They say writing is a lonely profession and in many ways they’re right. It is. Back when I was first published, writers never had any real interaction with their fans and readers other than at booksignings, conventions and chance meetings, or through snail-mail. While I conversed with other authors online through gopherspace and vax notes, the internet was still a new baby to anyone outside of the government and academia, and the world wide web was more than two years from being invented. In 1994, the WWW changed everything.

Today, we are in constant contact with our fans and you guys are as much a part of my family as my family is :) Just like with any friend, we share laughter and tears and encourage each other. No, it’s not without its drawbacks, but then no relationship ever is. We are naked with each other. We see good days and bad days. Y’all never fail to tell me how you feel about things and if my publisher has a question about something such as a cover style, I can get your feedback immediately.

I cherish that, just as I cherish the encouragements you send. You guys touch me deep in my heart and I adore all the smiles you give me. There’s not a day that goes by I don’t choke up from your thoughtfulness. It can be a simple statement of, “Love your books.” Or the photo of someone with a tattoo of my books, a quote from the series or a photo of my books sitting on your shelves. I love the glimpses into your lives. The anecdotes and advice we share. The recipes. I cherish every one.

Because I’ve lost so many people in my life unexpectedly, I make sure every day to tell my family how much they mean to me. And that’s something I do my best to practice with all of you too. I don’t want you to ever think that I take you for granted or that I’m not deeply appreciative and touched by all the wonderful things you guys do. Because of the sheer number of posts and emails, I can’t always comment on everything sent, read or seen, but I wanted all of you to know that I do read it all and see it all, and that I love you for it. Thank you!

And now I must get back to work so that we have another book out on time :)

You guys have a great day.

Hugs!