Have you ever reached out to an author?

[Lindsay]

Have you ever reached out to your favorite authors to tell them how much their work meant to you? Back in 2018, I decided to reread a few of my favorite childhood books on a whim, and was stunned to realize just how formative they were to my own writing, even a decade later. I was so moved by this realization that I worked up the courage to email the author, Roland Smith, and tell him how grateful I was to have read his work and how much it inspired my younger self. He was kind enough to reply, and said the following, which really moved me:

The good news is that no matter how long it takes, or where it leads you, the best part of writing, the most satisfying part, is the actual process of writing. It’s not the publishing, the recognition, the money…it is the physical act, or struggle, of getting you story where you want it to be.

I have this quote hanging above my desk now, because it means so much to me! I hope everyone else who has written to an author has gotten such a lovely response.

[.* i s l a *.]

this is absolutely amazing to hear about! I’m so glad he responded to you. I’ve never reached out to my favourite author, Holly Black, but this might have inspired me to reach out and complement her writing and tell her how much it’s developed my person📚

[Lindsay]

.* i s l a *. wrote: "this is absolutely amazing to hear about! I’m so glad he responded to you. I’ve never reached out to my favourite author, Holly Black, but this might have inspired me to reach out and complement he..."

Omg I hope you do! Even if she doesn't find time to respond, it feels so rewarding just to put your feelings into words and send them out there, you know?

[.* i s l a *.]

yes absolutely!!