For those of you just stopping by the blog on a random Wednesday… haven’t you heard? It’s writer appreciation week!
As I’m sure you know, being a writer can be very difficult. Particularly with the amount of rejection writers have to face, whether they’re passes from agents or editors or receive one of those truly mean Amazon reviews written by those evil people who write truly mean Amazon reviews.
So. While this business can be rife with negativity, I would like to request that we forget all that tough slogging for a moment and share the love. Let’s say something nice about one or more fellow writers.
I’ll start. I’d like to thank my clients for being the most talented, professional, and hardworking group of writers I’ve ever met. I truly feel lucky to be working with you.
Oh, and Roald Dahl, wherever you are, you were my favorite writer when I was a kid and I know I wrote that fan letter to you in fifth grade and then you died that very same week, and I’d like to think that you read the letter before you passed, or, at the very least, that my letter wasn’t somehow responsible. It was a little traumatizing. You probably would have appreciated that.
Your turn!
iamfrightenedtoo says
thank you R L Stine, and Shel Silverstien for making me want to read as a kid.
thank you Chuck Palahniuk, and Douglas Adams for making me want to write.
and then thank me, because well why not. i am a writer you are writers we all deserve to be thanked.
Jen P says
Thank you to the writers and illustrators who create such wonderful books at Usborne for pre-school children – Heather Amery and Stephen Cartwright – you give my three daily enjoyment, education, and a passion for books that I hope will remain with them as they grow and become independent book readers and lovers.
SelenaRobins says
I'd like to thank: Jane Austen, Harper Lee, Lucy Maud Montgomery, Judy Blume….there are so many to thank.
Rick Mofina, who is so gracious and humble at his booksignings and never hesitates to offer advice to writers.
My agent and his whole staff, they are supportive and always give you news with a smile…even when it's not so good news, but they do it with professionalism and encouragement.
And I really appreciate all the wonderful writers I've met online and in person, we are a unique bunch, I think than any other art form, because there's always someone there to lift you up when you're down or to give solid advice.
I appreciate ALL writers, it takes a lot of guts to not only finish a book, but to put yourself out there for the world to see.
Thank you, Nathan, for your blog, tips and one liners!
MCR says
Thanks to all those writers – living and dead – that have allowed me to live thousands of parallel lives since 1973.
So many to single out, but special mentions for F.Scott Fitzgerald, Roald Dahl, Dodie Smith, Raymond Carver, A.S. Byatt, Alan Garner, Margaret Atwood, Dan Simmons, Philip Reeve.
Your stories have enriched my life.
Literary Cowgirl says
I'd like to say nice things about so many writers. I'd like to thank Martin Godfrey (now passed) for speaking to my school when I was young. Until then, I didn't know a person could be a writer for a living. I'd love to thank Mordecai Richler for all the wonderful books he wrote (I've read them all, even the essays), and Daniel Richler for taking a few minutes to speak to me and sign my copy of "Kicking Tomorrow" when I was about 17, and later sending me his adress via his publisher (on hotel stationary from Israel) when I asked for it to send a thank you letter. Meeting him was a MAJOR moment in my life. I'd also like to thank Annie Proulx. I despaired that my writing didn't have a market, until I discovered her.
And finally, I'd like to say something about Peter Morin (who will hopefully be published in the near future). He turned me on to Cormac McCarthy, kicks my ass and calls me out on anything I write, works very hard to promote other up and coming writers, and is a very dedicated and entertaining writer himself. He's also a great cheerleader, and if you see him lurking around Authonomy (or any of the other groups he belongs to), be sure to say hi. You'll be glad you did, because he's pretty damn funny. Heck, thanks to everyone I met lurking around Autho who gave me a hand. I can't wait to buy your books.
Scott says
Thank you A. A. Milne. You inspired my first toy and my interest in writing at the tender age of two.
Amber Argyle-Smith says
I'd like to thank David Farland. He's a big shot, but at the same time he's pulling himself up, he's pulling fellow writers with him.
In addition to helping me, a vitrual nobody, his daily kicks newsletter has taught me much about the craft. All out of the goodness of his heart. You can sign up to receive his newletters on his website.
Marilyn Peake says
I could write an extremely long post, as I’m thankful to so many authors, but I’ll name just a few and say something nice about them. (This post will still be quite long.)
First of all, a special thank you to Piers Anthony. He took the time to read my middle grade fantasy adventure novel, THE FISHERMAN’S SON, and to write a great review quote for it and mention it in his newsletter. He also corresponded with me for a while, a definite highlight in my writing career! He’s a dedicated advocate for authors, including many small press authors. He has novels published both by the big publishing houses and several small presses, and he keeps a section on his website where he reviews publishers.
