trying to figure out if she changed dresses. I am missing the gist of the story because I am trying to track down how and why the dress changed colors I finally stopped reading books from that author because her editors were awful It was that way w every book
If anyone has a great idea, he or she should just write their own books. After all they’re so easy to write, aren’t they?
I am so sorry people are like that. You have been my escape from the world for years. I only read a few authors and you have been one of my main ones for twenty plus years. Please don’t let those people bog you down.
I can’t imagine having the gall to tell you how to do your job. You’re the expert author, I am just a humble reader thankful for your skill and imagination.
AGAIN; TY TY TY TY.
Thank you for being you! I love your writing and could not imagine how my favorite books would be different if you wrote to satisfy the masses.
I remember as newbies on adwoff asking can you write about….or what I’d like to see, and your answer was “if it fits in the story”. Never expected you to write for our expectations because we knew that. I believe those threads were eventually shut down and archived. The difference then was we knew it was our fantasies, and that you, the author and creator would take things in your own direction. Thank you for being gracious, and we all knew there was a limit. And that your word was the final answer.
Exactly lol. Then we all have to deal with a smug little somebody who actually thinks they’ve affected your art.
Perhaps preface every book with this blog post lol.
Good thought; but I’d bet actual money that they wouldn’t read it! and I don’t usually bet actual money, even in a card game!
I love your writing and decisions and the paths you put everyone on…why would i think i was any better? Reread the series 6 times. mostly while ive been ill. Your characters are so rich and give me company.
💯 Agree! Your books are perfect as is and your process, whatever it is, clearly works! I’ve been a dedicated reader for almost 40 years and preorder every Nora Roberts/JD Robb book as soon as available.
That said, I get that some (newer?) authors want /need input from their readers. To each their own.
Nora, I am 81 years old, been reading you since I was a young girl in my teens, early 20s.
You immediately became my favorite author back then, and still are.!
Well, my goodness, I haven’t been writing that long! First book published in 1981.
I was just about to say that I have been reading Nora Roberts books from the beginning and I was in my late twenties. As I am 71 now the maths were a little bit out. But I do understand the feeling of reading each new book of Nora’s as soon as it is out.
Brava, standing ovation, calebratory dance, thunder clap, and a woop – woop to you!
Thank heavens cause love what you do and how you do it. If it changed it wouldn’t be you. All my life reading had been one of my favorite fun things to do. Always a comfort. But after suddenly losing my wonderful husband in early middle age I couldn’t open a book. When I most needed comfort I couldn’t touch one. Finally after a year I discovered you in 1998. You were a revelation and a lifeline then and forevermore. I read both Nora and. J D Robb. Love them both. Always entertaining interesting and enlightening. I cheer every time there’s a new release. You’ve helped me ride out the bad times and add more joy to the good ones. So please don’t ever stop. And it’s obvious that I’m just one among multitudes that feel this way. With much gratitude affection and many virtual hugs.
Even with some authors asking for input, usually that’s more for names of characters, not actual plot elements. And still- big difference between making a suggestion regarding something undecided versus demanding an author change his or her mind.
I’m an avid reader and you are definitely my favorite author of all! I am in the process of collecting all of the Nora Roberts and JD Robb books.
Thank you!!
When I found you as an author many years ago, I started reading all the books you wrote. Then I had to read all the books you wrote before I found you. I even had my library get books for me from the first books and series you wrote. I think I have read all of them. I now look forward to your new stand alone and trilogies. I love the In Death series and have been reading it from the first book. I cannot wait to get the next book and then read it almost nonstop. The characters are like a family to me too. I think that your books are your babies – creations. No one who has a child wants someone to come along and tell them what they should do with their own child. They should mind their own business. I want to read books YOU write not someone else’s suggestions..
Thank you for the wonderful stories you share with us. It always amazes me how you have given us so many different characters who are unforgettable. I cannot understand how people presume they can improve them. Keep writing and we will wait tingling in anticipation for your next book …and the next …
Now we know where Eve gets her attitude! LOL! Awesome response Nora and Laura. Y’all rock!!!!
Well said. I have every one of your books & reread them constantly. The in-death series is my favorite. Stay true to yourself and keep writing!
Our world has become a place of entitlement. Sometime in the last 30-20 odd years, people have expected and/or raised their children to expect that they have the right to force their beliefs and views on others. And if their beliefs or views are not accepted as the “right belief or view” they have the right to get angry, and even threaten and follow through on the threats those who do not agree with them.
