I’m still in a fog – feel like I could sleep for a month or three. I’m slogging through my email, so if you’ve been waiting to hear back from me about something, you’ll probably get a message soon. My goal is to get it all done in time to watch the Finals tonight. I’m bummed that Michigan St. won’t be playing.
Sarah writes: My name is Sarah and im a sophmore and Holy Names Academy in Seattle. You came to my school a month or so ago and told us all about your books. After that assembly my friend and i decided we were going to go get your books because they sounded awesome. anyways i’ve just gotten them yesterday, i got Prom and Speak. I got them yesterday around 2 and its almost 1 the next day and i have finished both of them. i absolutely loved both of the books!!!!!! and i cant wait to share them with my friends and read them over and over again. And i cant wait until the Speak movie comes out, i wish they would make one for prom too, i think that would be hilarious!! Thank you soo much for sharing your stories they are incredible! You have picked up an eternal fan!
Thank you very much, Sarah. That’s the kind of letter that makes authors quit whining about being tired.
And then this came in from Rachel:
Dear Ms. Anderson:
As I was quietly fishing through the bookstore one night, I came across “Prom”, your newest book. A golden sticker was plastered on the cover; it said, “Signed Copy.” I opened it, expecting to see a fake, copied signature, but no. I saw your autograph, with the word “Dance!” before it.
This made my day.
At the start of my 8th grade year, if someone had told me your name, I would have gaped at them and asked them, “Who on Earth is she?”
But as I continued on with my year, I was introduced to “Speak.” This entralling and meaningful book was one that I read over and over again in the course of two days. It was amazing and meant so much to me. The voice that you portrayed of the main character was what I loved most. I still read this book daily.
A few weeks later, I read “Fever 1793”. I admit I didn’t read this book as fast as “Speak”, but nevertheless, it was another meaningful yet very different book.
So I then stumble across “Prom,” which I just completed today. I must congratulate you on your success as a writer. You are such a role model to me, as I dream to become someone like you. Your voice is so strong, and speaks out to so many teens. After reading your books, I’ve discovered what being a teenager is really about. You’ve taught me so many aspects of writing, and I thank you dearly for that. I can now say, “Laurie Halse Anderson? She’s my favorite writer.”
Thanks also to Librarian Susan who gave me the great feedback about PROM from the Upper Dublin Book Bites club, and to Robin for the encouraging note.
God, I love my job.