A few of my regular blog-readers asked me why there were no dramas mentioned in yesterday’s blog regarding my friend Gary’s farewell party that I attended last Thursday. Well – they have known me very well. Since they asked, I would not hold anything back then.
After I had accepted Gary’s invitation to his party, he told me directly that NO book sales would be allowed there (not sure why he did not tell me beforehand). After a few rounds of negotiation, the compromise was that I could mention and promote my book, but no actual selling of the book was allowed. I respected the host and did not take any books with me to the party, but I packed 10 promotional postcards with me for the occasion. My backpack was searched at the door and I was cleared.
After 2 hours at the party, someone came up to me and said he was very impressed by the way that “I WORKED the floor”. I was surprised and asked him to elaborate. He said, “I admire how you have worked the floor basically speaking to as many people as possible about your book the moment you entered the room.” He added, “I have read your book given to me by a friend of Gary and I recognized you from the photo. You should write the next book on how to work the floor at a party. It was remarkable!” At that very moment, Gary who happened to stand close to me (I suspected that he was spying on me) gave me an angry look and he pointed to the promotional postcards in my hand. I was caught red-handed!