I am not going to be able to sleep tonight. I just found out some crazy news! I’m pregnant!
Just kidding. Sorry, mom.
No, it’s even crazier and stranger than that. I just found out that one of my former English professors, Ed Falco, is on the New York Times Bestsellers list! I can hardly believe it. The man who read, critiqued, and graded my creative short stories, is one of America’s best selling authors. Insanity.
Here’s the roundabout way I found out:
It all started with the Hatfields and McCoys. The history channel produced a seriously good six hour three part movie series on the infamous family feud. My husband and I were immediately hooked. And as can sometimes happen when I see a movie or read a book that is historical, it leaves me yearning for more. Although I love movies for bringing the story to life, I want to know the truth, what actually happened. Give me the facts.
So I’ve been looking at the library online catalogue to see if there are any books on the Hatfields and McCoys I might be able to check out. But, of course, there are a gazillion holds on the three books they have that discuss the Hatfield/McCoy feud. I guess other people watch the history channel too. 🙂
Then my husband suggest I check Amazon. I did. Some good options, some more expensive than free, so not sure I will purchase yet. And some, believe it or not, some are “temporarily out of stock.”
While I was there, I decided to browse the NY Times Bestseller list, so I can feel like I am somewhat educated, or will at least be privy to the knowledge that next year’s box office smash was actually a book first.
As I browsed, I noticed a familiar name. Ed Falco. No, could it be? A quick google search popped up his picture. Hmm. That’s what I remember him looking like…Then a click on Wikipedia and I found out it WAS my creative writing professor from Virginia Tech!!
Oh my goodness!! He’s famous! And that makes me famous too, doesn’t it?!
Somehow, in the five minutes it took me to find out this wonderful life changing (probably not) information, my husband who had suggested I check Amazon, fell asleep. I excitedly gave him the news, but I only got a grunt. Now, who do I tell?
Yup, I will not be able to sleep tonight.
Too many visions of grandeur, following in the footsteps of my beloved tutor, Ed Falco. (Okay, so I took one class from him nearly 10 years ago). Funny how the fame of one person you actually know, makes it seem possible for you too.
Nevertheless, I will be dreaming tonight of my own fame and fortune as one of the greatest American fiction writers of our time. It’s a darn shame I haven’t written anything yet.
Oh this is going to be good…
Brooke Frick 
Ha! Great post. This line made me laugh, “Oh my goodness!! He’s famous! And that makes me famous too, doesn’t it?!” 🙂 Yes! I think so. Have you written to your professor? I bet he’d love to hear from you. This was a really sweet piece of writing, very supportive for the art of the story, all your research, and desire to read more — great to read.
Thanks!! I haven’t written, but maybe I should? I guess I feel like he is probably overwhelmed with congrats from his current students, but I bet it is nice to hear from the old ones too! And yes, the Hatfield/McCoy feud is a great true story, I would definitely recommend watching it! It stars Kevin Costner and Bill Paxton…and a lot of other great actors! 🙂
If he is an egoist, he probably has “Google alerts” set up for his name, so he already knows you’ve said congrats 🙂 Joking!
It is possible for you….keep writing!