So how cool is this?
When I got home from Pittsburgh on Monday and checked my email, I found a message from none other than Robert Liparulo.
Don’t worry if you don’t know who he is yet. I’m sure you’ll know his name in due time. But for the purpose of this post, I’ll tell you who he is.
He is the author of Comes a Horseman a novel that I read and reviewed back in January. Here is what he wrote…
Hey, wanted to drop you a quick note to say thanks for the kind review of Comes a Horseman. Sounds like you “got it.” I’ve been second guessing myself about the ending, how quick it came about. I hate books that drag it on for too long. Maybe that caused me to over-compensate. I’ve had a few discussions with the movie folks, and they’ve agreed to add something to the end that I’d considered, but rejected. It’ll be a neat surprise…
Kind regards,
— Robert
Did you read that? He wants me to call him Robert.
And he said that I got it!
And my comments have caused him to second-guess himself, and as a result they’re making changes to the movie script!
Shut up…that’s what I got out of it…OK?
Now I’m not new to receiving correspondence from authors that I have reviewed. But usually, it is in reply to an email I’ve sent either to praise or criticize their work, or to offer my own story ideas—those emails aren’t usually answered. Once Stephen King sent me a rejection letter that let me down easily and gave me nightmares for weeks*.
This is the first time I’ve actually received unsolicited feedback on my unsolicited feedback.
This is a watershed moment for me. I can feel it—then again, that could just be the genoa salami I had for lunch today.
At any rate, here is how I responded…
Hey Robert,
Is it OK if I call you Bob?
I’m glad that you took my advice to improve your book Bob. I know how difficult it can be for someone just starting out in the biz. I’m sure you’ll do just fine as long as you continue to heed my advice Bobby.
Feel free to drop me a line if you ever need more advice B. I’ve got some great ideas for stories.
Your friend and colleague in literature,
Al
P.S. Don’t worry about giving me any credit in the movie. I’m only glad to help. I’m sure you would have done the same for me B-Lip.
So, what do you all think? It’s not too presumptuous is it?
* No he didn’t
What are you thinking?