Writing a book feels a little like having a child, except, for me, the writing part takes 3-4 years. You write it and then you let it go and send it out into the world and pray. What will people think? Will they get as much out of it as I did writing it? Will it help them? These are the questions that you live with until you begin to get actual feedback. It’s really interesting. This time it began as people within the Random House “family” and those who were interviewing me read it. One said, “I didn’t read it, I devoured it!” Another told me she was in a relationship with an older man and that the chapters about sex had perhaps saved the relationship. Still another told me she had changed the way she eats…taking my advice to begin eating by color. Several men said they were surprised and pleased that it was for men as well as women. My favorite reactions are when people tell me they have to keep putting the book down so they can think about their own lives in relation to what I’ve written.
And now many of the 250 people who WON free copies of the autographed book THROUGH THE CONTEST ON MY WEBSITE LAST WEEK have begun contacting me on Facebook and their EXCITEMENT AND EARLY feedback is so THRILLING and touching …and from so many different places…North Carolina, Georgia, Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, MICHIGAN, FLORIDA, NEBRASKA.
Gregory Carlson wrote, “Thank you for the autographed book, Jane! You made me so happy. I was having an off kind of a Monday, feeling misunderstood and very aware of being a single person. Your book was waiting in my door, and I quickly opened it. On the first page I opened to, you expressed a sentiment I have tried to put into words so many times, you also did it with four simple words, “Solitude is not loneliness.” What a wonderful way to explain life for those of us who may choose to live alone, but surround ourselves with many wonderful friends and family members.”
“Jane, I am elated over receiving my signed copy of Prime Time!” said Dwan Suggs Buddin . “I didn’t really realize that I had won and so was quite thrilled!!! Thank you soooo much! We are leaving soon for our family vacation…and Prime Time will be my beach read!!! I want to order from your website and will do so as soon as I return from our trip! I have looooo…ong been a fan of you as an exceptionally gifted actress, and an activist! I’m sure I have watched every movie you’ve been a part of multiple times! (We even called our beach house ” On Holden Pond” after the title “On Golden Pond”)! I have never won anything in my life…so this book is especially welcome and wonderful! Many thanks!!!See More”
And Cynthia del Favero screams, “I WON I WON WOW !!!! I’M A WINNER…………….THIS WAS FUN JANE.I’M GOING TO READ IT TONIGHT I’LL GET BACK TO YOU ON IT. I’VE NEVER WON ANYTHING. MAYBE A SMALL JACKPOT. BUT NOTHING THAT COULD BE AS COOL AS PRIME TIME! I’M ONLY WRITING BIG BECAUSE I’M EXCITED. THANK YOU XO
Harold Farley wrote, “Jane, I am ELATED & BLESSED beyond belief!! I received PRIME TIME today! I collect signed 1st editions so this treasure THRILLS me! On the 25th of this month, my wife & I will celebrate our 32nd anniversary. When first married we were so broke that we went to the greeting card section of K-Mart & looked at the cards until we each selected the appropriate card. We then turned to each other, exchanged cards, read them, hugged on the spot & put the card back in the rack & went on our way!! This year, my Proverbs 31 wife is getting your book! After WE read it, we will add it to our collection to cherish the rest of our journeys. I cannot thank you enough or adequately express my esteem & admiration for you and all that you encompass! I pray for you, Jane & love you with my whole heart.
Your Atlanta Neighbor & Friend,
Harold
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¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•` ~hugz~
How bout that graphic that Harold ends with? Never seen that before. Cool!
This direct feedback is just what I need as I begin my book tour next Monday on Good Morning America. Please keep your thoughts and reactions coming. What strikes you about what you are reading? What seems most helpful. Personally, I think this is a perfect book club book, where you and friends can discuss your reactions and how you apply them to yourself.
At any rate, many thanks for all this.
