Fans

I know I haven't been in the business long but I think being in the business since 1997 (released my first novel in 1999) gives me some incentive into the writing world right? I'm still young and was young when I started writing professionally, but that doesn't make my opinion of what others think about fan mail insensitive. It just means that I don't understand how others can find fan mail or responding to it such a hindrance.

Some time last year I read an author's response to a book tour he was on. He was a best selling author. This had been his first book and he seemed to think he was Jesus resurrected for the literary world. I just got this by the way he spoke. He was so arrogant I couldn't believe his publisher could even deal with him. And remember this, this was just his first book. So he went on and on complaining about his fans at his signings asking him the same questions over and over. Questions like why he wrote the book, how he got his ideas, when did he realize he wanted to be a writer. Nothing that surprised me. What the heck did he expect fans to ask him about, his weight?

I just couldn't believe that all he could do was complain about his fans. He went on and on about being tired of asking the same questions. It's funny how he thought he was so important and famous, yet I didn't know his name then and I can't even remember it now. My point is, to people who frown down on their fans, how dare you? I treat each and every person with respect and kindness. I especially hold the thoughts of my readers and fans close to my heart. I would never ever be rude or show unkindness to someone who took the time to support me by reading my work. I would never do that. But I see that a lot of authors don't feel the same.

Some people bitch and moan about having to read fan mail. Yes it does get to be a hassle and it does get to be a drain, but would it hurt to at least read the damn thing when you get the chance? I think of how writing a fan back means so much to them and how they adored my work or me enough to contact me. I'm probably busier than a lot of people and when I can't answer mail or something I'll make sure someone will take care of it for me. I at least read the letter. I at least hold my fans in high regards and at least look at their letters.

I am extremely thankful for everyone all over the world, wherever who has taken the time to read my work and who has possibly become a fan. I mean that from the bottom of my heart. And to you people too selfish to correspond (by even a form letter) mind you. Or for those whose heads are just too big to see the bigger picture, Remember this.. you wouldn't be where you are without your fans. They buy our books. They support us. They look up to us. They inspire us. Shouldn't our appreciation automatically come along with that?

I wish it did on everyone's part. I for one love getting fan mail. I love having fans and I love my career. I guess that's enough for me.

Above image is Bel Biv Devoe from their Masters collection album, Scanned by Stacy-Deanne