Why I Write, Part 3

A writer’s life is somewhat isolated. We type away at our keyboards, hoping that the stories we tell will reach someone, somewhere and pray they enjoy reading our words as much as we do writing them.

At this point, I know 14,000+ people have a copy of Progeny, a number I am proud of as an indie author. How many of them have read it is anyone’s guess, but only a handful of that number have written a review (thank you, they help!) and even fewer have emailed me. I understand that writing a review or taking the time to figure out how to contact an author ranks low on most of our lives’ list of important things to do. To be honest, I have never written and review or sent an email to an author I did not already know personally. We’re all busy. I get it.

Which is why whenever an email pops up in my inbox from a reader, I take the time to respond with a quick, personal ‘Thank you.’ Those typically prompt a second, ever-so-much enjoyable response in turn. Here’s one:

When I wrote my last email, I wrote it thinking if I got any reply at all it would be some kind of automated rubber stamped form letter. I really wanted to write something though because I loved the book so much. I REALLY didn't think a real person would be reading what I wrote. But now that I know that I am actually talking to a person I wanted to let you know that when I finished your book for the first time (I'm half way through the second time) I let out a sigh and said, "That was awesome."

I was moved by your note to the readers regarding your journey. I really hope you make it big as an author. As much for you as for myself. I want more books from you! Sadly, my review turned out kind of generic as I don't have a way with words. At any rate I wrote one and have been telling everyone and anyone about the book.

After reading your book I got to wondering how you can weave such a detailed beautiful story in the same way I wondered about Jean Auel when I read her books. You are a very talented artist and I thank you with my whole being for the entertainment.

Hearing things like that from readers? These are why I write. These are the fuel to my fire.

Good days ahead…

--R.T.