The Insecure Writer's Support Group is the brainchild of Alex J. Cavanaugh. He, his clones, minions, friends, and fellow authors make it an amazing event every month.
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
The May 5th question is:
Has any of your readers ever responded to your writing in a way that you didn't expect? If so, did it surprise you?
Reaching For Balance is the 4th story in the Bloo Moose series, but it brought me a great big first!
My first fan email.
From a complete stranger.In another continent.
Who loved my book.
Loved!!!! (with multiple exclamation points)
After reading Balance, this person had gone back and read the first three books in the series and has read all the others as well.
In the email, she called me her new favourite author.
I think I read the email 5 times before I believed it. When I started publishing last year, I didn't really know what to expect in terms of sales and reviews (still don't). It's a big scary world out there with a whole lot of twists and turns.
I honestly never expected to get an email from someone who called herself a fan.
Getting that email surprised me in such a good way. It's one I use on those tougher days to bolster myself and remember that good things comes in unexpected ways and at unexpected times.
How about you? Have you ever received an email that made your day? What was the last unexpected good news you received?
That's awesome! You have a new devoted fan.
ReplyDeleteSeems like - pretty surreal!
DeleteYou have as die-hard fan now!
ReplyDeleteI hope so! :)
DeleteThat's fantastic! Keep that email in a special folder on your laptop and future fan emails! Excellent for lifting spirits on tough days.
ReplyDeleteGreat advice! It's definitely worth a re-read on those days!
DeleteCongrats on the fan mail!
ReplyDeleteThanks - it was completely unexpected!
DeleteThat's wonderful. Fan mail from a complete stranger that too from another continent, is just awesome.
ReplyDeleteIt really is! Makes me smile every time I think about it!
DeleteWow! Print it out and frame it. It definitely needs to be in your hall of fame along with all your cover art. Congrats.
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
Great idea! I think I'll do that!
DeleteHow awesome to receive an email from a fan from the other side of the world! Reader feedback is something that unnerves me about the new Amazon Vella which I am doing with my next venture.
ReplyDeleteIt was such a thrill!
DeleteI agree - I'm intrigued by Vella but not yet convinced!
I agree. You need to print it out and frame it. You need to place where you'll see it every day. What a wonderful response.
ReplyDeleteIt makes me smile every time I think of it!
DeleteAn email to keep that's for sure. It's good to get email/text messages out of the blue.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
It really is - especially when they're full of joy!
DeleteThat's awesome! I have an email like that from my first trilogy and it made my day, week, month, well, honestly, it's still one of my favorite emails. :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your fan letter and all of your writing. You are amazing, lady!
You're so sweet, Tyrean!!
DeleteI'm going to treasure this one!
Oh, how exciting! And now nice! I hope you do print it out. It'll be a fantastic mood boost whenever you need one.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't thought of doing it before but I think I will now!
DeleteHi Jemi,
ReplyDeleteThat is so lovely. Treasure those times because they don't come often enough.
Have a lovely May.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
Thanks, Pat.
DeleteThey sure don't come often enough!!
I think that's wonderful, Jemi! You deserve a lot of fans.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Lee!
DeleteIt definitely helps on the tougher days!
ReplyDeleteYay on your first fan letter. You deserve it!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Natalie! You're sweet to say so!
DeleteHow absolutely wonderful. What an amazing affirmation for you. As I type I have a smile so broad that it is stretching my face. Which must be magnified for you.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Sue! I still get a giddy smile thinking about it!!
DeleteThank you Jemi. So true and an encouraging example of unexpected rewards from complete strangers, in writing as in life.
ReplyDeleteTake care and happy May writing.
It still make me happy. I enjoyed your poem, as well - congrats on the publication!
DeleteI love getting fan mail, actual email or positive comments anywhere. They get me through the days when no matter what I write is garbage.
ReplyDeleteIt's my only letter so far, but I love it! Definitely something to treasure!
DeleteWhat a cool story! That's something you should frame or place near your writing desk to keep you going.
ReplyDeleteI agree - I'm going to have to print it out!!
DeleteFan mail . . . Yes! Great answer. I'm sure you tucked it away some place special. :)
ReplyDeleteSo far, the inbox, but that's the plan!
DeleteI think you should print that email out and frame it for motivation. Its so awesome and I'm so excited for you!
ReplyDeleteExcellent plan!!!
DeleteThat's so wonderful!! And I'm not surprised you have true fans... your books are amazing :)
ReplyDeleteYou're so sweet, Lynda - thank you!!
DeleteCongrats, Jemi! That is AMAZING! I am thrilled for you and hope that you will receive hundreds and thousands more!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Michael!! I may only ever the one, but I'm thrilled!
DeleteIt's kind of like lovers, isn't it? You never forget your first! Especially when it's an awesome experience!
ReplyDeleteLOL - that's an excellent analogy!
DeleteCongratulations on the great fan mail! It's always exciting and rewarding to learn your books made an impact on someone.
ReplyDeleteThanks Carrie-Anne! It has definitely had an impact on me!
DeleteHow lovely Jemi. I read the first book and I loved it too. I have quite a few others to get through but will soon read the rest of the Bloo Moose books.
ReplyDeleteIt has been such fun to return to reading romance during this pandemic. The only thing that helps me keep my head above water.
Thank you so much, Kalpana - that made my day!!! I'm so glad you enjoyed Normal!
DeleteI agree, romance is definitely getting me through the pandemic!
That's an awesome email! Congrats! I would love to get something like that someday.
ReplyDeleteIt make me a little giddy every time I think of it!
DeleteWhat an awesome email to get. :)
ReplyDeleteIt really was! Might be my favourite email ever!
DeleteThat's the best sort of feedback you could get. Certainly a message that can carry you through the tougher times.
ReplyDeleteExactly!! I will always treasure that one!
Delete