why I love my English teacher

She taught me more than twenty years ago but she still cares about my development as a writer and praise from her still gives me a thrill:

Hello, Zetta,

The book which arrived today is beautifully written, even for a reader who is not into fantasy.  You have excellent control over the prose, the plotline, the characters, the dialogue, and the READER! Although you said not to edit — and I didn’t — it seemed to me that your ability to create realistic tension, crisis, and relationships was very mature. Thank you for sending me the proof copy.  I really enjoyed all the special effects, the interesting characters, and the magical bird. Please keep in touch and let me know how things go as this book goes into print.