Author! Author!

Today I did something I’ve only done once before in my entire life. Today I had someone “famous” autograph something for me. *big grins*

The first autograph was one of those rare moments of “fate”. Today’s autograph was totally different—it was planned.

A few weeks ago, I heard that James Rollins was possibly going to hold a book signing at the local Waldenbooks, and I was eager to find out for sure. I called the store and they suggested I email Jim and confirmed with him, as he would know before the staff did. All I could think was, “Yeah, right!” What author/actor/famous person do you know that answers emails from lowly fans? I don’t know any, but I figured it was worth a shot.

Much to my surprise, Jim responded almost immediately and said he was working on a date and would let me know when it was set. Six short days later the promised email from Jim arrived letting me know that he would be at Waldenbooks today, May 13. He said he hoped I would be able to make it. Un-huh. Sure. I marked my calendar anyhow.

Then I had to make a decision—which book to take with me. I have most of his books, but I knew it would have to be either Ice Hunt or Sandstorm.

Ice Hunt was the first of Jim’s book that I read. I bought it because I liked the cover. Seriously! I had a gift certificate to spend, and was looking for some new reading material—something different than I normally read. The cover intrigued me, so I bought the book. The book is fantastic! I started it in the week hours and finished it in the wee hours 2 days later. I found myself reading while my husband watched TV, and yet I never heard the TV. I read the book while I waited for my husband to put his shoes on, while I stood in the kitchen cooking (actually I burned a few things) dinner, in the garage as I waited on laundry, and in bed at night waiting for my eyes to close. I carried this book all over the house, not willing to actually put it down. The pace of the story left me breathless at times. The characters were well developed, as was the plot; and 510 pages later a small part of me cheered at the very end of the book—even though as I read it I gasped in total stunned shock!

Ice Hunt showed me that you can sometimes judge a book by it’s cover. :D It also hooked me on this author, and I set out to read all his books and be up to date before the release of Sandstorm and Map of Bones. I almost made it. Anyhow, Ice Hunt was my first choice simply because it’s the book that caused me to fall in love with Jim Rollins as a writer.

The other book I considered taking was Sandstorm. I’m presently halfway through the book and all I can say is WOW! It’s even better than Ice Hunt. Plus it has that spiffy lenticular holographic cover!

Today I had to decide. My choice? Take them both and hope for the best. :D I wasn’t disappointed.

Jim Rollins is a very gracious and kind man. He has a grand handshake (something I wasn’t prepared for as most men don’t really shake a woman’s hand out of fear of “hurting” us), but Jim’s handshake was firm and sincere. He looks you in the eyes and smiles. He is interested in you and what you might have to say. He has a delightful laugh as well.

I introduced myself and said I’d emailed him about the book signing, and he said he remembered and was wondering if I was going to come. (I’m sure I blushed.) Jim was most gracious and signed both of my books. He even listened as I babbled away and told the above story of Ice Hunt. I think I heard him laugh when I mentioned the burned dinner.

As he was signing my second book, an airman came over and picked up Map of Bones. He said he’d just read the Da Vinci Code, and asked if Map of Bones was good. Before the store employee (manager?) could say word one I blurted out, “Yes, it’s a great book, and I’ve only read 2 chapters. It’s way better than the Da Vinci Code, and Jim is a far better author than Browne. No comparison. You should buy the book.” At this point, I think my husband was giggling at me. Yes, I admit it, I was hyped and I felt like a goofy schoolgirl on her first date.

Jim finished signing my books, gave them back, shook my hand (and I was prepared this time and hopefully did my pop proud when I returned the handshake in kind) and thanked me for coming and wished me well. I bubbled out a thank you and off we went down the mall. I don’t know if the airman bought the book, but if he didn’t—he missed out on not only a great book, but the chance to meet one of the nicest and best authors around.

If I ever have a chance to find Jim again, hopefully I won’t babble and I’ll be able to ask him the questions I was going to ask today.

If you ever have a chance to go to one of his books signings, do so! You won’t be sorry.