To all my readers. You may use the following script whenever you think it would help.
Your friend, the author.
Scene: (A Starbucks Coffee Shop, A very crowded Panera Bread restaurant, In the audience of a poetry reading, or sitting in a baseball stadium watching a baseball game drone by.)
Characters; You, played by “you”.
Characters: Him, played by “him”. (could be a complete stranger, better if he was someone of importance.)
Characters: Public address announcer, or narrator, or coffee bar clerk.
P.A.: Now batting for the Royals: …
(Stranger, or acquaintance, or a friend takes the seat next to you.)
Him: Hey, how you doing?
You: Better than ever.
(at this point the conversation continues about sports, cooking, politics, and finally about books)
Him: I just finished a great book I’d recommend to you.
You: Oh?
Him: Yeah, it’s Deadly Soup by Dane Zeller.
You: You don’t say.
Him: Great dialogue.
You: He is good with dialogue, I must say.
Him: You…you…you’ve read it?
You: (Gathering up all the nonchalance you can) Oh, he mentioned he got it published when we had coffee a month ago.
Him: You…you…know Dane Zeller?
You: (pause and add a little cream to your coffee.). Oh…yeah. (said in your most off-handed tone).
I’m honored to be able to provide you a brush with greatness moment. – Dane
