Author Ian Rankin has tickled his fans by joining the social media trend of writing in emoji symbols.

He included the yellow symbol of a sad face in his latest work, a newspaper reader’s letter decrying the effects of social media on literature.

Finally got a letter printed in The Times... pic.twitter.com/0Bzi1X6B5d

— Ian Rankin (@Beathhigh) August 22, 2017

In the letter submitted to The Times newspaper, he wrote: “Sir, I read with interest Howard Jacobson’s remarks (News, Aug 21) on how social media and its conventions will kill literacy within a generation.

“All I can say is (sad face emoji).

“Ian Rankin – Edinburgh”.

The Rebus creator shared a photo of his latest work on Twitter, and the irony was not lost on his fans.

Craig Pittman teased: “Fine work. Next, an entire novel told only in emoji,” while Jo Caulfield replied: “Beautiful! :-)”

Fine work. Next, an entire novel told only in emoji.

— Craig Pittman (@craigtimes) August 22, 2017

I genuinely 😂-ed at this

— Abi Moran (@AbMo77) August 22, 2017

Others joked that the award-winning novelist should venture into professional writing following his newspaper feature.

Michele McKenzie replied: “You’ve made it,” and Shirley Dobson suggested: “You obviously have the knack; have you considered a move into literature…

You obviously have the knack; have you considered a move into literature...

— Shirley Dobson (@anninnis) August 22, 2017

You've made it. X

— Michele McKenzie (@MicheleMcKenzee) August 22, 2017

But his comments were taken more seriously by some, who added to his point about literacy levels especially in children’s education.

Angie Kennedy said: “Absolutely & totally agree with you Ian, been saying it for a while now as so many kids can’t spell basic words let alone more complex ones.”

Absolutely & totally agree with you Ian, been saying it for a while now as so many kids can't spell basic words let alone more complex ones

— Angie Kennedy (@HeyeokahKennedy) August 22, 2017