No, I’m not talking about my husband’s middle age crisis and resulting fallout, even though one reader … someone called Chris something, and I’m guessing is male … sent me a snotty comment that said with all the compassion and eloquence one might expect from someone taking the time to post, “Gee Sandra. Whine much?” in response to my last post.
This is a different kettle of fish altogether.
A couple of Friday evenings ago, my phone rang. On the other end of the line was a British journalist/broadcaster/agent interested in my work, my story, my favorite flavor of ice cream … whatever … wanting to speak to me about the potential of working together to get something going professionally that would be to our mutual benefit.
Now, the last time I got a lit agent it took me over 100 query letters before I was signed, so having a call out of the blue seems a much less frustrating way to go about promoting my work off-island, and considering the price of postage from here, a screaming deal since he was paying for the call. His staff has been following my writing and he apparently feels there’s merit to my output. Goodie.
Now the “word gets around bit” that illustrates island life so well.
He’s in England, right? He knows I live in Seychelles and write on the Net, so Googles me and learns I used to work for Paradise FM radio, a division of SBC (Seychelles Broadcasting Company) … and, by the way, I may be going back there for a one-day-a-week show … so he phones SBC.
They know me, yes, but no one he finds has my phone number. One person, however, happens to know that the kids and I regularly eat out Friday evenings at local cafe. He calls there and speaks to the owner, who after some fairly intense questioning decides to pass along my home number.
Five minutes later, my phone is ringing and our conversation begins.
Can you imagine this happening in any other country? Yes, it is a small world, but this island is still special in so many ways.
By the way, he’s still phoning and we’re talking, so there may be more to this story developing over time. Fingers crossed, please, that this is light at the end of one tunnel, not the headlight of an approaching train.
A collection of my short stories:
I'm in this one, too ...
And I'm in here, as well ...
Paradise Preoccupied 
S:
How cool! Yep, you got a network there, all right 🙂 Glad to see your humor shine through.
Sandra,
My fingers and toes are crossed for you. You need something positive and hopeful coming your way.
Good Luck!
Romee
Very cool & don’t let the odd snarky commenter get to you. Notice they are always too cowardly to identify themselves with a bloglink. I’ve had a few of those myself. A two (or more) way disagreement or argument or discussion on a blogpost I can understand. Anonymous name-calling is just a waste of everyone’s time and incredibly peurile.
That WOO-WOO you hear is me at the end of the tunnel jumping up and down and hooting in happiness for you!
You go, girl!
S,
It’s very comforting to know I can find you by simply calling around a bit.
I loved your post…it made me smile. Thanks!
This is good news Sandra! I hope everything works out for you. You deserve the best. It would be great if you did the radio show too.
I’m hoping for a signed copy of any/all of your published work. I’ll pay the postage!
As for the light at the end of the tunnel, I know things are going to get better for you. You’ve worked so hard and have come such a long way.
But if there happens to be a train behind one of those lights, make sure you step off the tracks!
I’m glad this gentlemen sees your talent and worth. May there be much benevolent light through this passageway.
Good luck!
And I’m afraid to post my band’s name on my anonymous blog, because someone might search the band name and learn my “real” name. Geesh. I should lighten up.
Cool! Interested to see what develops.
Your good karma finally found you! Congratulations 🙂
I had a similar experience searching for a long lost relative on Mahe. I emailed a real estate agent about a La Digue property. I asked if he new any of my in-laws. His assistant can up with the email a brother-in-law. Via email I was able to get a good phone number. I finally made contact and what a relief to hear all is well with my loved ones!
RichA.
Yay! Be open to what he says, but obviously be cautious. I get inquiries and have conversations sometimes that seem promising and lead nowhere. It’s part of the deal. This sounds like a definite possibility, though!
Oh, wow!! How exciting!!
– Faith