Audience

One of the greatest rewards of publication is knowing that your books reach a broad audience. I'm always thrilled when one of my books wins a state award because many more children will be exposed to my words. It is my hope that those words will entertain, inform, inspire or confirm the reader's love of reading or writing. When I visit schools, both as a writing consultant and an author, students come up to me and share that they own a MITTENS book or JUST ONE BITE or ARROWHAWK. Sometimes, I sign books at literary festivals, library events or schools and know that those copies will not only be read by the child in front of me, but also by a few friends or relatives, as well. But, of course, authors don't meet or see most of the audiences who will read their books.

That's why this photograph is so special. A teacher friend of mine took a few copies of the Swedish JUST ONE BITE to Sweden with her this summer and donated them to family and friends. These two beautiful children are holding one of those books in front of their home. For once I am able to see my audience in another country. The same book was just translated in French. I wonder who will be reading it soon in France? This isn't the first time one of my tradebooks has made its way to another country. I have books in homes and schools in Japan, Korea, Spanish-speaking countries and more. However, this is the first time I've been able to see my readers from afar. It's a grand feeling. I hope these two children enjoy the book again and again - as many times as I will enjoy this photograph of them.