Writers’ best friends

Re “The Tastemakers,” by Mary McNamara, July 20: For writers, grass-roots readership is a vital component in their ultimate success and personal fulfillment.

Thanks to the support of Borders bookstores and their genuine appreciation for the joy of reading, I got my first novel -- a self-published historical thriller titled “Sacred Blood” -- on the shelves and began touring the Southern California book club circuit. I got to visit towns I’d never have seen otherwise and met supportive, gracious book lovers who paid attention to the fruit of my labors and offered their ongoing support and enthusiasm.

This evolved into my first “mainstream” publishing deal and I will have my first title coming out next year. I’ll be playing with the big boys, but you can bet my first book club visits and store signings will be repeats to the “homey” venues that already welcomed me with such enthusiasm and support.

Nelson Aspen

Los Angeles