Earlier this month, I got to hang out at our local library as part of their “Meet the Author” series to share my work in I Just Want to Pee Alone, I Just Want to Be Alone, and You Have Lipstick on Your Teeth. I have mentioned before how much I love the library, so just being there was treat, but this afternoon in particular was a very special kind of cool.
Did I sell a ton of books? Not even close.
Did I care? Not in the least.
This afternoon wasn’t about book sales, it was about having an experience. One of those life experiences you’re not quite sure about, so you have to shove yourself pretty hard to do. One of those life experiences God uses to surprise you. One of those life experiences that was so worth it.
What made it so great were the people. All the people my life got to trip over that afternoon.
The event started at 1pm and kicked off with a bang. By 1:15, an elderly man had taken my business card, I gave directions to the bathroom, and I met two very nice teenage boys, to whom I had to gently explain that I wasn’t sure my mom humor anthologies would appeal to their demographic. I could have been wrong about this–you never know.
Conveniently set up right beside the restroom for
easy bathroom direction-giving.
A sweet grandma wanted to purchase a book for her daughter, but only had $4 in change with her. So she left, saying she was off to get more cash and would be back. I didn’t think I’d ever see her again. She returned a half hour later, bought the book, and thanked me for writing about the stuff no one talked about during her generation. Lump in throat.
I was thrilled to run into an old neighbor of mine who I hadn’t seen in years. We chatted up how much both our lives had changed, and it was so affirming to see that her can-do spirit that left me admiring her in the past still guides her today.
I met a kind local author, Dan DalMonte, who filled me in on some nearby writing groups. And we made plans to (as soon as I can get my crap together), review each other’s books.
My husband took a break from work to come say “Go you!” as my personal cheerleader, and this made me blush.
Erika, you are Encourager of the Year!
A dear friend brought her boys, a hug, and all of the positive encouragement she has endlessly poured over my writing career. This meant more than she knows; she means more than she knows.
I made a new friend in a fellow blogger, Carrie of Normal Level of Crazy. She’s a true delight and I’m counting down the days until we get to meet up again at the dinner date we planned.
One older gentleman asked me if it was still possible for him to get a spot in one of the mom anthologies. Sure, a tad tricky to gracefully field this one, but I applaud his interest and pursuit. And bonus for the chance to bone up on my skills at navigating “more unique” conversations.
I posted about my afternoon on Facebook and the outpouring of friends willing to share in my smile made me a bit teary.
I talked to more writers, past, current and aspiring. We all encouraged each other. It felt like a tribe. For that afternoon, we were a tribe.
I wasn’t sure I wanted to go to the library, to put myself out there. It felt scary, and it was. But if I hadn’t gone, I would have lost all the love, encouragement, laughs and connections that filled those 1-4pm hours. In comparison, simply staying home that afternoon would have been a very empty choice.
I guess it goes to show you get more out of life if you leap. And next time God wants to hand me a blessing, I’m just going to take it.
Image credit: Depositphotos.com, ID:14323843, copyright:reicaden
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Janine Huldie says
This is truly awesome Meredith and totally made me smile on my this Monday Morning. Go you and you are right you just never know, but definitely sounded like a great and positive experience. So, happy for you my friend 🙂
Meredith says
Janine, you are the sweetest encourager ever. xo
Stephanie says
How crazy is it that a year and a half ago none of those books existed, and here you sit so professional a real, live published author!?
Meredith says
Steph! I love you…
Jessica Cobb (@DomesticPirate) says
Isn’t it amazing that, when we choose the less comfortable of the paths we are offered, amazing things happen? Even if those things are, on a large scale, kind of mundane… I had a huge dose of that over the past week, too. Congrats on stepping out of your comfort zone! Now I think I need to look up writing groups in my town.
Meredith says
Hey, cheers to putting ourselves out there, Jessica! Go get ’em 🙂
Erika says
You are such a talented person and I feel so lucky to have met you in the part of your life when reading for fun, blogging, and being published in books has all come to be! I am so thankful that God placed us into each other’s worlds, even if I only see you twice a year 🙂 I am proud of all you have accomplished and treasure all your autographs, you never know what those will be worth someday! Keep being gutsy and putting yourself out there!!
Meredith says
Erika, you are blessing and I love you. Thanks for being there and for always cheering me on. You always wow me with all the boss things you do too!
Stacey @nursemommylaughs says
I am so proud of you and wish I could have stopped by to give you support and a hug! Amazing bravery and it sounds as if it turned out to be just what you needed. Congrats!!
Meredith says
Babe, it was your comment on FB that officially made me tear up. xo and thank you.
Chris Carter says
LOVE this so much… I love your faithful steps of courage and the blessings that come from them!! GO YOU!!!
Meredith says
And you are ALWAYS the perfect inspiration for this, Chris. Thanks for being wonderful you!
Courtney says
Girl, I’m always so impressed by you and how you break out of your comfort zone. I haven’t even mustered up enough courage to book something like this. You are so talented and I’m proud of you!
Meredith says
Courtney, your courage on the day-to-day slays me. You are my hero and I’m serious. Love you, lady.
Terrye says
That is soooooo cool! I hope it’s not a once in a lifetime event, but becomes something of a pretty regular occurrence. And congratulations, it’s well deserved.
Meredith says
Aw, thanks, Terre–appreciate this!
Leslie says
Aw Meredith — this made me cry today. Big sloppy tears rolling down my face kind of cry. When I grow up I want to be just like you, although…I’d settle for 1/10th of your poise, grace, and outlook on life. You are a phenomenal woman. Congrats on all your successes–past, present, and future! XO
Meredith says
Leslie! Your support with this post and your kind words overwhelmed me. xoxo and thank you…
Kim Bongiorno of Let Me Start By Saying says
Grandma made me teary, that sassy broad.
This was so, so good. You GET it. You really do.
Meredith says
A very neat lady–and so are you, friend, always giving me loads of needed advice and support. xo
Lisa Newlin says
Congrats! This is awesome! You had to field an old woman AND an old man? That sweet old woman made me want to cry. So sweet!
And yay for new friends. Hopefully your dinner plans are at somewhere fantastic and not a sack lunch at the library.
Meredith says
Not that sack lunches at the library aren’t super-fun or anything…you are great, Lisa 🙂
Parri (Her Royal Thighness) says
It sounds like you really stepped outside your comfort zone and had a really positive experience. Happy for you!
Meredith says
A definite stretch, but so worth it. Thanks, Parri!
Angela McKeown Momopolize says
What an awesome experience for you! Congrats!!
Meredith says
Thanks, Angela 🙂
Kathy Radigan says
I love that you keep taking steps forward and keep stretching yourself. It makes it that much more easy for me to take scary steps!!! Thanks!!! And I love that you got so much support from your friends and family. I also got weepy with the older woman who bought your book! Excellent! Thanks so much for sharing!! xoxo
Meredith says
Kathy, you are so sweet and have a heart of gold. xo.