Happy Surprises in Email

I think most writers are like me -- it's always a happy day when work comes to you. An editor likes your work and sends you assignments.

And then there is the ultimate happy surprise. When you get an email from someone who says, "Mr. Editor gave me your name and recommended I contact you. I have assignments if you want them."

I got that happy surprise the other day. Then, when I emailed Mr. Editor to say thank you -- someone I used to work with years ago but haven't worked with since the late 90s -- he wrote back to say he might have work for me, too.

That's a nice start to 2008.