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last online Mar 27, 2024 21:55:17 GMT -7
WIZARDING ADULT
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Feb 12, 2017 16:25:44 GMT -7
Post by cordelia regan smith on Feb 12, 2017 16:25:44 GMT -7
Dear @emilia , I’d like to start by saying that I’m a huge fan. Your past few books have captured the essence of murder mysteries. Growing up watching old mystery films made me want to find something to read as well, and that’s when I stumbled on Spartan. It was unbelievable. I’m not a huge fan of Roman history, but that seemed like it was secondary to the story at hand, which is important in a good mystery story. Having read all your books (numerous times) I was surprised to hear about your first book, Seven, a few years back. My parents aren’t really all there when it comes to figuring out bookstores, let alone anything that isn’t in their field of work. But Christmas this year, they happened to remember me mentioning the book and actually found a copy! I know it’s quite long, but I read it in a few days, hoping that your first foray into fiction writing was going to be the most amazing experience ever. It wasn’t. I now understand why it was so hard to find. I also understand that it was your first book, and things don’t really go according to plan the first time around. Where your other stories are crafted illusions of mystery, Seven was obvious. I wonder if reading your other books and watching all those films has made things too easy for me, so picking apart Seven the way I did was because of that. I don’t know. Still, I look forward to your next release. All the others have been masterpieces in my opinion, and you can only go from there.
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last online Mar 28, 2024 12:03:35 GMT -7
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Feb 12, 2017 16:37:01 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Feb 12, 2017 16:37:01 GMT -7
Thank you so much for writing me! I enjoy every opportunity I get to hear from my fans, and this letter was particularly refreshing, since it made no attempt to hide my shortcomings. You'd be surprised how many people think I have paper for skin. I'm Scottish, and I can take a good insult every once in a while, especially a well-deserved one (as yours was).
Spartan is, and probably always will be, my favorite novel that I've written. I have to ask, have you got any theories as to who the person in the dedication is? I don't mean to tease but some of the theories I've heard have been interesting, albeit totally off-track.
I agree whole-heartedly with your criticisms of Seven. Looking back on it, I'm surprised that anyone agreed to publish it. Of course I'm glad that they did, since having one book published can make it infinitely easier to publish more. I'm rather surprised that your parents were still able to find it, since there are so many other novels that bookstores would rather sell than that pile of shite. My publisher is hopeful that my next novel will be published by March. I, on the other hand, am not as optimistic, considering it's not yet finished. But we'll see. Thank you again for taking the time to write to me - I've attached something for you as thanks. cordelia regan smith (attached is a page of scribbled notes about the plot of seven, and a bag of berger cookies)
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last online Mar 27, 2024 21:55:17 GMT -7
WIZARDING ADULT
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Feb 12, 2017 21:10:00 GMT -7
Post by cordelia regan smith on Feb 12, 2017 21:10:00 GMT -7
Dear @emilia , I never imagined that I would get a response, especially one like that. Thank you for the cookies! I’ve never seen anything like them before, and I was overjoyed to find that there wasn’t peanut butter in them (I’m allergic, so quite a few cookies become off limits). As for my thoughts on Seven, I’m not normally that straightforward, or talkative for that matter, but I felt like there were a lot of things in it that simply didn’t fit and needed to be brought up. The notes you sent as well help explain some of it though. If I told friends of mine in my art club at school that their early work was awful, I don’t think I’d have too many friends left. It’s all part of getting better though, so I don’t see what’s wrong with accepting that the start of your career in whatever is probably going to be junk. I was just as surprised that they managed to find it. “Magic” is what my dad said. They probably wrote down the books I already had and asked around in each store to see which one wasn’t like the rest. As for Spartan’s dedication, I wouldn’t have a clue. The theory of it being to Rome would make sense, but Roman is a name, so that means it’s a person. Maybe. First guess would be someone close, so a family member or friend. If more time makes it better, then I think everyone would be happy.
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last online Mar 28, 2024 12:03:35 GMT -7
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Feb 12, 2017 21:25:32 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Feb 12, 2017 21:25:32 GMT -7
I try to respond as many letters as possible, though that’s not always possible. You’re welcome for the cookies, and I’m glad you could eat them – they’re a dessert staple in the American city where I used to live. I’m in England, now, and I’m assuming you are, too, given that your bird didn’t seem absolutely exhausted when delivering your letter. If I could rewrite the book, I probably would, but at the same time, I think at some point an author needs to relinquish their hold on a novel and the story within. If I waited until everything was perfect to publish, I would never publish at all. And honestly, if I were to rewrite Seven, I’d probably have to build it from the ground up.
Don’t you just love it when wizards use ‘magic’ as an excuse for things? Rather lazy, in my opinion. My legal guardians weren’t magical, though, so I didn’t get as much of that as some probably did.
It’s nice to hear your thoughts on that. You’re right, it’s definitely not dedicated to a city, or to any denizen of that city. As for the friend or family bit, I can neither confirm nor deny.
