I have the best fans in the world! Last night, I went to see James Rollins (high on my list of great authors) when one of my favorite fans asked for my autograph—Cheryl Dillenbeck.* For a struggling new author, having any fans is a blessing beyond belief. Having someone like Cheryl is TERRIFIC!
Being sought in public was such a surprise it took me a full minute to realize what was happening. She handed me a Poisoned Pen T-shirt to sign, and then encouraged everyone in line to read my books! She even recommended my books to Mr. Rollins (although he was too embarrassed to hear her)**. Can life get any better than that?
While being recognized in public for the first time was exciting, I must take this opportunity to thank some of my other fans who’ve also been big boosters:
- Shelly Itkin, who not only sent me a hand-written note on personal stationary, but also promoted The Geneva Decision in the assisted living facility where she volunteers;
- Melissa Krueger, who talked her book club into reading The Geneva Decision and now has them reading the Trench Coat series (hope I can keep up the pace!) in addition to their book of the month;
- Hugh, Eileen, Pam, and all the supportive members of the Goodreads Action/Adventure Aficionados group!
There are many more wonderful fans out there, but I’ll hold off so this doesn’t devolve into a maudlin “I love you guys” post. Although I do love you guys, I believe it is traditional to be totally sauced before writing maudlin missives.
Don’t be shy! Send me a note about who you’ve told and how you’ve promoted Pia Sabel Thrillers. I’ll add fan-stories to my other posts. I’ll even dream up a celebration of some kind to go with it! Feel free to make suggestions.
To celebrate all the great fans out there, and to kickoff the promotion of the new Trench Coats episode (with any luck… tomorrow), I’ll give away an autographed copy of James Rollins’ latest hardcover, The Eye of God, to one of the reviewers of Trench Coats, Episode II: Jacob’s Story. Drawing will be held on the 5th of July, all existing reviewers will be included.
If you don’t have a copy of Jacob’s Story, drop me a note and I’ll gift you one FREE! Just send me your Amazon email.
Peace, Seeley
* I was so stunned I didn’t ask Cheryl’s lovely daughter-in-law to send me a copy of the picture she took.
** He’d just inscribed my book to ‘Celia’. Not the first time my name has been misunderstood, but it was the first time it was committed in ink. He very nicely scribbled it out and wrote “James Rollins is dumb” next to it. While he was embarrassed, I now have a one-of-a-kind autograph!
