I've been thinking a lot lately about my lack of writing. I haven't felt driven in months. I'm not really sure why the brakes are on my series, but even still, I haven't written ANYTHING.
I want to write some more, but I'm lacking inspiration. This morning, I came across an email from one of my favourite authors, Jennifer Rardin. She is the only author (or even famous person) I have ever written to. When I picked up one of her books, it was just supposed to be a fun, quick read, but i quickly tore through the whole Jaz Parks series, and immediately afterward, began writing again. This was roughly last December...so over a year has passed, and I still have her response, and though it was short, it was definitely a surprise that she even wrote back at all. I've included my letter and her response below:
Dear Jennifer,
I must first start by saying that I don't think I have ever written an author before. But i just picked up Once Bitten, Twice Shy yesterday, (yes, only yesterday) and I am devouring it, and will be buying the rest of your series tomorrow.In a literary world that has recently been dominated by tween "vampire" romance, it is so unbelievably refreshing to pick up something a little easier for my 27-year old self to relate to.
Last February, I began writing urban fantasies for women (also answering that Avenue Q song...My BA in English was collecting a lot of dust) because I was having a hard time finding them at the bookstore (unless of course you are fifteen). I'm almost done my third novel, but I was starting to feel discouraged that the market seemed to only support the teenage market.
Anyway, the point I am trying to make, is as an aspiring writer in your genre, you have given me a new sense of drive. Jaz Parks is an incredible woman, let alone protagonist. Your writing is amazing and the story is nearly impossible to put down (I had to pull myself away from reading to seek out your email). I only hope to achieve that level of intrigue in my characters and plot.
So, I want to thank you so much for renewing my spirit, not just in writing, but also in reading. Unless i slow down (and I really don't want to), I'm thinking I will read your series and finish it by the end of the week. It's such a rush to find a book that does that to you and works your imagination.
Sincerely,
Shawna Logue
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Thanks so much for your kind words, Shawna! I'm psyched to know you're having fun with the series and inspired to do some creating yourself!
Take care!
Jen
You may ask why I am breaking my writer's block silence to write about this. Well, Jen has always had a strong web presence. She used facebook (and didn't hire someone to post for her), she tweeted, and she blogged. I started thinking about my own lack of activity on social media, and how my writing had fallen off the table, when i realized I hadn't seen a post from her come across my feed for some time. In fact, her last post was September 17th.
A little investigating, and I discovered that she passed away unexpectedly on September 20th.
I never met Jen, but I feel like i knew her. So to read about her death has definitely thrown me this morning. I am rethinking my writing strategy and hoping in the new year I will get back in the game. I think that despite whatever tragedy that ended her life, she would want to keep inspiring, and keep writing.
It boggles my mind how this has affected me. It has definitely given me some perspective. Most of all, it has made me sad. The literary world lost a great person in Jennifer Rardin.
