A Perfect Example

Yesterday I decided to write an email to the author of Flags of Our Fathers, James Bradley. As a World War II historian, I found his book to be a refreshing change from a lot of the academic stuff that comes out about the war. It was a very personable book and I thoroughly enjoyed that aspect.

Imagine my surprise when not five minutes later, I had a response from him. He asked me a few questions, I responded, and he emailed me back again. How awesome is that?

When I finally reach that moment of being a novel-length published author and I have fans sending me email, I want to respond in such a manner. After all, without the readers, there are no sales. There is no one to read what you've labored so hard to write. And in the end, that is one of our goals - to reach people and have them read what we've written.

I've never wanted fame or celebrity. I'm too private of a person. I like my space. I like being able to go places without worrying about being mobbed by people. :-) Once I reach that point in my career of being a published author, I don't plan on elevating my status in society. I'll be the same, ordinary gal who decided to write a story. And in so doing, I plan to respond to those who kindly take the time to write to me in the same manner as James Bradley. After all, I'm pretty sure he just set out to tell his father's story - and in so doing, touched the lives of millions.