Kate Flora: I enjoyed reading Kathy’s post about reader feedback so much yesterday that I decided to share some of my own. Those reader cards and letters are much rarer these days, but when I was in my early writing years, they were so important in helping me to keep writing when the publishing world was so unsupportive and I debated whether to stop writing and do something else.

When I look back through an old file, I wonder if those writers are still reading my books. Do they look for a new Thea? If they liked Thea, did they also try the Burgess books, and was the change pleasing or did they want me to stick to the characters they liked?

Who wouldn’t love to get a note from a librarian in Ontario that reads: I’m eagerly waiting for your new book to come out. The chapters that you had on your website were great and I’m sure that all the readers are waiting to find out what happens. I work in a public library and I’ve recommended your name to many of the patrons who ask for good authors.”

Or how about this one from Tiffany in New Orleans? Hi! I just finished reading Death in Paradise. Like Steal Away, I was unable to put it down. That was the first Thea book that I have read, and I can’t wait to read the other others. You were blessed with a great gift.

I’ve often joked that when someone called up and says, “I hate you,” I’m pleased. It means they’ve been up all night reading one of my books. So when a reader named Ethel whose reread Chosen for Death and just finished Steal Away, says, I mostly like to read to take myself away from “whatever”, not to be touched or involved. Steal Away did not allow me to do that. You are an excellent writer . . . thanks for the experience.

And there’s this, from a reader in Michigan. I just met Thea a couple of months ago when my ‘book supplier’ gave me a bag of books and said, “Sherri, I have a new favorite author/heroine–you’re going to love her.  . . well, my friend Kathie was right. I LOVE your books and Thea is absolutely GREAT. We have books 205 but cannot find the first one, Chosen for Death. Of course I sent her a copy. (first edition)

My response to this reader was: Your note couldn’t have come on a better day. I was in

Thea Kozak series book 2

such a vile mood about publishing and publishers and agents I was ready to spit. Naturally, it was a great treat to get a message reminding me people do like and care about the Thea books. This exchange happened just as my publisher had rejected book six in the series and was dropping me as an author.

Because notes like this really make such a huge difference when those who SHOULD be supporting authors–their agents and publishers–are not. And so I love it when I get a note like this: I picked up your book, Death in a Funhouse Mirror” at some time in the past and it got buried under books, ignored and unread. I am packing to move to VT and in the process of sorting out books, came across the poor neglected book. This happened last night around 2 am . . . I started reading it and read til 5:30 a.m., at which time I made myself put it down and go to sleep. I woke up at 8:30 and the first thing I did was pick it up and start reading again. So . . . . thanks a lot!!! <grin>

A writer with a sense of humor

And, as Kathy noted, they get very invested and give advice. So I loved it when someone said I hope you expand the roles of the other characters because I feel like they are old friends and I want to know what happens to them. By the way, that’s a sign of a good author if you can hook us into wanting to know what happens next.

Of course readers tell you if you’ve got it wrong. I mixed up Gladys Knight and Tina Turner. Of course I heard about that!

So . . . what’s the point of all this? Write to authors. Send them email. Let us know we have readers and that like what we’re doing. Tell us what you wonder about. Ask us questions. Share our books with your friends and ask your library to buy them. You make a difference.

A reminder: If you’d like to be on my mailing list, go to the website and send me a message, or email me at writingaboutcrime@gmail.com

Are you missing a Thea or a Burgess? I might have a copy…

And finally, every month we give away a bundle of books to one person who leaves a comment on the blog. That person could be you.