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Probably the most rewarding aspect of being a published author is hearing from people who've read your book and are thoughtful enough to take the time to write to you. In my case, these emails have really motivated me to keep working on my second novel for middle grade readers, especially at those times this past summer when I felt like giving up.
So, I want to take time to thank:
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Claire from Westwood, MA, who wrote to tell me that Tango is her favorite book. |
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Madge from Mankato, MN, who commented, "It is a delightful story; I don't know what character I like best." |
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Jee Su from Guangzhou, China who sent me a picture of her little dog, Cherry. |
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Diana in Hawaii who wrote, "My daughter doesn't care much for reading, but she LOVED reading your book." |
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Ali, who advised, "You should DEFINITELY consider making a sequel to Tango." |
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April, who read Tango as one of the books in her parents' summer reading challenge and loved it. |
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Abby, who is moving to Prince Edward Island and thinks that Tango would make a great movie. |
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Lisa who wrote the following letter, which I am posting (with her permission) in its entirety, because her words meant so much to me: |
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“I just finished reading Tango to my 6-year-old daughter, Emily, and I had to write to tell you how much we loved the book!
“My daughter kept telling me to stop crying while I was reading ... that we'll never find out what happens if I have to stop every paragraph to wipe my eyes and nose and catch my breath. We both got caught up in the characters' lives and backstories ... guessing after each chapter what would happen next to each one of them.
“Your descriptions were very vivid. I could see the ocean swells and the vivid colors of the Enchanted Candle shed. I could hear Beau the fox yipping at McKenna. I could feel the softness of Augusta's sweaters and smell Tango's saltwater coat. I could feel the nervousness of the pup before his duel with Malachi and hear the sarcasm dripping from the wharf cats' voices. All in all, one of the best books I've ever read.
“We were wondering if you've been approached about making this into a movie ... animated or live action, though I think an animated feature could be terrific. We enjoyed the book so much and the descriptions were so well written that it would translate great onto the big screen. I wish I knew someone in the business who could help you do just that.
“We live in New Hampshire and were happy to hear that your Tango came from here. Of course now Emily wants to visit PEI. I guess we'll have to move it up on our list of places to visit soon.
“Thank you again for such a fabulous read! We wish you much success and do hope that you continue to write more books.” |
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Another even more amazing part of being a published author is meeting the children who have read Tango in person. One group that I'd specifically like to thank are: Abby, Danny, Elizabeth, Grant, Mitchell, and Rachel, and their book club leader, Lynne, from Stillwater, MN, who recently read the first seven chapters of my new book and gave me insightful and invaluable feedback.
And for those of you who are wondering about my next book, here's a hint:
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