Category Archives: Readers and Fans

Authors Are Fans, Too

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Even though I’m a screenwriter and author, I’m also a reader and a fan of authors and screenwriters whose stories can’t get enough of.

Years ago, that author was Constance O’Day Flannery. She wrote the first time-travel romance novels, which were a huge hit.

That year when I went to a romance writers conference and saw that she would be in attendance, I became excited. I decided I was going to get her autograph, so I packed my favorite book, her first one, into my suitcase, determined I would see her.

I carried that book everywhere. To workshops, to meals, in the bathroom, everywhere. On the next to last day, I left the book in the room. I can’t remember if my leaving it was intentional or a mistake, but there it was. And, there was no going back for it. The distance and time it would take would make me late for the day’s events.

The day was massively long and still no sign of Ms. Flannery. It didn’t matter that I hadn’t carried it around with me, after all.

Bone weary, feet hurting, and brain dead, my writer friend, Maris, who was also my roommate, and I went to the elevators. There was another lady there, so we stood next to her waiting for the elevators to come down from higher floors.

We were chatting about the long day, when she turned toward us, slightly.

I looked at her name tag.

Constance O’Day Flannery.

“Oh, my God!” My heart racing, excitement welling up, I grabbed her arm. “You’re Constance O’Day Flannery! I’ve been carrying your book around with me the entire conference, wanting you to sign it! But I don’t have it with me right now! I’m so excited to meet you.”

I felt like I’d been screaming. I probably was.

She laughed and patted my hand. “Nice to meet you, too. Bring it with you tomorrow and if you find me, I’ll sign it.”

Our elevators arrived. She got on one and Maris and I got on another one. The doors closed. I looked at Maris. “I think I just slobbered all over myself.”

Maris laughed. “You did.”

I was so embarrassed. How would I ever be able to face Ms. Flannery again?

The next morning, despite the odds of seeing her, I picked up her book and put it in my bag. I probably wouldn’t see her, but if I did, I’d brush aside my embarrassment.

Lo and behold, at breakfast, I saw her. Before she left the room, I approached her with my book. I handed it to her. “I am so sorry for last night. I was beside myself, so happy to finally see you. I was slobbering all over myself.”

She laughed and said, “Honey, that’s why we come to these affairs.”

Support for Writers

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The Insecure Writer’s Support Group

February 2 question – Is there someone who supported or influenced you that perhaps isn’t around anymore? Anyone you miss?

Support for Writers

Throughout my writing career, I’ve had some terrific supporters. The best.

I’ve named them before in past blogs and posts: friends, other writers, librarians, bookstore owners.

The group we can’t forget, though, are the readers. You as a reader provide the best kind of support when you buy our books and leave reviews.

I love your reviews.

There is nothing like a word-of-mouth review or testimonial, but written reviews, on Goodreads or Amazon are gold and help other readers find us.

Thank you for your support.

*****

urpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds.

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer – aim for a dozen new people each time – and return comments. This group is all about connecting.

Reader Surprise & Reader Expectation(s)

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The Insecure Writer’s Support Group

The question being asked this month for May 2021 is: Has any of your readers ever responded to your writing in a way that you didn’t expect? If so, did it surprise you?

Reader Surprise & Reader Expectation(s)

While I like to think that not much surprises me anymore, there have been two times when I was surprised by what a reader asked or expressed.

The first time:

Upon learning I was an author, the individual asked, “Have I read anything you’ve written?”

I’ll leave you with that one for a second. (Are you laughing yet?)  I wanted to laugh but didn’t. I stared for short moment, thinking, how do I answer that one? I came up with:

“Since I don’t know what you’ve read, I have no idea.”

He blinked a few times. I’m not sure if he realized what he’d actually asked or not. Thankfully, someone else was already talking about something else.

The second time:

A reviewer responded to my novel, Grendel’s Mother, a book where I gave voice and a backstory to a character from Beowulf who previously had no voice. I stayed true to Beowulf and all incidents regarding Grendel, his mother, and Beowulf’s interaction with them.

Even someone who hasn’t read Beowulf can still read and enjoy Grendel’s Mother. It’s a stand-alone novel.

The reviewer’s comment essentially was, “I’d like to see a sequel.”

Say what? Did you actually read my story? Truly, an impossible feat considering the events at the end of my story. Because the review was online, I didn’t respond, as a good author shouldn’t.

As I was telling someone later about this comment, they said, “Well, couldn’t there be a sequel with Grendel’s children?”

I continue to be surprised.

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer – aim for a dozen new people each time – and return comments. This group is all about connecting!