I would never ever think it was my place to tell an author how or what to write. The ones I don’t agree with, I simply don’t read. It’s a sad world we live in these days. Know that your true reader fans agree with you.
100 percent agree. My parents taught us that we must learn to function/live in society, society doesn’t need to realign to meet individuals requirements. We could have individuals requirements or beliefs but couldn’t enforce them on others.
Been reading Nora’s books for 42 years since day one. Favorite Author of all time.
I have read some authors who do like to be Nora Robers when they grow up, but will ever get there. If people are so st on Eve conaving a baby a puppy, they can write fan fiction, which some people just read. For me, when I read other authors, I often think, “Nora would do this better.” Don’t let the urkeys get you down. You’re the best.
Keep on writing, Nora! You sure don’t need suggestions or demands since ever.
Big fan here! I LOVE all your books. I wouldn’t dream of telling you how to write any more than you would come to my toddler room and tell me how to do my job. Why mess with what works? I wouldn’t want to give you any ideas because I know you wouldn’t use them (even if you hadn’t posted this), and I keep hoping some of what I think about pops into your head at some point, which means if I suggested it and you liked it, you still wouldn’t use it and that would be sad. I don’t mind the wait between books because they are worth the wait and the anticipation! Your books are like comfort food for me-they help me cope with some rough times.
I don’t understand the entitlement of people to suggest how an author should write their story. Keep being you.
It is unfortunate that Nora needs to keep reminding people of these things. If ony more would look at the index o’ answers they would know. So happy Nora found Laura or we would not have any of this great media, thx ladies
Kudos to you for sticking to your guns! I love what you write and would never ask you to change anything. I read your In Death series because I love reading about my favorite characters.
Very well said. I don’t think you need any suggestions on your writing at all. You & Agatha Christie are my favorite mystery authors!
You go girl. It’s your imagination that resulted in so many great books. Thanks for sharing your gift with us. Happy Easter.
I’m sorry you have to address this so often. I love and appreciate what you and Laura do. Please don’t change.
you remind me of one my 1st Sergeants. he had a notepad on his desk that had the following on the bottom of each sheet – What part of NO do you not understand? you go, girl! oh, by the bye, me husband, of 45 years, also reads your books. we fight over who get the ‘in death’ books first. he just read Inheritance and he is bugging me about when, when, when is the next book coming out. i tell him november and he is screaming too long, too long. i’ve got it on preorder so he has calmed down…a little.
Oh my, Chris! I think I’d have to buy 2 copies in that case–the ID’s are immediately opened (as soon as downloaded!) and I wouldn’t be able to let anyone, no matter how much I love them, have it first! I inhale the book & then read it again more slowly, savoring again the details all the way thru. Yeah, 2 copies.
Hi Chris,
My husband and I both love the Death series, but we get the books on tape and listen to them together.
We listen in the car on road trips or at home at the end of the day.
I would never tell any author how or what to write. I have loved your stories for a lot of years and hope to continue to enjoy the worlds you create for many more.
If it helps I’m a nurse and people constantly tell us how to do our jobs to. Usually starts with “goggle says.,”.
I’m a lifelong reader and a longtime fan of yours. I read all you write, and tend to love them all. In Death, though, is my favorite series. For Christmas this past December, I asked for the February release, and when it arrived, I discovered my daughter had gotten me a signed copy. There were tears. Thank you for writing and writing and writing. There are times I’d like to crack open your creative mind and figure out how you write so differently between Nora and JD, and where all the ideas come from. But always, I’m just happy to be reading your work.
Love it!! Why would anyone want to tamper with perfection?
Nora, let us apologize for those who try to tell you what your business is; they likely never will. I’m just sorry that they are so arrogant and rude to suppose that they have anything to offer. I do hope that you know that the millions of us who would never be so presumptive are out here supporting you in every way, including buying your books and watching and reading all posts and blogs from you and Laura. Please don’t stop Laura, your blog, or your “visits” with us. Have a Happy Easter!! It’s almost planting time.
Have been reading your wonderful stories since the start and yes maybe sometime I have thought wouldn’t this be great or that would make a great follow up but there my thoughts and this is your work so for anyone to have the nerve to suggest what you should write deserves well I can’t say on a public forum . Please keep writing as you have kept me going to good and bad times and if people don’t like your books nobody is forcing them to read it.
