a letter for ursula
an amazing thing happened today.
i received a hand written note from one of
my favorite authors and idol, ursula le guin.
!!!!! i'm sorry but i can't say this without erupting
into giddy fangirl exclamations and squealing!
i decided to write her awhile ago. i'm not even
sure what prompted me to do so. random surfing
online that led me to her webpage, which i'd visited
before. when her last novel, Lavinia, released, i really
truly wanted to fly up to portland for a book signing.
but the times weren't right, and i couldn't.
i simply wanted to let her know how much her books
meant to me, and how inspiring she was to me. so i sent
her a real fan letter. imagine my amazement tonight
(i was so busy i didn't check the mail until 7.30pm!)
when i saw her handwritten note.
ursula said to "keep writing and painting and having joy
in both your arts". i got teary. i am beside myself. i'm so
happy i took the time to write a fan letter to her. and how
incredible that she took the time to write back with these
words of encouragement.
Fury of the Phoenix releases next tuesday, in exactly a
week. i've been doing some blog interviews and one is quite
often asked: what is your favorite part of being an author?
it's hearing from or meeting fans. there is a lot of
up and down being a writer, and even more loop de loops
when you become published. and nothing makes me think,
this is why i write, as when i get an email from a fan or have
the pleasure of meeting one.
a few weekends back, i participated on three panels at the
local ConDor and had a fantastic time. that friday, a twitter
friend said she was driving from utah (last minute decision!)
to come to the con on saturday.
i got to meet megan before my first panel. and it
wasn't until we talked some more that i realized she
had come to the con especially to meet me! me!!
because she had just recently read Silver Phoenix and
enjoyed it. we got to chit chat a bit and talk books and
it was so much fun. thanks for driving so far, megan, and
i'm so glad we got a chance to meet! (also thanks to
mr. x for doing the actual driving! =)
speaking of being a fan and inspired by. i was
lucky enough to be on a panel with sherwood smith.
i had met sherwood at the sirens con in october but
didn't get enough of an opportunity to chat with her.
i'm so glad i got a little more time at the con. i also bought
her newest novel, Coronets and Steel, which looks fantastic.
can't wait to read it!
so why not take the time to write a real letter or an email
to an author whose book you've really enjoyed, had struck a
chord, inspired or moved you? i think you should! 8)
and for those who will actually read teasers, the first 70
pages of Fury of the Phoenix can be read online. enjoy!!
currently reading:
Water for Elephants by sara gruen
