Predicaments and Ponderings Blog

I recently raved about an enduring little book called The Door to Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn. The book was simply a sweet story about a bookstore employee who cared about the customers he served. The book stressed the importance of friendship and nurturing relationships.

That said, I loved the book so much that I wrote the author a note, and that is what this post is about—the impact of a note. It was July when I read the book, and it took me a week or two to figure out what I wanted to say to a very successful author who lived across the pond. After some thought, because I didn’t want to sound like a goofy fan girl, I penned a short note and emailed it to the address on Mr. Henn’s website. Once I hit send, I figured that would be the end of it. I’d done my best to express the joy I’d found in that little book that impacted me so much. I hoped that the author would accept a pat on the back for a job well done from an American halfway across the world.

Honestly, I forgot about the note, only thinking about it when I’d walk past the book on my shelf. The cover still catches my eye.

Folks used to write notes regularly. Time and thought were put into words scratched onto a nice piece of stationery. I recall that my mother kept pretty solid white cards, as white was perfect for either a male or female, along with a special ink pen in the typewriter stand drawer for those times when she needed to express her thanks, send a word of encouragement, or even simply write a note to a friend.

When I was a ten-year-old Girl Scout working on my collector’s badge, Mom thought it would be great to collect autographs. I went along with the idea, since Mom thought it a wise choice of subjects, and I was a compliant child. I must have written hundreds of letters. They paid off, because I pretty much have the 60s and Watergate showcased in autographs of senators, congressmen, and other high-ranking political figures. Let’s be truthful. I was ten. I really had no idea what Watergate was, much less who the people were. But I did know Norman Rockwell, and I still have his note on special letterhead that included a sketch of a puppy with a tin can tied to his tail. It’s framed and hanging in my house. My notebook contained the autographs of all the Apollo astronauts, as well as those of Bob Hope, Jimmy Durante, and Red Skelton—well, you get the picture. My point is that I had to handwrite tons of letters. I learned a great deal of respect and value for the art of writing notes, and I benefited from the result.

I still believe in sending thank-you notes, and I appreciate anyone who takes the time to send a card. The time and effort they took out of their day to send me a note means so much.

So, when I opened my email today and found an email from Carsten Henn, it came as a surprise. This day in time, receiving a return note seemed, well, far-fetched. I stared at the email for a few minutes, still not knowing what to expect, yet reveling in the excitement and surprise I’d not felt since I was that 10-year-old me waiting for autograph responses.

I opened the note to find a somewhat lengthy email, not just one or two lines that said, 'Thank you for your note.' Instead, Mr. Henn wrote an equally endearing return letter. He first explained how surprised he was to receive a note from a fellow author and how much it meant that I’d not only read his book and loved it, but also took the 

time to tell him so. He talked about how fearful he was to write the book because his industry colleagues didn’t believe in the work, which meant he had to believe in it all the more. He discussed the process and time he took to find the story for the seed he’d carried around for seven years. And if that wasn’t enough…

He complimented me. Mr. Henn didn’t know me from Adam, but he’d taken the time to look up my books. What a kind man who seemed to come across with a big heart and a healthy amount of humility.

All this because I took the time to write a note.

I tell you this because whether you are an author, a preacher, or a grocery store worker, acknowledging someone for a job well done or an act of kindness, solidifies our need for friendship and relationships. When you take the time to write a note to someone, you have no idea what a difference you may make in their life. And when you respond to a note, humanity now sees gratitude that was thought to be lost.

To my author friends, take the time to acknowledge those who walk your path with you, and when you reach success, never fail to return the kindness of a fan. When you do that, entitlement is replaced with compassion and kindness.

To my reader friends, never hesitate to feed into those who bring you joy. Your note of encouragement may be the one that changes the recipient's pathway.

Our world pushes us to believe that we can do everything on our own, but the truth is, we all need relationships. We need praise, appreciation, and acknowledgement. Never hesitate to heed your gut when you feel the nudge to do something special for someone, even if it’s only a note. A note contains words, and words can change the world.

I may never hear from my newfound friend again, but I can bet that, though he may never remember my name, he will remember that a mountain girl from Tennessee, USA, read his book, loved it, and took the time to send a note. 

The life lesson in this: Kindness is never wasted, whether it be a smile, a gift, or a note. Kindness makes a difference.

Photo 1 courtesy of Amazon   Photo 2 – Image by Karolina Grabowska from Pixabay

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A Note from Cindy

I hope you are as excited about the release of The Eyes of River as I am. This will be my sixth novel, and with each release, I am grateful God has blessed me to see my dreams come to fruition.

As promised, I thought I’d update you on the progress of The Eyes of River (from here on out referred to TEOF – it’s easier. Grin.)

The publishing process is slow, not by choice but because of the process and detail involved. Once a completed novel goes to the publisher, it’s set into play in the “pipeline.” The name is appropriate because each novel takes its place in line. Editors are working on multiple books at a time, and each book is set on a timeline. So, there are lots of times I complete a step and then I have to wait until my book pops back up into the timeline for the next step to begin.) 

Here’s where we are: Developmental edits – done. General edits – done. The book is in the hands of the managing editor for her approval, and it’s in line for the cover. 

We are in the pipeline for interior design, proofing, and a few other details. These things take time, and as slow as the process of publishing is, it turns out well-done books for you to enjoy. 

If you are not an influencer, I would be honored if you would consider contacting me to join my street team and help spread the word as we near our release date in June.

Finally, I ask that you would pray for this work and for me and the team at Kregel. It truly takes a village.

Much Love,

Cindy