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So help me, this really happened…
Posted in Book Clubs on Mon, February 22, 2010
The other night I was the guest speaker to a group of men at the University Club here in Jax. A rather historic group. They call themselves the P.O.E.T.S. They’ve been meeting for more than forty years. Fathers have passed it down to sons, and now grandsons. They asked me to be their guest. Prior to the dinner, my dad and I were milling around, meeting some of the regulars. One man, a tall, handsome guy in his sixties, wings on his lapel, introduced himself and we struck up a conversation. Turns out he’s a retired Admiral. Flew everything, including F-18’s. As luck would have it, he did not know my name or that I was the guest. Didn’t know me from Adam. The conversation turned to books, his Kindle and a story he’d recently downloaded. What people are reading is a constant curiosity to me. I said, “Tell me about the story.”
He nodded. “Took place up in Brunswick. Can’t remember the title. Something ‘Fireflies.’ One helluva story but…” He shook his head. “The ending just really sucked.”
I bit my tongue. “Wasn’t called ‘Chasing Fireflies’ was it?”
An enthusiastic nod. “Yeah. That’s it. You heard of it?”
I nodded. I pressed him a bit. “What happened…with the ending. What about it didn’t you like.”
He shook his head, sipped from his glass. “Too many loose ends. The bad guy needed to get what he had coming.” Another sip of wine. “What do you do?”
“I write books.”
Another sip. “Yeah? What kind?”
“Fiction.”
Surprised. “Really? Like what? Anything I might have read?”
“’Chasing Fireflies’ was my fifth book.”
The glass that was moving to his mouth, stopped. “Really?”
“Really.”
The remainder of the evening was a good bit of fun. In good humor, Fireflies became known around the table as ‘the book that sucked.’ In truth, it sparked a good conversation.
I received an email from him today. He downloaded two more of my books.
He’s forgiven.
That is absolutely hillarious! What are the odds?
That is too funny. I loved itmyself!
I could be that man. Not with you and your books but with so many other authors I read. I can be loving a book and still not remember the title.
Good for you for being a good sport about it. And because you were a good sport, he probably was really keen on downloading more. That’s what my response would be anyway!
Hilarious! Reminds me of the school soccer game I went to watch Matt play in. I got there a few minutes late and walked up next to a guy that I didn’t know and he didn’t know me. The conversation started as “who’s winning and how are they playing?” He proceeded to give me his professional breakdown of middle school soccer. Nothing really interesting until he got to the player wearing #3. “He really knows the game, does a great job with taking angles and sees the field well, but he plays lazy” I kept my mouth shut and just listened. After a few minutes of listening to his opine, he asks “so which one is yours?” I politely said “number 3”. He just looks at me and says “oh”. I smiled and said have a nice day!
By the way, Fireflies was my favorite!
THat’s awesome! What a blessing to et uncensored feedback.
Oh that is too funny! Good for you for taking it in-stride. Besides, things like that keep us humble and keep us laughing. You should absolutely ask Berry about platinum and brick front houses =). As for me, I love your books exactly as they are and I can’t wait for the next one!
how funny! “fireflies” was my first book of yours as well. I thought it was so good that i immediately shased down the other 5 that were available at the time and have anxiously awaited every other one!!
Ditto! Fireflies was my first and I have devoured each one and can not wait until June 2010!!
My husband will pick up any book I’m reading and say, “I hope it’s not that Martin guy!”
ONLY because I read and read and ignore him!! --poor baby--
Terrific news! I have been (impatiently) waiting for your next novel! In fact,only this week I was contemplating e-mailing you to ask “when “ the next one would be out!!! I’ve read and thoroughly enjoyed all your books. Blessings and best of luck with this one! Going to Amazon.com to pre-order!!
Right after we had moved to Wyoming, we invited our new pastor and his wife over for dinner. We all homeschooled our kids, so it was the topic of conversation as we compared curriculums. She told me the curriculum she was using and I, not generally one to hold back too many of my thoughts, promptly told her that I hated it and why. :o) You may have already guessed the ending, but if not, let me help. Turns out that the curriculum was named after the pastor’s aunt. Ha.
That’ll larn me to shut my mouth.
I can’t wait to read the rest. Keep on writing.
So Funny! Keep up the great work.!