if you've read a book that has moved you to want to

[southeastastra]

write to the author to thank them, is that really cheesy?

Don't think so.
I am often compelled to write to Gabrielle Palmer (Politics of Breastfeeding) and (less profoundly) Nigel Slater,but have yet to do so.

If YOU were that author think how you would feel if you received a letter thanking you? It's not Harry Potter is it????!!!!!

no it isn't haha

Go on then, tell us what you've been reading...

no i won't say, but just feel like i want to thank them.

No, as long as the letter is brief and to the point and not revealing loads of personal information.

Can't see it being a problem. I am often moved to write pointing out what a disappointment someone's last book was but I restrain myself

I wrote to Clare Short when I read her book about trying to get ban Page 3.

I got a lovely note back from her - I was really glad I did it!

Go for it, southeastra!

i won't do it in green ink but i'm unsure of the etiquette involved.

I wrote to Nick Hornby when I first read High Fidelity, years ago (gawd, prob 13 years ago) telling him that my then boyfriend had been asked what the book was on the tube by someone who had read a bit over his shoulder. Nick Hornby sent me a lovely postcard back saynig "the tube story is the sort of thing every writer wants to hear but never does so thank you." I was then contacted when a tv prog wanted someone to talk about High Fidelity so boyf and I were on telly for about 3 seconds raving abuot it.

It's the only time I've ever done it.

And I'm not the sort of person who writes fawning letters to anyone either. Do it.

that's a nice story www.

I emailed an author through her website to say thank you for a book I had loved. I got a fairly standard response back from her, but with a lovely personal PS referring to the email I had sent her IYSWIM. I was worried I would come across as some spooky internet stalker, but hopefully hit the right note as a fan rather than an obsessive. I'd do it again like a shot.

It's always nice to get positive feed back for your work, surely

i did and i got a reply!

i emailed an author asking a question and tellin ghim that i loved his work. i got a nice reply from his son.

Who are you worried about thinking it is cheesy?

More people are (naturally) motivated to write to complain rather than congratulate so perhaps you should shift the balance slightly.

i really want to know what book it is!!

Etiquette? Write and tell them what you think. Read it a day later to check you are happy with what you have written and post it. I'm sure the author will be delighted.

it was a biography. just parts of it really hit home with me.

i don't know why i'd think it cheesy walnut, i just feel weird about writing a fan letter

I wrote to maria housden to pass on my wishes about her daughter hannah that died age 3 (hannahs gift)

I told her that after reading the story I was going to really try hard not to take my own little girl for granted.

She wrote back very touching reply.

Think of it as a letter of appreciation. I recently complained (2 pages worth) to O2 after experiencing several problems. As a result of this letter, the situation was finally dealt with effectively and entirely to my satisfaction so I thought, sod it, and thanked the customer services rep who had resolved the issue.

I don't think you should ponder any longer, it's a nice thing to do.

Obviously I wasn't moved by O2's customer service in quite the way you have been by this book. At least, let's hope I wasn't...

Goodness, I'd like to read it myself but of course, I won't ask again!

lol walnutshell, at the idea of being moved by cust svces

Just don't send used knickers in it...

They get funny about post like that...

Apparently.................