Thank you to Sonny Whitelaw who had several novels published by my own publisher before writing official STARGATE novels. When that happened, she included my books along with the books of several STARGATE authors on a CD that was distributed at a convention where Sonny appeared with actors of the STARGATE show. Sonny’s also had photographs published by NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, and has some amazing photographs on her website. You rock, Sonny!
Thank you to Lisa McMann and Sandra Novack who, even with your wildly successful publishing careers, continue to communicate with and offer advice to the authors in our Zoetrope writers’ group.
Thank you to Sue Thurman, author, TV Producer and "Safari Sue" at the zoo. Thank you for your never-ending support, for contributing to my INSIDE SCOOP newsletter book, for your contagious enthusiasm and your wonderful writing!
Thank you to my wonderful online writer buddies, K.L. Nappier and Geoff Nelder for being wildly talented, always supportive and friendly.
And thank you to the wonderful authors on Nathan’s blog. I enjoy the discussions here immensely! Thank you to Lisa Brackmann for chatting with me on Twitter. I look forward to buying your book, ROCK PAPER TIGER, as soon as it’s published. It was great fun sharing the pages of BOOK: THE SEQUEL with Laura Martone. I’m fascinated by the world you created for your RUBY HOLLOW novel and wish you all the best in finding an agent and getting that book published, Laura!
3wmgt says
Ira j boldea dynamic new arthur with a stunnig story to tell
capndeevers says
Thank you Beverly Cleary. You know why.
Thank you Richard Russo, for writing books I just can't put down.
Thank you Gabriel Garcia Marquez for making me slow down as a reader and appreciate the words.
Thank you Chuck Palahniuk for making me actually feel something when reading (like, physically feel). I can only hope that my writing one day can have that effect on someone else.
Nick Kimbro says
Mrs. Rikki Ducornet, your work is truly appreciated. Oh, but for the years between us!
And also Mister DFW. You are missed and cherished even in your absence.
Kathleen Elizabeth says
I'd like to thank Stephenie Meyer for making me think "Damn, I could write better than that" and from that point on setting my sights on being a writer.
hopeandme says
Nathan, I am still in the pack trailing behind – I want to be published. And I want someone like you to be my agent. As to writers week, I would like to thank all at my ANWA writing club, especially Marsha Ward. She is always so helpful and writes so well. Then I travel the cross country trip to James Patterson who keeps me awake at night and then puts me to sleep with all the lights on, and me cowering under the covers. Thank you. And again, Nathan, thank you for letting me leave my comment here for all to read.
Nett Robbens says
Great post as always Nathan …
I'd like to thank my 11th grade English teacher who told me to KEEP writing.
-Edgar Allan Poe, for penning words that are heard, seen and felt.
-And all the writers I've met who agonize over every word, phrase and em dash. They're awesome.
Wilkie says
I'd like to thank Lloyd Alexander for my first crush on a fictional character (Taran) and writing the first fantasy series I fell in love with as a child. And of course I should thank my boyfriend for pursuing his writing dream- and all the other writers out there for persisting through such a tough field, to write us inspiring tales to move us all.
AdellBeek says
I liked this post, and I bet your letter probably gave him peace in his last days.
Robena Grant says
A big thank you to Jennifer Crusie for offering a hand of help in a time of need.
To Patricia Gaffney, thank you for your amazing achingly beautiful stories. I want to be you when I grow up.
Thank you Nathan for your generous spirit and this incredible blog.
Jeff says
I'm pretty sure your letter was in his cold, stiff hand when they found him…
AM says
I want to thank all of the writers who meet here each workday to offer each other encouragement and a sense of community.
I think that all of you are wonderful!
Thanks!
Kia says
I'd like to thank L.M. Montgomery for creating a character of such inner beauty and vivacity. She may have been a gangly, pale, freckled redhead living in North America in another era and I a short, dark brunette an ocean and a lifetime away, but I felt we had so much in common. Through her I learnt the beauty of imagination – a true gift.
Lydia Sharp says
Thanks to Joe Haldeman for understanding my need for humor in science fiction, and for influencing my writing in more ways than you know. And thanks for the prompt response to my email, Joe, even though it was a holiday weekend right before you had to pack up and leave town for a conference. That really made an impression on me.
Thanks to all the writers who volunteer their time on the Writer's Digest forum, and helped me see the (oh so many) errors of my early writing. I honestly don't want to think about where I'd be without you, especially Miss Liz.
