reposted from Dec 2011:
Dear reader/writer/event organizer,
Thank you for the email/letter/blog comment. I really do care that you reached out to me. You asked so kindly if I would read your manuscript/answer questions for your school project/sign and return your books. Surely I'm no busier than you are. We're all busy. The very least you deserve is a response. But silence followed.
The truth is, it really would be in my best interest to blurb your book/be interviewed on your blog/attend your book event. Publicity is important for any author and you were so kind to think of me. You must think me rude for not responding to your email/Facebook message/tweet. You may have expected more from me. After all, I sound so accessible on my blog/Facebook/interviews. And we have a personal connection since we're from the same place/have a friend in common/both like cheese fries. Surely I'm the kind of person who doesn't get so full of herself she ignores the common reader?
I don't have great excuses, just the usual of kids/books/sloppy brain syndrome. In all sincerity, I feel guilty about my ineptitude at responding to your kindness. Every day. I can't respond to everyone, of course. That would be impossible unless I had a personal assistant/magic time expander/clone. But because you were so awesome with your request, I fully intended to respond to you, and then a baby woke up/I realized I hadn't eaten all day/I plumb forgot. I hope you don't take this personally. You are a noble woman/man/giant ant deserving of real attention. You know what would be awesome? You should go ahead and become a famous writer/entertainer/cheese fry chef and when I ask you for something, you should ignore me! Justice, baby.
Take care, enjoy this snow/rain/sunshine, and I hope one day you can forgive me. I really am sorry.
Cheers/xoxo/sincerely,
Shannon.
I can't even imagine trying to run your life and be responsive to everyone who would like a connection .... you have no reason to ever feel sheepish. I just love your books, that's all. Thanks for sharing your awesome writing skills with us all, we are all better for having picked up one (0r more) of your books, and having made it part of ourselves.
Posted by: Paula Perkins | February 05, 2013 at 09:53 AM
Meh - it's be great if you had time for everyone, sure. But you have a life and shouldn't feel guilty for it. Thank you for such a lovely contribution to this librarian's life! :)
Posted by: Guin | February 05, 2013 at 10:52 AM
Where or how would I go about discussing the possibility of booking you for the Oklahoma Writers Federation Inc. convention in May, 2014?
Posted by: Christine Jarmola | February 05, 2013 at 11:16 AM
Lol, that is an awesome response!
Posted by: Tonia | February 05, 2013 at 11:22 AM
This is one of my favorite posts from your blog and I've been following you for years. Thanks for keeping it real and for the nice words.
Posted by: Regina Sirois | February 05, 2013 at 11:39 AM
Hey, this is a good enough response for me! :)
Posted by: Julia | February 05, 2013 at 12:32 PM
I definitely don't think anyone blames you. I surely don't! You take care of two toddlers, write amazing books, keep up with a blog, and attend both tours and signings... well, let's just say you have a lot on your plate! And, in truth, you have responded to all of our comments - by writing wonderfully unique books!
Posted by: Caitlin | February 05, 2013 at 02:21 PM
You shouldn't feel guilty at all, to respond to everyone and live your life would be impossible! Thanks for writing great books and an awesome blog.
Posted by: Ali | February 05, 2013 at 06:12 PM
You were already my favorite author and you just got more amazing!
Posted by: Jessica | February 06, 2013 at 04:06 PM
Hehe!
Posted by: Hilary | February 06, 2013 at 04:11 PM
I consider each of your insightful/clever/funny blog posts a personal letter to me. It makes me happy/excited/thrilled each time I see there's a new one in my reader.
Posted by: Michelle | February 06, 2013 at 06:43 PM
You are amazing. I'm recently unemployed and I still can't seem to keep up with my email. I would be frightened if you responded to everyone.
Posted by: Stephanie | February 06, 2013 at 06:59 PM
*big smile* You made me so happy when you recognized my name when I met you at the National Book Festival, Shannon! And I still tweet you when I blog about your books. But do be aware that those of us who have any clue to your life ("Mother of twins." Say no more.) don't expect a response any time soon!
Posted by: Sondy | February 08, 2013 at 02:47 PM
So that's why you never responded to my "Please reply now to claim your million dollar prize" emails.
Maybe I should start forwarding those on to your agent.....
Posted by: Liz | February 10, 2013 at 04:36 PM
I saw the API doc on controlling the furceenqy/etc via the HID interface (python-libhid on Linux is really simple by the way).Has anyone got GnuRadio module to control this? I believe that the audio input is just as per sound card giving I/Q Cheers,Mungewell.
Posted by: Keanu | February 22, 2013 at 10:20 PM
Behdad, Je suis sfbr que je parle pour beaucoup plus de vos fans en plus de moi quand je dis que j'appre9cie vramneit votre perspective de l'art de production de musique et de la ge9ne9rosite9 du fait de le distribuer. Dites merci!I apologize if my translation is bad, I am still learning the French language.Jay B.Virginia Beach, VA USA
Posted by: Momo | February 23, 2013 at 06:05 AM
Vics! the wedding floerws look GORGEOUS! well done another string to add to your crafty bow! Thought I'd let you know I've ordered a linen cushion cover on which I'm planning a bit of simple embroidery with a slate grey thread thinking of some kind of tree branch design. Will let you know how it goes (hoping it will be less labour-intensive than the making-of-the-case-from-scratch-with-patchwork project). Wooh yeah craft! xx
Posted by: Ricardo | February 25, 2013 at 02:59 AM