Tom Swift Writer’s Notebook

People frequently ask about what it feels like to publish a first book. More than the satisfaction of publication or the pleasant surprise of a flattering review the thing that hits, and hits even more often than the question is asked, is the kindness of readers. It’s the e-mail out of nowhere, thanking me for writing the book. Or the guy who mentions he bought a second copy to send across the country to his brother. Or the people who have opened doors usually closed to a rookie author. I haven’t posted in a spell because I had three events in four days, plus other commitments, writing and otherwise, and two long flights to make. But even days later I still feel a profound sense of how lucky I was to be that busy in the first place. The opportunities existed in no small part because of the generosity of friends and strangers. I am so fortunate.

Random notes from recent events:

• Another handful of people picked up a copy and asked whether that’s my face on the cover. I am going to have to work on my comeback. So far the laugh gets in the way.

• Not only did I compete with Mr. Nanne for potential customers, there was some sort of self-defense guru who drew a crowd in the nearby rotunda, either because he was really good or because you can’t help but listen to a guy who has enthusiasm and a microphone. The Mall of America is right.

• The book club meeting was a treat. What a great group of guys (it happened to be all guys, though women have participated in the past). If you’re a fan of baseball history and you’re not a member of SABR, what are you waiting for?

• Readers make good conversationalists. I’ll remember one elderly gentleman for the discussion we struggled to have. He couldn’t read words smaller than the title and also had a hard time hearing my answers to his questions. But he still asked about the book, and I wish he knew how nice it was that he did.

This post was added on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 by Tom Swift at 11:38 and is filed under Events, Swift Boat.