I was thrilled when I stumbled on my own book, Awaken the Highland Warrior, on the Amazon Best Seller List in three different categories. #2 for Time Travel Romance, #2 for Fantasy & Futuristic Romance, and I didn't even realize until our own Taryn pointed out to me that I was #17 on Amazon's Science Fiction & Fantasy List. Holy smokes! This isn't a romance list, it's ALL science fiction and fantasy, right there with Harry Potter. Now it isn't the NYT list, but I was pretty darned impressed. You know what my editor said? "It's nice to see, but it really doesn't mean anything." Well crud! I got excited for nothing.
Or did I...
I've decided that the numbers do count, because they're proof that I've achieved my dream. But what really matters, more than numbers and lists and nice reviews, are the letters from readers saying how much they loved the book. For me, that's what writing is about. If you don't mind, I would love to share a few reader emails.
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"I’m presently reading “Awaken the Highland Warrior”. I LOVE it. This is the first time I’ve ever written to an author to send a thank you for a book. But I just couldn’t resist. Can’t wait for the other 2 books in the series. Thank you!"
"i finished the book. it was great!!!!!! i cant wait till nov to read the next one !!!! please keep me informed of any more books . I willl be reading all your books!!!!!! YOUR#1 FAN!!!!!"
"Can't put the book down! I hate having to wait until the next two come out!"
"Will you be putting the next two highlander books on Kindle anytime soon? Absolutely loved Awaken the Highland Warrior."
"I just finished reading Awaken the Highland Warrior and wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed it. Everything about it was great - the main characters, the secondary characters, the plot, the writing."
"I have a kindle and am reading your wonderful book Awaken the Highland Warrior. This is the only book available for kindle. Will your other books be available for kindle soon, I truely hope they are."
"I just happened to stumble on Awaken the Highland Warrior. I love it. I have about 40 pages left and I hate to finish it. Is this book the first in a series of three? Are you planning to expand this series?I can't wait for Embrace the Highland Warrior in November and then Unleash the Highland Warrior in the spring of 2012.Thank you for putting your imagination and dreams in writing."
"I just wanted to let you know that I read your book and thoroughly enjoyed it. I was at the beach last week and took it along for an easy read. I couldn’t put it down and enjoyed it so much! I can’t wait for Embrace the Highland Warrior to be published."
"Dear Mrs. Clenney,
"'That's cute' she said with a lopsided, dirt-smudged smile.
''What?'
'The way you say damnation all the time.'
He'd had a lot of compliments in his lifetime, on how he handled a horse, a sword, a pistol, and his fists, and a few compliments on other things from a pretty lass or two, but no one had ever compliments him on cursing. He grinned. Only Bree."
^^^^That right there, is one of my favorite moments of the book. The voice is so strong and it's so freaking adorable!"
"I had the opportunity to talk to you at the book signing at Turn the Page last Friday and after talking to you I bought your first book. I came home with lots of books, but yours was the first one that I read. I'm not normally a paranormal kind of person; however, I absolutely loved your book. I am so excited to read your next two. I hope at some point you do books about Ronan, Conall, Duncan, and Sorcha. I told you I would be honest about your book and it was an absolute blast to read!!! Thank-you for sharing your story."
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And just in case it seems like I'm bragging, (shoot, I probably am), I'll post the only negative thing I've heard from a reader. She wasn't even a reader. She was a potential reader.
Dear Anita,
I was quite excited when I saw your book at my local Barnes & Noble. However, when I turned it over to check out the back, I was very disappointed. Why on earth would you want to write about Demons? Why not write a wonderful historical romance? Sorry.
And this woman didn't even look inside the book. I guess demons aren't her cup of tea. :) What about you guys, what do you want from writing? Is it to make a particular list or to sell a certain number of copies? I think those are all legitimate goals, but for me, it's hearing how much my book has meant to readers. That makes me happy. And I know that the other wonderful ladies on this blog will soon be hearing from their own readers because there's a lot of talent here.
12 comments:
Anita: Thanks so much for sharing some of the feedback you've received. I think it's great that folks have been writing you and giving you feedback. I so often read something wonderful, appreciate the writing and never tell the author what I was thinking. It sounds as though you have a great group who will not only be waiting for the next book, but also talking up your work. Yeah!!!
Wow, Anita. Such marvelous comments! Isn't it awesome to know you've got such amazing readers waiting for the next book?!
For me the reward is in the writing. Hitting a list would be fabulous, no doubt about it, because as you said, it's a solid sign your book is not only out in the world, but doing well. But, in the end, I write because I love it.
Cassy, I have to admit I'm not one to write to an author, but now that I'm on this end of things, I realize how important it is to hear from readers.
E.C., It's really a great feeling to know that other people are enjoying something I created because when you start writing, you can't help but wonder if you're the only one who gets your story. I think you're right, we write because we love to write. We have a story to tell.
Awesome Anita! These are the reasons we keep writing :-)
I really think it is Kari, and girl I can't wait to get my hands on your book!
Fantastic comments Anita
Thanks Lindsay!
these are wonderful letters, Anita. I hope some of those same kind are in my future. I sent ARCs to a few reviewers this week, so I'm waiting...and biting my nails.
Awaken deserves all these accolades and so does its creator!!
My dream is for kids from Appalachia--maybe even adults--to feel better about their heritage. That would really be something, wouldn't it?
Congrats on your positive reviews and list climbing!
M
Liz, oh I know you're going to have great reviews, and great fan email. You're not just a funny writer, which is so important with cozies, at least in my opinion, but you're a great writer. I can't wait for your book.
Marilyn, that's a great dream. I think we've discussed it before, but I'm from that area. I grew up in Grundy, Virginia, coal mining country in the Appalachian Mountains. We call it "appalachan". It really is a depressed area. I hope you succeed with your dream. Have you heard of Lee Smith? She writes women's fiction about characters in that area.
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