I just heard the news that my fellow WiDo Publishing author Eric Trant suddenly passed away yesterday, July 14, 2018. I could feel him telling me to write, so that’s what I did. I hope you’ll get to know him as his books will live on. Visit his website at http://diggingwiththeworms.blogspot.com/ If you feel guided to do more there is a GoFundme set up to help the family pay for funeral expenses here: https://www.gofundme.com/amanda-trant-family-fund
Dear Eric,
You wrote my review in the form of a letter so here’s your letter back. I was so shocked and sad to hear of your sudden passing. I didn’t even really know you but through our brief Facebook communications, your actions, your posts, and your honest, heartfelt review of my book, I think I got a pretty feeling for who you were.
I wanted to say a proper thank you. I’m sure I thanked you for the review but I’m not sure I expressed that your words, kindness, and encouragement made a real difference! When I was worrying about how to market my book, you chimed in with the best answer. “Find Ellen Valladares’s thing and do that….don’t try to be anyone but EV.” You went on to talk about art being a passion and how we have to connect our passion for writing to the marketing aspect. I’m still learning Eric. I probably should re-read your words more often. But thank you for taking the time to not only comment, but give me a full, detailed, rich, meaningful answer that came from your experience. It resonated so deeply with me.
Then I found out you had volunteered to read my book and review it on my book launch blog tour. Honestly, that made me nervous. I could tell you were a straight shooter and you told me you don’t hand out review stars like Halloween candy. Mainly, I knew you were an established author and your opinion and input mattered deeply to me. Thank you for spending your valuable time reading Crossing the Line. I know you wanted to help a fellow author. I want to remember that too – to reach out and help other fellow authors, especially the newcomers. That meant a lot to me.
Next came the surprise. I woke up one morning to see that you had posted the review, nearly three weeks before the blog tour had you scheduled to post. I’d been so worried about reviews and if people would like the book. Yours was one of my first real reviews outside family and friends and it couldn’t have come at a more perfect time. It is still one of my favorites. As promised, it wasn’t a “gimme” with glowing accolades. But it was honest, delightfully written, and pretty darn positive.
Ah, but the twist came a few paragraphs in. My greatest hope and wish with my writing is to touch my readers emotionally. I was so moved when you bared your soul and admitted that you cried toward the end of the book, an amazing feat for “a man who’s emotionally constipated.” You were remembering your son, who died as a toddler in 2012. I, too, lost a child – a daughter in stillbirth – that changed me forever. Who knew we had that connection? Maybe our angel babies arranged it all.
Thank you, Eric, for reminding me why I wrote the book in the first place.
Now, you’re with your little guy. Enjoy the reunion and being on the other side. You will be so missed by your family and friends here, by all your fans and readers, and by authors like me who were inspired by you. I’ll do my best to heed your advice and pass on the inspiration and encouragement to others.
And, hey, if you were wondering if I really believe all that stuff I wrote in my book about life after death and communicating with those on the other side, I absolutely do. So let’s keep in touch my friend.
Your friend and forever fan,
Ellen
Eric Trant