Letters to the Editor

Sometimes being a writer and editor seems like hollering down the rain barrel – it’s fun, it’s something to do, but unless someone yells back, there’s not much point to it.

I love my work. There’s always something new to do and something fascinating to write about. It’s satisfying, knowing I’m doing a good job, but even with this blog and the other three publications I write for and edit, it gets a little lonely here at the computer when I don’t have feedback from readers.

It’s funny how it works, as long as I don’t make bad mistakes, I don’t hear from any of my readers. Then I start wondering if anyone is really out there. You know a writer without a reader is a little like that  tree falling in the empty forest.

We know you are reading the blog and hope you are also reading the other periodicals:

• The monthly online magazine, Mexico Insights: Living at Lake Chapala
• The monthly print magazine, Lake Chapala Review, available locally
• Last year’s slick tourism magazine, Point South distributed in Canada

My wise friend Doris says everything happens just as it is supposed to…and I keep discovering that she is right. 

Just when I’m in the throes of the deadline rush to get it all done, and just when the “to-do” pile is so tall it’s about to fall over on the dog, a message shows up that makes all I do worth while.

Today’s email was as welcome and wonderful to me as the Whos’ shout,  “Hello, We’re Here,” was to Horton the elephant of Dr. Seuss fame. My  message came in response to the Thank You letter we send to subscribers who renew their online subscriptions to Mexico Insights: Living at Lake Chapala.

Here’s what the subscriber said:

Dear Judy,

I wouldn't miss a month without reading about Ajijic and the surrounding areas.I still have the dream of retiring down there and appreciate all the info you provide....Thanks again….David

That letter made my day and more importantly, it gave me the boost I needed to keep on keeping on to finish the new February issue in the next few days. The only thing that would have made it better is if David had also told me which articles were his recent favorites and which subjects he wants to know more about.

See, it doesn’t take much to keep me from feeling as lonely as the Maytag repairman, and while you can email me it’s even easier to click comments below and write a quick note to let me you are out there and what you most like…and also what you don’t.

In about a week we’re going to make it even easier for you to read these little pieces – you’ll be able to sign up (Free) to receive notices of new blog posts.

Meanwhile, let me know I’m not just yelling into the rain barrel!