Episode Summary: Ep 411 - Authors Are Like Spiders - Tips for Author Interactions and Plot Driven Rex!

Release Date: May 15, 2025

In Episode 411 of Reading Glasses, hosts Brea Grant and Mallory O’Meara delve into the intricacies of interacting with authors during in-person events. The episode not only addresses listener questions but also explores book recommendations and reviews a charming bookish candle. Below is a detailed overview of the episode’s key discussions, insights, and conclusions.

1. Current Reads and Book Club Updates

Brea and Mallory kick off the episode by sharing their current reading projects, highlighting the Dracula Daily initiative.

• Brea Grant:

  • “I am starting our read a book over a long time... Dracula Daily is a reorganized, chronological delivery of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, spanning from May 3rd to November 7th” (02:20)
  • “It's a really long, it's May through November, but I am just enjoying it...” (02:20)

• Mallory O’Meara:

  • Shares her experience with Dracula Daily, emphasizing its unique approach to Stoker’s classic by sending out daily, chronological snippets (03:07), and recommends it for both new and repeat readers.

Brea is also reading Dog Flowers by Danielle Geller, a memoir exploring complex family relationships and heritage. She notes:

• “It's beautifully written and I'm really enjoying it” (04:00)

Bria, another book club member, is revisiting Dracula, reflecting on its personal significance and enjoying the narrative from a fresh perspective after years.

2. Protecting Libraries: Listener Feedback and Advocacy

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to protecting libraries, inspired by recent listener feedback.

• Hillary from Indiana shares her struggles as an introvert advocating for library protection:

  • “Your episode reminded me that even if they don't listen, it's important to put up a fight. I called all three of my representatives...” (07:18)

• Megan from Oklahoma talks about organizing a Lunch and Learn session to highlight libraries in her company, demonstrating proactive community support (08:11).

• Catherine emphasizes the importance of structured advocacy:

  • “Having five calls and a script made it so much easier...” (09:19)

Mallory updates listeners on recent victories in legislative advocacy:

• “Bills in Florida aiming to ban books were killed in committee, and in Texas, candidates supporting book bans mostly lost their elections.” (10:06)
• Encourages listeners by stating, “Writing and calling really can change things.” (10:06)

The hosts underscore the impact of collective action in safeguarding libraries and promoting literary freedom.

3. Author Interactions: Tips and Listener Questions

The core of the episode focuses on tips for interacting with authors during events, driven by listener inquiries.

Listener Question from Bethany:

• Struggles with supporting local children's authors at book festivals due to differing reading levels and feels guilty about not purchasing books.

Brea and Mallory’s Advice:

• Mallory: “Authors are more afraid of you than you are of them... They are trying to court you as a reader.” (16:35)
• Brea: “You are a nice person. Don't feel bad about it.” (16:51)
• Emphasize setting boundaries politely, such as thanking authors and moving on without feeling obligated to buy every book (17:00, 20:29).

Listener Question from Abby:

• Unsure of what to say to authors who aren’t personal favorites or well-known.

Hosts’ Guidance:

• Mallory: “Keep it simple. Say you're excited to read the book.” (25:00)
• Brea: Encourages expressing appreciation sincerely without overcomplicating the interaction (30:02).

Additional Tips:

• Maintain brief and positive interactions.
• Authors appreciate any form of gratitude, regardless of familiarity.
• Offer written notes for more extensive feedback or emotional stories (31:24).

The hosts reassure listeners that authors value their presence and support without expecting perfection in interactions.

4. Bookish Candle Review: Manderly by JD & Kate Industries

Transitioning to book technology, Brea and Mallory review a themed candle inspired by literature.

• Description:

  • The Manderly candle is scented with earth and white azaleas, featuring a 3D wax scene of a house on a cliff by the sea, packaged with a narrative letter (34:09).

• Brea:

  • “It's a piece of art... exactly what Manderley would look like.” (35:16)
  • Shares a humorous mishap where the candle melted before burning, subsequently providing a cozy yet mild fragrance (35:33).

• Mallory:

  • Praises the aesthetic and functionality, noting its suitability as a gift and decorative item rather than a primary reading candle (37:11).

Final Rating:

• Brea: 5 out of 5 for aesthetics and gifting.
• Mallory: 4 out of 5, recommending it more as a decorative piece (37:39).

The hosts encourage listeners to explore similar literary-themed products to enhance their reading environments.

5. Book Recommendations: Helping a Listener Overcome a Reading Slump

Responding to Allison’s request for plot-driven books to help her regain her reading habit amidst personal challenges.

• Mallory recommends "Beware the Woman" by Megan Abbott:

  • “It's about a young married couple dealing with family secrets in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Couldn't put it down.” (40:01)

• Brea suggests "Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone" by Benjamin Stevenson:

  • A snowy murder mystery with quirky characters and dark humor, balanced with a lighter alternative, "The Night Guest" by Hilder Nutstrutter (42:32).

Both recommendations align with Allison’s preferences for unhinged female characters, complex relationships, and engaging plots, providing immersive experiences to counter her reading slump.

6. Closing Remarks and Community Engagement

Brea and Mallory wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to:

• Share their author interaction stories and book tech suggestions via readingglassespodcast@gmail.com.
• Participate in community events and support literary causes.
• Explore their Void Merch store for Reading Glasses merchandise.
• Rate and review the podcast to support its growth and reach.

They also highlight upcoming events and express gratitude towards their engaged listener base, fostering a sense of community among book lovers.

Notable Quotes:

• “Authors are more afraid of you than you are of them.” — Mallory O’Meara [16:35]
• “You are a nice person. Don't feel bad about it.” — Brea Grant [16:51]
• “It's okay not to like something.” — Mallory O’Meara [12:54]

Conclusion

Episode 411 of Reading Glasses offers invaluable insights for book enthusiasts navigating the dynamics of author interactions, advocating for library protection, and enhancing their reading experiences with unique literary products. Brea and Mallory’s empathetic approach and practical advice empower listeners to engage confidently in the literary community while finding solace and excitement in their reading journeys.