Remember that post a while back about letting authors know that you’ve enjoyed their work? My niece Miranda did just that, writing to her very favorite author, J. K. Rowling. It took a while, but Miranda got a letter recently, all the way from across the pond, and … well, I’ll let Miranda take over:
I wrote to J.K. Rowling about how in a special way , each of the characters taught me a lesson, and how reading about Harry’s life helped get me through my parent’s divorce. I also took time to make sure I had good penmanship and that there weren’t too many run-on sentences. I waited and waited, and I was having a pretty rough day when the letter came. I’d had my freshman marching band practice that day, I was really tired and I didn’t really look forward to having to come home just to do a lot of home work at six o clock at night, as I still wasn’t used to it. I was so excited when it came that I ran all around my house, showing all my family members who were home at the time that she actually sent me a letter back! It really made my day, even though it was just a form response, there was a very good chance that she read my letter! I had been waiting for this letter since late last year, so even the fact that one of the people who works for her took the time of their busy schedules to reply to my letter to her, and then have it shipped across the ocean just so I could come home one day and end the night with a smile. It stills get me to smile no matter how upset or angry about something I am.
Here’s a copy of Rowling’s letter to Miranda:
As a publisher, I was especially interested in how Rowling, Inc. might respond to one young girl’s note of appreciation. First, I was pleased with the apology for the long wait time. I liked the honesty that Rowling, in fact, may not have personally read Miranda’s letter. Yes, the letter also makes subtle sales pitches but I thought those were handled well. What do you think? ~CHU