There was a time I would have given her a high-five for saying this. There was a time I would not have dreamt of having any public profile in any public forum. When it comes to the sentiment—I still get it.
Sure, some enjoy talking about themselves, and seeing their face on a Google search. But I started on the other end, dreading this aspect of putting more than my manuscripts out there, and God knows I dreaded that, too.
In this age where one seventh of humanity has a Facebook page, this can’t be a big deal. It isn’t, actually. But it is pressed upon us that it is mandatory.
I wonder how much J. K. Rowling’s personal struggle, from welfare single mom to billionairess, adds to her tales of magic and triumph of good over evil. I wonder how much J.D. Salinger’s cultivated identity as a recluse added to fans of his tale about another misfit. I wonder if we are enriched by knowing the strange story behind the inspiration of the character of Alice in an eccentric mathematician wondrous tale of her adventures. All are background stories not so much to the fictional works, but of their authors.
I give no advice about which are the best sites, or how to cultivate an online presence. I’m only wondering in this post. I know it has become essential, but is it really important? Do you care about it as a reader?