I discovered Pern when I was a teen and I’ve never looked back. Anne McCaffrey’s books turned my love of reading into an obsession with fantasy. It was a sad day when I found out she passed away about two years ago. Her books shaped my love of fantasy and will always take a special place in my heart. In April of 2011, about six months before she passed away, I sent her a fan mail, the only one I’ve ever sent to an author in my life. I wanted her to know how much her books meant to me. I was honored that she took the time to reply. My letter and her response is below:

Here’s the link to her website where her son posted my letter and Anne’s response: http://pernhome.com/aim/?cat=4  (post titled, “from a devoted reader”)

 Dear Anne McCaffrey,

About 25 years ago, I discovered your book, The Harper Hall of Pern, when I was sixteen. Your beautiful writing entranced me and after all these years I still haven’t forgotten Menolly and her story. I recently introduced the book to my own sixteen year old daughter who loves it. I’ve read your other Pern books since and have enjoyed them all. I realized recently that out of all the books I’ve read in my life, and specifically all the science fiction and fantasy books, your stories have impacted my writing the most. You have a distinct way of pulling your readers into your fantasy world, and making us care about the characters. I’ve completed a few fantasy novels of my own and hope to be published one day. I just want to thank you for planting the seed.

If you have any advice for a new writer who wishes to become published, I’d welcome your thoughts. I hope to one day meet you in person. I wish you well and hope you are recovering from your surgeries.

Anne’s reply:

I’ve been asked this so many times I never have the same answer anymore!

First — keep reading. Writers are readers. Writers are also people who can’t not write.

Second, follow Heinlein’s rules for getting published:

1. Write it.

2. Finish it.

3. Send it out.

4. Keep sending it out until someone sends you a check.

There are variations on that, but that’s basically what works.

Ciao,  Annie