Last night I was out having drinks with an old friend. I hadn't seen her in quite a while. We had a lot of catching up to do. We were in the midst of that catching up when she casually mentioned a name "Oh, So & So is sooo nice."
I froze. My friend had just said the name of someone who would be perfect to do a blurb for my book. No... more than perfect, if there is such a thing. It was a name my editor had mentioned a while ago (no, not Joss Whedon), but I didn't know the guy, and I didn't know anyone who did--or so I thought.
As I sat there, I realized this could be THE BLURB OF LIFE. I envisioned my book selling millions of copies; saw my name on the Best Seller List just because I got this one blurb. Suddenly it was all that mattered.
My friend's lips were still moving, words were still coming out of her mouth. I'm sure what she was saying was interesting. But I had turned the mute button on. One thought formed in my mind. "When she stops talking, ask her to help you get a blurb."
I suddenly felt guilty. I mean, aren't I supposed to be a good friend? Shouldn't I care about what she's saying? But I do care, I did care... I just couldn't HEAR what she was saying over the voice in my head that kept screaming "blurb... Blurb... BLURB!" Finally, blessedly, she stopped talking. "Are you all right?" she asked.
"Um... oh, yeah. It's just a little hot in here." I calmed myself. "Say, you know So & So?" The words crawled from my throat.
"Oh, yes. And he's so sweet. You would love him." I nodded, but all I was thinking is "is he sweet enough to write a blurb for my book?"
And then I asked her. And she said, no problem; she'd ask him. No problem! Just like that.
With the blurb request out of the way, we went back to our conversation. We had a wonderful time catching up. And I was a good listener. Really! When we parted company we promised to be in closer touch.
Anyway, that was last night. Now I wait to see if So & So will write a blurb for my new book. When I know, you'll know.
Sleep tight, don't let the zombies bite.
I'm crossing my fingers for you.
ReplyDeleteIn the meantime, I thought I'd say that you shouldn't feel too guilty. I always have that nagging feeling when I'm thinking of asking my friends for favors. But then I realized that if they were to ask me the same thing I wouldn't mind in the least. For instance, if you knew So & So your friend had asked you, would you have understood? I'll bet yes.
Besides, I hear that networking is kind of important.
E. Anyone who works in Hollywood knows, it's all about the networking. The reason your friend mentioned "so and so" is because the universe is rooting for you to succeed. Don't be a salmon. Go with the flow and relish the blessing that has been bestowed on you.
ReplyDeleteAnd if "so and so" doesn't come through, you can always approach him/her by saying that you have a mutual friend(insert name of mutual friend here)who thought(s)he would be the perfect person to comment on your book...
or not.
Good luck.
I'm thinking that your friend sounds like an amaaaaaaaaaazing person, and if she can't get "so and so" than no one can! ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments. And for you, SSC, I didn't know you read my blog. I know you know I was just trying to be funny and engage my reader. Of course I was listening to every word you said. You were talking about... Ummm... ummm... ummm... Hey, I am not going to put your personal business in my blog! See how nice I am? Now get me that blurb :)
ReplyDelete