This week has been a busy one. Yesterday I spent the day out in the beautiful Annapolis Valley with two friends. We did some shopping, had lunch and spent the day laughing and being silly. Days like that usually remind me that I really need to get out more often. During the winter months I tend to live like a hermit. So thanks Judi and Bonnie for your gift of friendship. It means a lot to this hermit!
Of course a day out would hardly be complete for me without a trip to the bookstore. I had a pleasant surprise yesterday as we were entering the mall for the second time. I ran into someone I hadn’t seen for many years. She wanted to show me that she had just bought two copies of my book for her kids. So I ended up signing them for her. She asked me about a character in the book, if he was so and so, who would have lived in the community years ago. Apparently she had already read the book, and she and her sister were curious about it. I guess it caught me of guard because I never dreamed anyone would see any resemblance between my fictitious characters and real people. (The story happened years before I was born.) I assured her, I had made everyone up, but I thought it was interesting that it had kept them wondering and thinking. She was also curious as to who the “busybody” in the story was. Nothing wrong with having folks discussing your book, I say.
I’ve had many adults contact me to tell me they’ve read the book. It’s something that all authors appreciate hearing. Earlier this week, I received an email from a young adult who was reading the book—the first feedback from my target audience—so it seemed like a noteworthy event. I was thrilled! It was one of the signed copies I’d left behind at one of the bookstores I visited last fall, and was purchased as a Christmas gift.
So I’ll end this post with a thank you to those who take a moment to send along their thoughts on my book—young or old or in between. Your comments are a welcomed addition to any day!!
Laura Best 
Ev Bishop
/ February 25, 2010I know–even the littlest comment can make my day. It’s something that people read our stories, isn’t it?! 🙂
And congrats on receiving your first feedback from your target audience! Yay!
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Laura Best
/ February 26, 2010Thanks, Ev. I agree, it is a nice feeling knowing that others are reading our stories.
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Lynn
/ February 25, 2010Laura, I am glad the encouragement keeps coming for you. That is important, I believe. It reminds you that you are an author, your words are out there in the world, and even though you don’t know who is reading them it is good reason to keep writing.
Happy day! 🙂
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Laura Best
/ February 26, 2010Thanks, Lynn. It is very encouraging to know that others are reading my book and it does help keep me going.
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Tricia
/ February 26, 2010Laura, I think you are living every writer’s dream.
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Laura Best
/ February 26, 2010Thanks, Tricia. It has been pretty amazing so far, more than I ever imagined.
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JaxPop
/ February 27, 2010Congrats – I know that had to be a thrill. Nothing beats an email from a kid saying they loved your book & can’t wait for the next to come out.
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Laura Best
/ February 27, 2010Thanks, Dave. I figured kids must be reading it, as well as adults, but it’s nice to get confirmation. It’s also nice to have people actually take the time to look you up and send an email. Very cool…
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Carol J. Garvin
/ February 27, 2010I’m sure we’d write even without knowing whether anyone else reads or appreciates our work but the affirmation is always so encouraging and such a boost to morale! Congratulations!
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Laura Best
/ February 27, 2010You’re absolutely right, Carol. We woud write regardless of anything else. All those other things are just icing on the cake and simply makes it that much sweeter!
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