Give Thanks...Getting To Know A Few Authors

 Friday, the family checked out an estate sale a mile or so from our house. They hired a company to hold the sale. That was a little different than the usual estate sales held around here. Let's just say we were not prepared for what we experienced when we walked through the door.

I've seen Deseret Industries with less stuff to sell.

They had...everything. Appliances, DVDs, clothes, collectable dolls, dishes, at least seven fax machines (that I counted...), food storage, and books. Lots and lots of books. I noticed one right off the bat, Robison Well's The Counterfeit. I've read a couple of Robison's books. Never heard of that one. I had to get it.

I've been doing this author thing for about a decade. In that time I've met many authors. I know some better than others. Robison and his brother Dan are local favorites. It's strange that I didn't know these people a decade ago and now the authors I've met are some of my favorite people.

Something that surprised me from the start is, at least the authors I've met, is how nice and genuine they are. Almost all of them want you to succeed, to finish those WIPs, to be bold in the words you produce. I'm thankful for those friendships. I'm thankful for the help they've given not only me, but so many others. I'm thankful that when I enter a home with literally hundreds of books from both big and small, I found one written by someone I've met and done panels with and who I can call a fellow Utah author.

It's a cool feeling.

Well Done, Dave...Another Reason To Go To A Bookstore

 My son and I visited a Barnes & Noble today. I think I speak for many when I say I didn't appreciate bookstores when there used to be so many. They were in every mall, and several other places across this great nation. Now, they're like water sources in a literary oasis...few and far between.

There was something different back then, too.

I did not personally know anyone who had written a book in those stores. Times have changed.

Like any author, you dream of one day entering a bookstore, either a local or national chain--it makes no difference--and going to a specific section of the store and causally spotting a book with your name on it. I've thought about it. It's still a dream/goal. And if I work hard and keep going, it can happen for me.

Just like it's happened for my friend, Dave.

It's normal for me to enter a book store and see Dave's books, as well as other authors I know. I thought they might have more of his titles...he's a machine when it comes to output. And, I still need to read those titles, not only for support, but because he's a fantastic writer.

Yes, it's fun to go into a bookstore. Now, I have another reason to enjoy the experience.

Beginning A New Book Is Great...Knowing The Author Makes It Even Better

I began a new book today. It's a book I've been meaning to start for some time. Turns out, today was that day.

Because of other crazy stuff going on in my life, I'm not going through books like I used to. Back in the day I was finishing an audiobook or two every week, and reading a non-digital book about every week or two. But with re-learning the job I have now, plus the other job and the play, my reading has suffered.

I miss it. I miss the stories. I miss the characters. I miss allowing my mind to become lost in another world. There's an excitement that comes with beginning a new book--a chance to experience all those things that only a new book can provide.

And in addition to the joy of a new book, there's something that makes it even better and that is reading a book written by someone you know. Somehow, each word, each sentence means more. I notice differently the phrasing, the choices made.

I'll be writing a review of my friend's book as soon as I finish it. I love reviewing my friend's books. Thankfully, I've gotten to know so many authors, I may never finish them all. I'm a very lucky fellow.