I respond to every email I get from readers about my stories, or at least I try to. I have received many wonderful comments about Storyville, Dustin and I, Vampire, and the feeling I get when I read an email from a reader that tells me how much my story touched them in one way or another is just incredible.
I've received a few negative emails from a few readers, and although I was polite in my response to them, one in particular just wouldn't let go of an issue. That's the reason why some authors don't reply to some of the emails they receive. Now, when I open my inbox, if there is an email from the person I was talking about, I just delete it and go about my day.
I have enough negativity in my life without reading huge emails from a guy who clearly doesn't like my writing. I'm not complaining here. I'm just giving a reason for why I wouldn't answer an email from a reader.
Reader feedback is amazing, and it is the only way that we know when our writing is reaching anyone. So, to the readers out there, keep the emails coming, but remember, not everyone likes every different kind of story.
Julien