Every three years, my family holds a family reunion. It is a pretty big affair, and I have lots of fun catching up with my brothers, sisters, and cousins. We reminisce about the past and talk about what we’ve been up to. None of them had any idea that I had just written a book. In fact, one of my cousins reminded me how much I hated creative writing in high school! As I said in an earlier blog, writing was the furthest thing from my mind when I was younger. But people do change, and writing has become a passion with me.
As a treat, I provided each member of my family with an advanced reader’s copy of the book. It was well received! I have to admit, I did expect some snarky remarks from certain relatives; our family is not immune from jealousy. But everyone was supportive, not one negative comment. Even certain cousins—who shall remain nameless—who normally are quite competitive were upbeat. It was great to be able to share something I am so passionate about with my loved ones!
It was quite odd sitting at a picnic table signing all my relatives’ books. I hadn’t really thought about what I’d write. Do you just list the person’s first name and then sign the book; ie. To Patty—your cousin, Edward Torba? I think it will be easier to sign books for total strangers. But as I got more comfortable, I felt confident in what to write in each book.
Looking forward for you all to read Matt Monroe and the Secret Society of Odontology! And possibly signing YOUR book!
~Ed