A funny thing happened to me on the way to February. I
suddenly remembered that I had a blog. That’s me acknowledging the lack of
recent posts, but not quite apologizing. Unless you want me to. All requests
for apologies must be sent in writing and submitted to the address listed on my
website. Wait a second. I have a website?! A funny thing happened to me on the
way to February…
For those of you interested, I’ve got a quick Rise of the Seer update. It still hasn’t
been published. I’m waiting…still waiting…on the copy for the back of the book.
Those little words have to be just right.
I’ve submitted suggestions and am currently awaiting the final product. After
that I’ll see interior layouts and approve the cover. That’s it. I want to give
a release date. I don’t have a precise one yet other than to say, soon. I don’t
think there is anyone on earth who wants this book to be finished more than I
do. When the publishing date draws close I’ll post a countdown so you can
prepare for how hard to party and acquire the appropriate amount of confetti.
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| I approve of this level of celebration and confetti. |
On that happy note, let’s talk about becoming friends with
books. As with most relationships and interactions, I know I don’t approach
things from a typical perspective. And I can’t be trusted in a bookstore
without a budget. Inevitably books just jump off of the shelves and into my
hands. I’ve mentioned before our house rule is that no new books may be purchased
if there is no longer room available on your assigned “to-read” shelf. Here’s a
current look at my shelf for those curious:
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| Still plenty of room to work with! |
Some of these books I’ve started and placed back on the
shelf because I’m always on the lookout for the
perfect book. I don’t know how it is for you, but when I begin a book I
recognize that we’re going to spend some time together. We’re forming a
relationship. The length and depth of that relationship is entirely up to the
book. I really don’t have any control over it.
I will say that the last couple of books I’ve read have
turned out to be acquaintances only. We hung out for a little while, but
nothing progressed and they’ve ended up in my trade back bin. Usually within
the first chapter or so I can get a general sense of how our relationship will
proceed. I’m not often wrong. I will confess here, that if we are still on an acquaintance
level friendship and I’m more than halfway through the book, skimming will
begin to happen and sometimes, on a rare and unhappy occasion for both of us, a
clean break will occur. Yes, a couple of books have ended up in the trade
back bin before completion. When the relationship isn’t right, it’s best to
part ways.
Sometimes though…
Sometimes…
Something magical happens in the pages of a book.
The story grabs you
and says, “Hey, I think I know you.”
And as you read it the more you feel that pull, like
this one could swallow you entirely…and you wouldn’t mind one bit.
A line grabs you and you relate to it on some cosmic level
in a way that doesn’t happen all that often. The words wash over you and you
never knew you needed them strung together in that particular order until now.
And then you realize that this book could quite easily
become one of your best friends.
And there is no way
this one would ever mingle with acquaintances in the trade back bin.
But you’re only 14 pages in, so you have to restrain
yourself so you don’t appear too eager. And you tell yourself, “Play it cool, Autry. Play it cool. There’s
a lot of story left.” But you’re already secretly planning the next time you’ll
curl up in your reading blanket with a cup of tea and your
not-yet-but-soon-hopefully best friend. Now, I didn’t want to say anything
because we’re so early in the relationship, but I *may* have found another best
friend. I’m hopeful that things will keep rolling along like they have for the
last 37 pages. I know it’s early, but I’m tired of meeting acquaintances every
evening. So if you need me this weekend, I’ll be getting to know this book a
little more.
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| I even gave this book a bona fide bookmark. No old receipt or meaningless scrap of paper for this new friend! |
Notice the little glint of sunlight illuminating the cover?
This means something. I know it.
Happy reading to you and yours, my fellow bookworms! Here’s
hoping your next book is one you will meet again in another few years with just
as much excitement and joy as your first meeting.
