To The Person Who Followed Me Home From The Store:
Following someone you don’t know home is a dangerous invasion of privacy. I heard you from in your car, on your phone with your friend or family member. You said my name and author, and I saw you were super excited. I get that. Truly. BUT…
First, I’m nobody really. I’m just a person like you. I just happen to write books. My friends, family, and neighbors don’t make a fuss about it. They know I’m just a normal person like them. Also, I’m not a NYT Bestseller. I’m just a minimally popular author. I think I’d freak out if I ever met Nora Roberts in person because she’s my idol, but I’d never even think about following her home. There are lines you just don’t cross. Ever.
Second, if you saw me looking at flowers or picking out bird food for my my feeders, you could have stopped me then and said hello. I’m more than friendly in a public setting (even friendlier if it’s a planned event!), but I’m NOT friendly when you follow me to my home. MY home. My safe place.
I love readers. LOVE. THEM. Heck, I’m one of them. I’m sad I had to turn my epic RBF on to the extreme and send it your way because, again, the love. But there’s a time and a place and this wasn’t it. I’m glad you stayed in your car and drove away. I noted your license plate and make and model of your car and took a photo as well because I don’t know you and I need to be safe. You now know my address and that’s terrifying. I have no idea if you’re going to share it or not. I really, really hope not, but now I’m worried enough to contemplate moving.
Excitement can cloud decision making and I’m pretty sure that’s what happened here. Slow down and take time to think things through and everything will be just fine.
I’ll be attending a signing in Milwaukee on August 17th, Meet Me In Milwaukee Romance Author & Reader Event. Check it out and maybe I’ll see you there.
Best,
