Love for Retaliation: Letter from “One of Your Biggest Fans!”
Here’s a new letter that I received a few days ago from a Retaliation reader.
Dear Ms. Shiraz,
I’ve become one of your biggest fans. I read your book Retaliation which you said was not a true (story.) But to me, it felt real. I cried because it reminded me of my old life when I lived in Maryland. I lost my cousin to a gang in 2008. I looked up to him just like Tashera did with her brother. We did everything together when we (were) little. He got put in a foster home and I was (gonna be) next. But I made it out. I’m a 3.5 GPA student and I’m preparing to go to college to become a Registered Nurse. I enjoyed reading the book because it felt like i–the reader–was there. I will continue reading your books.
Your biggest fans,
Tamika
I appreciate Tamika for sharing this with me and letting me know of her journey. These are the letters that keep me motivated. Thank you Tamika!!! I’m sure you’ll make a great RN. Keep shooting for the stars!
I will be in the house at the 4th Annual National Girl Bullying Conference presenting a session that will feature my film, Can She Be Saved? and my book Retaliation. As most of you know, working with young women has been a passion of mine for many years, so I’m overjoyed that this opportunity has presented itself. Thank you to the young ladies who continue to inspire me and trust me with their stories. It has been my honor to share your voices with the world.
Its true that authors, singers, filmmakers, and artists would be nothing without the people who are touched by their work. No matter how successful you become, you never tire of hearing that somebody was inspired by what you do. On Christmas Eve I received an email from Jen in Texas who not only emailed me about Retaliation, but she went to my YouTube channel and commented on a bunch of my videos.
I want to buy all of tha books u hav written, and i plan on readin those tooo! Retaliation really changed the way I look at everything. I have almost been into ‘lots of fights at school and now that i look back, i hardly even knew tha grls that tried pickin a fight w/ mee… — 
Hello. My name is [concealed.] I just read your book retaliation. I really enjoyed this book. It only took me two days to read it. I was so anxious to see what would happen next that I was just reading straight through. This is my first time reading one of your novels. I am a big fan of urban dramas.this one was one of the best ones. It relates to real life. I felt that I was actually there in the novel. There are many people who could relate I am sure. I look forward to reading more of your books. I want to write urban dramas one day. I am highly inspired by people like you. I felt Tashera’s pain all throughout the novel. It was like I knew her. Everyday I want to strive to be all I can be. Thank you for such an awesome novel.
