* To those of you who already know David Sedaris – you’re going to love him even more. To those of you who don’t – you’re welcome.
My sister and I had the great pleasure of seeing author David Sedaris in person last night. One of the stops on his book tour was just outside Chicago and we were there with bells on – his #1 fans!
He did an hour of book signing prior to the show, as well as afterward. As his #1 fans, it was appropriate that we be at the early signing. When the doors opened and everyone clamored to secure a spot in line, we ended up somewhere around 20th, maybe 25th. I didn’t count. While we waited, we struck up a conversation with the couple behind us. The guy, as it turned out, was David Sedaris’s #1 fan. After talking with him for a few minutes we decided that he did, in fact, deserve the title slightly more than we did and we became David’s #2 fans.
After a while, I checked my watch, concerned that the line hadn’t moved much. I leaned to the side to see what the holdup was. It was, of course, people. People who were talking to David for too long.
“They need to get a wrangler,” I said to my sister, “so they can tell people to hurry up and get moving.”
In reality, only about ten minutes had passed. I should mention right here that although patience is a virtue, it’s not one of mine. Finally though, we arrived at the front of the line for our own glorious turn. It was here that I discovered the reason for the holdup. It was this…David’s a great guy. He didn’t just sign every book, “Hope you enjoy!” No, he had a conversation with each person and then wrote something unique in each book. Every individual walked away with his or her own story to tell and a personal memento to go with it.
(I’ve never been called an enchantress before, but I’m finding that it’s a good fit. It’s working for me.)
If I had to describe my new BFF, David, in one word (aside from hilarious – that’s a given), it would be gracious. As a newbie author, I looked at him as a fantastic example. What a great way to treat your fans! I hope I get the opportunity to emulate him someday. If I handle myself with even half of his easy charm, I’ll count myself as accomplished.
If you’ve never read one of his books, do yourself a favor and get one. Any one. Then let me know how much you love it because it would be a great honor to be the person who turned you on to David Sedaris. And as I said earlier…you’re welcome.
I LOVE YOUR BFF!!!!
Right? He’s so cool, isn’t he? Thanks for coming by, Lana. You’re always so supportive!!
I had the pleasure of meeting several of the writers that I read and love last summer at RWA. To a lady they were gracious and personable and left me with the desire to read more of their work. Thank you for the blog, and I will definitely find and read a David Sedaris book!
I had the same experience at last year’s RWA conference. I came back to my hotel room in the evenings and called my husband to tell him which authors were soooooo nice. It really does have an impact. Thanks for coming by, Emily! It was great to talk to you.
What a great story of your experience, Jill. Wow, “enchantress” – hard to beat that, and you have it in writing! I’m going to go find a David Sedaris book and buy it – he sounds like a wonderful, engaging person.
I know! That’s beyond the compliments I ever even hope for. Let me know what you think after you read one of his books. I think you’re going to love it!! Thanks for visiting, Jane!!
But Jill, how can David be YOUR bff when he is clearly MY bff. And, for the record…I am his numbet 1 fan!
Susan, I’m sure you guys are close. I don’t doubt that. But did he call you an enchantress? Because that’s clearly the measure of BFFness. In other circumstances, I might concede that you were his #1 fan, but this guy behind us in line…he was pretty committed. You can be #2 with us, though. Thanks for joining the convo. Great to hear from you!