GOING POSTAL
I love getting to know my readers on a personal level. Never have I referred
to my readers as fans. To me, readers are friends I have yet to meet in person.
Fans are different, or so I like to believe. For example: I am a HUGE fan
of Johnny Depp, which means I will never know him on a personal level, and,
thankfully, my husband is kind enough to overlook my slight obsession. :)
Kelly, a reader I met on Wattpad back in 2011, is awesome! She has my
full admiration. Allow me to explain. Kelly lives in Singapore. We have
exchanged emails for quite some time. Back in September, she mentioned ordering
one of my books through a site.
It was a pirate site. I told her how pirates worked, and thanked her
for her support. Granted, authors make zero royalties through pirating sites.
However, Kelly got the book she wanted in a reasonable time.
KUDOS to those pirates! They provided excellent customer service.
When I told Kelly, she could order the books directly through me at a
much cheaper price, which included autograph and poster. She was
delighted.
*shakes head* If only I had known what it would entail.
We exchanged laughs about Jaws and bad weather. In the end, we chose shipping by air.
The first time I shipped the book, I put a little surprise in the
package. A handmade fairy book mark, and an autographed poster that matches the
book, The Secrets of Albion Falls.
On November 5th, 2013, I got a call from customs. I forgot to claim and
add a value to the bookmark. Bad Sass, I know!
My logic?
What good is a surprise when there is a list written on the outside of
the package? I told them what it was and
tried to pay over the phone.
It did not work.
Kelly did not deserve an extended delay. Nervously (because that's who I am), I quickly put another package
together, without the bookmark, and shipped it right away. Then I gave my
sincerest apologies.
It was and is unfair to delay any shipments.
Bad … bad Sass! I am a strong believe in customer service, and I don't like disappointing friends.
Over the next few weeks, we exchanged virtual teas. Kelly sent me
virtual hot chocolate and hugs, during the ice storm.
The ice storm video links
are below.
We chatted about the different ways we celebrate Christmas, and sent
New Years wishes to one another… sadly, no mail arrived to either home. :(
On January 8th, 2014 Kelly sent this email.
Hi
Sass~~
*Tea party~* ;P
Need a little help from u... erm.. Is there like any tracking available for the book you've sent me? Cos I still haven't received it yet.. Sorry for the trouble yet again… sorry really sorry....
Sending u lots of and hugs~ & hot choco too~
*Tea party~* ;P
Need a little help from u... erm.. Is there like any tracking available for the book you've sent me? Cos I still haven't received it yet.. Sorry for the trouble yet again… sorry really sorry....
Sending u lots of and hugs~ & hot choco too~
My response?
Sass Cadeaux
Are you kidding!!! Oh my Goddess this is crazy! I'll look into it and get back to you. xoxox
I rushed to the post office and
explained everything. The ladies were helpful. They began a full investigation
and warned that it may take a couple of days.
On January 10th, I received this
message.
Sass!!!
I just received the book!! Sorry for the trouble I made u went through. Thank
you so much! It's awesome! I'm so happy n excited I received. Hee Happy happy
so happy! Lots of hugs! Tytyty Kelly is a blast to chat with, and I love knowing her! She is a blessing, as are all my readers. :)
The postal investigation continued.
It has to.
There is a book, bookmark and poster floating somewhere in customs. :)
So why entitle this blog, Going
Postal when clearly there is a happy ending?
Well my friends, to this day I have
yet to receive the first package I sent. Normally, I would be upset, and would
inquire about the investigation daily. No ... not red faced or calling people
names. However, a strong letter and follow up phone calls would be added to my
daily regiment, but they are not.
Why?
How can I be upset when I have readers like Kelly?
It is
impossible!
She got her book and poster. She is happy, and we continue to have our
virtual teas. We share life stories, and, you know what? I learned a long time
ago that if it wasn’t for bad luck, I wouldn’t have any luck at all.
With readers like Kelly, I am
blessed, and I would rather cherish my blessing than pray for luck.
Wishing you all the BEST adventures
in reading and in life,
Sass
Sass
)O(
You're a class act, Sass. I respect you more than you know.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dean, you are a class act as well. :)
DeleteWow thanks for sharing and this was so beautiful- I only hope that I can do the same for my readers! They are the ones who make us who we are! Thanks for sharing! It is readers like Kelly who make it worthwhile and writers like you Sass who are humbled by them!
ReplyDeleteHi Sylvia and thanks for vising!
DeleteYou hit the nail on the head with that comment. It is readers like Kelly who make it all worth while. It's not about being a household name or becoming the most popular author out there. For me, it's about sharing my stories, and getting to know those who share the same passion for the craft.
)O(
Hi Sass!
ReplyDeleteLove this blog and have to say I love all you books! When or will you release your nano book? I was lucky to read the first ten chapters and want to read more about Chanterelle and Shea! PPPLLLLEEEEAAASSSSEEEE!!!! Can we order them from you or will they be published. It doesn't matter just as long as we get to find out what happens. :)
To Kelly in Singapore,
We met on Sass' Wattpad board. Do you remember Broken Path with Ridge? Remember when Sass killed Ridge and we all freaked? An thanks Sass for giving him back his life, you are the best!
Anyho Sass' books are not available here. I also used a expensive site or ebay to buy her books because amazon didnt work here then Sass posted that list of books stores that will ship autographed books overseas. I have to thank you, I didnt know I could order from Sass. My fault, I didnt ask. :o( We talk about life boys :) mostly Hal and Gallagher!
Anyho there are two books you'r missing from the set, Sweet Expressions and Broken Path.
Love you Sass an all you write!
Sending hugs an now tea with smiles.:o)
Cheri
Hi, Cheri and thanks for stopping in.
DeleteLooks like we're having a blog tea party! ┣┓웃┏♨❤♨┑유┏┥
At this time I am unsure which path Imperceptible will take. It was the first time I tried NaNoWrite. The story took some shocking turns, which some readers may not be happy with. :(
Hope you are staying safe a dry, although, I wish there was a way to ship some snow and cooler air your way. :)
Sending my deepest thanks, much love, and tea your way.
~Sass
)O(
Hihi Cheri~
DeleteSo sorry i cant really remember who you are.. Dont hate me pretty pls? >.< hee *flipping my mental archive* *throwing mental files everywhere* *rawrr~* Anyway, you are awesome to have remembered so well! My bad... =p There's still quite a long list for the whole COTS i think, not just Sweet Expressions which im totally bouncing in my chair and waiting on.. But then again, im looking forward to all of them. =D Lets sit/bounce together while we wait~ hohoho
Sass Sass lovely sweet Sass~
Thank you for putting me in your blog. =D *blush* *shy* heehee You are just so awesome and funny!! Hope you get the 1st parcel back soon..its been so long. -.- *whispers.... (the guys at the customs must be your secret fans)..* lolx
*Tea for Cheri and Sass~!* *cheers* with tea thou. *wink* <3 <3
Kelly~
Hi Susan, thank you for stopping in and congratulations on your new release!
ReplyDeleteNo lead to follow, hun. You are a shining star. :)
Wishing you much love and all the best,
~Sass
)O(