Episode 214: What Does An Author Owe You?
This week, Josh and Dietrich discuss what, if anything, an author owes their readers, and discover that their answer is much more complicated than the last time they debated this. Josh points out the challenge of addressing the demands of a rabid fan base, and makes a somewhat depressing prediction about the last few books in the Game of Thrones series. Dietrich talks about the fear of starting a new epic series when so many authors are leaving their work unfinished, and the impact this has on new authors hoping to pen their own long term series. Finally, they (very gingerly) discuss the importance and challenge of representation in books. Do authors need to include minority characters in their stories? If they do, what responsibility do they have to portray those characters in a respectful and balanced way? Are two straight white cis men at all equipped to really ask these questions? In a much less serious opening, Dietrich talks about a book by Umberto Eco, and Josh continues his revisiting of Stephen King's epic work. Finally, they discuss a surprisingly good Star Wars film, a surprisingly good Marvel film, and a predictably good Edgar Wright film. You can send questions or comments to librarypolicequestions@gmail.com.