I was having one of those bad writing days where every word is a struggle. Yes, they happen to me. I feel like tossing down my pen and going back to a regular job, because there is something utterly draining about writing that I never experienced working a 12 hour shift at an emergency hospital. Hemingway had it right.
Then I opened my email. A new reader wrote to me. It was her first fan mail. She had had emergency open heart surgery, and during her recuperation she read From the Ashes.
Here are a few snippets:
‘I’m not typically a historical novel reader, but I love mysteries and I really enjoyed it! Sometimes people underestimate the importance of fiction. With everything I was going through to recuperate, your novel took my mind off of my troubles and brought me pleasure. Anyway, thank you again and I just wanted to let you know that what you do is important.’
Aaahh, the power of hearing from readers. It was exactly what I needed. Hearing from appreciative readers really does keep us writers writing. So if a book means something to you, tell the author. Don’t be shy. Chances are they are struggling with their latest manuscript and could use some encouragement. So thank you to all my readers who have left a review or emailed me. It means the world to me!
I realized that I never announced that the audiobooks for A Bitter Draught and Record of Blood are available. I love the narrator! She does such a great job with all the accents and voices. The audiobook version of Conspiracy of Silence will be out in the next few months as well.
Ms Flynn,
I have found myself in love with Atticus and the whole bunch. Thank you for sharing your gift.
Living in California with our quakes, I wondered if it might be interesting to put Mr. Riot and all through the 1906 quake. Time-wise, you’re just about there. Just a thought.
Thank you,
Terry Lowenstein
Hi Terry! So glad you love the series. And thank you for your kind words. It would be fun to explore the 1906 earthquake eventually, but I don’t like to rush the timeline too much. So it may be a number of books before the earth starts shaking. 🙂
In 1966 I lived in one of the few houses that survived the 1906 quake. I was 18 and shacking with my boy friend for the first time. If you want to know about it
So cool, Lucinda! What street was it on?
I have really enjoyed your AJ and Bel stories. I have read them in just a few days time and am anxious for the next one!
Hi Dianne,
So glad you devoured the series. I’m currently working on book 5. Hoping to have it out early next year.
Just finished From the Ashes, my first book of yours. Yahoo! It was a fun read. The mystery was intreguing, the characters complex, the humor and repartee delightful and I could feel the various atmospheres. Now on to A Bitter Draught…
So glad you loved the first, Pam! Thank you for letting me know. It always makes my day hearing from appreciative readers. Hope you enjoy the rest of the series!