I met with an interesting surprise during lunch break today.
Typically, during this daily hiatus from software development, I drive to the local Christian bookstore.
It's a peaceful citadel perfect for a writer looking to make progress on his latest project.
Today I happened to go to lunch a half hour later than usual due to a meeting.
When I reached the bookstore, just beginning to switch gears from writing code to writing fiction, I noticed a book display standing in a prominent spot just beyond the entrance.
I thought little about it.
I continued to my favorite writing location.
On the way, I walked passed a table with another display.
Again, intent on the mission at hand, I ignored it, and settled down next to some vending machines.
I opened my laptop, and began to write.
A few minutes later, the workers at the store began scurrying around in excitement.
I looked up from my work, and saw that a well dressed woman with a book bag had just sat down at the table with the display, about ten feet from me.
I realized the display was hers and she must be there for a signing.
Again, I didn't perceive this as unusual.
Even self-published authors like myself have held book signings at the store.
I thought she may be a local writer.
But the store workers seemed quite fascinated by her, and the owner of the store, a very sweet lady who's always encouraged me as a writer, mentioned to the woman that I too was a writer, and had written two books.
The woman turned, smiled at me in acknowledgment, and proceeded to set out some bookmarks and flyers.
Curiosity started gnawing at me just a bit, but my confounded timidity gnawed harder.
I'm not extremely good with self-introductions.
But it seemed rude to completely ignore her, not to mention the owner seemed to be "hinting" I speak to her.
Perhaps she thought I could make a useful connection in the literary world.
Eventually, I stood up, tried to muster my courage, failed, and opted to buy a Mountain Dew from the nearest vending machine rather than meet the author.
As the little robot arm inside grabbed the Dew and dropped it down the chute, I finally developed the resolve to speak with the author.
Awkwardly, I approached the table, and asked her what her name was and what kind of books she wrote.
"My name is Kaye Dacus," she replied, and proceeded to tell me that she wrote both contemporary and historical romance.
I glanced over her book selection, and soon realized that Mrs.
Dacus was a well-published author, and was contracted under such names as Harvest House and Barbour.
Since she knew I was an aspiring, yet unpublished author, I decided to not bother her with the usual, "let me tell you about my book," spiel, because in all honesty, I wasn't in the mood to make a sales pitch.
More so, I wanted to ask her questions about the publishing industry and her experience.
Unfortunately, I didn't get the chance.
My lunch break was nearly over.
But I did buy one of her books, had her sign it, and bid her farewell.
Although I didn't get a chance to talk with Kaye Dacus very long, it was still neat to randomly meet a well-published author.
Someday, it would be cool, as I know all of us un-published authors would agree, to be her peer.
But until that day comes, I bid her the best of luck in her publishing career, and appreciate the opportunity to meet and have a book signed by a successful author.
Such a meeting only inspires me to continue writing my own novels, strive for literary excellence, and have fun along the way.