Tom Swift Writer’s Notebook

I was sitting at the table the Minnesota Twins kindly offered inside Gate F, perhaps the main entry at the Metrodome, and I was ready. The table display included neatly stacked books, an oversized tabletop cover poster, a basket of old-time candy, and a pretty nifty electronic slideshow of Charles Bender-related images.

Books here! Get yer books here!

I chatted up anyone who showed the least bit of interest, signed a couple of books purchased elsewhere, and we quickly sold some copies. Hey, look at me!

Any chance my head would swell was quickly quashed when a middle-age man approached with a look of intent. I thought he had something important to share. Maybe he’d read the book already. Or perhaps he knew something interesting about Bender. I sat straight, smiled, and waited for him to speak. Just then he set his elbow on the table and slowly leaned in. Flashing a ticket near my face he looked in my eye and in all seriousness said, “Where’s my seat?”

One laugh among many had at the old ballgame last night. Thanks to a couple of funny female Dome workers, we had several more. Also got a chuckle over a program vendor who periodically shared lines from Romeo & Juliet and proudly told me he owns one book and one book only.

I had no idea if we’d sell any copies but we peddled a bundle. The best part was seeing a few old friends and making a few new ones. Strangest signing request: addressing a copy to a friend who is “an a–hole.” Hey, I’ll sign in symbols if that’s what it takes.

Thanks to those who purchased copies. And my sincere gratitude to Patrick Klinger, vice president of marketing, and the Twins organization for hosting me.

This post was added on Saturday, April 05, 2008 by Tom Swift at 11:06 and is filed under Events.