Amusing occurrence at the Barnes & Noble at 53rd and Lex today in Manhattan. Not finding "Harbingers" on the New Releases shelves, I strode over to the customer service desk and inquired about it.

(Those of you who recall my past posts may not believe this, but I have a stern manner. No, it's true. I also have a deep voice and am rather tall.)

The customer service rep looked up the book on her computer, and while she was reviewing the info she asked me a little timorously, "Are you Mr. Wilson?"

I replied with a simple "no," though it occurred to me to say "Would that I 'twere!" However, I didn't want to blow my cover and reveal that my inner self is a geek.

Once she finished her search, I asked her if the reason she thought I might be FPW was that he had an upcoming reading scheduled -- it was the only explanation I could think of. She said no, that it was just because of the way I'd asked the question!

I guess a fan's serious tone can be confused with an author wanting to make sure a bookstore has his new book in stock and plans to display it.

Oh, and by the way, the store had indeed received their copies of "Harbingers" but hadn't yet put them out on the shelves. They offered to go get a copy for me, but I said I'd just return tomorrow.

-O

..............and WAIT to read it????!!!!! My, you have self control.

I just found my copy from Amazon outside my door. Oh my God, oh my God.

Amusing occurrence at the Barnes & Noble at 53rd and Lex today in Manhattan. -O

Shakespeare's at 68th and Lex doesn't carry ANY F.Paul Wilson books, but said they'd be glad to order them for me! (and the reason I wouldn't order them from Amazon and get free shipping and a large discount is because...) This is the local bookstore for Hunter College. It's hard to believe, but they had worlds of books by Danielle Steel on their shelves.

I also have a deep voice and am rather tall.)

Herman Munster tall?

The customer service rep looked up the book on her computer, and while she was reviewing the info she asked me a little timorously, "Are you Mr. Wilson?" I replied with a simple "no," though it occurred to me to say "Would that I 'twere!" However, I didn't want to blow my cover and reveal that my inner self is a geek.

Dude I would kill for a pick-up-line scenario like that!

So you're either married or this rep was not your idea of a hottie?

Once she finished her search, I asked her if the reason she thought I might be FPW was that he had an upcoming reading scheduled -- it was the only explanation I could think of. She said no, that it was just because of the way I'd asked the question!

So it wasn't because of the Paul Wilson flesh mask you were wearing, or the "FPW is God" t-shirt you had on? :p

Sorry. Just fun'n you. Sounds like a matter of the average person's expectations of greatness and celebrity. We often imagine successful people to be overwhelming and stick out of a crowd (like you with your height and deep voice), as opposed to the reality of it all, such as when I attended a Worldcon in Boston back in the late 1980's, and walked right past the late Isaac Asimov, who was as short as my mother, under five feet. I'm only 5'9" myself and it was so weird looking down upon this legend and giant in the world of science-fiction, and writing...

This is also why I am such a big fan of FPW. First and foremost because of his excellent writing, but second because he is such a laid-back "real" guy.

For those of you who have not yet been able to attend a G.U., you really should. You will not be disappointed.

Mike out

Ha ha to all!

Herman Munster tall?

6'1"

So you're either married or this rep was not your idea of a hottie?

I'm single and 38. She was in her 60s, 5'1" tall, and stooped over. God bless her and I hope some lucky fella has her in his life, but she wasn't my type. Where was the bookstore girl from "40-Year Old Virgin"?!

So it wasn't because of the Paul Wilson flesh mask you were wearing, or the "FPW is God" t-shirt you had on? :p

The arresting officer thought they were very flattering -- I got her number.

-O

Herman Munster tall?



Dude I would kill for a pick-up-line scenario like that!

So you're either married or this rep was not your idea of a hottie?



So it wasn't because of the Paul Wilson flesh mask you were wearing, or the "FPW is God" t-shirt you had on? :p

Sorry. Just fun'n you. Sounds like a matter of the average person's expectations of greatness and celebrity. We often imagine successful people to be overwhelming and stick out of a crowd (like you with your height and deep voice), as opposed to the reality of it all, such as when I attended a Worldcon in Boston back in the late 1980's, and walked right past the late Isaac Asimov, who was as short as my mother, under five feet. I'm only 5'9" myself and it was so weird looking down upon this legend and giant in the world of science-fiction, and writing...

This is also why I am such a big fan of FPW. First and foremost because of his excellent writing, but second because he is such a laid-back "real" guy.

For those of you who have not yet been able to attend a G.U., you really should. You will not be disappointed.

Mike out

A few observations:

1. Missed opportunity: "That's Doctor Wilson". Somehow having a doctorate is supposed to be a chick magnet, although I've never found that to be the case (nor have I tried to find out, considering Mrs. Biggles is the most beautiful creature on Earth).

2. This illustrates one of my pet peeves, to-wit: that Paul's perhaps the least-known best-selling author on Earth! WTF with that? :confused:

I'm single and 38. She was in her 60s, 5'1" tall, and stooped over. God bless her and I hope some lucky fella has her in his life, but she wasn't my type. Where was the bookstore girl from "40-Year Old Virgin"?!

Mmmmm! Sounds babe-a-licious!