All of these Noticings post images are Midjourney (AI). I'd love to commission an illustrator, but can't afford that for posts that run every single day!
The spell of the small character interactions creating a lasting bond: just like the occasional encounters in real life with people we will most likely never meet again, and yet, they must have popped up on our way with a meaningful mission.
There are books I love, and authors I love after hearing them speak, but rarely do I love both the author and their work. Early in John Grisham's career I went to his book signing. This guy had charisma. He was chatty, let people take photos with him, smiled the whole time, which was many hours. He genuinely loves people. I enjoyed his characters, but didn't love his endings. I threw a couple across the room at the end. Actually, haven't read his stuff since his 3rd book. But he taught me a great lesson. Genuine kindness wins every time. He was a kind and generous to the last person in line, hours later as he was to the first. I said, "Someday you'll be standing in line for hours to get my book signed." His response? "I'll be there." I asked him what his longest signing had been. 13 hours. He doesn't take a lunch break, and stays for every last person in line. I'd show up for someone like that any time, whether I liked his endings or not.
Wow. I love the intent in that, but I don't know that I could do it, personally. Not sure I have that much stamina. However, at one of our Smarter Artist Summit conferences, things worked out in this weird way where a line formed to talk to ME (and Sean), which was all sorts of WTF. It probably took an hour to get through that line, and although I'd've thought THAT would exhaust me, the gratefulness that came with it was like a shot of caffeine. I wonder if Grisham is anything like that: Energized by being grateful to his fans.
It can go the other way, too. Ever really enjoy someone's work, then meet them and have it ruined because they're an asshole? That's always a bummer.
Oh, I’ve met a few assholes with big egos because they’d scored the coveted Big O interview. Stopped reading them too. Way too many good books out there to patronize authors like that.
Now I know where to go for sushi around Dallas.
Your art is fantastic, BTW. May I ask your artist or filter?
@Sheila, Louise Penny had a massive lineup and is super kind too. She seems to have personnel to help limit this.
All of these Noticings post images are Midjourney (AI). I'd love to commission an illustrator, but can't afford that for posts that run every single day!
My husband loves Penney. Rare bird.
The spell of the small character interactions creating a lasting bond: just like the occasional encounters in real life with people we will most likely never meet again, and yet, they must have popped up on our way with a meaningful mission.
There are books I love, and authors I love after hearing them speak, but rarely do I love both the author and their work. Early in John Grisham's career I went to his book signing. This guy had charisma. He was chatty, let people take photos with him, smiled the whole time, which was many hours. He genuinely loves people. I enjoyed his characters, but didn't love his endings. I threw a couple across the room at the end. Actually, haven't read his stuff since his 3rd book. But he taught me a great lesson. Genuine kindness wins every time. He was a kind and generous to the last person in line, hours later as he was to the first. I said, "Someday you'll be standing in line for hours to get my book signed." His response? "I'll be there." I asked him what his longest signing had been. 13 hours. He doesn't take a lunch break, and stays for every last person in line. I'd show up for someone like that any time, whether I liked his endings or not.
Wow. I love the intent in that, but I don't know that I could do it, personally. Not sure I have that much stamina. However, at one of our Smarter Artist Summit conferences, things worked out in this weird way where a line formed to talk to ME (and Sean), which was all sorts of WTF. It probably took an hour to get through that line, and although I'd've thought THAT would exhaust me, the gratefulness that came with it was like a shot of caffeine. I wonder if Grisham is anything like that: Energized by being grateful to his fans.
It can go the other way, too. Ever really enjoy someone's work, then meet them and have it ruined because they're an asshole? That's always a bummer.
Oh, I’ve met a few assholes with big egos because they’d scored the coveted Big O interview. Stopped reading them too. Way too many good books out there to patronize authors like that.