The Importance of Saying Thanks

By Stephanie Olsen

Why do you write?

Is it because you have to? I mean, it's part of who you are and if you don't write, you actually suffer an identity crisis?

Or is it because you have to? You know, to eat.

There are other reasons. Remember that article of mine a few issues back, "Doin' It Abroad"? Well, last week I got a letter that more than validates my motives for pounding it out:

Dear Stephanie:

I've been looking high and low for an e-mail address for you, and I think I may have stumbled on it here.

I recently read your article about working abroad, specifically mentioning Research and Markets. Since I am an American/Irish person living in Ireland, trying to get an income from writing, the article piqued my interest. At the end of the article (which was both humorous and interesting) you invited readers to let you know what happened when one tried to get proofreading/editing work as a result of your suggestions.

I wanted to thank you for the information in the article and to let you know that I contacted the company and will now be sending my resume and cover letter. Coincidentally, the company is right here in Dublin where I live.

Although years ago I did a good deal of proofing and prospectus writing, the last 20 years of my life haven't been in that area.  I'll just focus on my writing (fiction and non-fiction) and report writing (clients and hospital reports) and see what happens.

So, thanks for the tip in the article. Thanks for the contributions you're making to so many people (like me!)

Next time you're closeted in your study, eyes bulging from hours in front of the screen, sweating out another idea and hoping for at least a gleam of originality, don't give up. You may be on to something important, something that will help inspire another writer half a world away which, in turn, will feed your soul.

Thanks for writing to me, Maggie.

Stephanie Olsen is publisher of JustMarketsDaily (http://www.justmarkets.com)