For Day Two of Armchair BEA, we’re sharing something about interactions with authors. I’ve met a few authors and attended some readings I enjoyed, but my favorite interaction has to be the letter I received from Robin McKinley when I wrote to her at age 14. Among other questions (advice for would-be writers, favorite books), I asked how I could find a copy of her second book, The Door in the Hedge, which I was having trouble locating (this was pre-Internet of course). Instead of directing me to contact the publisher, she sent me a signed copy! This was a major thrill in my young life.
She also was the first person to recommend Diana Wynne Jones to me, for which I am deeply grateful. I find it interesting that she mentions Peter Dickinson as another favorite author…
The Emerald City Book Review Archive 
That is the COOLEST letter and story! I love it when writers I like turn out to be kind and thoughtful to their readers.
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Yes! I have always wanted to meet her in person but she moved to England and stopped doing appearances. I just found out (from Charlotte of Charlotte's Library) that she is going to be the guest of honor at Boskone in February and I think I have to drop everything and go.
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I can just imagine the thrill that must have given your 14 year old self. 🙂 And isn't it nice how kind she was to write back!
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Wow. That is so awesome!
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I know!
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Oh wow, that must have been amazing for 14-yr old you! I love it when authors take the time to encourage children to read. I only discovered Diana Wynne Jones a few weeks ago, but I absolutely love her! Great answer, hopefully I'll see you around again soon!My Author Interaction postJuli @ Universe in Words
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Lucky you, at the very start of discovering DWJ…I can only read all her books again for the fifteenth time. Thanks for stopping by!
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Ah, that is so very cool! How inspiring it is for kids when authors write to them. My kids have written to a few authors and received responses, and it always has a big impact.
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It was definitely inspiring for me…though I haven't written that fantasy novel yet. Maybe I'll still get around to it.
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That is absolutely amazing. If I ever got a letter like that I would probably be jumping up and down like a little girl! Lisa @Just Another Rabid Reader
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I'm sure I was! Thanks for stopping by.
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Wow, everybody is talking about how excited they are about tweets or follows (including myself) and here you are with a while LETTER. Kudos to you!
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This was back in the olden days, but yes! it is exciting.
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Wow, what an amazing letter!! That must have made a huge impression on you as a kid. I was an avid reader as a kid, but I don;t think I ever wrote to an author back then.Thanks for stopping by my blog this week – Sue2014 Big Book Summer Challenge
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This was the only one I ever wrote. I was too afraid to bother them. Now I realize it must be a pleasure for them to get sincere letters from children (as opposed to rote requests for book report information).
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What a lovely letter, and how wonderful that she actually wrote you back!
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I know, plus she sent me an autographed book! It was incredibly generous.
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