Earlier this year, I stalked Cathleen Falsani at a writer's conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I'm not sure what came over me; maybe all the Midwestern niceness in the air convinced me that since everyone I'd spoken to had been so kind and wonderful, anyone I spoke to would have to be kind and wonderful. I guess I thought those were THE RULES.Still, though...I made a bit of a fool of myself.
Cathleen's talk was scheduled for some unspeakably early hour, and yet the room was packed. I, along with millions of others, had been captivated by her first book (celebrities talking about their spiritual beliefs...what's not to love?) and was curious what lurked beneath the cover of her newest project, which wouldn't be out for several months. The title? SIN BOLDLY. For a girl like me, it was the literary equivalent of "You had me at hello..."
After her talk, I literally stormed the podium, my little frog-faced book cover postcard in hand. "Idlovetoblogaboutyourbookwhenitcomesout!!!" I gasped.
"Ooookay..." she said, warily (she was very nice, but decidedly wary...). "I'll do my best to get you an advanced copy..."
At that point, I may have hugged her. Or maybe not. It's all a blur.
Later, my publicist said, "Cathleen and I are friends--she's great! I'll introduce you." My inane response? "I'd give my eye-teeth to meet Cathleen Falsani!"
Since then, Cathleen and I have communicated by phone and by email. She wrote a wonderful column for the Chicago Sun-Times comparing parts of my book to the friendships between the girls in Sex And The City (reprinted here in the Huffington Post) and I wrote rave advance reviews of SIN BOLDLY. We've talked about dogs and cats and friends and husbands, and how the right lip gloss really can improve an otherwise crappy day. My publicist is right; she's fabulous. And chances are we'll meet in person (possibly soon). So I need to set the record straight:
Cathleen, I cannot exchange my eye teeth in order to meet you. Aside from all the obvious reasons, both functional and aesthetic, My parents spent thousands on orthodontia when I was young, and they just wouldn't understand.
Fortunately for me, Cathleen resides in the Midwest. I don't think prevailing niceness laws permit her to demand my teeth. (I guess there's also an outside chance she wouldn't want them...) Still, I hope she'll want to hang out :)
Anyway, SIN BOLDLY is great. It's finally out in the world, and Cathleen is sending me a signed copy to give to one of you. You'll love it. Leave a comment and you're in the running to win!
Happy Thursday. I hope the sun is shining where you are...
21 comments:
Hi Trish,
It's nice to hear I'm not alone in expressing my enthusiasm for some writers. We have to act so grown up all the time, why not get a little out of control every once in a while?! Sounds like you've picked another great book. I can't decide which I like better: The title "Sin Boldly" or the subhead: "A Field Guide For Grace."
Who DOESN'T need a book titled "Sin Boldly" on their bookshelf? Or better yet, coffee table? Or even just to carry around with you wherever you go and see how people react when they see it? Oh the fun I could have...
Count me in please! Also, it's nice to hear about meeting someone you admire/respect and having them turn out to be so nice and pleasant. :-)
MWAH!
Now, give me them eye toothes, you.
XO
C
Awww I love when you get to meet someone you consider an idol. Even if you do make a fool of yourself, you know they probably love it!
I hope you get to hang out with her soon :) The book sounds fabulous!
That is a great first meating story! And Sin Boldly is a great title. I frequently judge books by their covers and titles and this one passes with flying colors.
That's a gorgeous cover, and the book sounds intriguing.
Don't feel bad about turning into a crazed fan over a writer you absolutely love! I went through something similar over Eric and Leslie Ludy! Check out their books, especially "When God Writes Your Love Story" and "When Dreams Come True". You may have already but if not, they are a rare find in Christian couples today! :)
Oh Trish, GREAT story! I'm diggin' it! Truth be known, I was too afraid to approach you one Sunday in church. I was afraid of acting like a crazy person in front of you and the amazing Steve. Now I know, you woud have SO understood!
Count me in!
Loved your story and enthusiasm for the book. Made me request the book from the publisher (so don't worry about including me in the draw, as you'll save your pennies on intl postage!).
And yes I still read your blog and haven't given up on your book in the UK...
Amy Boucher Pye
I want in on this book giving away! I'm glad I'm not the only one who gets goofy around people they long to meet. ;)
I always feel like a make a fool of myself when I meet favorite authors. I love to go to book signings, but feel like I stumble over my words when I finally get to the signing.
Great post and your enthusiasm is contagious! I can't wait to read the book.
She sounds like a really nice woman! I'm another of those people that, when they meet an author/celebrity, goes just a little mad. They're not all that nice!
This one seems to be the one we ALL want (maybe because of hte title?)! Count me in!
Sounds like a really great book. I also love the cover art.
I'm always too afraid to go to book signings because I'm just too enthusiastic.
This one sounds great, too! And I love your stalking stories. :-) Please include me for this drawing. I'm so excited to have a reading list for the fall!
Count me in!
You? Are insane. Which is just one reason why I love you.
Hello, Trish...
I am like a week late which is not beyond customary for me but I read your memoir and felt a kindred spirit within its pages. Long story short I am single, a writer, and desiring that life-long fantasy/reality love that I know God has for me (but am really having a hard time with His definition of perfect timing for its unveiling). Anyway, I think I went to that writer's conference in Grand Rapids that you are referring to (back in April at Calvin College????). I loved Cathleen Falsani's talk and am edging toward her book because I know it is another guide along my journey. I wanted to ask you if you also heard of Shauna Niequist (perhaps you have) and her book "Cold Tangerines." That is an excellent book about life, and love, and joy. You may enjoy it. I know I did.
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