I love the anticipation of waiting for one of your books to come out. For me it’s like waiting for Santa as a kid. Sometimes I even wait a few days after I get it (usually both Kindle and Audible versions) before I begin reading (or listening). If you took suggestions or ideas from others the books wouldn’t be Nora Roberts books. Reading one of your books is like a vacation for me, and it calms me when my anxiety goes crazy. I often re-read since it’s like visiting old friends. Honestly, it’s difficult for me to describe the comfort and joy I get from your books.
And I’ll admit, I didn’t see the date on the post yesterday, but I didn’t ask. I went and searched for it on Audible so I could pre-order it straight away instead. Thank you for standing up for Laura and yourself. Sometimes you have to put your foot down, and there seems to be no boundaries on social media.
You are my all time favorite author!!! I own EVERY SINGLE BOOK you have published!! Ain’t nobody need to put their nose in your business because you have it down pat!!! Absolutely the best books I’ve ever read under both names!! 💜💜💜 everyone that doesn’t see that can KICK ROCKS!!!
About 90% of the books I read are yours…. never once has it crossed my mind to even think that you could have added, deleted, or written the story different… but we live in a world where is it is easy to hide behind a keyboard and criticize, fueling self-perceived importance and arrogance. They are your stories, your talent.
Ayuh; well said.
Getting to know you through you’re blog is so enlightening- and entertaining! No wonder I have read all your books!
The only thing i have ever wondered about your books is how are you so dang knowledgeable on so many subjects? I think you’re a great cook snd i know you love to garden- but how to fight fires? Perform an autopsy? You are awesome
Love this and brava to the post before this one. Why does anyone read? I read to get the authors story. Who am I or anyone to suggest what should or shouldn’t be written in a story that comes from someone else’s mind and talent? Otherwise I would be an author writing my own stories. Nobody handles social media better than Laura. Love her wit and humor. If she has to wield a big stick once in a while then so be it. Sometimes it’s needed.
What amazes me is all of the worlds you have created over the years. I have will always buy your new releases. I am so sorry that you have had to address this again. I will be over here patiently waiting on next release. I love all your work. And I respect you and what you stand for. And what Laura does for you. Much love.
It’s YOUR creation and our joy to read. Nothing more nothing less.
You tell ‘em!
I am a long time fan. I discovered you when Harlequin Romance novels were popular. I liked many writers at that time but you are the only once who has always stayed on my list and who’s books I have kept and re-read over the years. You’re the best and your popularity is well deserved. Thank you for all the enjoyment and pleasure your books have given me and others over the years. your books never fail to bring me pleasure so dont ever stop. You’re the best!
This is why there’s never been a trilogy featuring Wymzee the Magical and the Broads of all Kingdoms. Goddess knows we tried. 😘
I have read your books from the very beginning and own most of them in hardback (the ones available) and can’t imagine offering advice! I love all of them and am amazed at the twists and turns. I am so thankful for your books! Have a Happy Easter!
Bravo. Again. Keep writing and I will keep reading. You are my go to author.
To Laura and Nora:
I have read every single book I could get my hands on from Nora Roberts…several from JD Robb just because I know they come from Nora. I wait with baited breath for the next book coming out…especially in the series or trilogy’s you wrote.
As I read these works of art, I am amazed and awed by the mind and soul that created them. I could not ever think to criticize or suggest(regardless how kindly done) another angle or outcome or just whatever. I read them because I enjoy them. I am thankful for them because they are so wonderfully written, I feel like I am ‘in’ the book.
I am sorry to my toes the two of you have to deal with mean, unpleasant and small minded individuals. I am so sorry it got so awful that Nora had to step in.
These folks should really be ashamed of themselves.
Please don’t ever stop writing! I treasure your work!
Carolyn
Amen! And as it should be. As a small business owner, I understand that writing is a business and as such no one has the right to tell you how to operate it. It’s preposterous some people these days have let entitlement go to their heads and feel they can tell us how to run our businesses. I would never walk into a business and tell them how they should run it. If I don’t agree with a business owner or like a business, I quietly walk away and don’t shop there.
I love all your books and have read them multiple times. Thank you for all the entertainment and enlightenment your stories have brought to us over the years. Cheers to many more! Hugs!