Thanks to my husband, Joe Sharp, for being an awesome writer (and partner in crime). Your first novel (even though it's still collecting dust on a shelf somewhere, begging to be published) is what sparked my interest in writing again, so my current accomplishments would not have happened if you weren't in my life. Your creative talents are more extensive than I could ever dream of achieving, but I'm okay with just being mediocre compared to you. 😉
Rose says
In his book Secret Weapons, Secret Agents Jacques Bergier (aka Verne) gives an account of his months in captivity. Verne was head of the Marco Polo underground network feeding information on Germany’s secret weapons to the Allies.
March 7th 1944 [at Neue Bremme]
According to the skeletons (who were all human beings quite recently) no one holds out for more than a fortnight in Neue Bremme. Most prisoners don't live longer than a week. The Camp Commandant informs me that as from tomorrow I am to receive special treatment. This seems to be the end of the road.
March 9th, 1944. Today they threw me into the pond and every time I came up for breath they hit me over the head with an iron bar. Theoretically I ought to be dead… If I survive – and nothing is impossible – the bill they're piling up here will be settled without mercy one day.
When they finally let me out of the pond I was taken to the washrooms and given a scalding hot shower. After that buckets of ice-cold water were thrown over me. It seems that the Camp Commandant has wagered a bottle of schnaps that I shan't hold out until the end of the week….
March 16th, 1944…By the way, I'm now responsible for somebody's losing a bottle of schnaps…
March 20th, 1944. The Camp Commandant has lost another bottle of schnapps.
March 21st, 1944. I am leaving here for Mauthausen!
Life is tougher and more persistent than I had previously imagined; the worst tortures are often helpless against such obstinacy.
Thank you, Jacques for surviving this and living to write The Morning of the Magicians
By the way, Nathan, Roald Dahl was part of this same secret service network.
Anonymous says
Jeff: Maybe. Maybe there were tears in his eyes because the last thing he read was a touching tribute from a young boy.
Bane of Anubis says
Wanna read a funny pitch letter – check out the Bad Pitch Blog
Not exactly a query letter, but I'm sure agents have received things along these lines
J.J. Bennett says
First of all I'd like to thank Shel Silverstein. He made reading fun for a little girl who memorized all of his poems. Secondly I'd like to thank Stephen King for writing "On Writing". I picked it up a week ago and I gained so much from it. Lastly I'd like to thank all of you out in the "blogosphere" (as Bane puts it). I have so many great friends who are helping me through my journey writing my book. Thanks to all of you. And lastly…Thank you Nathan. Just for being you!
Oh, by the way…voting on the best Fairy Tale started today on my blog. Feel free to stop by. The people who entered did such a great job!
Jade says
Joseph Heller for rocking my world when I was 15.
Suzanne Collins for writing an amazing YA series that doesn't have magic and vampires in it (not that I have anything against either, its just a nice change).
Also, Alison Weir for being the BEST historical biographer and being the writer who first inspired me to write, even though I don't write historical fiction…
Finally, thanks to Nathan and all the other industry professionals who take time out of their lives to blog and help us struggling writers out. You guys deserve an appreciation week as well!
Christine says
Kristi – thank you for the reminder of Stephen Cosgrove. It brought a smile to my face. When I was a kid and my dad was in the Navy, he used to record himself reading the Stephen Cosgrove books onto a cassette when he was away on West-Pac, then mail them with the books to my sisters and me since he couldn't be home for bedtime stories. So, along those lines, I first want to thank my parents who may not be writers but who inspired my love for reading.
Thanks to all my other favorite authors and books growing up, a few of which include (among the many others) L'Engle's A Ring of Endless Light, O'Dell's Island of the Blue Dolphins, Steinbeck's East of Eden, and Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird.
Thanks to Stephenie Meyer who, though I was initially determined not to read the books as I am with most hugely popular novels, ended up creating a world that was exactly what I needed to escape to in order to take my mind off an emotionally trying time in my life and who ultimately inspired me to stop thinking about writing a novel and go out and start doing it.
Thanks to the writers in my critique group and to the many agents, editors, writers, etc. (Nathan!) who maintain blogs to help us fledglings along.
April Henry says
When I was 12 (I'm a lot older than you) I sent a short story to Roald Dahl about a six foot tall frog who loved peanut butter. I still have the postcard he sent me back! He said he had read it to his secretary and his daughter.
And then he actually took it to lunch with him and showed it to the editor of a children's magazine. Who asked to publish it.
For free, which should have been a warning sign.
