Fan Mail I Could Do Without

and a cover reveal!

My first clue was my name written in pencil and badly smeared. Then I saw the return address of an elementary school.

My heart sank.

I’m not her!

I have the dubious distinction of being confused with another author, Joanna Campbell, who is listed as the author of the Thoroughbred Series, a favorite among young readers. I say “dubious” because this shared name means I often receive heartfelt missives from little girls who love the books and want to connect with the author. These must be class assignments as they are often written on a photocopied form with lines to help guide penmanship.

Obligation

And so I feel an intense obligation to respond. My response might determine whether the writer continues to be a keen reader, or whether she (so far only girls) becomes disillusioned and never picks up a book again.

Tough to explain

Here’s my quandary…how do I explain I am NOT the “Joanna Campbell” who writes the Thoroughbred Series? In fact, that name is a pseudonym. A lie. I once looked her up and the original author’s name is very close to “Joanna Campbell” but not quite. In other words, that “Joanna Campbell” is a fiction created by a publisher. In other-other-other words, I feel obligated to tell these young readers they’ve been lied to.

My choices are…

Before your knee-jerk reaction of horror kicks in—and slams both of us in the shins—let me assure you, I’ve come to this decision after a lot of miserable dithering. I don’t want to be the person who exposed the lies behind Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy. I have considered

• not responding at all (coward’s way out),

• pretending to be the other “Joanna Campbell” (also cowardly and how does one maintain the pretense?)

• sending a letter to the child’s teacher (whose name I don’t know and could only access by saying “To the teacher of XXX”)

• photocopying and sharing documentation of my own research into the real person purporting to be “Joanna Campbell” (which I did so long ago I’d have to go down that rabbit hole again)

• or telling the truth.

I opted for the latter. I do my best to explain about pseudonyms. I share that I, too, love reading and horses. I encourage the sender to keep reading. I cross my fingers and hope I’ve done the right thing. And I send bookmarks.

HELP!

How would you handle this? I sincerely would like to know!

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~NEWS~

In personal news—

I am getting better every day. The hospital keeps sending me a survey asking about my visit, and I’m wondering how much of a commitment I want to give this sad rendition. Will it matter? Probably NOT.

In bookish news—

March 13--Release date for Death in the Dog Park (written along with my friend Neil Plakcy). The pre-orders are coming in nicely—and I hope you’ll consider grabbing your copy. It’s available in digital and paper formats. https://amzn.to/4hjRbf4

March 23—Release date for Wednesday Wicked Ways. I commissioned all new covers for the series. I love the energy of this cover, don’t you? Tell me what you think, please! Does it grab you? https://www.amazon.com/Wednesday-Wicked-Ways-Friday-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0DSCJFK42/

And in progress— I’m rewriting Ship Wrecked, Cara Mia Delgatto Mystery #8. (Remind me to tell you sometime why I’m rewriting this, okay?) If you already own it, be sure to set your Kindle to receive updates, and you’ll automatically get the updated/rewritten version.

In presentation news—

I’m doing a Zoom presentation for the Treasure Coast Chapter of Sisters in Crime on April 1. Zoom room opens at 7:30 p.m., the presentation is from 8-9 p.m. It’s called “Shake it OFF” and I’ll be talking about bouncing back after a crisis. You can attend for free, but registration is required:

https://sistersincrime-org.zoom.us/j/2462383870?omn=97462619327

In crafty news—

I’ve been working on a shawl for Stacey Ducker, my wonderful assistant. I pulled out the piece six times, and I found myself gritting my teeth with irritation each time I picked it up. Should I ignore the mistakes? Was it shaped funny? Should I finish and then decide? Finally, I found another pattern, a granny square stitch basis for a head scarf, and realized it would make a wonderful shawl. This morning I tore out all the “old” shawl. Here’s the new one. What do you think?

Coming soon--

Next newsletter, I’ll share some exciting additions to my Facebook page, Joanna’s Readers. Stay tuned!

Coffee Please!

PS – I still love getting cups of coffee from all of you! Keeps me humming along. Go to https://ko-fi.com/jcslan

Love to all, Joanna