My Author Fantasies

Being a fiction writer, I’ve got a rather vivid fantasy life. For your own good, I’ll spare you a full accounting of my fantasies.

Instead, I’m going to divulge to you some of my author fantasies.

1. Phone rings. I pick it up. On the other end is a movie producer. He/She says “I’d like to make a movie based on your book, LOST IN THE IVY.”
2. John Cusack chosen to star in the film version of LOST IN THE IVY.
3. Winona Ryder circa 1988 chosen to costar in the film version of LOST IN THE IVY.
4. Phone rings. I pick it up. On the other end is the promotional director for the Chicago Cubs. He/She says “We’d like you to come up to the WGN-TV booth and sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during Game 7 of the 2006 World Series at Wrigley Field.
5. LOST IN THE IVY hits the New York Times best-seller list.
6. LOST IN THE IVY hits No. 1 on the New York Times best-seller list.
7. Phone rings. I pick it up. On the other end is the producer of Oprah. He/She says “Oprah has chosen your book for her book-of-the-month club and would like you to be a guest on her show.”
8. Phone rings. I pick it up. On the other end is author Scott Turow. He says “I loved your book. I’d be happy to blurb it for you.”
9. I’m riding Chicago’s “L” train and see Scott Turow sitting in the same car, reading LOST IN THE IVY.
10. I’m riding Chicago’s “L” train and I see anyone sitting in the same car, reading LOST IN THE IVY.

The chances that any of the above will ever happen are slim to none. Number 10 on the list would seem to be the one within the realm of possibility (i.e., chances of it happening are slightly better than the odds of striking it rich by playing the lottery) and it is the one that I think most about. What would I say? What would I do? Here are some possibilities:

1. Do nothing.
2. Ask the person what they’re reading and if they like it.
3. Tell the person “You’re reading my book.”
4. Ask the person to look at the author photo on the back.
5. Ask the person if he/she would like to have the author sign the book he/she is reading.

Those are some of my thoughts. I’m not sure what I’d actually do if I ever was in that situation. I welcome any thoughts from readers of this blog. What do you think I should say or do in such a situation?

This fantasy is also followed by one of my worst author nightmares. Let’s say I do No. 2, ask the person if they like the book, and the reaction is less than enthusiastic. Something like “It’s okay” or “I’ve read better” or “It’s the worst piece of crap I’ve ever read.” In that situation I know what I’d do. I’d nod and slink away.

Comments

[marybeth]

Of course #4 is a fantasy, there would never be a World Series game 7 at Wrigley Field because the White Sox would have swept them in 4!! Sorry, couldn't pass up one more jab. Have been busy lately glad to catch up on the blog.

[1y5g2a]

[url]http://google.com/91.html[/url]