I’m fond of reading Author Notes at the end of novels, but I
may be in a minority.
To be clear, I understand the reluctance many feel about
this matter. I want to be succinct and say that, for me, an Author Note is
satisfying to read only if it’s short and personal. Like a cherry on the slice
of cake I just managed to finish.
An added zing, a finishing touch. An Author Note needs to
work like a decorative bow tied to a well wrapped gift.
A good
post on this can be found here.
For fiction, it’s important not to slip into lecture mode. I’m
afraid the tendency to explain, self-analyze, and even apologize— is what many authors
pass for their final note. I plead guilty myself.
A good Author Note does one simple thing: it ties the
fictional story to the author’s life experience in a way that enriches the
story for the reader. Too many authors write these notes to make up for
what they perceive will be criticism or in response to Beta readers’ feedback.
An Author Note shouldn’t be a defense of one’s work, nor added material that
should have been woven into the story itself. Again, I plead guilty to these faux pas.
While Author Notes can enrich a novel, I find them a burden
when tacked to picture book texts. Writers who have polished their skills writing
for the educational market are prone to add Author Notes to trade picture
books, sometimes longer than the story texts. Thus, a fictional tale becomes a
mini textbook. Publishers seem to love this, because it makes these picture
books marketable in both the trade and the educational markets.
I’m not a publisher. As a reader, I never liked fiction
laden with footnotes, and these Author Notes (as well as “Side Bars”) sink fun
fiction faster than I can say PLEASE DON’T.
For the third time, I plead guilty to this, also.
So, my take on Author Notes is keep it interesting and above
all—
keep it short.
