And You Can Get an Article Out of It, Too

P. Amy McKinnon recounts the joys of the practice of sending your favorite authors handwritten thank-you notes.

Writers, no matter how famous, have fragile egos and need to know their stories are cherished. Some, like Claire, Mameve Medwed, Anita Diamant and Jennifer Egan, are gracious and respond quickly. Others, like Stephen King, are probably overwhelmed by mail and so don't respond at all. Not even a form letter or a postcard with a picture of Maine's scenic coastline.