Would you rather write a book that changes your life or the lives of your readers?
"I think it would go hand in hand. If the readers cared that much about a book, if it affected them that much, then with luck they would tell their friends, and the author would reap those benefits, essentially changing their life as well." - Aimee Carter, author of The Goddess Test. 
"I'd like to do both at the same time. And I'm not going to presume I'm changing lives, but my characters deeply affect my heart, and I want to affect yours." - Leanna Renee Hieber, author of Darker Still and The Perilous Prophecy of Guard and Goddess.
"Honestly, I can't imagine ever writing a book that would change a reader's life. I write stories geared toward escape rather than transformation. But it sounds kinda selfish to say I'd rather write a book that changes my life, so I'll answer it this way: I write to please the reader in me. If that pleases other readers, then I 'm tickled pink. In my mind, there's no better way to make a living!" - Sonia Gensler, author of The Revenant.
"I find the idea -- that a book changes a reader’s life -- exceedingly arrogant. People change their own lives, or their lives change for them. They might use something they read as an excuse for going forward with their own thoughts… I also have no desire to change anyone’s life, although I have a strong longing for things like cruelty to others, and especially to animals, to f***ing disappear. If books could change lives (that didn’t ask to be changed) there would be none of that sh**." - Randy Russell, author of Dead Rules. 
"Lives of my readers. I’m changed each time I write a book. I’d love to know that I can affect people (in a positive way) with my words." - Suzanne Young, author of A Need So Beautiful.
"Readers! I figure if the book changes one person’s life, it’s bound to change other’s lives too." - Miranda Kenneally, author of Score.
"Column A / Column B. I think if the book you're writing doesn't change your life in some way as you're writing it, you're probably doing it wrong. And although I'm perfectly satisfied with just entertaining my readers, if I can touch someone in a way that changes their life in some small (or large way), damn straight I'll take it! " - Lesley Livingston, author of Tempestuous.
"The lives of my readers. One of the things that affects me most as a writer is when people tell me that I made them laugh or cry or that they were moved by something I wrote. That is the most validating, fulfilling thing possible for me. Changing someone else’s life IS what changes my life." - Amy Plum, author of Die for Me.
"Wow… I’d hope if a book was life altering to me as the author, it might have the same effect on my readers. But, if I had to pick, I’d choose my readers. See what I sacrifice for you? ;p" - Lisa Desrochers, author of Original Sin. 
"My life is already changed. I'd rather make a difference in someone elses." - Jennifer Murgia, author of Lemniscate.
"That’s a very good question. Unfortunately, ever since I tanked on the MMPI (Minnesota Multi-phasic Personality Inventory) I’ve had a hard time answering either/or questions that are designed to reveal hidden truths about the respondent. Which would you rather sleep on: a bed of iceberg lettuce, or romaine? Who do you think is the evilest person ever: Adolph Hitler or Pam Anderson who hit you in the back of the head with a metal rake when you were five and you had to get six stitches? Which would you rather eat: a hot dog made from a real dog, or one of those frogs flattened in the middle of the road which your friend Danni Vogt actually did eat one time on a five dollar bet? What is heaven made out of: the milk breath of babies, or Silly Putty?" - Steve Watkins, author of What Comes After.
"Great question. I don’t think a book could really change my life. Wait. Maybe if I got a seven figure advance. Yes, that would change my life! But unfortunately I’ve never been motivated to write books for the money. I think I’d rather my book touch the life of a reader and change something about them in some small way. However, if in the process a life changing advance came along, I might be all right with that too." - Janet Gurtler, author of I'm Not Her. Come back Tuesday to find out what's the worst day's diet the authors have eaten while working on a book!
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