If you’ve seen the
movie, or read the book, you’ll know what the title means right away (and a
hint at my anecdote) but the meaning will become clear regardless. In September
last year I did a book signing (in fact two in the one day) the first at a
local Chapters and the other at a Coles in a mall. The first one went fairly
well, I sold 3 copies and I went on the next. The second book signing also was
going good, a Twitter follower introduced himself and we had a nice chat about
the internet, Twitter and writing in general. It was the first time a Twitter
follower had come up to me in person and I was feeling good. Four more copies
sold and I had about ten minutes left, I had done some writing, a little
reading and played some video games on my iPad.
Before my time was
up I noticed a young woman who had been sitting close to the book store
entrance, near the escalator. She had been there a good hour or more and did
some reading, played with her phone and occasionally looked at me and smiled.
I’m a friendly guy so I smiled back and didn’t think much else of it. Then just
before I left she came up to me and said, “I noticed you’re selling your book.
I’m sorry I don’t have any money on me but I wanted to wish you luck and I
wrote this note for you.” I said “Well thank you.” She smiled, waved and left
and I was left with the note. I kept it and will share it with you now it said,
“Every writer starts off with one word, one phrase, one book. Then builds their
success on passion and love for their stories and imagination. Don’t be
discouraged at what people say if negative. Write for yourself.”
It touched my
heart and I smiled broadly, I wanted to thank her but she was gone. Instead
what I can do is pass this note along to anyone who reads this blog and hope
that maybe somehow she’ll see it. Simple words of encouragement from a stranger
meant more to me than her money, someone who would be nice expecting nothing in
return and only wanting to help is worthy of praise. It is comments like that
make me want to continue to write, to see the benefit of it. Not everyone
(besides my friends, family and wife of course) is apathetic; there are good
people out there who care. Maybe she got it from a book or the internet but it
doesn’t matter, it’s the thought that counts and its one I very much
appreciated. I can’t repay her but I’ll pay it forward, I hope another reads
this and takes it heart. Writing is a worthwhile activity that a chosen few (or
many if we’re lucky) enjoy and appreciate, I encourage others and I hope you’ll
do the same.
The
book: If you like what I said maybe you’d like to check out my book The
Newfoundland Vampire. It’s gotten some good reviews and I
promise that my vampires don’t sparkle. Thanks first to Wenona for hosting this
stop and to the reader for getting to the end, have a great
day/afternoon/evening!
The Newfoundland Vampire
Book One
Book One
Charles O’Keefe
Genre: Horror/Paranormal/Vampire
Publisher: Penumbra Publishing
ISBN: 978-1935563853
ASIN: B007TRWUCS
Number of pages: 224
Word Count: 86,737
Book Description:
Like every other geek alive, Newfoundland native Joseph O’Reily secretly wants to be a superhero. At thirteen he fantasized about being a vampire, and ten years later he’s still fantasizing – but mostly about a beautiful redheaded woman who has eyes only for him. The one thing different about Joseph’s adult fantasy is that, amazingly, it comes true one night when he goes to a local university pub. Cassandra Snow, literally the woman of his dreams, invites him to her place for an evening of personal pleasure. Of course he’s not going to say no. But when strange things start happening afterward, Joseph quickly learns that not all dreams should come true.
About the Author :
Charles O’Keefe lives in the beautiful province of Newfoundland, Canada, with his wife and two feline ‘children,’ Jude and Esther. He works as an inventory manager and enjoys many hobbies and activities that include writing, reading, watching fantasy/science-fiction movies and television shows, gaming, poker, walking, acting, and of course fantasizing about vampires.
1 comment:
Hi Wenona :)
Thanks for being a part of my blog tour, have a great weekend! :-)
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