I posted several entries in July about the letters that the 5th grade book group members and I wrote to Angie Sage, author of Magyk and its sequels. I told the girls in the book group to not get their hopes set on an answer from Ms. Sage, since she’s a bestselling author and lives in England, and because the letters had to be mailed to Ms. Sage c/o her publisher, since I couldn’t locate an address (either real mail or email) for her anywhere.
But Angie Sage rocks, let me tell you. Not only is she a great author, she’s also a kind and intelligent person who took the time to write three separate letters (one to me, one to G., and one to P.), each letter specifically addressing questions and comments made in the letters we sent to her. For example, in her letter to Ms. Sage, P. asked how Ms. Sage was doing, and added that she was probably busy writing. Ms. Sage answered P.’s question, saying yes indeed she was busy, thank you for asking, and then launched into a long description of the part of her new book (the next in the Septimus Heap series) that she’s currently writing. Wow.
So far only G. has come in to pick up her letter from Angie Sage, but she was completely and totally thrilled. Thrilled. The look on G.’s face as she read the letter – a combination of blissful happiness, awe, and hyper excitement – totally made my day, and I only wish that Angie Sage could have seen it, too. Thanks, Angie Sage!! You’re awesome!!
How cool. This supports my theory that the best writers and artists are often the most generous of people.
I still remember the day in 4th grade when we got a letter back from Farley Mowat after writing to tell him how much we loved his book, Owls in the Family. It was such a thrill and remains one of the high points of my public school education. When I taught, my third grade class wrote to the authors of Click, Clack, Moo with appreciation and some story ideas for further books. They very kindly wrote back (although not until the next school year…it does take a long time when you have to go through publishers), equally appreciative for the suggestions (or just very gracefully) and with encouragement for my students to keep reading and writing. I love to hear stories like yours. I know several generous authors, and I think that makes them more outstanding. And yes, I include JH in that group!