If You Want to Get to Know an Author

If you want to get to know an author, read their books. An author shares what’s important to them in what they write about. It doesn’t have to be a specific cause, it can just be their views on life or family.
 
An author’s writing reveals their likes, dislikes, hopes, and fears. What they don’t write about or include can be just as illuminating. Most authors immerse themselves in their writing, worlds they want to explore, share, or develop. And the kinds of environments or worlds an author creates can be a reflection of their inner world or what they idealize.

This is also where it can take a disturbing turn. Many authors are very emotional, at least when they project their feelings through their stories. But if they have traumas or mental health issues, those can be manifested through their writings as well. Authors often find therapeutic release in their writings. And while that feels satisfying or at least good to the author, it can make for troubling reading for their audience.
 
Authors especially like to plant “Easter eggs” in their stories. These can be in-jokes, running gags, local or pop culture references, or references to friends and relatives. These also reflect what is important or amusing to the author, granting a different kind of view of who they are.
 
So, if you want to learn more about your favorite authors or any author in particular, read their books, short stories, and novellas. You’ll pick up on consistent themes, ideas, and details they include in the writings. It might help you enjoy their stories more.