Hi folks,
Sometimes, one receives a letter or an email that just plain makes their day. I received such a letter this ayem that did precisely that. She's given me permission to reprint it here and I think you'll see why I was so stoked when I read it. Doesn't really need much amplification. Just to note that it's one of the chief reasons I write and is worth more than money to me. Without further ado...
Dear Les Edgerton,
I am re-reading Hooked, and it occurred to me
that I owe you a big thank you. I have been writing for years, went to
grad school and several writing conferences. I wrote three novels, but I
never felt that anything I wrote was ready to send to an agent. I knew
that was true, but I didn't know why.
At one point, I decided
that it was time to go back to basics. To actually learn the tools,
which it turned out I had never learned! Which is kind of shocking, but
there it is. I don't actually remember where I heard of Hooked. I may
have just seen it at the library. Now of course, I own a copy.
I
realized quickly that the novel I was working on would never sell.
There was no inciting incident, no story worthy problem--just people
doing things and acting generally grumpy. I rewrote it, found an agent,
and my first novel will be released in February. (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22010134-when-my-heart-was-wicked)
I
hope to give lots of author talks, and I will probably tell every
aspiring writer I meet to buy your book. But before I tell others about
how your book taught me how to write, I felt that I should tell you.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Tricia Stirling
Ain't that somethin'! I've just had a glow on all day. Thank you, Tricia!
Blue skies,
Les
"Finding Your Voice" and "Hooked" are both the best resources for writers. Instruction without the BS.
ReplyDeleteHooked was mentioned twice, without prompting, at a conference I attended last weekend. I don't read a lot of writing instruction books anymore, but it looks like I need to make an exception here.
ReplyDeleteThanks JoAnn and Dana!
ReplyDeleteYay! Yesterday was the best day!
ReplyDeleteI second Tricia's sentiments. Hooked is one of the most helpful books on writing I've ever read.
ReplyDeleteHooked is one of the first writing books I purchased, and it also helped me be a focused writer. I still refer to it occasionally when starting a new story.
ReplyDeletePshaw,you guys! Thank you so very much!
ReplyDelete