Yesterday I found out that 80 people have been laid off at a company I’m doing some work for. When I didn’t hear from her all day, I was worried that my direct editor was one of them. She finally checked in around 4:30 p.m., her job still intact. But one of the people who was laid off was the person who first reached out to me. She read my book, Why Babies Do That, and she called me when we were living in West Africa to invite me to write for her.
Shakespeare is usually right that “Sweet are the uses of adversity,” but it feels awful that this top executive just lost her job.
With radiation poisoning in the news and several deadlines looming, I’m struggling to have a “keep-your-pecker-up” attitude.
Even though the Web is interactive and writers are increasingly having real-time on-line conversations with their readers, when you’re writing you are alone with a notebook and a pen or a computer screen and keyboard.
Those of us who write books, especially books that haven’t yet hit the bestseller list, often have very little sense of how readers respond to them.
So when a reader takes the time to write, it means a lot. Writing to an author whose book you enjoyed reading is a gesture that spreads kindness and good feelings.
Thank you to the two people who have taken the time to write me kind notes recently. Writing to an author is always appreciated.
One was about my book, The Baby Bonding Book For Dads, from a reader who won a copy in a giveaway I did over at Mothering Outside the Lines:
Thank you for the Baby Bonding Book for Dads. My husband read all of it with our three year-old daughter. They both enjoyed it and it was a wonderful way to talk about caring for our new baby with his big sister. Since she read it, she says, “Mom, let me hold the baby. I want to bond him.” I ask, “What do you mean by bond him?” She replies, “Just lie him on my chest and I will sing to him.” She also encourages me and my husband to “bond the baby.” I love it!
The other was from an older couple, both retired teachers, in North Carolina:
Having recently read your selection on Captain Safety in the How to Fit a Car Seat on a Camel book, my wife and I decided to track down a copy of your Toddler book. While our own current experiences with toddlers are with grandchildren rather than our own children, we really enjoyed the book. Thanks!
I’ve read recently that small acts of kindness towards other people actually produce more happiness for us than when other people do small acts of kindness towards us.
So if you’ve been thinking about writing to an author, do it. The author will feel appreciated. And you will feel good too.
Have you ever considered writing to an author whose work you appreciated? It will make you feel good, and mean the moon to them.
Published: March 16, 2011
Updated: January 15, 2020
Related posts:
Get Started as a New Writer, Here’s How
Do You Need a Standing/Walking Desk?
Believe in Your Book and Never Give Up
Getting Paid for What You Write
Holly Smith says
When syndicated columnist William Raspberry retired from the Washington Post, I emailed him to tell him how much I appreciated his work. Even though we’re from opposite ends of the political spectrum, I always thought he was well-reasoned and fair (and this was during the contentious Bill Clinton impeachment saga), and I wanted him to know that. Anyway, I don’t know if it mattered to him, but it did to me. I love paying people compliments, sending gifts, writing funny notes — all that stuff. And I admit that I probably get as much (if not more) out of it as they do!
Alexandra says
I always write to authors whose books I love. In this way, I have even met some of them.
Casey@Good. Food. Stories. says
Thanks for a timely reminder! I used to send letters to writers whose pieces I loved (back in the day before email or social media, simpler times) but now I just tend to follow them on Twitter or like them on FB. Although it seems intimate, there is something way more genuine about sending a note.
Kristen says
I have considered it and sometimes I have reached out to authors to say thanks–the web makes that so easy. But after reading this I’m encouraged to say thanks even more. So thank you.
Sheryl says
As much as I can, I do write to authors whose work has moved me. A total stranger once called me on the phone reacting to something I wrote and it was probably one of the highlights of my career, so I like to pay it forward. He could have emailed me, and the fact that he went out of his way to find my number just blew me away.
The Writer's [Inner] Journey says
It’s a gift to receive those letters for a story, and just as much of a gift (for me!) when I’m moved to write a letter (or request an interview).
Jane Boursaw says
I haven’t written a book (yet), but I do know the fun and appreciation I feel when folks write to me about my family movie reviews, blog or Web site. It’s so important to let people know when you love their work. It makes all the difference!
Donna Hull says
I haven’t written to authors as much as I should have, even though I bask in personal notes about my own writing. Your post has been a good reminder for me. It’s like sending out good karma that’s sure to return.