That Lovely Connection Between Readers and Writers

I was so excited to receive a picture from Tessa in the UK, an early reader of my new book, The River Girls. Tessa is holding a paperback edition, and from her lovely smile I assume (and hope) she was happy with it!  Putting a new book out into the world can be a scary and humbling experience, so it's amazing to receive such positive feedback.
When I read a book, I always try to image what the writer was thinking when creating the story.  And when writing a book, I find myself wondering what readers will be thinking as they are reading my story.  Will they be shocked? Surprised? Or, worst of all, bored? Not sure if I should, but I always write with an imagined reader on my shoulder. It's surreal to think that I can impact the feelings and emotions of a reader through my books and stories.
Don’t books have such a wonderful way of connecting the thoughts and emotions of writers and readers? I'm feeling grateful today for all the great writers and all the wonderful readers out there!

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