Why would one write to an author I wonder. To ask questions maybe or to express strong opinions, positive or negative. Presumably some writers are overwhelmed with sackfuls of (probably) fan mail whilst others are longing for the postman to stop at their door. Maybe though they are happy to be left alone; not all authors want close contact with their readers.
Well, I have to admit that I have written two such letters. Many years ago I wrote to Anne Fine, the author of both children’s and adult novels, who had taken her turn as children’s laureate. I can’t quite remember what I said but it would have been to do with the stories of hers that I was using with 10 and 11 year olds in my English classes. Amazingly she replied, sending me posters, and some free books. She also agreed to judge a writing competition for me. I was extremely pleased. It was more than I had hoped for.
Years later my second letter was to Penelope Lively. She is one of my favourite writers who has her own shelf in one of my bookcases. I have virtually everything she has written, including of course her Booker Prize winner ‘Moon Tiger.’ That book though is not what finally made me put pen to paper. We have an area of Somerset in common, the coastal area running down to Exmoor and North Devon. For me, to open one of her books and find it set in a place I know very well added hugely to my enjoyment of her writing. Resonance is a lovely thing, usually.
Anyway, I wrote my letter and then had to decide who to post it to! Normally your only choice is to post it to a publisher, ask them to forward it and then just hope … and forget all about it. Then, a long time later you may receive a reply, as I did. Penelope Lively, Dame Penelope as she quite rightly is now, said that a letter of acknowledgement from a reader, such as mine, was worth many good reviews! That was an excellent day…and her handwritten card is tucked inside ‘Moon Tiger.’ There has not (yet) been a third note to a writer but I have composed letters to Susan Hill many times … just in my head.