I get a lot of emails that begin with something like, “I hope it’s okay that I’m writing” or “I apologize if this seems random.” I will get some variation of this opening line almost daily. The writer will then go on to say that they are an aspiring writer and want to know about publishing, or they will express excitement about my books, or they will recommend other books to me. Though the reasons for these emails vary, the one thing they have in common is that they contain contrition, as though they are embarrassed. And I get that; I really do. Uncertainty is a big part of our human nature. But to those who have written letters to their favorite authors, and to those too shy to click send, I want to say that you should never be embarrassed that you are passionate and excited about something. I’m a writer, which means I procrastinate for most of the day. I watch the news. I read comment sections. And to hear it, the world is filled with grim dark places. You’ve got your political smear campaigns over here, a murder mystery marathon on Investigation Discovery. You’ve got poverty, world hunger, and the comment section on youtube. So when I receive an email that you are excited about a book, or that you want to write, or that something I’ve done has helped you relate or cope, that’s a bright spot in my world. Never hide the part of yourself that can be excited about things. Never be sorry for dreaming, or for taking solace in words you’ve read. Go out and do great things with that spark. The world sure needs it.
Posted on: Sun, 28 Sep 2014 16:29:53 +0000
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