What a privilege it is to meet authors. They are average people like you and me, however they use their talent, passion and determination to write books and stories for your pleasure. I mostly meet authors at book launches, conferences like Voices on the Coast at the Sunshine Coast or Brisbane Writer’s festival. I have met authors in England, Canada and Perth, Melbourne and Sydney. Meeting authors is exciting, scary, fascinating and humbling.
Meeting authors in queues, dinner tables, book signings, lecture rooms, sipping champagne, at shops.
From James Moloney, Markus Zusak, Isobelle Carmody to Lisa Shanahan, Boori Monty Prior, Garry Disher, Sonya Hartnett and Libby Hathorn, David Metzenthen, Gary Crew , Margaret Wild, Paul Jennings, Phillip Gwyne to Adeline Yen Mah and Melina Marchetta . The list goes on.
Pat Flynn, Li Cun Xin, John Marsden, Gillian Rubinstein, Tim Winton. Remembering Narelle Oliver and Greg Rogers. Met Nette Hilton, Matt Ottley, Steven Herrick and Leonie Norrington.
Said hello to Lauren Child, autographs from all above and Emma Quay, Alison Lester, Shaun Tan. Closer to the Blackall Ranges, I’ve met Peter Carnavas, Caroline Magerl, Aleesah Darlinson, and Karen Foxlee.
SO MANY amazing authors and illustrators.
At a Sunshine Coast Writer’s 3 day retreat at Montville, I met authors like Karen Foxlee, Samantha Wheeler, Michelle Worthington. Later Richard Yaxley and Belinda Murrell.
If writing a letter, be polite, friendly and sensible with your questions. Your letter should be concise, not too lengthy. Know what they have written and currently writing. Be informed of recent awards.
Offer congratulations. Look forward to a response, although they are busy people with deadlines.
With emails, let them know you recently met them or are reading one of their books. Offer praise and ask for encouragement or help. Conclude in a courteous manner, for example, best wishes, kindest regards, looking forward to hearing from you again.
Keep an author address book. Include business cards or email contacts. Phone numbers.
Authors enjoy receiving photographs of their book launch.
Keep a photocopy of your letter. It may come in handy one day for reference.
Writing to an author is a special privilege.
I have kept special correspondence with Mem Fox, Anna Walker, Emma Quay, Isobelle Carmody and more.