I can't tell you the first book that I read by Mary Higgins Clark. All I know is that my world changed at that time. I have read other books by many other authors but reading the words that Mrs. Clark displayed in her many books made me feel like I was part of the story.
I started writing in 1993 -- short suspense stories. I took my ideas from shows on TV and dreams I frequently had. One of Mrs. Clark's books While My Pretty One Sleeps spoke to me the most. I had written a short piece of work that had a killer carrying a body and trying to find a remote place to bury the body. When I read the first chapter about the killer trying to find a place to bury the body, I felt like I was reading my own writing.
I have read so many of Mrs. Clark's books that I have stopped counting when asked how many.
Each week in the local paper and magazine, I check to see if Mrs. Clark -- who lives in New Jersey -- will visit San Diego, CA. When I checked the second week of April, I was amazed to see her name and that she was actually visiting.
I called the bookstore in which she was appearing and found out that Mrs. Clark was arriving at noon. So I asked my boss if I could leave early. My co-worker overheard this and asked to join me, which I didn't mind.
So, on April 17 at 10:45 a.m. I called the bookstore and was told that there were 30 people already in line. My co-worker and I flew out the building into her car and drove as fast as we could to the bookstore. We luckily found a spot out front but it would not matter because of the long time we had to wait.
As each person came out, they told everyone that it was worth the wait.
I purchased her new book Second Time Around for my co worker and myself. After waiting for an hour and 15 minutes, we were finally inside the store. When I looked over to see her, I saw a huge smile on her face as she spoke to a fan.
As I walked up to her for her to sign her new books and the book I brought with me (While my Pretty One Sleeps) I lost my shoe. I quickly put it back on before anyone could notice.
I walked up to her and said "I am so nervous." She asked "Why?" I nervously said "Because you are someone I look up to." She then said in a joking manner "Then why don't you come around, take a picture with me and stop being nervous."
I walked around, posed for the picture and then started rambling about how she is my favorite author (I didn't want to say that because that is what everyone else was saying) and then how I am a writer as well. She asked me what I wrote and I told her short stories. I was so amazed at meeting her that as she gave writing advice, I toned her out, something I now regret. I did smile and say thank you. She smiled back.
I told everyone at work what it was like to meet her and then I told my family.
But now as I read her work, I see Mary Higgins Clark as a "real" person, not something larger than life.
Have you had a close encounter with your favorite author? If so, please contact us at ReadersRoom2@aol.com We'd LOVE to hear your story!
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