For 23 Days: The Last Six

You’ve read what the first seven responses were, so here’s the last six – I will warn you, most of these were actual letters instead of emails, so I just scanned them onto the computer.  So, when I type/put in some pictures, I’m skipping a bit more than in the first seven.  Oh yes, and the ones who actually sent letters usually sent either book plates, stickers, and/or bookmarks, as well.

One of my other favorites was Jennifer Valent’s sweet little card she sent me from Virginia.  “Hi, Megan!  Thank you so much for choosing to write me as part of your school project.  I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed the books!  I had so much fun following Jessie and Gemma around in my head and it’s always a thrill for me to hear from readers who did the same.  I hope you’ve had a great experience writing all the authors and poets you enjoy reading.  I can tell you for certain that it’s a joy for writers to hear from readers, and from your letter it sounds like you might experience that joy one day, yourself.  Congratulations on your published work!  That’s no easy feat!  Thank you again for the note!  Happy reading…and writing!  Jennifer Valent”

I also wrote back to her, by email, and she responded to that, as well.  But now on to Louis Sachar – yes, the author of Holes.  “Dear Megan, thanks so much for your very kind letter.  I’m glad you like my books so much.  I live in Austin, Texas, with my wife Carla.  She was a school counselor when I first met her, and was the inspiration for the counselor in There’s A Boy in The Girls’ Bathroom.  Our daughter is now 25 years old and works as a zookeeper.  We have a dog named Watson…If you want to see what I look like, you can check out the movie, Holes.  I played the part of Mr. Collingwood.  Sam sold me onion juice to pour on my head to make my hair grow.  I wore a fake mustache.  The scene took about two seconds, so don’t blink.  I had a lot of fun…Your friend, Louis Sachar.”

Then there was Avi, whose book Poppy is probably my favorite out of the ones he wrote.  It is more of a response-to-fans letter, so I’ll probably be skipping more.  “Dear Friend, First, thank you for your letter. It reminds me that I am writing for – you!  I am truly sorry I cannot answer each letter individually.  Too many books to write, too many letters from readers, not enough time…in addition, I am enclosing a signed bookplate for you.  You can put it in one of your own books.  Keep reading.  It’s the best!  Avi”  Below is a picture of the bookplate he mentioned.

Janette Oke’s letter was two pages, so I have to shorten it considerably.  “Dear Megan, Thank you for your letter…it was so nice to hear from you…I was impressed with your chosen assignment of writing to an author for each of 23 days.  I hope that you get some great responses.  May they encourage you to see writing as an exciting and rewarding career.  I have found it to be a wonderful way to share my faith…My years as an author have been an interesting and rewarding journey of sharing my heart and faith with others.  My husband and I left the city of Calgary and retired to a small Alberta town…God bless!  Janette Oke”

The most recent response if from Gordon Korman.  “Hi Megan, Thanks for writing.  Sorry to keep you waiting.  I get a lot of mail, and your letter came to the top of the pile just today!  I’m pleased to hear that you enjoy my books, and that On The Run made such a big hit with you…Your comments pleased me very much, and will be helpful when I’m planning future writing projects.  After all, I write for an audience, and that’s you…I wish you the best of luck with your own writing.  Maybe I’ll be writing you a fan letter one of these days.  Ok?  Thanks again for writing, Megan…Best wishes, Gordon Korman”

So there they all are, and I hope you have enjoyed them and that they have encouraged you in your own writing, reading, and maybe even convince you to write to authors that you like!