A Letter, a Dream, and Two Decades of Writing

Among the best parts of being a bard is the opportunity to encourage aspiring writers. It always lifts my heart to meet these genuinely open-hearted, passionate, thoughtful people who have their own unique stories to tell. 

Writing is incredibly hard work — but it can also be deeply meaningful, truly satisfying work. So I do my very best to encourage these writers, to put wind in their sails. For the boats attached to those sails could voyage to many wonderful places, landing in the hearts and minds of people everywhere.

This week I got a totally unexpected message from one of those aspiring writers, a young man named Alex Rosenthal. It seems that 20 years ago, when he was just 8 years old, he’d written a story and handed it to me at a book event. After that book tour ended and I returned home, I read his story. And I wrote him a letter to encourage him to keep writing. 

Well, to his enormous credit, he’s done exactly that — and now, 20 years later, he sent me the complete manuscript of his own epic fantasy novel. I’m so very proud of him for staying true to his dream — and for finding that magical mixture of passion and perseverance that it takes to write a book!

Along with the manuscript, he sent me a photo of the letter I’d sent him so long ago. He has kept it for two decades, just to remind himself of the importance of following his passion. 

Here’s the best part. Alex has done more than just write a story. He’s taken his life seriously. He’s filled his days with meaning and purpose. He’s stayed true to his soul. 

So I wrote him another letter — this time, a letter of heartfelt celebration. I praised his writing, which was marvelous. But more importantly, I praised his courage, integrity, and perseverance. And with great pleasure, I concluded it with these words:

Congratulations from your fellow writer,

T. A. Barron

My letter to encourage Alex which he kept for 20 years!