How Dr. Jane Goodall Came to Endorse My Novel, Wolf Time

(or What Can It Hurt to Try?)

In March of 2015, I worked up the courage to send Dr. Jane Goodall a letter and synopsis of my unpublished novel, Wolf Time, and asked if there was any chance she’d be interested in reading it and maybe endorsing it. I didn’t hear anything back, but then, I didn’t really expect to, but I figured, what could it hurt to try?

On November 28, I received an email saying it was from Jane’s private email address and to please not share. I honestly thought someone was pranking me. But, no, it was from Jane. She said the book sounded fascinating and assumed it was already published.

She also said, “Just back from exhausting but successful short trip in Latin America, and preparing for climate conference in Paris.”

I could not believe it. I was so thrilled I danced around the house for several days. I quickly wrote back to her and told her that Wolf Time had not been published yet. She told me to send it to her electronically and she would read it on the flight to Paris.

Her next email said, “I have read your book. I truly thought it was terrific. I only have ONE comment – and you may totally disregard. But your book is a fabulous mix of fantasy and fact.”

Of course, I took her one comment to heart and made the appropriate changes to the manuscript.

Here is the endorsement she wrote for me:

“Barbara J. Moritsch’s Wolf Time is a magical blend of fact and fantasy, revealing the depth of the author’s understanding and love of this much maligned animal. This novel, revealing the true nature of the wolf – courageous, intelligent and loyal – will surely help to dispel the underlying fear or hatred that leads to their cruel persecution. It is a terrific book and deserves to be read by many.”

Dr. Jane Goodall