When we’re together, my BFF Pat and I love to visit flea markets and seldom leave one empty-handed. On each of these visits, in a semi-joking manner, we peruse the book shelves to see if either of us has a title there. Could one of our inspired, gripping, nurtured, tweaked-to-death labors of love possibly end up in a used book sale?
I didn’t know what I would do if I ever found a book of mine. I knew it would be a new step in my writing career — whether up or down, I wasn’t sure.
Should I be downcast that someone was so over my book they included it in their castaways? Or should I be glad that, rather than molding in a box in an attic, my writing would now have a chance to find a new audience?
Last Saturday, it happened. The United Methodist Women of my home church, held their annual flea market/bake sale/soup luncheon/bazaar.
I was looking though the more than 50 books that were donated to the rummage sale (of course I was!).
And there it was. Every Day a New Day and other short stories by Dot Hatfield. A collection of award-winning submissions published in 2006.
I decided to feel good about it. It meant that new eyes would be reading these stories written 15-20 years ago. I’m satisfied with this new step in my writing career.
“I’d like to know that what I’ve done will last;
A child reads a book great-great-grandma wrote
And journals inspire stories yet untold.”
(from “79th Birthday”)
Had the autographed page been removed?? Otherwise, you could have “thanked” her for sharing. BTW, did you buy it back? I think I would if I ever found one of mine. Good post.
I would look at it as a positive. An opportunity for a new reader!
Pat, there was only an autograph, no personal name. I did buy it. At lunch a lady told me she was hoping I would have a booth so she could buy another book. I went back to the book table and bought it for her for $1.00.
The whole thing made my day!
I would look at it as a new step. Your words reaching out to someone who doesn’t know you, someone the universe has picked to read your words.