My Latest FAN Mail

Why do I love email? Well, for one thing, I never know who I'll hear from. Sometimes it's from a friend or relative (even my sister and mother have recently joined the ranks of emailers). Sometimes it's from an editor (Can you believe I've gotten a book contract offer by email? Now that made my day.) Sometimes it's from a conference organizer asking if I'll present a journal writing workshop--which I absolutely love to do. And sometimes, it's from...drumroll....a FAN!--a real live person who has taken the time to tell me that one of my books is now a family favorite, or that it made them laugh or cry or even better, both.

Now, mind you, that doesn't happen every day or even every week. But when it does, well, nothing quite compares. It reminds me that my books have lives of their own. They are out there in the world connecting with all sorts of people--most of whom I will never meet. But once in a while, I get a glimpse of what they're up to. What a wonderful thing!

A while back, a teacher wrote thanking me for Bridge to America. She told me that her class was hanging on every word and begging for just one more chapter. She said she loved the book as much as they did and that at one point, when reading to the class, she could barely keep from crying. Now that was pure music to my ears.

One of my very favorites was from a 9 year old who wrote saying that he had recently read Bridge to America and had chosen it for his class project. Could he interview me? He wanted to take me out to lunch--his treat! He'd been saving up his allowance. A 9 year old! I was totally smitten.

A college student studying to become a teacher wrote to say she was using It's Winter for her class project. Would I be willing to answer some questions about my writing process? (Would I? Well, I'll let you figure that one out for yourself.) Weeks later, she wrote back with happy news. She'd gotten an A on the project. Bravo!

Not long ago, out of the blue, an email arrived from Canton Symphony Orchestra saying they wanted to use Our Big Home, An Earth Poem as the featured book for their fall children's concert. How cool is that?

But yesterday's FAN mail was definitely a first. A woman named

Mrs. Greenberg wrote to say she loved both my Mrs. Greenberg books

The Borrowed Hanukkah Latkes

and Mrs. Greenberg's Messy Hanukkah.

The characters reminded her of her own family. She wanted me to inscribe copies for all the Mrs. Greenbergs in her life--great grandma, grandma, the aunts, and of course, herself--the mom. Let's hope they all enjoy them in good health! (a direct quote from The Borrowed Hanukkah Latkes--for all you fans out there)

So how many times do I check my email everyday? Well, more than I care to admit. But hey, can you blame me?