Fan mail
This morning I read something I relate to absolutely 100%. It was written in 1943 by the (irrelevantly rather beautiful) American critic Dorothy Parker about a comic strip called Barnaby.
She said, ’I cannot write a review of Crockett Johnson’s book of Barnaby. I have tried and tried, but it never comes out a book review. It is always a valentine for Mr. Johnson.’
I’m a great believer in telling people when they’ve made important and positive contributions to your life, whether they’re someone you know in person or someone you can only send a letter to via their editor. And while I’m not attempting anything as impartial as a review in these acknowledgements, I do try (and probably generally fail) not to let my gratitude descend into utter gushery. But I bet my messages do often sound like Valentines.
I must remember not to send them in February.
I’m with you on this, Anna. I am a firm believer in giving compliments. If you’ve thought the thought, then why not make someone’s day by verbalising it or better still, putting it in writing!
Dear Anna,
Juliette
I love your website! I love the way you write! I must go and find your beautiful books and read them to my children! I came across your name in a newsletter from Sarah Davis. I am also just starting out in writing children’s books, and Sarah has illustrated my first one, Marmaduke Duck and the Marmalade Jam. I have two more coming out next year as well. I am so impressed with the lovely, engaging tone of your website musings that I thought I’d submit a fan-letter. I live in NZ, but perhaps one day we’ll meet? Really looking forward to getting hold of your books – the titles are fabulous. Well done getting so many published so fast!
Dear Juliette,
What a lovely message to receive – thank you so much! I’m going to look out for Marmaduke Duck and Marmalade Jam (what an utterly gorgeous title!) Thank you so much for all your kind words.
Aren’t we lucky to have Sarah Davis in common? I just adore her work and she’s worked som absolute magic with my stories…
I have family in New Zealand and visit every now and then. I would love to meet you for a cup of tea if ever there was a chance!
Thanks so much for taking the time to write – you’ve made my day
Anna
Definitely! It’s what makes the creative world go around I think (well, that and inspiring artists like yourself!) xx
[...] but never to have had an actual conversation with them! That said, I’ve sent her a great many gushy emails throughout the year and we’re friends on facebook at [...]