One of the nicest things about being published is when you hear from readers. Sometimes, I've met people at readings or at crime fiction conferences who are kind enough to tell me that they've read and enjoyed my books. Other times, I've received e-mails from readers out of the blue, where someone has taken the time to write and tell me that they had fun reading a Good Thief's Guide. I can't tell you how many times that's happened when I've been a bit down about something, perhaps struggling with a tricky scene or a problem chapter, and it never fails to make a huge difference to me. It's the best pick-me-up I know, and a wonderful thing, and I'll always reply to any e-mail I receive.
But this week something new happened to me - something that put a huge smile on my face. Maggie, a Charlie Howard fan from Poland, very kindly sent me a couple of drawings connected to my books. I think they're brilliant and they now have pride of place on my desk. I can look at them whenever I get a bit grumpy with my writing and they're bound to perk me up. I've scanned in Maggie's drawings below, which doesn't really do them justice, but I thought you might like to see what's now propped up alongside my iMac. (And fittingly enough, the three monkeys drawing is held in place by a little brass three monkey ornament that I keep on my desk for luck).
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