I don’t want to be one of those authors that takes years in between books. I’m in my writing prime right now, after all. cordelia regan smith
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last online Mar 27, 2024 21:55:17 GMT -7
WIZARDING ADULT
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Feb 12, 2017 21:59:36 GMT -7
Post by cordelia regan smith on Feb 12, 2017 21:59:36 GMT -7
Dear @emilia , I think responding to letters is what keeps your fans around, even with the first book being so-so. You’re in England?!? It must be for the new book. I’ve heard that authors sometimes go to the places that they’re basing their work on. When I take photos, I kind of have to do the same thing. Never thought writing was so hands on though. Seven should stay the way it is. It’ll be a cult hit someday. It might sound very cliché for a teenager to say that her parents don’t understand her, but that’s been my whole life. Cameras, movies, all that stuff, just doesn’t really click with them. Guess I should be thankful that they’re supportive of my hobbies even if it doesn’t make sense to them. Well, ambiguous was what you were going for in it right? Roman is lucky either way. Have you ever considered a series? Or would that be better for a career end?
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last online Mar 28, 2024 12:03:35 GMT -7
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Feb 13, 2017 10:38:09 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Feb 13, 2017 10:38:09 GMT -7
I'm sure there are plenty of authors that manage to keep a following even without writing responses to letters. I grew up in Scotland, actually, so coming back to England was kind of like coming home. Except not really, since I'd have to go to Scotland for that. You're a photographer? I wouldn't mind seeing a few of your photographs - maybe one could be the cover of one of my books.
A cult hit? I guess I'll have to wait for that.
I can't speak much to a typical teenage experience. I was mostly raised by my aunt and uncle, so I think we had bigger obstacles than just not being understood. Be thankful for your parents while you have them. You might not get them forever.
Yes, ambiguity was what I was going for. Roman doesn't even know I wrote a book for him, so I don't think that he knows he's lucky, either.
I have considered a series, but like you said, it would probably be better for closer to the end of my career. I was thinking of trying to do one of those things where you realize that all of the books were interconnected all along, but I'm not talented enough for that. cordelia regan smith
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last online Mar 27, 2024 21:55:17 GMT -7
WIZARDING ADULT
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Feb 14, 2017 21:22:12 GMT -7
Post by cordelia regan smith on Feb 14, 2017 21:22:12 GMT -7
Dear @emilia , Dad is from Scotland, so we visit family there sometimes. I like England though. While cities have too many people for me, it’s also nice to disappear whenever you want. Especially in London. I don’t think I’m nearly as good as some credit me for. I imagine it’s because they don’t really know anyone else that takes pictures, so they feel obligated to say mine are cool. I could attach a few, but I think you might be better off with a professional’s work. Maybe someday I’ll be at that level. Family is family. Have to love them even if there are disagreements here and there. A book dedication is quite the accomplishment. Roman must have made an impact on your life. Maybe you’ll run into him again someday and tell him. If not a series, then a reoccurring character or town maybe? Making allusions to old stories could work, but since they’re all over the place it would be strange for something to be mentioned without context. Never too late to start though.
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last online Mar 28, 2024 12:03:35 GMT -7
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Feb 15, 2017 6:56:36 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Feb 15, 2017 6:56:36 GMT -7
I assume you’re in school right now, but I’m planning on having a book-signing event in London sometime in the coming months, as my ‘coming to England’ kickoff. I’d love to see you there.
Well, you’re in luck. I know plenty of people who take pictures, so I know what makes a picture good and bad. If you want to send them and get an honest opinion rather than just someone trying to please you, I’d be more than happy to do that for you. If not, that’s fine as well, but you got to be brutally honest to me, I thought I’d return the favor.
I’d be careful making a statement like that. Some people’s families aren’t as amazing as yours or mine.
Even if I do run into him one day, I don’t think I’ll tell him about the book. It’s not that important, anyways.
This might require some thought. Maybe I can have one of those cool crime walls that you always see in movies – oh. Are you No-Maj-born? Have you seen a movie? I don’t want to make a comparison you won’t understand. cordelia regan smith
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last online Mar 27, 2024 21:55:17 GMT -7
WIZARDING ADULT
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Feb 24, 2017 17:01:18 GMT -7
Post by cordelia regan smith on Feb 24, 2017 17:01:18 GMT -7
Dear @emilia , Unfortunately. Classes are easy as long as I don’t have to talk. I’m not exactly as straightforward with speaking as I am with writing. I’d love to go though. Hopefully it lines up with the end of term. I guess I’ll put a few together for the next letter then. I’m actually scared to do that but It would only be fair, like you said. True, but I think even some of the worst family dynamics still have some element of ‘family’ to them. Or did at one point. Not important? That dedication is a bigger mystery than any of the stories in your books! I don’t know what a No-Maj-born is but I think I know what you’re talking about with the crime wall. Like how they have pictures of crimes with information attached to them to connect the dots? I try to watch as many muggle films as possible when I’m home.
