Before becoming an author, I was a reader.
Of course, I still read as often as humanly possible, but before publishing my first book, I'd stand in long lines to get authors' autographs and thank them for writing.
In Hawaii, I shared a cab with screenwriter Jeffrey Arch. Ben Bova helped me locate an artifact for Mars. Laura Lippman taught a week-long workshop that was worth the whole conference. Dave Barry embarrassed me in front of my mother, which made her day. I embarrassed Ridley Pearson when I pointed out his father was in line for an autograph after Pearson gave a keynote speech on humilty.
I had the priviledge of being on a panel discussion at a writer's conference with Linda Fairstein, whose books inspired the Law & Order SVU series. James W. Hall gave me priceless advice on writing description. David Morrell swapped flying stories with me because, being the consumate researcher, he got his pilot's license to write a book that featured a pilot.
Steve Berry shared his exhaustive writing process with writers at a conference in Florida. Kristin Higgins is as hilarious in person as the characters in her books.
Each signed book has a story about meeting the author. I have a bookcase of stories.
ODD BOOK SIGNING
At a book club in Highlands, North Carolina, I was asked to sign a book for Ann. When I opened the book, it was already signed to Ann. The lady gasped and said she bought the book used and didn't notice it had already been signed. What were the odds of that?
Readers have shared photos of themselves reading my books at the beach, on a boat, on a plane, at a hunting camp, and at home.
Readers in Japan surprise me. Haven't done any marketing in Japan. Sales are steady there, thanks to someone who spread the word. Arigato, whomever you are!
Last week a reader from Waynesville, NC wrote to tell me that someone up there was hosting a game of Cow Bingo. She thought I had made up the game in a book. I confess, I stole the idea from living in a rural small town.
FAN MOMENT
This year, I met Creston Mapes, a best-selling author of Christian thrillers. We were serving on a panel discussion together at Storyfest in New Orleans. I've read most of his books and reviewed them. All but one.
When I met him, I had to bite back the fan squeal rising in me. He was charming and friendly, and I introduced him to a top reviewer at NetGalley and a New Orleans native named Judy Christiana. She handed him Mardi Gras parade SWAG and made him laugh. I wanted to bottle the joyful moment.
A lady mailed a copy of my book to her niece in New Zealand. It cost her $40 to mail it. If I had known, I would have autographed it. Wowza.
BOOK CLUBS
Book clubs are the most fun because they ask great questions. Since research is the best part of the writing process, I love to share insider knowledge that didn't make it into the book. I'm a pilot, so the scenes about flying in South of Justice come from experience.
As an author, I strive to connect with readers on the page and in person.
To all the readers who buy books from newbie authors like me, God bless you! To all the readers who leave reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, BookBub, LibraryThing, and social media, you are golden. Thank you for sharing your love of reading with others and for recommending books by lesser-known authors.
You make this lonely process worthwhile!
Have you met your favorite author?
