There are only a few authors out
there that would make me act like a fool in their presence. I think I’ve well
documented in this space my close encounter/possible Wordstock stalking of YA
author Maggie Stiefvater. Not one of my prouder moments, but certainly one of
the most exciting.
Last Saturday I had the opportunity
to see (in the flesh!) and listen to one of the other authors I’d go all gaga over.
Author extraordinaire Diana Gabaldon, of the Outlander books, was the keynote speaker at the Willamette Writers Conference
gala. I’ve been reading and loving her books for twenty years and such an
opportunity could not be missed.
Having experienced my Stiefvater
moment, I prepared myself before attending the gala. Not that there would be a
chance to actually meet her, after all this was a large ballroom full of
people, and she would be far away on a stage. But just on the off chance I told
myself I would NOT be interacting with Ms. Gabaldon. Didn’t want to embarrass
myself.
Yeah. Right. That lasted about two
seconds. But it wasn’t my fault that she walked right past my table when she
entered the room, and sat at the table kitty-corner from mine. I was with two
dear friends, and when I saw her I became flustered, and did a “oh my god, look
it’s her!” as I watched her walk by with my jaw dropped. Dear woman, she saw
me, and my total dorkiness, and smiled at me and said “Hi.” If I wasn’t already
a superfan, I would have become one at that moment.
I won’t tell you how my friends and
I rarely took our eyes from her as we ate our dinner and listened to awards
being handed out.
As exciting as it was to see her,
her speech was the true highlight of the evening. Her insights into the craft,
her particular writing process, her words of encouragement for new writers, all
was inspiring. I left wishing I had taken notes—she had so many valuable things
to share.
Later in the evening, after she had
signed books, I left the bar where my friends and I were having an after-gala
drink, and happened to see her sitting at the book signing table without anyone
left waiting in line. I considered walking over and telling her how much I
enjoyed her books, but with the fear of becoming a rambling idiot I chose to
leave well enough alone. Now, I’m wishing I had. Yes, I might have been that
inarticulate fan, but I think every author—even
a megastar—likes hearing that his or her work is appreciated.
Maybe next time I’ll practice what
I’ll say, so that I can be articulate. But even if I didn’t want to risk it
this time, something tells me Diana Gabaldon knew that the crazy woman in the
audience loved her work!
Note: I’ve been waiting forever for
Outlander to become a movie or TV
series, and finally there is one, premiering on STARZ, August 9th. I
will be reviewing each episode on this blog. My plan is to post on the Tuesday
following each Saturday episode. If you are an Outlander fan stop by, and I
hope everyone will comment with their thoughts on the show as well.
Happy Writing!
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