Last year when I was in England, I met Alan Lee, noted Tolkien illustrator and conceptual artist for the LOTR films. I told him when Lembas for the Soul came out, I would send him a copy. So a few months ago I mailed off a copy to him in Devon.

A short while ago I opened my PO box to find an airmail package from the UK, addressed to me in a distinctive, calligraphic hand. The customs form was signed by Alan Lee!

I was on my way to lunch with my friend Carolyn, another LOTR fan who helped put the Lembas book together. I decided to wait to open it, though it was hard to resist peeking at it. When I got to the restaurant, I set the package on the table and saw her eyes widen. We opened it together.

Inside the package were the bookplates I'd asked Alan to sign for me (they were for my hardcover LOTR editions). He sent a handwritten letter thanking me for the book and sending his regards to the other Lembas authors. He also included a wonderful pencil sketch of The White Tree (which is the name of my book imprint, White Tree Press). He inscribed it for me with his thanks. My very own Alan Lee sketch!! I almost did The Precious Dance right there in the restaurant!

The curious thing was that the windswept tree in the sketch reminded me of a pen & ink design for a book cover of The Return of the King I once did for a literature class assignment. Of course, Alan's sketch was much more elegant and evocative. (I'll post a copy as soon as I can get it scanned.)

It was such a pleasure to share Lembas with someone who contributed so much to the success of the LOTR films, and who has long been admired for his beautiful artwork. If you haven't seen his LOTR
sketchbook, you should--it's amazing.

Nai elen siluva lyenna, Mr. Lee! (translation: May a star shine upon you!)

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