I love to read and when I get immersed in a story, I want to know the history of the book and the story behind their idea.
This why I love reading the author’s note at the end of the book. It’s like a log of how the the book was written.
The Importance Of Author’s Notes
Writing a book is not an easy task. There is so much work that goes into creating a single book. In fact, it can take years for an author to finish and publish a book.
When an author adds a note to the end of their book, it’s like adding a whole new layer to a beloved story.
For beginning authors, reading an author’s note from a more experienced writer can serve as source of inspiration, a call to let them know that they aren’t alone when they can’t make their story, or even light a fire under them that gets them writing.
For readers, it’s road map that shines a whole new light on their favorite authors and their favorite characters.
For me, as both an author and a reader, it brings to light an entire creative process that brought about a book or even series of books. It helps me think about my own writing and how I can work to make it better.
Why Don’t All Books Have Author’s Notes?
While an author’s note is often a great addition to a book, not every contains book an author’s note. In fact in some genres, they are as rare as snow in Death Valley.
Typically there a few reasons for this:
1.It’s not common in a specific genre. (For example author’s notes aren’t common in thrillers.)
2. The author doesn’t want or doesn’t have the time to write one.
3. In some books it’s not necessary to have an author’s note.
Why Some Authors Include Author’s Notes
On the flipside, there are also a lot reasons that authors do decide to include an author’s note in their book.
1. To warn readers of sensitive content.
2. To tell the reader more about the story.
3. To inspire the reader
4. To impart a few last words of wisdom.
Some Genres That Commonly Use Author’s Notes
Historical Fiction
Various Sub-Genres of Nonfiction
Cozy Mysteries
Contemperary
Romance
My Favorite Author’s Notes
While I tend to find most author’s notes interesting, there are some that really stick out in my mind.
The Help by Kathryn Stockett- The note in Kathryn Stockett’s 2009 historical novel is actually an essay, but it serves the same purpose as a traditional author’s note.
In her essay she describes what growing up with maid that she loved was like and how that led her to write the The Help.
The Invisible Woman By Erika Robuck- This book tells the intriguing story of the most dangerous ally spy during World War II.
In her author’s note, Robuck paints an even more amazing portrait of a real life woman who saved the lives of thousands.
Final Thoughts
Author’s Notes are an important part of literature. I always appreciate when an author allows their reader to be apart of their world just a little more.
