What would you write...

What would you write to your favourite writer? Apart from compliments I mean... And, certainly no manuscript sending!

And a poll, just for fun.

 

poll doesn't include my response... which would be:

because
1. they're too busy to read their fan mail
2.I don't need to make myself known to them
3.they don't need me to tell them they're good at what they do, as their book sales do that

 

The only author I'd consider writing to is Thomas Pynchon but only because there's so much mystery surrounding him. Of course, since he's a very private person and doesn't like any attention, I probably have a better chance of finding the Loch Ness Monster.

 

Edgar Allan Poe is dead. But what the hey?

 

Actually I have written Isabel Allende, and she answered with a very warm and personal reply. I have to say, I was surprised, but then again she seems like a genuine person.

I don't think that anyone is above being told nice things, by the way.

As for dear Edgar, I think he of all people would appreciate a letter sent to a dead writer!

 

Maybe a letter addressed to his editor/agent? You send a letter, and if the post doesn't come back there is a chance he received it.

 

I've had a couple of written conversations with one of my favourite writers, on the subjects of POV and editing. This was a while back, and to be honest I'm only starting to understand the quality of the advice that he gave me.

And yes, he's a very busy man, but he makes a point of indulging his fans, especially those who have been bitten by the bug. Some writers aren't so fond, but this guy is down to earth enough to realise that if it weren't for his fans, he wouldn't be where he is now. I get the impression he's more interested in discussing process, and helping an aspiring writer out than reading gushy fan mail, but he can take a compliment on the chin too.

 

I'd tell him that, as much as I admired his writing, he was dead wrong about Lapsang Souchong - worst tea I ever tasted!

 

I send kind of a mash note a couple of years ago to Jeffrey Deaver about his then-newest novel and received a very nice reply hours later (late evening on Christmas Eve, no less). Struck me as classy.

 

I'll send it to the house of Usher

 

Be sure to get the correct postage or it might just end up in the dead letter office!

 

I wrote to one of my favorite writers several years ago and he sent back a very nice reply.

 

ed... I agree... UGH!

tastes like liquefied tar, to me...

 

I thought it tasted like it had been strained through dirty socks.

 

Maybe you have poor quality Lapsang Souchong. Mine has a complex smoky aroma with a hint of bergamon, and it's one of my favorite teas.

 

I suppose that's possible, or it may just be a flavor I don't like. Then again, some people don't like single malt scotch.

 

Dear Mr Geisel-

I love what you've written

I love what I've read​

I'll never forget you

I'm sorry your dead
​

My nieces and nephews

have your books in reaches​

When I have a kid of my own

I'll read them the Sneetches
​

As I grew older

I had to take another look​

Teaching about the cold war

In the Butter Battle Book!
​

Aristotle to McMurtry

are other names on the spines​

Yours never collect dust

'cause they're favorites of mines​

 

Sorry to remain off topic, but you should try smoking duck with that tea. It is delicious!

 

That's not what it was called when I was a student.

 

That was foul.

And now, I had better duck.

 

Smoking Duck? Perhaps I'm just too young

 

It's up to you to decide which end you put to your lips

 

If I ever wrote to my fav writer (I think she's dead, though) I would probably ask what she reads and which are her favourite authors, because, as everybody knows, what we write is at least partly a result of what we read...

 

Salutations Authour on this blessed day

I read your books now for many months and realise that you would be the best to take apon yourself this most generous offer. Allow me to introduce myself I am a Doctor in a country that is under political tyrants rule and my money is no longer safe. If you help I can guarantee 50% share in my 600 million dollar wealth. Please let me know ASAP with your bank details, shirt size and the correct spelling of realise.

Please hurry as there is no time.
Peace to you soverine one
Dr. Wouldntu Li Ketoknow

 

Well, this is really for a PAST "favorite author" (that will go unnamed) ~ but, I would say that I used to love, love, love his finesse, wit, and ability to describe perfectly a feeling or eerie experience. But that as I've matured and gotten older, I've realized that I don't connect with his words anymore, and in fact; i'm often offended by his child-characters and the kinds of things they say and especially the very-adult things he has them do. It's made he wonder where his head is "at" (I know; behind the 'at') a lot of the time.