May 24, 1946
Miss Betty Andree
1904 Speedway
Wichita Falls, Texas
Dear Miss Andree:
Thank you for your letter.
I am glad that THE FOUNTAINHEAD helps you when you feel unhappy, but you should not feel that you are “a peculiar sort of failure” at the age of 18. If, as you say, you want to write, you cannot expect to be a success that early, you must be prepared to struggle towards the time when you will be ready to write. I feel a great sympathy for all young writers, and I wish you the best of luck.
I am enclosing a printed letter which I think might interest you.
Sincerely,
Ayn Rand