Since last week’s post, i have communicated (or tried to) with all six authors referenced therein. Here’s the rundown, so far:
Attica Locke –emailed her through her website and heard back–Thank you so much! What a wonderful email to receive! I so appreciate it. All best, Attica–nice!
David Lodge–found him on Facebook in his home country England and messaged him–will he ever even see it?–i’ll let you know if i hear back–that would be amazing…
Jason Reynolds–i commented on his blog–he has 33,852 followers–i have this sneaking suspicion he will never see it…
Patrick Irelan–emailed the publisher for personal contact info–no response so far–next, i’ll try writing a note and mailing it c/o of the publisher–i really want him to know how much i’ve enjoyed his efforts…
Andrei Makine–located his author page on FB, all in French–messaged him in some French, mostly English–low expectations for a response…
Marie Marquardt–prior contact with her because of our common connection through El Refugio Ministry–after purchasing her trilogy, i sent her my Sunday by Sunday series–only a matter of time till we meet face-to-face, i’m thinking–meanwhile, i’ll let her know i’ve sent Dream Things True to my daughter to review as a possibility for 14-year-old grandson…
Getting into the spirit of appreciating people’s writing, i emailed a blogger last week about his post. The next day he wrote back, Thank you for your lovely email. It’s made my day! I’m delighted to hear you found the article useful. Fun to be appreciated for appreciating!
Over my many years as a reader, i have contacted authors with gratifying results, Catherine Marshall, for example, after reading Christy, the story of her mother (actually named Leonora) starting out as a teacher in the hills of East Tennessee. I took pleasure in sharing that my name was Cristy, i had begun teaching in those same hills, and i had visited the site–only foundations left–of that first school where her mother had taught. I still prize the inscribed booklet she sent me, Catherine Marshall, A Recent Portrait (1969).
Jon Hassler, who inspired my writing with his church fiction, also responded to my complimentary email, and we had a brief correspondence. He died prematurely of a Parkinson-like ailment, and its affect was obvious in his last email which was, nevertheless decipherable, and which, of course, i have saved.
I had a similar experience with the marvelous Phyllis Tickle shortly before her death. The 1) accessibility and 2) graciousness i experienced from that renowned author and speaker amazes me to this day.
The same with Herman Brokering. One Easter afternoon circa 2006, inspired by his words we had sung that morning in the hymn Alleuia! Jesus Is Risen!, i searched for his address so i could write him a thank you note and came across his phone number. I dialed. He answered. We had several more Sunday afternoon conversations, most enjoyable. And, he wrote an endorsement for Sunday by Sunday II, saying, ...each story offers the soul a ride. I continue to stand in awe and gratitude for such affirmation from that creative genius and man of faith.
Reaching out and touching, speaking an encouraging word, giving a pat on the back can bring amazing results and are just plain good for both parties.
How about you? Have you ever taken the opportunity to communicate with an author of a book you liked? Or disliked?
Have you had meaningful encounters with writers, known or not so much, at book signings or festivals? I’ve loved going to those and meeting authors including Patricia Sprinkle, Jimmy Carter, Harriet McBryde Johnson, Nikki Giovanni, John Updike, Bill Ayers, Dale Cramer.
One last item: Jason Reynolds has 33,852 followers. I have 36. Does that seem fair? Won’t you 36 faithful followers–or at least the 13 of you who are reading this post–get one or two friends to follow me? Please… C’mon now. How pathetic is that? I’m just like the little doggie who needs encouragement…
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