FAN MAIL WEDNESDAY #291: From New Zealand, Via GoodReads

September 30, 2019 / jimmy / No comments

This one came to me in a roundabout way, via GoodReads, where I’m not a member. In fact, I tremble in fear at the very thought of GoodReads, imagining only cruel reviews. I’m not cut out for that. But somebody there did me a solid by going to the trouble of forwarding this message to me, and I’m grateful for that kindness. Thank you, Maria Fernanda. Here’s Graham (my reply is below):

Just like to let you lot at GoodReads that James Preller is a very good book writer. I have started to collect his Jigsaw Jones book here in New Zealand. I have rated 2 books in your website. So I hope that it’ll become helpful.

Please let James Preller know that his books are being read in New Zealand and by a person of his current age.

All the best to you lot at GoodReads. Thank You.

Graham.

I replied:

Graham,

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Thank you for the kind words about my Jigsaw Jones books. That’s awfully nice of you.

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The Irish have an expression, “Flowers for the living.”

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The idea is that you don’t have to wait for someone to die before you say something good about him. Funny, right? And maybe sad in some ways. In the rush of our days, we don’t often stop to say “thank you” to the people we love, or even “I see you” to the good, decent people in our lives. Parents, friends, teachers, neighbors. Even writers.

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You read my book and went to the trouble of saying something positive. You put that out into the world. I really appreciate it.

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Illustration by R.W. Alley from THE CASE OF THE HAT BURGLAR.

True story: I despair a lot about my career, especially lately, the many disappointments and shortcomings. It can be awfully hard sometimes. The rejection and, far worse, the indifference. I sometimes wonder if any of it really matters, if maybe I’m in the wrong business. Too late now!

So a note like yours, out of the blue, from New Zealand, well, that’s something to lift the spirits.

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Peace to you — and keep reading, it’s good for the soul!

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My best,

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James Preller

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Category: Fan Mail / Tags: Fan Mail Wednesday, Jigsaw Jones books, Maria Fernanda GoodReads, Preller GoodReads, R.W. Alley, The Case of the Hat Burglar

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