Author Lyn Cote-Why I Write--And it's not for the BIG $$$

Why do I write?

As my title says, it's not for the big $$$. If you missed my series of blogs on "How It Works, Being An Author," click through to the one on what authors earn out on a book. Here's the link http://strongwomenbravestories.blogspot.com/2010/03/how-it-works-being-author-show-me.html

So if it's not to be rich and famous, why do I do it?

Well, first I was born with the gift of story-telling. At first, I didn't realize that other kids weren't. In school, I got tired of kids saying, "Stop staring at me." I'd wake up from my present story and look at them. I didn't even know they were in the room! I wasn't staring at them; I was indeed miles and years and lives away, living in a story of my own making. I always had movies in my mind.

And second of all, when I write a story, it connects me to my readers in a way that is amazing. My stories aren't just entertaining. They can be agents of realization, self-examination and freedom. And when this happens, it gives me great joy.

Here's one of the most powerful reader letters I've ever received:

Letter: Dear Lyn Cote,

Thanks for you for your books, the Women of Ivy Manor…I love it when authors write books that they have done a lot of historical research…It makes the books feel like you are right there at that time frame. I am a survivor, a woman with a past of strong women who kept secrets…. But as your books point out, there are secrets that never get told and they cause so much hurt and pain and mistrust…Anyway after the first two books, the tears that I have stuffed away for many years broke.

I told myself that I did not want my children to go through what I did. Some have gone through things that I have. I have a lot of sorry (sorrow) and regret when it comes to my children. I have 7 children and 7 grandchildren. …I called all my children I could that day I finished BETTE and told them I loved them. It was quite shocking to some. I told them also that I could not repair the past but that the future was there and that the present was right here and we could make the most of it. …

We just have to ask God to soften their hearts and wait and prepare for the time my children will come to me and I’ll reach out to them and support them in all they do, no questions asked. …Thank you for letting the women of ivy manor come together to “air” their secrets. It was long overdue. Thank you for your books. They have helped me in my healing process. Books seem to come to me when I need a bit of healing to be done. Thanks, B.”

Wow, huh?

On Thursday this week, I'm going to share about another reader who read the same series of books as "B" but who had a different opinion altogether!

Let me ask you--
1-Were you born a story teller?
2-Has any book (not just mine) made a difference in your life? You never know I might be giving another prize!