This Writer’s Journey…Bob
I want to share a bit of that with you. Each week I’ll be spotlighting someone I’ve come in contact with during my journey. Thanks for stepping along side of me-all of you-during this exciting time!
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Today’s mention is kind of a unique one. I didn’t meet this person online. I’ve never met this person in real life, either. Nor have I even spoken to him other than an email once, years ago.
I do hope to meet him at my book signing event in September, though.
No, this person is unique. I’ll call him Bob. He’s got to be in his early 90s (possibly) by now. But back in 2008, when I first began this journey and actually started letting my sweet hubby mention to people that I was writing (I still have a hard time calling myself a writer, let alone an author now that I’m getting published-but that’s an entirely different post….)
Anyway, where was I?
Oh, yes, Bob.
My hubby met up with him at work. This older gentleman mentioned he was once a writer and my husband mentioned I was trying to become one.
Bob got super excited. He mentioned I needed to find this book called, The Writing of Modern Fiction, by Robert Somerlott.
It wasn’t a book I’d heard of, nor could I find the thing. A few weeks later, my husband brings the book home.
I crack it open and see this: Copyrighted 1972. It had a library stamp on it from Kansas.
It even smelled old (I love the smell of books!)
But that was okay. Really. I loved the fact that he was so interested in helping me achieve my dream that he would go to all that trouble to track that book down for me.
Sure, many things have changed over the years since that book came out, but some things will forever remain constant. You must have a solid writing base, then you can change with the times.
I was cleaning out my bookshelf recently when I found the book and the neatly typed (yep, a typewriter) letter with it. It’d been a couple years since we’d heard from Bob, but I chanced an email to him, telling him about my upcoming release.
The next day he emailed back, congratulating me.
Such a fantastic, encouraging person. I do hope I get to meet him at my book signing. That would just make my day!
So, thank you, Bob, for your support and encouragement. Writing you that email telling you about my publication was such a thrill for me, and then the fact that you replied made me smile even more. Thanks for sharing part of this journey with me. You’re a treasure.
11 Comments
Brinda
I think we all need a “Bob” to guide us when we begin. I love it that you publically thanked him and I hope he’s at your signing!
Lindsay
That is so super fantastic. And once again congratulations on your upcoming release.
lbdiamond
Awesome! A lovely tribute.
Jennifer Wells
Fabulous story! If he comes to your book signing, make sure you get a picture of both of you together (maybe even with a copy of The Writing of Modern Fiction)!
Lynn Rush
I sure will, Jennifer. Great idea about bringing that book, too. I haven’t gotten an RSVP yet from him, but I have my fingers crossed!
Jillian Chantal
What a great story. Thanks for passing it on- What a neat man. By the way, I love the smell of books, too. Can’t get THAT with an ereader! 🙂
Lynn Rush
So true!!!
Ciara Knight
I love this story Lynn. 🙂
Lynn Rush
Thanks, Ciara!
tracikenworth
What a great blog and a wonderful commitment to give back!!
Lynn Rush
Thanks. I’m so blessed to have met so many wonderful people. 🙂