I was recognised in the Post Office yesterday.
And I don’t just mean that someone who knows me, saw me and succeeded in matching my likeness to the library of faces in their memory; no, I was recognised.
I was in there to mail a copy of my debut novel, The Wrong Stuff, to a friend I met at the Weird Weekend, way back in 2012, before the world went mad.
He had made me the generous offer of buying my book and, as a bonus, having it delivered to my address, along with another book of my choice, so that I could sign mine and mail it back to him. So when it arrived (with a JK Rowling reissue of a Harry Potter spinoff of some kind, for Audrey) I inscribed it with a suitably personalised message and took it to the local Post Office.
The woman behind the counter took one look at me with my book-shaped padded envelope and said;
“Is that a copy of your book you’re posting there, then? It was you I saw in the Gazette, wasn’t it?”
Which goes to show that people do read local papers, or at least read the headlines and look at the pictures…
Elsewhere, ATLA Publishing described me as “our star author, Guy Thair” on their Twitter feed and Chrissie Parker at Fossend Publishing did a very nice interview with me for their blog;
I would be very pleased and terribly honoured if you would click the links below and get your very own copy (if you pay the postage, I might even sign it for you) and maybe one for a friend.
Thank you.
********
For those of you who don’t already know, here comes the blurb:
The Wrong Stuff, a totally improvised novel, uniquely created from writing prompts with no edits.
“Hannah Meredith has always had a good eye and she’s a veteran bargain hunter, but she isn’t prepared, when she buys the box marked “Stuff” at a mysterious auction, for her world to suddenly unravel into a series of increasingly bizarre and terrifying events.
Soon on the run from a sinister cabal of vengeful corporate villains and their homicidal henchmen, Hannah must foil an evil plan to bring the world to the brink of global economic collapse, all the while keeping one step ahead of her pursuers.
A fast-moving thriller with a sci-fi twist, the plot stretches from chases through grimy backstreets of Victorian London back to the present day, where sudden violence shatters the tranquility of the English countryside.
Following Hannah and her unlikely allies in their frantic attempt to stay alive and save the world from disaster, The Wrong Stuff is exciting and original, with more than a touch of black humour.”
This is the UK Amazon link…
…and for those of you further afield, there’s this one:
The reviews:
***** – “The Wrong Stuff is a fast paced, rollicking adventure.”
***** – “Easy to read, difficult to put down.”
**** – “Fast moving…cleverly crafted.”
***** – “From start to finish it had me. It had drama and suspense, all tinged with a slice of black humour.”
John W. Howell
January 26, 2017 at 22:44
I initially thought your were going to say a postal employee thought she saw you on a wanted poster (of course not) Sounds like you are getting well known. good on ya.
dalecooper57
January 26, 2017 at 22:52
I have had several co-workers come up and congratulate me, South l although I don’t believe more than a couple have actually bought the book.
John W. Howell
January 27, 2017 at 02:43
Thant is how friends are for sure.
Playamart - Zeebra Designs
January 27, 2017 at 02:19
Ha! John your comment made me laugh!!!
And I thought he was cleverly writing fiction and pulling us into the story…
Not! Congratulations! That’s a lovely Gazette review and so nice that you’re becoming the local star!
John W. Howell
January 27, 2017 at 02:29
Thanks for the comment. ๐
Playamart - Zeebra Designs
January 27, 2017 at 02:42
With today’s ‘doom and gloom’ headlines, it’s refreshing when one gets an unexpected chuckle. Thank YOU!
John W. Howell
January 27, 2017 at 16:52
Helps me stay focused on the important things. ๐
dalecooper57
January 27, 2017 at 06:19
Thank you, it’s all a bit surreal, to be honest.
ghostmmnc
January 26, 2017 at 23:21
That’s very cool to be recognized and for the write up in the newspaper! Just bought my copy of your book (on Kindle) and I’m looking forward to reading it. ๐
pauljamespearson
January 27, 2017 at 18:40
Well I received my thoughtfully inscribed copy this morning and it looks amazing. Now all I need is to find enough time to sit down and read it, preferably with a large fresh coffee…
dalecooper57
January 27, 2017 at 18:52
Excellent! I really hope you like it, but please be honest with your review when you get around to brewing up.
masgautsen
January 29, 2017 at 09:04
That’s cool.