Author Benefits

There are some benefits to becoming a published author, especially once you are finally able to quit the day job and write fulltime. And before you get any wild ideas—I’m not talking about money!

Before I attained the status of stay-at-home writer, I longed for the day when I could sit at home in my pajamas and write to my heart’s content. I relished the idea that on a cold winter day when the snow was falling and the streets were covered with slush or ice, I could remain in my cozy home and work. And on stormy summer days, I could remain indoors without worry of my hair going limp and stringy in the humidity and rain. Of course when you work from home, other than your husband or the occasional UPS deliveryman, there are few people who see your hair—limp, stringy or otherwise.

However, it didn’t take long to learn that one of the true benefits of being an author—stay-at-home or otherwise—would be the wonderful circle of friends who enter your life and remain steadfast. Although they may live at a distance, you know they care about you and that you can count on them for moral support and prayer whenever needed. Since becoming an author, most of those once unknown folks who have become cherished friends are fellow authors. However, on several occasions a reader has entered my life and become a long distance, but cherished friend. Recently, that once again happened to me.

I received an email from a reader, Rosie, who lives in Australia. (That's Rosie in the dark blue blouse above as well as below). She wanted to know where she could purchase one of my latest books—she hadn’t been able to locate a copy and wondered if she’d need to wait and make her purchase when she and her husband came to visit friends in the United States during the month of May. We exchanged emails and after a week or so, I received a new email—this one from Rosie’s friend, Peg, who lives in Washington state. Peg wanted to surprise Rosie on her arrival and asked if I could possibly mail autographed books prior to Rosie’s arrival. We planned a grand scheme and when Rosie arrived, Peg presented her with the books. (That's Peg in the red shirt). I received a phone call from Rosie, and have had delightful emails detailing their wonderful visit with her Washington friends and their trip to Crescent Bar along the Columbia River. After reading Rosie’s beautiful descriptions, I believe it’s a place I’ll have to visit one of these days.

One additional note about her visit: Rosie had read the Postcards from Pullman series and planned to visit Pullman while in the States. However, she thought the stories were written about Pullman, Washington, (the state she would be visiting) rather than Pullman, Illinois. With such a great distance involved between the two places, and her travel arrangements already made, the visit to Pullman, Illinois, will need to occur at another time. Of course, that means Rosie must return to the States! This morning she jets off for Europe before returning home, but I’m hopeful that on her next visit we’ll be able to meet, for it has been a true gift getting to know my new Australian friend.

May you find joy as you give thanks for the friends in your life! ~Judy