Dear Mr. Cornwall,
I have recently re-read your article entitled Writing Advice and wanted to thank you for your invaluable advice. I am attempting my first submissions, or rather, wrestling with the Gordian knot that is the process of trying to find a literary agent. Your advice was incredibly helpful – it’s wonderfully warming to hear that you are not the only author of historical fiction who has become suddenly convinced that your entire style is off-beam, or your research either too superficial or too in-depth. After reading your article, I returned to my timelines and my storylines and focused purely on the story rather than becoming distracted by worries about style and research. This has helped enormously and the resulting amendments and cuts have (I believe) made the book considerably better.
I am deeply grateful for your honesty and your shared experience of writing. Any more articles would be fantastic, if you have the time. On the other hand, as a long-time fan, I look forward to your next novel, so perhaps ignore that last request!
Many thanks again, and best wishes
Karen