Dear Michelle,

I'm not sure if you will remember me by name, but I certainly remember meeting you. I was one of many children whose respective school took them to the Wolf Conservation Trust (which is sadly closed now) to learn about wolves and to meet you (my school was St Martin's Catholic Primary School). I distinctively remember this day because we were tasked with writing the first chapter to a story involving a wolf, and that one piece of work per school would be selected…my story was chosen by you.

You spoke many kind words to me that day encouraging me to foster my writing talent, and it was an honour to hear a writer that I respected speak of me as if I too could be one. It has been many years since, I am much older now, and last year I finished my first novel (and have ambitions to write a second one this year).

I love seeing on the forum how many young readers have discovered your amazing work, and are just as in awe as I was when I first starting reading (and became engrossed) in your series.

Unfortunately I don't have a question, but I do want to say congratulations on the continued success, and if things work out, I hope that I will have a full circle moment where you see my book someday (I have had responses from a few agents, who expressed interest, but they didn't know how to represent my work).

I hope all is well

With kind regards
Cleoney

Dear Cleoney, my memory is hazy, but the name of your school jogged it, and I think I do remember a child with the intense stare which I tend to associate with writers.  It’s really gratifying to know that you’ve kept on writing, and the fact that you’ve had the commitment to produce an entire novel, and submit it, speaks volumes about your determination (sorry, no pun intended).  It’s also a really positive sign that agents have expressed interest.  They don’t need to do that, so your book must have got their attention.  You should feel very encouraged by that.  Persistence now is the key.  I’ve still got my sheaf of rejection letters, and I remember thinking with each submission that “this will be the one”, only for my hopes to be dashed.  But you just have to pick yourself up off the floor and try again.  And, of course, embark on that second novel ( and it’s a good sign that you’re already thinking about it).  Thank you so much for getting in touch, and I want to wish you the best of all possible luck with both novels!  With best wishes, Michelle