Miss nora, you couldn’t make it any plainer or clearer. Sincerely hoping this will be an end to it and that you are able to do what you do without further disruption. Please tell Miss Laura she rocks, and blessings on you both.
Nora, you write the best books, keep on doing you. I don’t understand people try to tell you how or what to write, did they come up with the story line or develope the characters from the beginning, no they didn’t then have the nerve to suggest to tell you how to write you stories. Maybe they should find something else to read. Anyway can’t wait for you next book. You are my favorite author and you put out 4 books each year, love your writing weather In Death or Roberts.
Nora, Eve is my hero. Roark is my fantasy husband. Peabody is my favorite sister. All of the characters in the bullpen are my buddies. You have created all of them. No one should tell you what needs to be changed for any of them. I can’t think of any of the books that you have written need any changes. I have cried, laughed, scared and put me in the characters. That’s all that I could ever want or expect from you. Thank you very much!
Laura, I am so very much grateful that you are there for Nora and that you do a great job that not many could do. Blessings on you.
Those books would not be yours if you submitted to everyone elses ideas. If they think you should write what they want, them they should write their own darn books! Sorry for the language, you keep being you Nora!
It amazes me to think that someone has the audacity to criticize an author who has written a 59-book series to date. They want to interject their own preferences assuming that the rest of us agree. Have they really read the entire series? Have they read previous comments by Nora? Do they understand the progression of time from one book to the other which is often bare a month? Enjoy the books and just stop!
I read a book by Nora Roberts/JD Robb to experience the story her amazing imagination has created. Trying to interfere with that process is ridiculous. By the way, I wouldn’t tell God how to design a tree, either.
Why can’t people just let it be . The silliness of some people thinking they can tell a writer how to write who’s not an editor is ridiculous. I am sure Ms. Roberts doesn’t have a lot to change when her editor reviews the manuscript .
People who self publish are different. They might consider a suggestion from a reader. There is a reason why some books are only in some forms & not a true book.
Nora, Laura I am sorry that you these things keep popping up, when it’s clear they can look up your fallintothestory page. I always fall into the story it’s a readers greatest pleasure.
I found this on a news website because this sounds illegal that they used writers like Ms. Roberts to feed into AI, & what if they try to write a similar book with ChatGPT. Artificial Intelligence is incapable of creativity & thinking out a story such as even though it’s 2 months away Mind Games
I wonder what Roark would think of AI , he would probably own the company in the fictional universe of InDeatn-Eve Dallas world
From CNN
Nora Roberts, the prolific romance novelist, has 206 books used in the Books3 database, according to The Atlantic. That number is the highest by any living author, and second only to William Shakespeare. She called the database, and its use by tech companies, “all kinds of wrong.”
“We are human beings, we are writers, and we’re being exploited by people who want to use our work, again without permission or compensation, to `write’ books, scripts, essays because it’s cheap and easy,” Roberts said in a statement to CNN.
I am amazed at the number of books you publish in a year and always purchase each one. There are only a few authors on my buy list anymore, but I borrow many books from the library. Your books will always be placed there and not borrowed. I, like many of your readers have been reading your books from the very beginning. Two of my daughters include you as a favorite author, too. Keep on writing your way and thank you for all of reading enjoyment.
So sorry you have to keep repeating this. I’ve been enjoying your books for years, it’s getting hard for me to read with the eye troubles I have, so I’ve been getting them on audio also. I love your characters and I love the way you write.
I am amazed at the number of books you publish in a year and always purchase each one. There are only a few authors on my buy list anymore, but I borrow many books from the library. Your books will always be placed there and not borrowed. I, like many of your readers have been reading your books from the very beginning. Two of my daughters include you as a favorite author, too. Keep on writing your way and thank you for all of the worlds and stories you have shared with us.
I trust Nora to write the books. She is the pro!!
I have read and enjoying every book you have published for those 4 decades Nora. Love your book.s. The people you have in them, the wonderful descriptive areas they are set in. I feel have visited all those places and areas, even though I never had a passport, nor left our Australian shores. What works for you is excellent, needs no adjusting, and obviously works for your many readers. I hope enjoy writing many more so I can purchase and treasure them.
