As soon as I finish a book, you can pretty much guarantee I’ll check out the author’s website. Sometimes the website is listed on the about the author section, or the on the back of the book. Most of the time I Google the author’s name to track them down! (I am a professional stalker.)
Even months, or years after I’ve read a book, I still follow the author and check their blogs all the time. (I’ve been following Heather Vogel Frederick’s blog for two and a half years!) Sometimes, I’m guilty of loving the author so much, I love their books ten times more! (Hey, Rachel Coker!)
But what I really love is when authors take the time to talk to their readers. Give advice, answer their questions on their blog or social media – and answering fan mail is major brownie points in my book! (Pun intended!)
I can’t tell you how many authors I’ve written to. Dozens, probably. But only two authors have replied! Alright, so I understand that authors are BUSY people. (Writing a book isn’t a piece of cake and some ice cream with a cherry on top, peoples.) (On the contrary, READING a book is.) But it meant the WORLD to me that Miss Heather Vogel Frederick took the time to write me, and Mr. David A. Adler (author of the amazing Cam Jansen series – my six/seven year old self couldn’t stop talking about them!) emailed little ole’ me back in their busy, busy lives.
I get really disappointed when I go out in search of an author, AND THEY’RE NOWHERE TO BE FOUND! What is a bookworm to do?! (Does anyone, anyone know where I can send Ann M. Martin a letter, an email even, to tell her how STINKING AWESOME her books are?? Nope.) (But if you do, seriously tell me!) I mean, I think it’s really sweet to even talk to your readers! Let them know what’s HAPPENING. This is especially why I looove (emphasis on LOOOOVE) Kiera Cass:
Authors who say, “Hey, you read my book. You really loved it. I think my book world is awesome, too, so let’s TALK ABOUT IT TOGETHER!” are just amazing. Shouldn’t an author want to talk about their books to people who are as obsessed as maybe even the author themselves?! I know I would! (And hopefully, if I have a book published one day, I’ll be one of these really awesome authors who care enough to say HI, WORLD. LET’S TALK BOOKS.)
It’s little things that get me giddy inside. If an author has a contest, I FLIP OUT. If they have Saturday Story Starters and encourage their readers to write, I’m like “YES. YESYESYES.”
Readers appreciate authors, and authors appreciate readers! *starts singing* It’s the circle of life….
SO, blog readers! Since I appreciate you, I want to hear from ya! Don’t you love authors who appreciate readers?? I know a couple of you gotten letters from Heather Vogel Frederick – isn’t it the best feeling EVER?! Are there any authors who tickle your fancy? Let me in know in the comments!
What a great post and so true!! Just found your blog, looking forward to reading more!
Thank you! I hope you like the upcoming posts. 🙂
I love it when authors take the time and reply to your letter or re
Oops. Posted that before I meant to. As I was saying or take the time to reply to your comments. If I ever become an author in going to be that person. I’ll post on my blog regularly and give readers the option to mail me a letter. It’s so sad that we can’t contact Ann m. Martin. Her books are really good. Though I haven’t read many of hers. Kiera cass is good on keeping us updated.
When I got my letter from Heather Vogel Frederic i started skipping. It was so cool. And her letter was personal. Plus she seat me a signed book mark and 6(!!!!!!) signed book plates( because I told her I bought the whole collection whith the money I got for my birthday)(this was back when I was broke)!!!!!
Heather Vogel is so cool. Though I wish she posted stuff on her blog nore often. But she makes up for it in replying to comments. I’ve only ever written to Heather.
Same here. Although sometimes it’s hard to reply to so many people. It means so much more, though, to know how many letters and comments authors must get and yet some of them still take the time to reply.
6 signed book plates! WOW! That’s pretty awesome. I got two signed book marks, too – the drama is required reading one and a Once Upon a Toad one. (Once Upon a Toad was good, too. Have you read it?) I laminated them with my mom’s machine (she got it to laminate stuff for my sister’s schoolwork.)
She definitely does. I really like her Saturday Story Starters. I think it would be awesome if she wrote a book like Gail Carson Levine’s Writing books. That would be amazing!
I’ve only contacted two authors. One is Lisa Greenwald, and then, of course, Heather Vogel Frederick. Oh, and you might want to read some of Mrs.Greenwald’s books.
I totally get what you mean about being a professional stalker. It’s part if my daily routine to go on their blogs to see if they updated.
I emailed you this news, but I got 3rd place in a writing contest. The contest was about Ridley Pearson ‘s new book Disney Lands. They had challenges, and whoever got was the best in ALL of them got their writing from the challenges to be in his book.
I looked up Lisa Greenwald. I didn’t recognize her name, but I’ve been meaning to read My Life in Pink and Green for quite some time now.
Lol, me too. Usually every morning or afternoon I check all my favorite blogs and authors’ blogs and comment and everything, and then I reply to comments on my own blog!
That’s so cool!! I’ve been meaning to reply. Also I’ve been working on my list of books. I’ll probably send it to you today.
I don’t write letters to authors very often, but I do stalk their blogs. I love reading about their writing process, hearing their writing tips and reading about how they got published. Extra bonus points go the authors that actually reply to comments! When I become a published author, I hope that I can remember this and communicate and encourage my readers, especially those who are fellow writers. I know how much it means to readers, and it really helps make authors seem more like real people.
Yeah, me too! I love getting tips from the pros, especially when I love their books so much.
I certainly hope I do, too. We can be author buddies and stalk our READERS’ blogs together. 🙂
Same here! I always check an author’s blog after I’ve read the book. I’ve contacted lots of authors through email.
I like the professional stalker thing too 🙂
It is amzing when an author replies. Heather Vogel Frederick replied to me too!
I’m reading A World Away by Nancy Grossman. I think that you should all consider reading this book. It’s really good.
I also loved In a Heatbeat by Loretta Ellsworth (who responded to my email) and Love, Aurbrey by Suazanne Lafleur (who responeded too) and Serendipity and Me by Judith Roth (guess what? I emailed her too) 🙂
I’ve contacted them through email, as well. Snail mail is REALLY cool, though. Especially to get an actual letter from the author!
Nancy Grossman. I’ll have o check her out. Thanks for telling me about some authors who have responded.
I actually have Serendipity and Me, so I’ll have to read it soon and contact Judith Roth. 🙂
Yeah, definently look into A World Away. Its really good 🙂 Happy reading and tell me what you think, if you do read my suggestions!
The only author I’ve ever contacted is Heather Vogel Frederick. 🙂 And nope…I have no idea where to find Ann M Martin’s address, etc. I’ve tried, too. 😉
I’ve tried too, with no luck 🙁 but there are plenty of authors you can contact after you read their books 🙂 I mentioned them above your comment, Olivia
Yeah. 🙁 I seriously can’t believe there’s no way to contact Ann M. Martin! Her books are pretty popular, and really good! There’s got to be some way to get an email to her, at the very least.
I love hearing from authors whose work I admire! I’ve emailed a few and every single one of them has replied which is so freakin’ awesome 🙂
As an author myself, you’re totally right. I LOVE talking to readers about my books. I love when they get to know these characters I’ve known for so long. Finally publishing my first book and extending it beyond my small group of readers was amazing. All I wanted to do was talk to readers to hear about how they experienced the world 🙂
So, I don’t have a lot of readers yet but I’m really looking forward to one day being the author who tweets, who replies to her readers, who connects with and appreciates them and gets to brighten someone else’s day the way other authors have for me.
No way! All of the authors replied? You lucky duck!
Wow, how neat it is to hear from an author’s perspective! I’m sure your readers will love that! 🙂