Yesterday I walked into the post office to mail a package to my sister. I love our post office here. Everybody always seems to be friendly, happy and upbeat. I wasn’t in the least bit surprised when a woman walked in, grabbed someone and hugged her. It happens all the time — except this time the words that followed were a bit unexpected.
“I loved your book!” Then she turned to us — the audience in the line behind them — “Hey everyone, this is Gayle Ann Williams. The author of Tsunami Blue.” Then Gayle Ann’s husband pulled out bookmarks for Tsunami Blue and passed them all around.
I got to spend a bit of time chatting with Gayle after the hubbub died down and my package was mailed. Her book is an urban fantasy — right up my alley. It is her first book, but her second one — a sequel — has already been sold. And the story is set right here in the San Juan Islands.
I asked Gayle if she’d read any Ilona Andrews books and she named them all and said she loved them. Instant bond. I am going down to the local bookstore to pick up Tsunami Blue. When Gayle does her local signing I will go back and get her autograph. In the meantime, if you’re interested in Tsunami Blue, Check out Gayle’s website.
This is NOT a paid or endorsed post. I have not read the book (yet) and I will not be receiving a free copy.
Quilly is the pseudonym of Charlene L. Amsden, who lives in the Pacific Northwest. When she is not doing book reviews or creating curriculum literature units, she is working on writing the next great American novel. You may visit her writing blog at http://charlene-amsden.com. Quilly is the pseudonym of Charlene L. Amsden, who lives in the Pacific Northwest. When she is not doing book reviews or creating curriculum literature units, she is working on writing the next great American novel. You may visit her writing blog at http://charlene-amsden.com. 
How exciting to meet a real live author and in your local post office too!
Akelamalu — I know lots of real authors. This is the only one I ever met accidentally.
Wow, that is amazing and unexpected! That is a fine moment indeed. Tell us about Tsunami Blue when you get to finish it! If her second blue is already sold, the first one must be good too!
It’s cool to meet an author, I think they’re one of the most humble people.
Half-Crazy – -this morning was way hectic so I didn’t get to the bookstore before we left town, but I will indeed review the book after I receive it!
How fun to meet a real live author! And how cool that she lives nearby!
Barbara — I have actually met several real life authors and even studied under a few.
It’s fun to be published and recognized, isn’t it? All the more reason for you to write and publish your book!!!
Gigi — yes. I have been published already – -three times. And I was paid every time. I need to get my act together and write that novel.
Thanks for the heads-up! And what a fun moment in your day, to meet a local author that you can connect with in that way.
Karen – -if you like urban fantasy, I think you will like the book!
That’s pretty cool, though, I think it might have been embarrassing for the author.
SN – -actually, she was okay with it. There were only about 5 people in the Post Office and we were all cool about it. No one mobbed her or gushed or demanded an autograph (I will when I get my book!), but we were all respectful and interested.
a local published author – sounds like an exciting encounter!
Polona — it was fun.
….and now I know someone who knows and author!
Almost like meeting her myself.
I hope you like the book!
Betty – -I know several authors. I can think of 4 I spent several years with in college and a dozen others I met at a writer’s conference.
How cool, I bet meeting her like that will make reading her book even more fun.
Robin – -that and it’s set where I live, which will also be fun.
Urban fantasies are right up my alley, too.
Karen – -then give it a shot. Are you an Ilona Andrews fan?
No, I haven’t read anything by Ilona Andrews, but I did enjoy Murder She Wrote.
Karen — Murder She Wrote ISN’T an Urban Fantasy. There wasn’t a fantasy being anywhere in sight. All the characters were quite real.
How cool to meet someone like that
Thom — it was really fun.
That made an ordinary trip to the post office not ordinary.
Betty — so did the fact that I hadn’t put an address label on the box I lugged in there to mail! LOL!
How interesting! It’s almost like Jessica Fletcher in her little Maine town from Murder She Wrote. (Was that in Maine?) Just watch out if her friends start dying or getting indited for murder. It seemed to happen to Jessica every week.
Cherie — good point! Maybe I don’t want to be associated with Gayle! LOL!
Wow that must have been cool to meet her in real life. I love reading too. I will surely look up Tsunami Blue here at my local bookstore.