Love lynne
I LOVE Nora’s book. Some more than others. Some, may take me a few tries to get into but I eventually get there. No one person, no matter who you are or what you do will please everyone. Like Nora said, if someone doesn’t like the book or how things are done, move along. I have just now started reading Nora as JD Robb. Yes I knew she wrote both, but somehow in my little mind, I felt like I was cheating. Lol. Yes silly I know. I am loving it. Book 1. Being so far behind, I do not mind the spoilers etc. Will still form my own thoughts and opinions. BUT I will be some PISSED if the people who are bitching, and complaining, being disrespectful , cause Nora to shut it all down. Nora and company do not deserve this treatment. They have full right to say Buh Bye!! I would not blame them. I will blame all the ones who did the damage. We do not deserve to have Nora and company being so gracious when this happens over and over again. I appreciate all the work it takes for her to make my little piece of the world happy.
Thank you Nora et al from the bottom of my heart!
Nora, your writing is perfect and always tells the story intended. Do I always like every aspect? No…however, I appreciate that it’s your story to tell and I’m just along for the ride. It in no way reduces my enjoyment of your craft. Life is like that, too. People who complain should just get over themselves and move on if they don’t like it.
Nora, I honestly think I’ve read every book you’ve published. I remember reading the McGregor family. The McGregor was always fine but his wife “pined” to see the family. My favorite is the Key Trilogy(which I can practically quote) and I adore Rowena and Pitte. I’ve read and re-read and listened to all the “in death”. Books. Eve, and Peabody, Louise and Mavis, Caro, Nadine and all my friends.
You’re the only author I re-read.
I’m moving but gave away all my books-except yours.
You just keep being you. We love what you do. Ignore the whiners
Nora I worked as a Registered Nurse for 44years and I also have an unbreakable policy. My mechanic doesn’t tell me how to start an IV and I don’t tell him how to fix a car. I don’t tell my accountant how to interpret the tax code and he doesn’t tell me how to give an injection. I don’t tell my veterinarian how to spay my dog and she doesn’t tell me how to defibrillate a human. So I’ll never tell you how to write the books that I love if you don’t tell me how put down a nasal gastric tube. 🤪
Bravo Nora.I have been reading your books for a long time and I enjoy the very much. I would never offer any author my ideas on what they should right or how a story should progress or what topics should be covered.
I feel bad that Laura has to put on her Crancky Publicist hat sometimes because people are entitled. I feel that she is more than accommodating when she posts updates and the blogs.
Keep on keeping on and don’t let the fools frustrate you. Your books are wonderful and very enjoyable.
I’m sorry you have to address these issues. Again. Readers need to stop expecting you to do the work for them. Don’t like what she’s written? Use your imagination and make up your own storyline. For instance, I sometimes toy around with what would happen if/when Eve and Roarke have their own kids. I know very well your stance on that and I’d never even dream of demanding that you change your mind. So I use my imagination. The ones demanding changes need to stop doing so and do the same thing. That way they can make it up themselves and won’t need you to do it.
Even as a writer myself, I would never presume to suggest storylines to another author…especially not one of your caliber. And while I do fall into the self-pubbed category, I wouldn’t want anyone trying to push their ideas on me, either.
I’ll admit my latest book did come from a discussion with a relative, but she only suggested the subject. She wouldn’t have dreamed of trying to influence how I told it, and it astounds me that there are readers out there who feel they have a *right* to do so with any author. Kudos to you for always sticking to your guns.
Oh my lord people are exhausting. Why do they feel the need to be interfering in someone else’s work process? I think covid gave people too much time on their hands and they thought I can do that. Well. No.
Let’s stay on our chosen lanes.
Eek! This would be people who would tell Picasso that he was painting the picture wrong because it didn’t look like the object he was painting. If I have ever mistakenly told you to write a specific way, I’m sorry. I don’t remember doing that, but just in case. I have been reading your books from the start and never thought to write to you, even to compliment or say thanks, back before the Internet made it easy to do, it’s never something I have done for anyone. I have only ever commented here on your blog since I started using Goodreads. As I’m unsure about my future, let me take the time to acknowledge the hard work you do to write your books while still being a Mom and Grandma. Your books have brought so much joy to my life that saying thanks doesn’t feel like it’s enough. I wish you joy and happiness to keep being you for many years ahead.
Nora, I feel that you have so many ideas in your head that you certainly don’t need mine! I am happy that you see fit to share your ideas with me!!!
