...it's tough not to complain about the new year, when every day there seems to be yet another blow dealt below the waist. While I'd consider the penning of a woeful list as being trite, if not laborious to read through on a Sunday evening, the lineup of rotten luck, six weeks into 2013, would be lengthy.
Therefore, when I opened my email this afternoon and read a personal letter from a young lady who'd recently finished my novel, South of Charm, the timing was impeccable.
...Mr. Grace, my aunt let me borrow your book when my husband and I were visiting. I am an avid reader, but it usually takes quite a book to hold my attention, so I was surprised to finish your story in two days. I just want to say, wow!, what an amazing book. I believe that some of the story is indeed a memoir, which made it so haunting for me.
Thank you for shedding such an honest and raw light on mental illness. After reading this book, I was reminded that mental illness does not discriminate against age, gender, religion, or ethnicity. It can truly affect people at any time in their life, be them a spouse, parent, friend, or co-worker.
I am looking forward to reading many more novels by you!
...I don't believe in coincidence. Never have. However, the timing of this letter urges one to consider those signs that we're quietly offered from a higher power, often showing themselves during a period turmoil.
It's a showing of hope. A promise of better days to come. A warm hand upon one's shoulder, urging them onward.
I emailed her back, thanked her for the letter, and included the link to The Fall, currently available on Kindle, just in case she was serious about reading more of my work ;)
Thanks everyone for reading!
El
http://www.amazon.com/South-Charm-A-Novel-ebook/dp/B005DJ945A/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_t_3_MKZX
http://www.amazon.com/The-Fall-ebook/dp/B00AZBIM68/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_t_2_EHM6
19 comments:
Wow! That's pretty amazing timing for sure! It's nice that those kinds of moments come when you need them most. I'm sorry to hear 2013 isn't treating you very well so far - I hope things are now on the upswing for you and your family! Take care!
It is always nice to get some sign of encouragement. Kindness can come in small packages and still mean so very much:)
I think the best compliment an author can receive is a letter/e-mail/book review from a true reader fan. This is my dream for my novels El, to have a reader tell me how much my novel touched their lives, made a difference in either pure entertainment or enlightening on a real life issue.
Someday I hope one of my stories affects a reader in this manner.
Congrats on this awesome piece of encouragement El. You, and the novel, deserve this.
.........dhole
What a lovely gesture to take the time to write to you and at such an opportune moment for you. I hope things improve for you now.
Great letter! Congratulations! They mean so much when they come from the heart.
I'm so very happy for you for to have happened when you needed it so badly. Yet, now I am concerned about those blows beneath the belt buckle. Too bad I can't sic Alice on whoever is making your days glum! Take care, Roland
Now that's what I'm talking about. There's nothing like a reader's love for something we write. That is what we must focus on -- not the nays. Life is too short.
Hey Jemi, thanks for stopping by and the shout out on the Tweeter ;) Perhaps the email will be cause for a re-do on 2013.
Hey Donna, it was definitely cool, thanks!
Hey Robin, I couldn't agree more ;)
Hey Donna, it was cause for a much needed celebration. I'm confident that a similar email will find its way to your inbox very soon. You'd be most deserving ;)
Hey Sally, thanks so much for stopping by. Maybe this will jump start the year and bring a little sunshine ;)
Hey Anne, so true, thanks!
Hey Roland, love the comment, thanks! Alice would be more than welcomed as my henchman. I may come calling if Lady Luck refuses to pay a visit soon ;)
Hey Teresa, worded beautifully, thanks so much!
El
Nice! What a great letter and wonderful surprise. And your book sounds amazing- will have to check it out.
It's great to meet you! :)
I need to to thank you for this good read!! I certainly loved every little bit
of it. I have you book marked to check out new stuff
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Hey Rebecca, thanks for stopping by, and your interest in my story ;)
El
Great email. It's nice to get letters like that. =)
That's an amazing story. It sounds like her letter came at exactly the right time!
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Oh yeah. The Boss upstairs knows exactly what we need to feel a bit better.
Hope things continue to look up for you. :-)
Holy smokes, spam be gone!
Hey RaShelle, so very true, thanks ;)
Hey Eagle, it did indeed!
Hey Misha, I couldn't agree more ;)
El
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