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last online Mar 28, 2024 12:03:35 GMT -7
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Feb 24, 2017 18:24:16 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Feb 24, 2017 18:24:16 GMT -7
I’m glad that your classes are going well. Is there any subject you particularly enjoy? Also, I’ve been talking with one of my English compatriots and he says that you children are allowed to visit a village on certain weekends of the month – maybe I’ll have a separate signing there, for students.
I look forward to seeing them!
I wouldn’t bet on that. And I wouldn’t want to assume that and make people feel worse about their family situations.
It’s not that big of a mystery, trust me. And besides, I think Roman should know before anyone else does that he’s in the dedication of the book.
Uh…Muggleborn. That’s what they’re called here. But yes, that is what I’m talking about. I need one of those in my apartment! That way I can figure everything out more easily. Visual learner, you know. cordelia regan smith
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last online Mar 27, 2024 21:55:17 GMT -7
WIZARDING ADULT
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Mar 1, 2017 21:51:57 GMT -7
Post by cordelia regan smith on Mar 1, 2017 21:51:57 GMT -7
Dear @emilia , Charms. If they had a class focused on healing spells, I’d take that. They come naturally to me I guess. Potions unfortunately doesn’t. AT HOGSMEADE?!? That would be amazing! I don’t know how many other Hogwarts students are fans, but the other two schools are here now and the town is a lot busier than it has been in the past. Maybe. I don’t talk to others a lot, so I guess I don’t really understand it then. How do you know he’s unaware of it? Could be keeping it secret. So No-Maj is what muggleborns are called in the states? Interesting. Guess I should have known that, with two Americans in my house. I understand the visual learning thing though. It’s easier to put everything together when it’s all out in front of you.
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last online Mar 28, 2024 12:03:35 GMT -7
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Mar 2, 2017 6:32:01 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2017 6:32:01 GMT -7
I wasn’t much good at Charms, honestly. I’d have to say that History of Magic was my favorite course in school; I don’t know about Hogwarts, but Ilvermorny has so many fascinating stories surrounding it. Potions is…eh. I can make them but I’ve never particularly enjoyed the class.
Yes, at Hogsmeade. I’ll talk to my publisher about it and see what she thinks.
We are notoriously bad at keeping secrets from each other; this is the first one I think I’ve kept from him, I think, and I’ve known him for decades.
We call them No-Majs, yes. You have American children in your house? Why didn’t they come to Ilvermorny? If you know the reason, of course, and feel comfortable sharing. I’ve started constructing a corkboard for use in my novels, so hopefully it’s done soon. cordelia regan smith
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last online Mar 27, 2024 21:55:17 GMT -7
WIZARDING ADULT
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Mar 10, 2017 10:12:02 GMT -7
Post by cordelia regan smith on Mar 10, 2017 10:12:02 GMT -7
Dear @emilia , History of Magic is…boring. Probably wouldn’t be normally, but the professor is a ghost that doesn’t even know he’s dead. And all he does is go on about the goblin wars. Charms is fun though. The professor was in the same house as me when she was in school, so I think she pays extra attention to us than the other classes. I. Can’t. Wait. I mean, I have to, but you get the point. So maybe there is some hope that he doesn’t know still… I think they’re orphans, so they live over here. Not sure why, but they’ve always been here as far as I know. Being able to see the bigger picture should hopefully help.
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last online Mar 28, 2024 12:03:35 GMT -7
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Mar 10, 2017 15:23:11 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Mar 10, 2017 15:23:11 GMT -7
So much of my work depends on knowing the context of the situation. Even though I wrote Spartan in a relatively magic-less world it was important for me to know the history of the area, so that I wouldn’t accidentally offend. I suppose for me the subject has always been interesting because it’s applicable to what I want to do. I’ve only recently learned about Hogwarts houses – the only one I know by name is Hufflepuff, because that’s the one my friend Rory was in. Which house are you?
I understand – hyperbole to show enthusiasm. (Look at me, using proper writer-y terminology!)
Well, that’s just awful. I suppose I’m kind of the opposite. I’m an orphan – I think – and my aunt and uncle took me in and then moved us to America when I was fairly young.
I can’t seem to find a camera in this place, but when I do, I’ll try to send you a photo of my wall so far. cordelia regan smith
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last online Mar 27, 2024 21:55:17 GMT -7
WIZARDING ADULT
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Mar 20, 2017 22:50:12 GMT -7
Post by cordelia regan smith on Mar 20, 2017 22:50:12 GMT -7
Dear @emilia , Understanding the history makes sense. I don’t really need to know too much when taking pictures, other than what I want to show or tell… I’m in Hufflepuff as well. Then there is Gryffindor, which are the “courageous and brave” students, Ravenclaw, where all the super intelligent ones are, and Slytherin, who tend to be smart and cunning. Not that everyone falls into those categories. Hufflepuff seems to let anyone in, which explains how I ended up in it. Everyone is usually pretty friendly for the most part though. They’re both really nice though, and I don’t think they want people to pity them. I guess having each other is better than no one. That would be great! I finally got around to finishing up some photos that aren’t too bad. They should hopefully be attached in this envelope, as long as the owl doesn’t do something with it.
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