April
aprilhenry.livejournal.com
Anonymous says
Amy Bloom, for starting when she did;Julia Cameron for talking about willingness;Wally Lamb for the good reads and helping incarcerated women;David Sedaris for being fucking hilarious;Judy Blume for helping me fall in love;Alice Hoffman for The Third Angel;Garth Stein for The Art of Racing in the Rain, Bernhard Schlink for The Reader,Anne Lamott for Bird by Bird; Kathryn Stocket for The Help; Nicola Keegan for the poetic, Swimming; Sharon Creech for Love the Dog and Barbara Park's Junie b Jones– for helping my daughter's fall in love;
and about a million more.
Jim Thomsen says
I'd like to thank:
— Gregg Olsen, for showing that crossing back and forth between true crime and suspense fiction doesn't ruin an author's brand. Also, for being a good friend who is encouraging me in my own fledgling author's career.
— The lack Jack Olsen, who also was my friend, and who showed me that the best true-crime writing is the kind that cuts no ethical corners or slants the facts.
— Stephen Dobyns, for writing the best damn mysteries (the Saratoga series) I've ever read, and for showing me that character and motivation matter as much as plot and procedure.
— Stephen King, for being the best storyteller and prose stylist in American literature.
— Craig Lancaster, for showing me that self-publishing can work if you put yourself through the same torture tests as mainstream-published authors. Also for being one of my best friends and a daily source of encouragement and hilarity.
— Kristy Kiernan, for being a hilarious Facebook friend.
— All the authors who contributed to the Three Investigators mystery series that I gobbled up as a kid.
Jemi Fraser says
I'd send thanks out to Louisa May Alcott. Little Women was the first book I disappeared into. I distinctly remember the feeling of surfacing into the real world. As soon as I finished the book, I read it again. I was sure Beth would live this time! I was devastated when she died – again. 🙂 I'm assuming I was pretty young! That's the book that did it for me.
Laura Martone says
I agree with Rick Daley… I'd like to thank the participating writers of the Public Query Slushpile… and as for influences, I'd like to thank Dahl, Tolkien, King, Hemingway, Alcott, and plenty of other writers (like whoever wrote the Paddington Bear stories) – all of whom inspired me to BECOME a writer when I was just a wee child of New Orleans!
Marilyn Peake says
Making my way through the comments section, I found Rick Daley's link to his interview with Nathan. Very informative interview! Thanks so much to Rick and Nathan!
Yamile says
Thanks to JK Rowlings, for the awesomeness of Harry Potter. And Rick Riordan, Anne Rice, Louisa May Alcott, and this Spanish reporter, Juan Jose Benitez, whom I don't think is available in English. I read his Trojan Horse series when I was 11. He changed my life.
And thanks to you Nathan. You are an awesome person-agent.
Gwendolyn says
Thank you to the BICAW Sisterhood: Pati, Jane, and Darleen. We're an amazing critique group and best friends. Darleen shows me how to put "fun" in my writing. Jane lets me call her at 7:00AM to ask questions about tenses. And Pati is quick to point out things that just don't make sense.
Thanks, Ladies!
Laura Martone says
Oh, and I wanted to add that I'm with Neil and Rachel… Charles Dickens is awesome, although the fact that a beta reader recently told me my writing style is very Dickensian gave me pause.
Jim Duncan, congratulations on snagging Nathan as your agent!
Bryan, that was sweet of you to acknowledge your wife and all. Good for you!
Mira, er, I don't know what to say.
Oh, and I'm a little jealous, Peter Wallace, that you've gotten to know Michael Chabon. What a terrific writer!
Dan Holloway says
Sadly, Nathan, old Roald was a curmudgeon who hated his fans.
UI'd like to say something nice about the most talented writer it's ever been my pleasure to know. Sabina England goes by many names from @DeafMuslim on twitter to Deaf Brown Trash Punk on Authonomy and Deaf Indian Muslim Anarchist on blogger. She scares the hell out of many people, but she's actually the sweetest person you could ever meet.
She's also got more talent and a more original voice than any writer I've ever read, but like many writers is too shy and self-deprecating to promote her novels, especially the current one, Brown Trash, which I keep trying to get her to let me have for my collective. She has a certain amount of success as a playwright – her play How the Rapist Was Born isgoing to run for 3 weeks in Covent Garden, London, UK in Sept/Oct. I'd recommend anywone to come and see it.
https://www.sabinaengland.com/
Dan Holloway says
Sadly, Nathan, old Roald was a curmudgeon who hated his fans.
