Friday, January 20, 2012

Why I Write

Once in a great while, something miraculous happens. Between edits, revisions and rewrites, all those moments when I'm banging my head in frustration or stomping around the house waiting for inspiration to strike, an email arrives in my inbox. Without a doubt, this is the moment every writer waits for. That split second when a reader who was touched by our words feels compelled enough to reach out and let us know how much they enjoyed our work. It's better than a chocolate sundae or even a contract offer. Heck, it's better than holding a copy of my latest book in my hands. Because the characters I create are a part of who I am. While writing, I laugh during their joys and cry when their hearts are broken. To learn someone else experienced that same journey...well, words cannot express how this makes an author feel.

Yesterday I received this review for Jezebel's Wish in my inbox.

Dearest AJ,
    I thought you would be happy to know that you have spoiled me with your book as much as Matty spoiled Jezzy. :) As my mother has told you I have not read a book for fun since I was in Jr. High. After reading your book I now realize why. No one has been able to catch my attention long enough to complete a chapter, much less an entire book. I have recently finished your book and figured why not try another. Well all I can say is "I tried"! The next attempt was at "Title Deleted to Protect the Innocent". I'm sure it is a wonderfull book, but in no way was it as drawing and descriptive as "Jezebel's Wish". Your writing is amazing beyond words. The way you describe every emotion, every touch, every gesture, it's all so addicting. Anything that goes on with Jezzy, Matty, and Rev has so much detail as if the image was being painted in front of my eyes. So much expressed beauty, like the snow flakes flowing through the air sticking on everything in it's path. I look forward to your next book. The beauty not only comes from the story but the person behind the story with the power to touch the hearts of those around them.
 
Love Always   -Stephanie   age 22
 
P.S. I have been spreading word of your book like a wildfire. Also, this book should definitely be a movie :) 

If you can tell me how a person responds to this, please do so. Because I am at a total loss for words. Thank you, Stephanie, for your incredible encouragement and love. Your email has left this otherwise verbose author in a complete state of stunned shock.

XO AJ XO

22 comments:

Jan Romes said...

Congratulations, AJ!! What a wonderful letter! I'm sure you can't stop smiling :-)))) You've brought Stephanie back to reading - what an incredible feeling that has to be!!

Best wishes for continued success with your writing & with making a diffence in peoples lives!!

Jan Romes

Joanne Stewart said...

Excellent! Congrats, AJ! What a wonderful letter and very deserved. Mattie and Jezzy touched my heart too. Congrats!!

Nancy Jardine Author said...

To capture a self-confessed 'I don't read much' young woman like that is a treasure AJ. She sounds as though she might just have a go at writing herself, since she's cottoned onto fine description in the way she did! Wowee! What a joy.

Lynn Chantale said...

That is GREAT! Awww. Bravo, my dear. Bravo!

Alison Henderson said...

AJ, this is breathtakingly beautiful. No author could ask for more. Congratulations !!!

Beth Trissel said...

What a wonderful tribute, AJ.

Maeve Greyson said...

I'd get her mailing address and ship her a case of fine chocolates. ;-)

Jannine Gallant said...

What a wonderful tribute to your book! This is indeed why we write.

Kellie Kamryn said...

What a great email to receive. congrats!

Jill James said...

AJ, what a lovely tribute to your writing. You touched her in a way all writers strive for. Congratulations!! Now, send that young lady a nice trinket.

Mary Ricksen said...

You give them your heartfelt thanks!
And to add to that on a different level. WOW~

Mackenzie Crowne said...

First, you enjoy the glow. It's well deserved. And then you sit down at your keyboard and do what you do best, letting her know what her comments meant to you. You may temporarily be at a loss for words, but we all know that won't last. ;-) And may I say, I'm jealous. I want one of those emails!

Joya said...

What an awesome letter. And what an awesome person Stephanie is to share her love of your stories with you.
Speak from your heart, just like you do with your writing. Did her letter make you cry? Make you want to wallpaper your office w/ copies of it? Give you the inspiration you need to plow through your current WIP?
Lucky you and keep up the terrific work. :)

Calisa Rhose said...

W.O.W.
This is an amazing testament to your hard work! I long for the day I get one of these irreplaceable treasures in my own inbox. How do you respond? OMG You must be on cloud 9! When you figure it out, I'd love to know.

Rolynn Anderson said...

AJ, you've written a story that captures readers. I'd say you've got a target audience aged 22 to 60 plus. How great is that? Good work, friend. Keep writing those stories! Rolynn

P.L. Parker said...

Comments like that really affirm your role as an author! How very wonderful!

Lynne Marshall said...

That's the kind of e-mail that makes all the agnst over writing worth it, AJ. Well deserved, and what a great thing that she is only 22! You've saved another lost reader from the abyss of the wordless universe!

Go you!

AJ Nuest said...

I need to say a heartfelt thanks to all of you, as well, for taking the time to share this great moment with me. I'd be lost without my Roses. Truly lost.

Toni Lynn said...

Okay, my first comment didn't take.

Congrats, again. Advice, as to what to say to her...Thank her, of course, but also recommend your favorite books. Since she's not a reader, this might get her into reading...and that's always a good thing.

Luna Zega said...

That's awesome. Congratulations for touching the heart of a non-reader.

Mimi Barbour said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mimi Barbour said...

Congrats AJ! You have won the coveted "Versatile Blogger" award. Please accept your award at http://mimibarbour.blogspot.com/

xo Mimi