On Being “Famous”



Right off, I’m not famous—not one little bit. But sometimes, it’s fun when people are impressed that I’m an author. That happened to me twice in one day today and it does give you a warm fuzzy feeling. 

I don’t make a habit of going up to strangers and saying, “Hi, I’m Nan, I’m an author.” No, generally I get noticed as Nan Reinhardt, Romance Author, when someone asks me what I do—“I’m a freelance copy editor and a romance writer.” Or when another person, who already knows I’m an author, asks about my books in front of a group of people. 

This morning at the pool, a fellow swimmer asked when the next Women of Willow Bay was due out. I replied that it was out—Saving Sarah released on September 26. Someone else overheard our conversation and immediately asked what we were talking about. When I told her, she was really jacked because she’d never met a “real author” before. So jacked in fact, that she stepped out of her shower stall and pulled aside my curtain to see what I looked like. Oh, did I forget to mention this conversation took place in the shower area of the locker room? It did. She not only got to see a real author, she got to see one stark naked and dripping wet. End result, I promised I’d bring some swag cards to class next time—I don’t carry them in my gym bag, but apparently, I need to.

Second time was this afternoon at the hospital where I was having a biopsy done—that story is here, if you’re interested. The mammography tech asked what I was “self-employed” at doing and I told her. She was jacked, too, and wrote down all the details about getting to the Women of Willow Bay books because once again, I didn’t have any swag cards with me. We had this conversation while she was drawing on my boob, so the radiologist would know where to stick the needle for the biopsy. So you never know when the opportunity for promotion will present itself. 

All this to say, I’m learning that basically I need to keep swag cards on my person at all times, because you never know who’s going to be unnaturally and delightfully excited that they’re meeting a real author. 

How about you? Do you carry swag wherever you go on the off chance you get to tell someone about your books? I’d love to hear your, “Wow, you’re a real author?!” stories.

Comments

  1. Your shower scene made me laugh out loud! Then the biopsy thing. Wow, what a day you had.
    When my book released in May, I tucked some swag cards inside my purse-just in case. Had to re-stock after the edges crinkled. Love it when friends ask me about my books in public. Great conversation starter to meet new people!
    Now I have to go check on those Women of Willow Bay!

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    1. I think tucking some swag cards in my purse is in my near future, Sandy and thanks so much for checking out WOWB! Sure appreciate your support!

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    2. Just got the 1st one in the series! Can't wait to start it!

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    3. Thanks, Sandra! Enjoy!! And let me know what you think, okay? Hugs!

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  2. Nan, I think the *real* lesson here is that you need to walk around with your boobs hanging out! That is the obvious catalyst for people discussing your books;-)

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    1. Heaven help the reading public if my boobs are a catalyst for anything at all, Ava! But it was two kinda fun conversations, anyway. Hugs!

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  3. You made me laugh, which is not easy first thing in the morning. Every time we meet I am still in awe of you (and the other authors in our group). Authors are just so stinking cool to me! Sending hugs and prayers for good results from the biopsy.

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    1. Aw, Carolyn, how sweet you are! I'm in awe of anyone who finds me awesome and I'm very touched. Bless you sweetie and I'll report back in re: the biopsy.

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  4. Lol. I love this! A nurse in Parkview and I had that same conversation while she was drawing on Duane's shoulder, but I was fully clothed at the time (although he wasn't) and she didn't ask for details.

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    1. It was a weird day for sure, Liz. I'm glad you were clothed since it was Duane's shoulder being looked at. Otherwise, we'd have had to have a serious conversation. ;-)

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  5. Great laugh to start my morning. I'm having a mammogram in November. Maybe I should take some swag.

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    1. Absolutely take your swag--there's a whole waiting room full of potential readers!

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  6. Hey, at least she didn't take a picture! I carry bookmarks and business cards in my wallet. Leaves less room for cash, but, like you, I'm neither rich nor famous. Hope the biopsy results are good!

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    1. Thanks, sweets! My swag cards are a little large for my wallet, but not for my purse. I should take a page from Liz's book--she always leaves a pen or a bookmark whenever we have lunch...it's smart!

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  7. I usually have a business card or twelve (note to self, do you need to replenish your wallet stash?), but actual swag...maybe I need to add to my wallet list!

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    1. I carry my business cards, but even though they say "author" on them, they're more geared to Copy Editor Nan than Romance Author Nan. Maybe I need to create a second card that focuses on my writing...hmmmm... thanks, Kristi!

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  8. First off, great post Nan! :) I think we're all trying to stand out in a very crowded filed right now. But yes, it's so fun when you tell people you're an author and they suddenly start treating you like a celeb. Too cool! :) Second, LOL. I know the author in the pic you chose. Her name's Virginia Nelson, and she's a USAT bestselling author who writes contemporary romance for Entangled. She's also in my MFA program. Small world, eh? :)

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    1. Hey Traci! What a hoot! She's a meme--I found her on Google Images.
      Yeah, we're pretty crowded, so yeah, any chance to shine is always lovely. Thanks for stopping by!!

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  9. I love it when people are impressed with me. There is a down side when people don't believe. I've gotten the "yeah, right" a few times.

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    1. Hi, Ilona! Isn't that a fun thing, but yes, the downside is when people don't believe you. Kinda like, "Yeah? Really? You?" That's a little painful. Thanks for stopping by!

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  10. Too funny, Nan! I'll think of you next time I have a mammogram.

    Love the meme! I may have to steal that one.

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    1. At least if you think of me next time, you won't have to focus on having your boobs smashed between two glass plates! ;-) Always look on the sunny side!

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  11. Love this story! Hope you get good news soon!

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