Dear Reader,
I am an author, and I want to tell you about the best reader ever. She approached my book signing table with a smile on her face despite the oxygen tank she was pulling and the clear tubes hooked over her ears like the girl in The Fault in Our Stars. Of course, I didn’t know anything about that book back then, but I knew the importance of lungs. In the book this reader was asking me to sign, the first chapter opens with a young woman having a severe asthma attack that has devastating circumstances. I never imagined that one of my first readers would be a thirty-something mom pulling an oxygen tank standing at my book signing table, and I worried about how the scene would affect her.
I heard from her soon after and she loved the book. She wanted to have coffee to talk about it, and so we did. It didn’t seem odd at all to be invited by a reader in my hometown to have coffee, even if she was a stranger. She turned out to be delightful. Over time we communicated occasionally. She read the second book when it came out, and then wanted to know when the one was coming, specifically the one about the coma.
When I had coffee with that reader, I had told her about an idea I had for a new book. It would start out with the main character in a coma, aware of everything that goes on around her. It was nothing like the books I had already written and I wasn’t sure it would even be believable. My reader friend surprised me by explaining that she had been in a medically-induced coma once, and assured me that she heard things that were said around her. It was more than possible because it had happened to her. She said she couldn’t wait to read it.
Over the years, she sent me messages that she was waiting for my next book, and I can’t even tell you how nice it was to hear her say that. It wasn’t just nice, it was encouraging. Unfortunately, years passed before my third novel, Waking Up Joy, would be contracted by a publisher. When I was finally sure about its release, my reader friend is the one I really wanted to tell. I hadn’t heard from her lately, but I wanted to let her know that her comments during our coffee had encouraged me to finish the book. Every time she had contacted me to say she couldn’t wait for my next book, it had meant something to me. And even though the book wasn’t about her, I was grateful that she shared her coma experience with me. I wanted her to know that.
Read the Rest: Dear Reader, You Matter to Authors {On Reading} | 5 Minutes For Books
Dear Tina,
What a touching story you told, but isn’t wonderful how two people can bond over a book? I have been a voracious reader since I was only three. I finally became curious enough to figure out how my mother conveyed a story through a book, and after that I was good to go. Yes, I was among many who hid under the covers with flashlight and book despite being caught numerous times.
It never occurred to me to contact an author. Instead, I would say to myself, “What a great book. I wish I could tell the author how much I liked it.” On a whim, I emailed Elinor Lipman and was stunned when she immediately replied. A lightbulb went off in my head when I realized that we all want attaboys or girls after doing a good job. Writing is a job, too, I figured out. While I created complex computer programs, you were creating books!
With the advent of Twitter and Facebook, I’ve developed friendships with several of my favorite writers. After tweeting Chris Bohjalian about Sandcastle Girls, I learned many things from him about my alma mater, Mount Holyoke College. I had no idea that the founder of the College had established a seminary in Armenia, which played a major role in the genocide by helping Armenians escape.
And then came my Poppies, who I found by accident. I realized when I looked at the website that I had read at least one book by almost every writer. I had been a longtime fan of Cathy Lamb and Katie Moretti, and there they were in the Poppy roster. I have developed great friendships with many of “my” Poppies and try to be their most ardent supporter and advocate. Not only can these women write wonderful books, but they have other amazing talents. I love Sonja Yoerg – writer, farmer, gourmet cook and now a beekeeper! Through Heather Webb, I became a little obsessed with Camille Claudel after reading Rodin’s Lover. I can honestly say that I have read only high quality literature written by each Poppy. The Poppies gave me a gift every day of 2015, and I’m sure their giving will continue. I try to gift them as well. Ann Garvin had a brilliant idea when she formed this group of talented women.
Now I plan to read your books, and you will hear from me. I hope you had a happy Christmas!
Cheers,
Susan Becraft