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Tuesday, September 13, 2011

An Open Thank You Letter from an Author



There's a certain mystique that goes with being an author. I tend to forget about this, because basically I’m a pretty ordinary, middle-class, middle-aged, mid-western wife and mom. Very little about me or my life is at all glamorous. Except, I’m lucky enough to get to make things up for a living. It’s not MUCH of a living, sometimes, but enough that I don’t need to go get another job, and for that, I’m extremely grateful. It occurs to me that I couldn’t do what I do without the support of a whole lot of other people, some of whom don’t often get thanked. So here goes:

  • To the readers who buy my books. THANK YOU. Over and above anyone else, you are the reason I am able to do what I love. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
  • To the readers who send me nice notes about enjoying my books, an extra thanks to you. You may not realize how much those mean to me. I save them, and go back and read them when I’m feeling blue. It means the world to me to know that my little stories made someone smile. Really.
  • To the reviewers who take the time to read, rate, and post about my books, thank you. I know the reviews aren’t always good, but I appreciate the effort and time. Really. Bonus thanks, though, if you don’t post spoilers, and took the time to spell my title and name correctly. I appreciate what you do for the romance community as a whole.
  • To the cover artists who take my words and turn them into an image guaranteed to whet the appetites of the reader. I’ve been very lucky with covers, and have some very talented men and women to thank. The success of my books often comes down to you, so thank you. (Two, especially, Syneca and Frauke, have shared their genius with me over and over. HUGS!)
  • To the editors and agents who have rejected me, but have taken time to patiently explain why. Thank you. I know you’re busy. I know this takes a LOT more work than a simple no. And while a rejection is always a disappointment, your comments have truly helped me grow as a writer.
  • To the publishers who have taken a chance on my work. Thank you for your faith. Rhonda, Raelene, Angela, Jessica, and Claire, I owe you my career, and I appreciate all you’ve done.
  • To the support staff at those publishers who format the books, upload them, sell them, promote them, and do so many more things behind the scenes, thank you. You make it all work.
  • To my editors, past and present, who help my books be at least mostly coherent. I’ve had some fabulous ones! Mary, Melissa, Helen, Rhonda, Stacy, Michele, Jess and Carol. Thank you for your patience, insight, suggestions, and encouragement!
  • To the folks at the Ethan Ellenberg Agency, Ethan, Evan, and Denise. Thanks for helping take my career to the next level.
  • To my critique partners—you are invaluable! Thanks for keeping me of making a fool of myself, and for being cheerleaders as well. Especially Anny and the UWG.
  • To my fellow authors. We’re direct competitors, but so many of you have become true friends. Thank you for all the mutual support and the years of hugs and smiles. Also for writing great stuff for ME to read. J
  • To the special friends I've made along the way--I don't want to name names because I don't want to leave anyone out. You know who you are, and I love you.
  • To the teachers who taught me to string together complete sentences and encouraged me to explore my imagination. Thank you.
  • To my mom who shared her love of reading and romance, hooking me on the genre when I was ten. This is all for you.
  • To my father, who is my biggest supporter. Love you, Dad!
  • To my sons who have to deal with a nut case for a mom. Thanks.
  • To my husband, who is always there to bounce ideas off of and puts up with me writing when I’m supposed to be doing other things. Thank you. Your love is my proof that Happy-Ever-After can happen.

I know I’ll come up with more, but this is a start. I can guarantee, if you’re reading this, you’re one of the people somewhere on this list. So thanks. I couldn’t do this without you.

~ Cindy

Motor City Wolf, the third book in my Urban Arcana series, is available now from Carina Press: http://bit.ly/nv0Tlm and on audiobook at Audible.com.  Romantic Times called it "charming and original," LASR said it "delights and astounds," and Miz and Crew Love Books called it "another fabulous book in the Urban Arcana series."
 
Coming this fall, look for All Hallows Evie from Ellora’s Cave and Wrong Side of Town from Resplendence Publishing. Find out more at http://www.cindyspencerpape.com

23 comments:

Kenzie Michaels said...

As a reader, your stories ROCK! Thank YOU for writing them:)

And as your competition...hell, there's no competition between us. I'm a newbie (3) and you're 'seasoned' (you've got HOW many books out?), ha ha:) Looking forward to the day I get to meet you in person!

Tina Donahue said...

What a lovely thank you, Cindy.

Mia Watts said...

It's good to remember the reasons behind why we write and why we love it. It's so important that others know their part in that process. What a great way to thank everyone.

Jan Springer said...

Awesome letter, Cindy! It's great to know you. :-)

Huggers,

jan

Regina Carlysle said...

What a great post, Cindy. Your friendship means the world.

anny cook said...

Ah, Kenzie, I love that "seasoned" comment! Cindy, serving as your critique partner has been so encouraging. You keep me honest and moving. Thank YOU!

Brynn Paulin said...

We love you too :-)

Adrienne Giordano said...

Well said! Great post.

Toni Anderson said...

Wonderful letter, Cindy. I agree with every sentiment :)

Neecy said...

You're Welcome.
And an thanks right back, for writing such great books that keep me coming back for more. Thanks, for giving me your continual encouragement. Your support means a lot to me.
Cheers,
Neecy

Anonymous said...

Great blog, Cindy. I've been reading your books since the first one came out and you still rock!

Lynn Chantale said...

Beautiful post Cindy. I'm a little misty-eyed. You are truly a wonderful writer.

Patti Shenberger said...

Cindy, great letter! You are one of the survivors who didn't quit,didn't back down and plugged on until success came your way. Major kudos to you!

Paris said...

What a wonderful thank you but I've learned to expect nothing less than wonderful from you my friend:) Big hugs and continued success!

Katalina Leon said...

What a beautiful post Cindy, you bring such quality to your work and I'm certain the best is yet to come.
XXOO Kat

Tessie Bradford said...

Cindy,
Thank you for your support, friendship, and for believing in me when I didn't.
And of course, thank you for writing such wonderful books - I'm a huge fan!

Barbara Longley said...

Yeah, I don't think of us as competitors. It's not like there's a limit to how many books a reader can read, or a set number of authors they can enjoy...

GREAT post, Cindy. Thanks for reminding me to be grateful.

Adele Dubois said...

Cindy--What a lovely post! You deserve your success, Cindy. Best of luck.

~Adele

Jenny Schwartz said...

Right back at you! The author-reader-reviewer-editor and everyone who loves books community is awesome. :)

Cindy Spencer Pape said...

I'm really delighted with the comments here today, some of which have ME tearing up. This really is the best community I've ever worked in.

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful idea you had, Cindy. This was great to read and, as a member of GDRWA, I would like to thank you for all you've done for the group, not only since I've been a member, but all the things I've learned you did in the past. I love your writing and am so glad I know you as you are an inspiration to this novice novelist.

Carol Jo

Marianne Stephens said...

What a nice way to say thanks to everyone...and thank you for all your help and support!

Destiny Blaine said...

What a wonderful letter, Cindy. You're one of a kind. THANK YOU for hours of reading enjoyment.

Destiny Blaine

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