It's All Because of You! . . . by Kate James

A question I have been asked frequently is what possessed me to leave a full-time job that I enjoyed to pursue a career as an author. The simple answer is: because of you, the reader.


I am always amazed and gratified by the response my first book, Silver Linings, was receiving from readers and book sellers alike. I had some wonderful promotional opportunities where I could get out and meet readers. I find it very gratifying and enjoyable to be able to chat with people who love to read and are interested in our books.

This post is a pictorial tribute to all the people who have stopped by to chat with me at one of my events.


Signing at Canada's "wonder of the world", the CN Tower


 



A reading and signing for Valentine's Day at Canada's premier office and shopping complex: First Canadian Place (the lady in red on the stage with me is First Canadian Place's personal shopper)








Signings at various retail stores, such as Chapters in Newmarket, Ontario 








The constant in the above pictures and many others I have from these and similar events is the huge grin on my face. I had been bitten by the bug! People were reading my book, and every indication was that they were enjoying it.

It was enough for me to take the "plunge" and leave my full-time job and focus on writing.

My first book with Harlequin, A Child's Christmas, released on November 1st and I am delighted by the positive reaction to it already. As you can probably guess, I am thrilled and excited, and can hardly wait to receive more feedback from readers.

So what is it about writing that I love the most, and enough so to have left a job I truly enjoyed? It is knowing that there are people who chose to spend their limited and valuable leisure time reading my work. And even more so, when a reader reaches out to me to let me know they enjoyed what I wrote. Thank you so very much for enabling me to fulfil my dream!

What is your dream and do you plan to pursue it? I would love to get your comments.

I also look forward to connecting with you at an upcoming event, on my website, Twitter or Facebook.

Best wishes and happy reading!

Kate

Comments

  1. Kate, love your pictures and I can't agree more that the reason we write and keep writing is the wonderful notes we get from readers. A writer can't know what small line they put in one of their books will connect with a reader and even change their life. It's a wonderful business to be in.

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  2. Thank you, Roz, and I couldn't agree more!

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  3. My dream was always to own my own bookstore/coffee shop. I'm way to old to accomplish that dream, and my health isn't up to that either. But I always thought how wonderful it would be to work surrounded by books. I haven't read your book yet but I look forward to reading it.

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    1. Isn't it terrific that there is a trend to combine bookstores and coffee shops? I much prefer to read a print book and I love to go into bookstores and wander around.

      I am sorry if you are having health challenges, Linda. I wish you good health. If you can't be surrounded by books in your own bookstore, I also wish you many hours of reading pleasure.

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  4. Writing has always provided a great deal of pleasure for me, but like you, the response I get from readers is even more enjoyable. Love it when I’m told a reader is anxiously waiting to read my next book.

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    1. That gives me a wonderful feeling, too, Marion! I don't think we can ever hear that too often. :-D

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  5. This looked like a lot of fun. Of course being surrounded by books and with people who love to read, it couldn't help but be fun.

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    1. Yes, each of the events was a lot of fun. I really love the interaction with readers.

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  6. I love the pictures and agree that interacting with readers is one of the best parts of what is still in my mind a fairy-tale job. (Working in jammies--yay!)

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  7. Huh! I never thought about mentioning that as one of the added benefits! :-)

    Thanks for the comment, Liz!

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  8. I love book signings! Getting to talk to readers, and sometimes young writers--it's so exciting to see that gleam in their eye when they talk about writing, to know that you know what they are talking about.
    Great photos and I love your smile.

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  9. Kate - how fun to see your photos - not to mention how totally cool and chic you look in all of them! Absolutely - connecting with readers is the best. Happy for you that your dream com true is getting lots of attention! Sky's the limit now.

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