When I was in the Virginia General Assembly, it was not uncommon for other Members to decide they knew how to “improve” your bill. They’d offer suggestions, amendments, speeches. That was when I learned the wonderful Southern Legislator-ism “Get your own bill.” (Which since it was Southern, was pronounced “Git chown bill.” I’d suggest a similar approach. I like what Nora does a lot. If I don’t, I suppose I could write my own. But of course it would never be as good.
After working in the political arena for almost thirty years as an editor, I realized I am NOT a good writer. A good editor, yes, but hell no on the writing. And THAT’S why I love Nora. That woman can write like it’s nobody’s business. And you know what? It isn’t. Bail ó Dhia ar an obair.
I love authors! I love reading what they post!
I love their books – Nora, Kathleen Brooks, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Patricia Briggs, Christina Dodd )her sense of humor), Jayne Ann Krentz , etc,
I think there are more of us lovers than haters.
Holy shit Nora Roberts…I read this blog post because I saw some comment about it on FB which I was scrolling through while listening to Secrets in Death….I wish I could meet you because you are a girl after my own raging heart!
Not on and should be obvious! Love the books!
People who try and tell you how to write are just idiots. You are my go to author and in my opinion you’ve got this covered!
I love your books! I’d like to wish all those readers with the “great suggestions” good luck in taking their suggestions and writing their own books. Keep doing you!
You are and always will be my absolutely favorite author. I look forward to losing myself in all of your stories. You take me to a place that always makes my heart happy. You have the unique ability to bring out so many heartfelt emotions whether it’s laughing, crying etc etc. I just adore stepping into your world. I’m forever grateful to you for creating such singular and strong characters with amazing settings and back drops. Reading your books is like a vacation day.
Your true fans are here because of YOU. Your writing and perspective is why I come back for more. It’s what I love most about you and your brilliant writing.
Anyone who believes they are entitled to recommend changes to characters or stories are beyond ridonkulous. Glad you don’t take cwap but sorry you would even have to address unsolicited comments. I can’t even imagine having to address.
Thank you for the joy you bring. I always look forward to my next JD Robb/Nora Roberts stories.
I agree Nora! It reminds me of the character “Annie” in the Stephen King novel “Misery”!
Good for you! You certainly know what you are doing. I love your books!
I have been reading your books so long I can no longer remember when I started or which of your books I first read. My long time favorite was and sometimes still is Blue Smoke.
I would never presume to tell an author how or what to write. I find it abhorrent that anyone would have the gall to do so. Between the 4 books that are published each year under the names of Nora Roberts and J D Robb, I purchase 4 books each year and often also purchase the audio versions to at least 2 of them. If I really like them I will have them in ebook as well as hardback editions. Some might find that going a bit overboard but I like being able to read them anytime or place that I am in the mood for one of them,
As long as you are writing, I will be buying, reading and or listening.
I could never really get into romance novels. My sister would read them all the time, and I would try, but for me they were too much fluff and not enough substance. Then about 15 years ago my sister ended up in the hospital for a period of time, and I would stay with her for an evening or two. She was in and out of it a lot, so I would usually take a book. I had forgot my book on one occasion, and she had Charmed and Enchanted. I decided to try to read it. It was the first Nora Roberts book I had ever picked up. I was instantly hooked, and now have all works up to Nightwork. And all the J.D. Robb books up to Payback in Death. I prefer to read paperback, so once all the new books are in paperback, I will be adding them to my library. Thank you for your wonderful stories, and amazing characters. There are many times I get through a book or series, and just want to know more about these characters. How are they doing, where are they now? I would love to meet so many of them in person. Your writing just pulls the reader into the story, and has them going through so many emotions, and leaves them wanting more. You are a true master of the written word. How anyone could ask or demand that you change anything is beyond my understanding. Thank you again for sharing your gift.
The entire In Death universe was devised, created and is lovingly maintained by Nora Roberts.
It’s basically her sandbox that she graciously allows us all to visit from time to time.
Everybody knows the rules of visiting a sandbox.
1. Don’t eat the sand.
2. Don’t pee or soil the sand in anyway
3. Respect the sandbox owner and if they say leave, you put your shoes on and go.
4. If you don’t like these rules, feel free to find or build your very own sandbox.
Sandbox rules folks. Simple. 🙂
Very well put!
Listening to In Death from the beginning on Audible. Just got to Dark in Death. Chapter 10 – ROFL. Flashed back to this BIG TIME!