AUTHOR GROUPIES:
Have you ever heard of author groupies? Apparently from what I learned yesterday off of a group I belong to author groupies are out there. They go to the author booksigning, conventions and anything else that their favorite author does and while they may or may not buy books they go to meet the author. I take it they are a little more zealous than a fan really want special attention from their favorite authors. Enlighten me because I am confused on where fan ends and groupie begins? I thought booksignings were in part set up for meeting the author? Do authors really have groupies?
I mean I am a follower on a lot of author blogs, I go to booksignings to meet the author, people come to my signings to meet me? I have never been stalked by a fan (maybe my books aren't popular enough), and I'm pretty sure I've missed the main point of author groupie? I know stars and actors have groupies but never thought of mystery readers as groupies? Anyway I thought this could be a good topic for today's blog.
Enlighten me on author groupies and what this really means.
Pam
I imagine there are. Anytime someone perceives someone as special, exciting or whatever, I guess there is that line they can cross. I know Anne Rice had a whole lot of Goth fans that probably could be considered groupies.
ReplyDeleteCan you imagine Stephen King groupies? Scary thought...
Terri
Okay when you mentioned Stephen King I get it now but I am still a little confused where fan, follower and groupie lines are drawn. I guess I'm more of a follower of different authors careers.
ReplyDeleteThis isn't helping...I came to find out what defines a groupie. I don't want to cross over the edge. LOL. Yikes on the Stephen King groupies.
ReplyDeleteYou and me both Mare, I want to know the difference between groupie, fan and follower.LOL which is why I asked the question today so maybe someone will take pity on us and answer the question.
ReplyDeleteI think the groupie actually deludes themselves that they have a friendship or relationship with the author that is not based in reality
ReplyDeleteTerri
I think your definition edges over to the stalker side, Terri =).
ReplyDeleteI believe your own definition of "a little more zealous" than a fan is correct, Pam. I consider myself a fan, because I will go to a signing when the author comes to my town. Groupies are those who travel to go to their author's signings wherever they are. Think Ded Heads for writers.
I have a friend who, with other Robert Crais fans in her area of Los Angeles, have made up ballcaps that say "Craisies." Yes, they are a bit over the top. Robert loves it, lunches with them on occasion. Makes me want to get my hands on one of those hats!
ReplyDelete