While the show was in production, viewers are invited to telephone or write letters.

She asks viewers to write their life stories on sheets of paper, noting that it shouldn't take more than 15 or 20 minutes.

"Translation Map," one of the works, allows viewers to write and send e-mail to any of 250 countries.

One viewer wrote in, suggesting that perhaps Schaefer was showing signs of dementia.

Speaking of Canada, another Canadian viewer wrote in a while back and wanted to clear up some misconceptions about his country.

The story had wide media coverage and many angry viewers wrote to Granada.

Given the sheer variety at hand, though, viewers can write their own tickets as to what they want to see.

"If he had lived his life according to God's word he would not be experiencing the results of sin," the offended viewer wrote.

Talking about why viewers write, she said: "They believe they can influence what's on their television set.

And with that hope, more viewers are writing more often for more of their favorite programs.