Sticky Notes Blog

A blog of writing news, tips, and inspiration from Fat Plum

Shaking Dr. Phil's Hand

Yesterday, I attended a booksigning, as all good writers should. After all, we need to support each other in our efforts to spread the word about our new releases.

Somehow, though, I don't think this author acutally needed my support. The book was called Inside My Heart: Choosing to Live with Passion and Purpose. The author? Robin McGraw! Yes, THE Robin McGraw: The woman who picks up Dr. Phil's socks and tosses them in the laundry (or, at least, hands them to the housekeeper).

I'll admit that when Mary, my colleague and friend, told me about the signing, I was reluctant to attend. I wasn't a Dr. Phil fan...

...nor did I know much about his wife. I figured there'd be long lines and lots of media, neither of which would help drive my writing career forward, at this point, anyway. The people there would likely know everything about the couple including how old their kids were and where they vacationed. What would someone like me say to them?

Last minute, though, we decided to go, as long as the crowds weren't too outrageous. If nothing else, we could talk about our writing projects while waiting in line.

We entered the que at 10:15 AM, Starbuck's half-caff in hand and shortbread cookies in pocket. The celebs were due to arrive at noon. And they did.

As expected, the audience members (minus us) roared at Dr. Phil's reference to a desperate housewife on Monday's television program. (Oops, I missed that one.) Through capped teeth, the couple smiled and laughed as they talked about the weather and Pittsburgh and the show. Enveloped in a sea of nicely-dressed fans who drove anywhere from 30-90 minutes to be there, I still felt out of place.

Then, without warning, talk shifted to the book. And Robin cried as she referenced her writing life and completing her manuscript. At that point, this audience member perked up. Crying about writing, now to THAT I could relate!

I was there as a writer. And now I knew what to say. We snaked our way through the store and, after kick-boxing line jumpers and wrestling with star-chasers, we ended up next to her table. Rather than gushing with praise and whatever else, we introduced ourselves as writers. In our 45-second interaction, we were able to tell Robin McGraw about our writing projects and to let her know that we, too, had cried over manuscript pages. For an instant (and no longer), we had her attention. It's no exaggeration, she actually looked up at us between her capital "R" and her lower case "o". Split second, I know, but perhaps long enough that in a future correspondence, she might remember us.

Okay, so it's not at all likely Robin McGraw will endorse our projects or write our forwards. But, in the words of British Sculptor Henry Moore, "One never knows what each day is going to bring. The important thing is to be open and ready for it."

The important thing is to put yourself out there as a writer, always as a writer. You never know who you'll meet and/or what will come of it.

Oh yeah, I did get to shake Dr. Phil's hand and have him sign the book, too (even though that's a fraudulent act, as he wasn't the book's author).

I'll admit, I joined the signing line as a reluctant attendee. And I left having connected with another writer (albeit a BIG one) and thinking it was truly a bunch of fun!

Posted by Judy on September 20, 2006
This entry was posted in the following categories: Inspiration