Tuesday, November 9, 2010

VARIOUS

I went to Excelsior on Sunday to see the movie, “Secretariat.” Excelsior is the home town of my amateur sleuth, Betsy Devonshire, but it’s also a real town, about eighteen minutes from my home in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. I like to go out there every so often to remind myself of the little details about the town that I could use in the books. It’s nice not having to make up the setting for my sleuth.

“Secretariat” is a great movie. Some of the reviewers thought it too corny, too sentimental, and, since it was about the famous racehorse who was the most recent winner of the Triple Crown (the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness and the Belmont), the climatic race scene wasn’t very dramatic. I beg to differ. The movie-makers did a great job of showing the four races depicted, capturing the excitement and beauty of thousand-pound animals running with all their hearts; and watching Secretariat just blow the competition away in the third of the Triple Crown races was great! I had forgotten what a blow-out it was: not only smashing the track record, he won by something like thirty-eight lengths, all by itself a record. Plus it was a pleasure to watch a heroine succeed beyond all expectations without turning to violence or sex. A sweet, feel-good movie. We all need to see one of those every once in awhile.

I now own a Kindle. I’m still learning how to use it, but I find it wonderful for travel. It fits in my purse and I can bring practically any number of books along on my trips. Right now I’m buying Agatha Christie novels, because it gives me an extra fillip of pleasure to read something so old on something so new. Do you own one? Do you like it? Do you think it rings the death knell for small, independent bookstores?

I have managed to meet both of my writing heroes: Donald E. Westlake and Terry Pratchett. Both proved gracious and witty, a super combination. I did once meet an author who was rude and obnoxious. I have not bought another of his books since. And no, I won’t mention his name. I have, however, pledged that I will try always to be patient and kind to any fan – or prospective fan - I encounter. I would also, some day, like to write just one something even half as good as their work.

My fall allergies are still running strong. Ordinarily by now, this far into November in Minneapolis, we’ve had a couple of killing frosts, if not an inch or two of snow, and the ragweed is gone till next year. I love lingering autumns, but my nose doesn’t.

14 comments:

Terri Thayer said...

You were so gracious at Bouchercon, Monica, to me and everyone. I think you set a great example of how an author should behave.

Linda O. Johnston said...

Interesting, isn't it, Monica, that sometimes other authors who inspire us aren't quite who we anticipated. I considered mentioning this in a comment to Joanna's post yesterday. I met an author whose work I really enjoy. He was an amusing speaker and rather nice, but more remote than I'd figured he'd be, especially compared with his protagonist. Oh, well.

Joanna Campbell Slan said...

Linda, I had the same experience with an author I really admire at the Bouchercon in Indianapolis. He acted like he couldn't be bothered to talk to me. He checked his Blackberry while we were talking and his eyes roamed around. I still love his work, but now I'll get his books from the library. You know, we're privileged that people care enough to spend their hard-earned money on our work. I say we should vote with our pocketbooks and support people who appreciate us.

Monica Ferris said...

Thank you, Terri! My fans are so kind to me, it's easy to be nice to them!

Linda, maybe he was in the throes of plotting his next mystery. I know I can get remote when my muse and I are talking.

On the other hand, Joanna is right, you shouldn't be consulting your Blackberry when talking with a fan.

caryn said...

I have a whole blog of authors I used to read but no longer because I found their blog posts quite demeaning to people who did not agree w/their rather STRONG opinions on various social and political issues.I often wondered if when they made strong sweeping statements that often basically called the followers of the opposite side of the issues illiterate, misguided or seriously uninformed yahoos if they realized they were dismissing large numbers of readers or potential readers. Certainly everyone is entitled to an opinion, but that is what it is-an opinion. And there are ways to say, I respectfully disagree with you." Oh well, there are plenty of other blogs and authors to follow.
Caryn from St.Louis
(currently in California)

Betty Hechtman said...

A long time ago I went to a last minute booksigning for Robert Waller. Geez, I hope that's his name. He wrote Bridges of Madison County, but this signing was for a third book he'd written.

He was so full of himself he wouldn't even meet people to sign their books. They were all presigned. BTW, the book was a total flop as was everything that came out after.

Joanna Campbell Slan said...

I was at a book conference, seated between two male authors at dinner. They talked right over my head, bragging about their work. Neither asked me a thing about my writing. They only spoke to me to ask me to pass them food. They both had deplorable table manners. One talked nonstop with his mouth full, dribbling food all over. They went on and on about their own work and how important it was. As it turned out, neither was traditionally published and both were hoping for better acceptance and a bigger publisher. They certainly were sure I had nothing to contribute. I didn't buy their books. I could have told them about my acquiring editor, but I didn't. They were right; they didn't need me. They needed Miss Manners.

Joanna Campbell Slan said...

Caryn, sometimes I wonder if those authors are trying to stir up controversy. But beyond that, why would you ever offend a reader? Purposefully? Even if you and I disagree, in a civil society, we can respect each other and walk away friends.

Dee W said...

I ran a bookstore. I met many authors. One of the most dynamic writers was one of the most boring people I ever met. I was invited to sit at his table for dinner, it was horrendous. Didn't speak unless spoken to. No personality. I discovered my friend knew him in a different light, he said he wasn't a bundle of energy there either. On the other hand, I met Monica at an EGA seminar, I loved her. I loved the seminar, but Monica, you made the day! Thanks for a great series, I'm waiting impatiently for buttons and bones!

Shel said...

I have had the privilege of meeting a few authors, Julie Hyzy was the first. We had had contact before the signing (via Facebook and blog), but when I met her face-to-face it was like meeting an old friend. We both squealed so loudly that her husband later remarked he heard us clear across the store. I also was lucky enough to meet Heather Webber, Sara Rosett, Denise Swanson, and Marcia Talley at a Deadly Divas event. I got to talk to Heather and Marcia one on one, and both are incredibly nice.
That brings me to the point of this comment: I was terrified, before I met Julie and the Divas, that I'd end up getting my feelings hurt by an author who was 'too busy' or didn't care. If it hadn't been for having contact with Julie beforehand, I might never have gone to a signing. I realize that not all authors are as special as these five ladies, but I hope I keep running into the wonderful ones!

Joanna Campbell Slan said...

Gosh, Shel, what a powerful lesson that is to us that how we interact with a fan not only affects our careers but the careers of others as well. I'll be seeing Julie this weekend, she's a delightful person, and I'll tell her about your comment.

Joanna Campbell Slan said...

Dee, I always wonder, how can a boring person write an interesting book?

Monica Ferris said...

Joanna, that's a good question, how can a boring person write an exciting book? I know it can be done, though it's uncommon. I knew of an author with a lot of physical restrictions who wrote the most action-filled thrillers imaginable, very realistic. So I suppose someone overcome with shyness or without good social skills could write interesting and exciting stories.

Shel said...

Joanna, I absolutely ADORE Julie. She's just wonderful.