UI'd like to say something nice about the most talented writer it's ever been my pleasure to know. Sabina England goes by many names from @DeafMuslim on twitter to Deaf Brown Trash Punk on Authonomy and Deaf Indian Muslim Anarchist on blogger. She scares the hell out of many people, but she's actually the sweetest person you could ever meet.
She's also got more talent and a more original voice than any writer I've ever read, but like many writers is too shy and self-deprecating to promote her novels, especially the current one, Brown Trash, which I keep trying to get her to let me have for my collective. She has a certain amount of success as a playwright – her play How the Rapist Was Born isgoing to run for 3 weeks in Covent Garden, London, UK in Sept/Oct. I'd recommend anywone to come and see it.
https://www.sabinaengland.com/
Laura Martone says
Oh, darn it all! That'll teach me to post before I've read ALL the comments. Grrr.
Thanks, Marilyn, for the nod. I really, really appreciate it!
And I, too, appreciate the writers I've met through Nathan's blog… you, Rick D., Steph D., Bridget, Weronika, Elaine, Kristi, Bobbi, Kelly, Chazley, Matilda, Jen P., Thermocline, Jen C., Bane, Ink, Mira, OtherLisa, Christine H., etc., etc. I can't list you all, but your thoughts have meant a lot to me over these past few months.
I'm glad that I stumbled upon this blog – and I'm grateful to Nathan for creating such a warm community for writers, published or otherwise.
And now I must go in search of a muffin.
The Decreed says
My thanks to C.S. Lewis, for still guiding me through the thoughts and ideas that have become my own.
Deepest respect given to JRR and Christopher Tolkien.
A shout-out of appreciation to Bob Bledsoe, my creative writing professor, who taught me to see magic in reality.
Anonymous says
My favorite writer ascended to heaven last month. Thank you, Blake Snyder, for 'Save The Cat' and for the sheer joy of screenwriting and for life you shared with us. You are missed, dear friend.
xo, Jackie Brown
Steve Fuller says
Positivity Week? Writer Appreciation Week?
No wonder all your readers are women.
Jil says
The awesome writing teachers who appeared with just the classes I needed, when I needed them. My writing group, The Pendragons, and one of them who just died, Sister Carol Ann OMarie. My every week critique partner, so helpful and honest and , last but not least, the lovely lady on this blog. who offered to help with my lack of computer skills and is going way beyond the call of duty to straighten out my ms.
I feel great gratitude toward all who have faith in me and give encouragement. I just hope I can pay them back someday!
And Nathan, thanks for letting me join this community of yours.
Lydia Sharp says
Forgot my favorite beta reader (and fellow writer), Amanda. I know you don't follow this blog (even though I told you to), so you won't see this, but I really appreciate all your honest feedback…and thanks for not hating me when I totally shredded your epic fantasy novel.
Q says
My favorite part about writers are that all the really good ones are also really nice.
Marilyn Peake says
Jim Duncan,
Congratulations on signing with Nathan! That's awesome!
Linda Godfrey says
If I were to thank ALL those who have helped me, I could make the wordiest, hammiest Oscar winners look terse.
But one writer to whom I definitely owe thanks is P.C. Hodgell, a fantasy writer extraordinaire. Her Dark of the Gods trilogy, To Ride a Rathorn and other examples from her ongoing saga are the earth-mother lode of imaginative adventure. I am in her debt for her generous reading of and feedback on my two YA novels, for priceless connections, and most of all for her friendship. Here's a crystal-studded, gold-filigreed goblet of enchanted pale ale to Pat and all others of her kind.
J.J. Bennett says
Steve…LOL! I love it! You are the best. This is why I get along better with men than women for the most part! Steve you are my new best friend!
Anahita says
There is not much chance that my favorite writers Isaac Asimov and Agatha Christie who have fed my thoughts and relaxed my tired brain at the end of though days will read this. But there is someone else who writes and from whom I have learned a lot about writing and that person is you. So thank you Nathan for this blog. Thank you for the great books that you mention, and for everything that you teach in here.
Nick says
I'd like to say thanks to everyone here and other such places. A lot of fellow aspiring authors I know personally tend to be assholes towards one another when it comes to their work, try to crush the competition's hopes so they have at least one less person to go up against. But every fellow writer I've ever encountered online has been nothing shy of lovely and it's a pleasure even to just read things you people have to say. I've found small ways of improving my writing just by grazing comments, and I'd like to say an extra thank you to the one lady on another blog — unfortunately I forget her name — who helped me turn my piece of crap query letters I was sending out into something much more acceptable (though admittedly I think it's insanely stuffy). So in a nutshell, I just want to say I love all you fellow writers for being encouraging instead of trying to put me off writing.