My library put on a local author event over the weekend. Which is all kinds of awesome on their part, not least because they invited me to come sign books:
I always love signing books and all the friends and family that come out to support me! But the most amazing part of this event was my chance to meet science fiction legend, Frederik Pohl, who happens to live in Palatine as well:
Mr. Pohl was one of the pioneers of the science fiction genre, and I was reading his books when I was still a kid Dark Omen’s age (12), peddling my bike to the local indie book store and using my allowance to buy paper backs. Which I still have! And which I brought! And which Mr. Pohl graciously signed!
I felt bad asking this kind, elderly man to sign a stack of dog-eared paperbacks, but he was incredibly sweet and insisted it was no problem. And he had just re-issued one of the books I had brought with a new cover (which naturally I bought), so he even signed two copies of the same book.
Mr. Pohl spoke in an author panel before the signing, and was just as insightful and witty as you would expect a seasoned science fiction legend to be. Don’t let the frail body fool you – this guy is sharp and current and even has a blog (in which he tilts the coolness factor into infinity)! He fielded my question about the future of science fiction with aplomb, saying he knew the field when it was just a handful of guys doing strange things (you know, like him, Arthur C. Clarke, Isaac Asimov), and now that its gone mainstream, he feels it has lost a bit of something. But he expects that, at some point, a bunch of guys will get together and do more strange things (presumably with writing!) and innovate the field into something new.
It was an honor to meet this legendary writer and even cooler to introduce him to my son, who has also been reading his books. I’ll never attain the status that Frederik Pohl has in the field, but I hope to be like him at that age – still writing, still current, able to entertain and enlighten a roomful of people with his words.
It may be shooting for the stars, but I think Mr. Pohl would approve.
Mr. Pohl’s latest books include The Last Theorem (in collaboration with Arthur C. Clarke) and All The Lives He Led. Dark Omen is immersed in The Last Theorem and I would heartily recommend it for young teens looking for a great book from two of science fiction’s most celebrated authors.
p.s. Ack! I completely forgot to announce the winner of Secrets of the Crown! It is … Diane C! Thanks to everyone who commented/entered!
How much fun! It's so exciting when you are able to meet one of your favorite authors.
I'm glad you had such a good time at the signing.
Wow, now if that wasn't meant to be I don't know what is! How fabulous!!! That had to have been such a surreal and EXCITING moment!!!
I see your fabulous novel and I wish I could have been there to have my copy personally signed!
How awesome is that? I recently met one of my favorite authors and loved every minute of it! π
Very cool! I have a meeting with a local librarian this week, I'm hoping for a reading / signing event around the Christmas season for THE MAN IN THE CINDER CLOUDS. I doubt I'll have a legendary author at the next table over, though!
@Kimberly Isn't it funny how we fangirl over authors, and then we're surprised when people get excited about meeting a real live author. Somehow that still doesn't translate in my head! π
I love it when I meet a favorite author, but always wonder if I sound like a fangirl. At least I don't start screaming or giggling. π
How cool to get to meet one of your heroes! Love the photos and hope it was a successful event.
How cool is that? Love your smile. It says it all π
Wow! A book signing… Thanks for sharing this and love the pics! You look marvelous!!
That's so neat! Esp. that you had copies he could sign. What a neat memory that will make. Thanks for sharing pictures.
so cool! YAY!!!
i love his prediction (and remembrance) or the scifi genre!
What a neat experience. I envy you! It's so wonderful seeing him out like that, and still enjoying meeting his fans.
Wow, Susan, that is so cool! I haven't heard of Mr. Pohl before, but I will definitely be including his books in my class library now! π
The pics are adorable! You look like a fangirl – as you should! What a fun time. Hope it was a good event for your fab book also.
Getting to meet a legend is truly a wonderful thing. So glad you had a chance to meet someone who's work you've read and to see that he's a heck of a nice guy to boot.
Meeting an author whose books you have read just makes that book that much more special.
I read F. Pohl when I was doing my reading run of all the sci-fi greats (all of Asimovs, all of F. Herberts,and most of Clarke's) then I started on Pohl. He's one of my favorites of the early writers.
@DG Ok, you rock for reading all the SF greats! They filled my bookshelves as a kid (still do; can't throw them out; especially now). π
Susan! Omg, now I'm checkin the calendar b/c I got all misty reading this. That is TOO COOL. And look at you w/your favorite childhood author… aww!!!
Wow, what an exciting weekend for you! Signing your own book and meeting an author you respect so much? Amazing.
Wow. That is beyond awesome.
@Lindsay You know, my life is pretty darned blessed! It's true. π Thanks for stopping by!
That's so cool! It's amazing when you get to meet a legend and especially when they live up to what you've created in your head. I had that experience at the SCBWI LA conference with Norton Juster and Judy Blume. Awesome. Love your pic btw! π
Wow, what a great honor… I would have been so excited as well:)
Susan: What a cool post. It is great getting to know you through the blog class. I'm learning so much and trying to figure it out. You also gave me a great idea for my own post. Thanks!
Wendy
http://wsgager.blogspot.com/
Very, very cool! Lucky audience for sure π
You have to be in possession of one of the best titles on the planet. "Rocket Scientist, Author." Great blog.
How wonderful! You just never know. And congrats on the book signing.
What fun! Susan, I tagged you on my blog.
http://crystalcollier.blogspot.com/2011/09/tagged.html
I'm looking forward to hearing random facts about YOU.
How amazing is that?!?! Your post truly made me smile π And your post so reminded me that your very own book is on my TBR list. I need to push it to the top!
Excellent time, no doubt. You lucky duck! You were smiling from ear to ear. π
Hi Susan .. well done – what a bit of luck .. and I went over to his blog and left a comment! Interesting poem by Dryden .. he'd quoted ..
Good luck with your book etc – and excellent that your son is following in your footsteps perhaps.
Great you've got your books signed .. cheers Hilary
WOW! How exciting to be able to sign with him!!
@SusanO OMG that goofy grin I have! π I'm glad I made you smile, though. (And having my book on your TBR makes ME smile. :))
@Hilary Thanks! And you clicking over to his post reminded me I needed to add it to my blog roll, so thank you for that!
I can only imagine how wonderful it must have been to meet your writing hero.
This is my first time visiting. I'm a sucker for a good book giveaway π
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