This article explains exactly why your books resonated so deeply with me, especially Old Mountain Cassie, The Secret Gift, Welcome to Charm, and Venetian Rhapsody. Cassie touched me more deeply than I can put into words, and each book after that brought insights and feelings down to my soul! I appreciate you and your exquisite writing so sincerely!
I cherish your words. You named the 4 books where I threaded inspiration to gently tap a reader's spirit. I'm so happy the insights touched you and opened a door. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. You're a gift.
There are hopeful takeaways in each of your books, whether it's sage wisdom from teachers like Cassie and Gita, or reminders of fellowship with friends and food. The many scenes in diners, bakeries, pizza places, picnics, and little seafood restaurants create a simultaneous nostalgia and desire in me. Remember to cherish. Yearn for more of what is cherish-worthy, and seek it. Each of your main characters has moments of hesitancy and uncertainty but they are lifted by kindness and guided to self-realization and empowerment. It is exactly what you do, Tonya, in the reader/author relationship.
Good gracious if you didn't turn my head with your kind acknowledgments. My main characters become real people to me. I do want them to mirror back a call to create and claim more joy, kindness, and definitely abundant fun. Thank you, Ken, for taking the time to share how the stories enter your life.
Such an interesting blog that I had to read it twice.
I just asked myself: Who do you write for? I write the story I need to tell, and the messages I want to send. That said, I never have a specific audience in mind. I shy away from advice from "experts" who say readers want to read X of Y.
For me, I can't write to fit into any mold. There are definitely messages in my work, but I can't say they're targeted to any one group. They're mostly messages about being human with hopes that someone might relate to a character's situation and find a new way to relate to their own.
One of the best comments I ever got in a review was someone who wrote: "I think I learned something from this book." I have no idea who the woman was or what she felt she learned, but it made me happy.
Your books have many messages that are insightful and wise. Cassie still stays with me.
I'd say that I definitely invite readers to read between the lines, but it's never a super-specific things. I believe we all find what we need to see.
Thank you for adding depth to this post. I enjoyed reading the way you approach your writing. And your complex characters always deliver powerful messages on life and its trials. What inspiring words your reader left to you. "I think I learned something from this book."
This article explains exactly why your books resonated so deeply with me, especially Old Mountain Cassie, The Secret Gift, Welcome to Charm, and Venetian Rhapsody. Cassie touched me more deeply than I can put into words, and each book after that brought insights and feelings down to my soul! I appreciate you and your exquisite writing so sincerely!
I cherish your words. You named the 4 books where I threaded inspiration to gently tap a reader's spirit. I'm so happy the insights touched you and opened a door. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. You're a gift.
There are hopeful takeaways in each of your books, whether it's sage wisdom from teachers like Cassie and Gita, or reminders of fellowship with friends and food. The many scenes in diners, bakeries, pizza places, picnics, and little seafood restaurants create a simultaneous nostalgia and desire in me. Remember to cherish. Yearn for more of what is cherish-worthy, and seek it. Each of your main characters has moments of hesitancy and uncertainty but they are lifted by kindness and guided to self-realization and empowerment. It is exactly what you do, Tonya, in the reader/author relationship.
Good gracious if you didn't turn my head with your kind acknowledgments. My main characters become real people to me. I do want them to mirror back a call to create and claim more joy, kindness, and definitely abundant fun. Thank you, Ken, for taking the time to share how the stories enter your life.
Hi, Tonya:
Such an interesting blog that I had to read it twice.
I just asked myself: Who do you write for? I write the story I need to tell, and the messages I want to send. That said, I never have a specific audience in mind. I shy away from advice from "experts" who say readers want to read X of Y.
For me, I can't write to fit into any mold. There are definitely messages in my work, but I can't say they're targeted to any one group. They're mostly messages about being human with hopes that someone might relate to a character's situation and find a new way to relate to their own.
One of the best comments I ever got in a review was someone who wrote: "I think I learned something from this book." I have no idea who the woman was or what she felt she learned, but it made me happy.
Your books have many messages that are insightful and wise. Cassie still stays with me.
I'd say that I definitely invite readers to read between the lines, but it's never a super-specific things. I believe we all find what we need to see.
Lots to think about. Great blog, as always.
Thank you for adding depth to this post. I enjoyed reading the way you approach your writing. And your complex characters always deliver powerful messages on life and its trials. What inspiring words your reader left to you. "I think I learned something from this book."
This is such a powerful piece of wisdom! If we don’t go within, we’ll go without. Thanks for the reminder!
Thank you for letting me know this entry made a connection for you.