The title says it all, I wrote to one of my favorite authors (Cinda Chima, author of The Warrior Heir, The Wizard Heir, and the soon to be published The Dragon Heir) responded to an e-mail I wrote. I’m going to scream.
The awesome thing is that she is from Ohio, so maybe that was a factor in the response. I really don’t know. Here is the e-mail…
Dear Alex, Thank you for writing. I’m glad to hear you enjoyed Warrior Heir, and hope you’ll like Wizard Heir and Dragon Heir as well. I’m just looking over the proofs for Dragon Heir.
When I say, Don’t write unless you have to, I mean that it’s a crazy business. You can work very very hard, and still not be successful if by success you mean publishing a best seller. You shouldn’t go into it planning to make a lot of money. You have to love the process, you have to be a person for whom reading and writing are like breathing in and breathing out. Then, if you’re successful, that’s wonderful.
Glad Warrior Heir brought you back to reading, I know it’s hard to find time when you’re in school. Good luck with your writing. I sometimes post tips for writers on my blogs. Keep reading and by all means spread the word!!
Best, Cinda Williams Chima
From: Alex Little [mailto:littleka92@yahoo.com]
Sent: Saturday, March 01, 2008 2:38 PM
To: cinda@cindachima.com
Subject: SPAM-LOW: Fanmail, or inspiration gratitude. Your call.
Dear Cinda,
I can’t say that this letter is the most vivid, sappy, thought out or even well put-together e-mail that you have recieved. I’m none of those things, but it would make me extremely happy if you read this. There is really no way to tell, but the thought alone is certainly exciting. I just wanted to send this letter for some background information, though not in depth, and to give some insight of your books.
My name is Alex, and I too live in Ohio . I am in tenth grade, and have very strong interests in literature. I’m currently looking for a good college to get into that specializes in literature, as I would like to teach English someday. My math suffers, I really don’t understand it. At least there is some hope for me, and as you say on your bio, don’t write unless you have to. I have to. I don’t quite understand…do you not enjoy the process? Or do you think that there are people say they can write too often, when in reality they can write to save their life? I’m sure there is a point, but I won’t go into that. Maybe it’s best not to have the gift of the pen, but that’s all I have. At least it’s a steady flow of honors courses for me, all in literature, journalism, and English.
Enough of that, I know it’s tedious to hear of the scholarly life of an adolescent. I just wanted to let you know that your book, The Warrior Heir, brought me back into reading. Last year was the first time in about five years since I picked up a book to read for the heck of it. That was your book, and the pages flew. Now I am going to purchase your second novel, (as soon as I rake together some cash) because I can’t wait to see what will happen next. I also heard about a third book, which you are entitling it as The Dragon Heir. How awesome, to have three books published so quickly! Congratulations!
I also wanted to tell you that I saw your first novel in a magazine ad. I forget the magazine, but the point is the same-ads are well spent. I don’t know who has to pay for what, but be sure that people see them and pay attention.
Thanks for a few great hours of reading, and I’ll be sure to spread the news of your books…
Alex, a sophomore from Centerville
ISN’T THAT AWESOME?!?!?!?!
Anyway, if you wish to read her books, start with Warrior. It’s the first…
Also note the different advice of authors. Cinda says that you have to absolutely love the process, while other authors say that it’s a second nature to write. Others need to take some time to write and synthesize. She has a more logical mindset, and relates more to science, apparently. (Says on her bio on her site)
For me, reading leads way to ideas which leads to easy, yet lot’s of thought processing writing. Though it wasn’t the most encouraging response I have gotten, it was awesome to recieve mail from the person who brought reading back to me. Let me encourage everyone out there to write to their heroes and role models, you never know when they will write back…
~Al
Disclaimer: I own none of those books, nor do I own anything. Ever. Okay? I take no credit for any official thing in Italics, and I certainly am not aiming to take credit at any time.
Filed under: Author Authority, Books
