The best way to thank an author is to let them know how much you enjoyed their book(s). Often it comes from an adult fan in an official review on a blog or posting on Amazon/Goodreads. Sometimes it comes from younger readers at a school/group visit and once in a while a young reader will send a personal note. Early this week I received a wonderful letter and picture from Lexi Stevens, a talented nine-year-old fan.
Here’s what Lexi had to say:
I’m Lexi Stevens. I hope to be an author, like you. Oh, and talking about writing, I love the books and I’ll send you a book.
Hi, you probably don’t know me. I’m Lexi Stevens. I hope to be an author, like you. Oh, and talking about writing, I love the books and I’ll send you a book from me. Also, I’m doing a state report on Maine! I had Alaska at firs, but nobody had Maine, so I switched. I’m sooo excited! Happy Easter!
Love,
Lexi Stevens
P.S. Can you please reply!
Indeed I will, Lexi:
Dear Lexi,
Your wonderful letter and pictures (your illustrations and portrait) made my day! I can see that you have a gift for writing and illustrating and I can hardly wait to read your books one day. Follow your dreams and they surely will come true. We must stay in touch. It’s awesome that you’re doing your state report on Maine. Keep me posted on the great things you are doing. I’ll be following you!
HAPPY WRITING & ALL OF THOSE OTHER AMAZING THINGS YOU DO,
Bette A. Stevens
Dear Readers,
Needless to say, there’s nothing that touches the heart of an author like hearing from her fans. I thank each one of you for reading/following my blog and for your wonderful comments. They mean a lot to me.
Blessings to all,
Bette A. Stevens
RELATED LINKS:
Find the award-winning picture book AMAZING MATILDA and all of Bette’s books at http://www.Amazon.com/author/betteastevens
Bette A. Stevens, Maine Author 
Comments on: "Nine-year-old Fan MAKES an Author’s Day!" (28)
Reblogged this on quirkywritingcorner and commented:
How sweet. Her drawing is better than I could have done! ~ Connie
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Hi, Connie. Thanks so much for featuring Lexi’s beautiful letter and art on your blog. A talented young lady who made my day with her letter. 🙂
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Terrific. Doesn’t it just make your day when a reader takes the time to write a letter like this?
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You bet! Nothing like hearing from readers. A nine-year-old who wants to be an author made my year! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a note. It’s also great to get a visit from a reader like you. Blessings, Bette
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How Special was THAT!!!!!!
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SUPER SPECIAL! 🙂 Thanks for the note, Eunice. XO
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🙂
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Kind of touches the heart Bette.
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It was a thrill getting this heartfelt letter from Lexi telling me that she wants to be an author. I’ll keep in touch with her on a regular basis. I was touched that she’s doing her state report on Maine rather than Alaska. My heart was touched indeed. Thanks for the note, Laurie. Have an amazing week! Blessings, Bette
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I know how you feel, I’ve been to a few schools with my children’s book and given talks on writing. the kids love it so much. They never forget something like that, especially getting a reply from an author. Good one Bette.
Cheers
Laurie.
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WOW! I didn’t know you’d written a children’s book, Laurie. You’re so right about the rewards in working with children. It would be great if you could send me a link to your children’s book, so I could take a peek! 🙂 Bette
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It was written to help a friend out. She had the drawings and I subbed with the words. it’s aimed at 4-8 year olds. I’ve just had a look and it’s been taken down off amazon. She went from being a small publisher to sticking with tutoring. So I guess she pulled a lot of stuff down. 😦
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That’s a shame… We can never have too many children’s books to inspire our kids. I wonder if she’d consider republishing with Amazon’s CreateSpace… Hopefully the books that are already out there will keep circulating. Anyway, best wishes to your friend. Writing, publishing and promoting is certainly a full time job. Blessings all around, Bette
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It is a shame Bette. I don’t think she’ll be going back to publishing anytime soon though. There are plenty of them out there. 🙂
Cheers
Laurie.
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What a wonderful letter and a wonderful response. You probably changed a life 🙂
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Nothing like a letter like this to put this writer on Cloud Nine! Thanks for the note, Marilyn. 🙂
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How wonderful to have a young fan connect with you. I love it.
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Very exciting. It really did make my day. May yours be amazing, Kathryn! 🙂
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Wow! There is nothing better than receiving a letter like this one!
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I was thrilled. Just to think that Lexi wants to be an author… WOW is right! Thanks for stopping by, Barbara. 🙂
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Oh how sweet! This makes my day as i am sure it made yours.
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Thanks, SK. Have an amazing week! 🙂
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Wish I could hear from some fans. Wait a minute…I think I need some fans before I can hear from one of them. 🙂
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It doesn’t happen very often. That a young reader would take the time to write to me is amazing and it really made my day…SPECIAL. And, that she wants to be an author, like me, was better than a trip to the moon. Usually it’s when I go into the classroom for a school visit that the kids write to me. I think that perhaps kids and teachers think more about connecting with an author. Thanks for stopping by, Ernesto. Your support means a lot as well. Blog comments, reviews, readers sharing our content: our fans are all amazing! Have a great week, Bette
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This is the best kind of fan mail.
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YOU BET! Thanks so much for taking time to “read all about it.” Blessings to you and yours and HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! 🙂
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Wonderful.
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Thanks, Yvonne. It was a wonderful gift to get Lexi’s wonderful letter. As a former teacher and an author, it warmed my heart and made my day. Blessings to you! Bette
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