Dear Mr. Deaver

Jeffery Deaver is one of my favorite authors. If I’m in the mood for a great crime drama, full of more twists and turns than a roller coaster, I pick up one of his books. However, he is not my favorite author just for his writing. A few years ago, I had come across a Reader’s Digest Condensed Book. It consisted of two books that were edited and complied into one volume. One of these books was Jeffery Deaver’s The Stone Monkey. For the life of me, I cannot recall the other book, obviously, it did not make such an impact with me.

 I had never heard of Jeffery Deaver before I read The Stone Monkey. However, from the first chapter, I was intrigued. This is my rule of thumb with books—if I’m not hooked by the first chapter, I stop reading it. The characters were vivid, the mystery was intense.  The grittiness and violence of the book was toned down (it was, after all, a condensed book), but the basic story was strong. It held me captive from beginning to end.

The book resonated with me so much, I decided to write a fan letter. I had never wished to do this before with any other book I’ve read before. I was always under the assumption that authors were inundated with fan mail to even notice.  However, I enjoyed this book so much, I took a chance. His website was listed in the About the Author section on the back page of the book.  I visited his website and wrote an email, sharing that I thoroughly enjoyed his book. 

To my surprise, a few weeks later, I received a response email. This email thanked me for my comments, signed Jeffery Deaver. I stared at the screen in disbelief. I wasn’t expecting a reply to my fan note, but I was delighted. I like to think that Mr. Deaver personally wrote the email, but even if he didn’t, it doesn’t matter. I was touched by the appreciation.  From that day forward, I continue to be a fan.

I get such a rush when I receive comments on my writings. I love the connection that I’ve made! I’ve decided to pass along this good feeling and let an author know that I’ve enjoyed his/her book. Just because authors are famous doesn’t mean they don’t appreciate the feedback.  I’ve written fan notes to other authors (recently Christopher Moore, John Elder Robinson and Leopoldo Gout) via website, blog or Facebook.  I’m happy to report that they have acknowledged my posts.

In this day and age, we may think that technology has made us more distant. I have to disagree—I feel technology makes it easier for us to connect. After all, is it a coincidence that Facebook gives us all the options to “share”, ”comment” and “like”?