[cpfohl]

Along similar lines: many of your favorite authors, musicians, and creators have public email addresses and seem to love getting emails. I’ve started writing notes with my kids to their favorite authors with ideas and always a thank you note.

I’ve gotten replies from authors on NYT best sellers lists, musicians, and more.

People like to be appreciated.

[anotherevan]

I know some authors in particular never, ever want to be sent story ideas. The potential of being accused of or sued for plagiarism down the track for something even vaguely similar is non-zero.

[cpfohl]

Most of our ideas are silly puns about the character names ;).

[CuriouslyC]

Ironically, I've found the best way to engage with creators is their YouTube channels. They're incentivized to engage by the algorithm, so if you can land a thoughtful comment early so they don't have to wade through 500 comments to see it the odds you'll get a short reply or a heart are pretty good.