Sometimes it’s nice to hear from readers.
by Andy Scheer
Last week when I wrote about attending author events, I hoped someone would benefit. But I didn’t expect any confirmation.
After more than thirty years in the business, I’ve grown accustomed to not getting reader feedback. The only time many people respond is when a piece makes them angry. If that’s the case, I prefer silence.
So I was pleased when someone who’d seen my post wrote:
“Thank you for this post, Andy. It nudged me to discover that award-winning author Mardi Jo Link will discuss her two memoirs as well as the craft of writing at the Ann Arbor District Library this Friday night. I’m going! And, it gives me a good reason to go downtown for dinner.”
Even better, she actually followed through. Saturday morning she posted this on Facebook:
Last night, I had the good opportunity to attend a book signing with multi-published and award-winning author Mardi Jo Link at the Ann Arbor District Library. She wrote a nice note in my copy of her memoir and this gracious author stayed a bit after the program to chat with me about my writing and submitting to literary agents. When the marketing manager for the library heard me express my concerns with finding a local critique group, he came running with a brochure about one held at another branch of the library. So, wow, an all around very encouraging and inspiring evening. One giant step forward.
As far as I know, I’ve never met my reader in Michigan. But I admire her determination. And if she touches others with her writing, as I’m sure she will, I’ll have had a small part in that success.
What more could I ask for?
