Perhaps the greatest blessing I receive as an author is the opportunity to hear from readers. They send me emails, letters, pictures, such as this great rockin' dragon sent by thirteen-year-old Sierra Reep, and even cookies. They tell me how much my books mean to them, and I am often overwhelmed by their testimonies. I have heard from kids who have become Christians because of my books, or are now walking closer to God, or have changed their minds about hurting others or themselves, even one teenager who changed her mind about committing suicide.On more than one occasion a reader has arranged a Dragons in our Midst party and invited other readers to come. When I went to one of these parties in the Atlanta area, readers came from as far away as New Jersey and Louisiana to get together for one afternoon because of their love for my books. What an amazing blessing!
When I go on book tours, I often meet readers who become good friends with my children, and now we have close bonds. As I write this, two of my readers are in my home, having flown in from distant cities to spend time with our family. On one occasion, a couple of readers traveled great distances to help my family move from Orlando to Tennessee!
I hope never to take these amazing blessings for granted. My readers are more valuable than gold. That's why I reply to every email, every letter, and every author-directed post on my message forum, which amounts to hundreds and hundreds of personal pieces of correspondence. It can take several hours each week to get to all of them, but it's worth it.
Some kids ask me for counsel regarding very difficult, even tragic events in their life. They don't have anyone else to turn to. How could I ignore a single cry for help? As long as God gives me strength, that will never happen.
So, hats off to my readers! You rock! Without you, I could never be an author. Without you, I would have no reason to write at all. Even if my books sell so many copies that I become a celebrity, may God help me never to forget that as an author I am a servant, not a star.
15 comments:
Amen, Clefy, amen.
*hugs Clefy* I am so grateful that you listened to God's calling to write DioM. You and your family have been such a wonderful blessing to me, and I'm so happy to be here with you :) I wish I didn't have to leave...*sigh*
And without you we would have to find someone else to call our favorite author.
You wouldn't be able to say that we "rock" unless you wrote the stories that we read.
You rock (just as much)!
Happy New Year
You saved my life and I can't thank you enough for all you have done for me!
I hope we get to meet again someday!
~Zojo
Ditto on what Christian_Fantasy_Adict said!!
Thank you for posting that!
You make us feel specialful *tear*
dittoing Pais, ya'll are such a blessing.
*huggles*
What an amazing testimony, Bryan. It gives writers like me hope and encouragment.
Mr. Davis, like Jessica said, we wouldn't be able to "rock" unless you had first followed God's calling. For which we all are thankful.
You're awesome, Mr. Davis, and I am blessed to call you and your family friends.
That is a nice dragon drawing also!
Also, if anyone is interested, I am doing a report on Sheol for school. i have info at my blog (which is safe). Check it out!
Your books are so amazing!!! I was able to share one with my friend and now she's hooked too. Now it makes me feel really special that you're as appreciative of us as we are of you.
Hey, Swordbrother, outstanding post. You are SO completely right about our readers. They are remarkable, imaginative, kind-hearted, and faithful. And also thanks for giving me an idea. (see my blog for details)
;-)
What would I do without DIOM?
Probably not read fantasy books :p
Anywho, I still haven't had the chance to meet you Clef. One day you will have an appearance near SW Ohio...one day..
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