The caramel-skinned black woman had thick, neatly-styled dark hair that stretched to her shoulders. She was pretty. Yesterday afternoon, I saw her in Midtown Manhattan at the Barnes & Noble on 54th Street and Third Avenue. Hunched over a small cafe table with a medium-sized cardboard cup of peppermint tea, lined note pad and books spread in front of me, I was working.
“Are you Twanna?” she asked.
Embarrassed I couldn’t place her face, I froze. Did she work in media? Had I met her at a New York industry-event? Looking at her sceptically, I hesitated a soft, “Yes.”
“Oh, okay, I thought I recognized you.” She began slowly backing away, and I got the impression she didn’t want to intrude. She quickly added, “I read your blog … Just wanted to say I love it.”
Smiling, my face’s wattage shown brightly. I love it when I meet Funky Brown Chick readers. As I told the pretty brown girl, I don’t aggressively shove my site in anyone’s face. I create content. If you find my writing and you like what you read, that makes me happy. Ever the chatty Midwesterner, I told her I was in Barnes & Noble because one of my writing mentors told me I should check out other memoirists’ books. (“Read what you write.”) I also told the woman I hadn’t updated my site in over a week because I’d been busy writing my book.
“I grossly underestimated how much time editing takes. I have 302 pages written. So, technically, it’s done. But, I’m re-working it to get it in better shape.”
The pretty lady and I continued talking for a few minutes. She told me she found my blog because one of her exes, a short white dude, told her she should read it. I thought that was cute and sweet.
“You know,” I confessed, “I’m weird because, now, I totally feel guilty about not updating my site. I think I’m gonna write about you. Seriously, I’m really grateful for my readers and I feel bad I’ve neglected the site for this long.” I thanked her again and said something about keeping in touch.
Before exiting the bookstore’s cafe, she mentioned, “I’ll email you.”
I reached to fetch a business card out of my purse. “You know how to contact me?”
Smiling, she paused to let the obvious sink in.
“Oh,” I fumbled words, “yeah, I guess that makes sense. Of course you know where to find me.”
She laughed.
* * *
Apologies for the post-free days. I’m a one-woman show, balancing a very full plate. I’ve been buried in editing hell for the past week or so and, in two days, I’m jetting out of New York to speak at South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, TX. So, just a quick update to say THANK YOU, as always, to everyone who reads my site. I’ll be back to posting more regularly very very soon.
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
This is sweet.
I used to be a somewhat popular Youtuber before I started my adult blog. I stopped doing youtube videos because it became impossible keeping those persona’s separate.
Yes we love the blog! Know that you’re working on the literary masterpiece so cutting you some slack.
You’re welcome. We’ll all be here when you get back.
Ha!! Love it Twanna…I didn’t mean to lay a guilt trip on you though. Do your thing and make the magic happen!
Well, this is what RSS is for. When you post something, I’ll notice it. If I had to keep checking back every day, then I might be bothered by the slow updates ;)
Take your time and do a good job! Your fans won’t leave you – we’ll be hanging out for news of the book. Writing and polishing is a lengthy process. Not like a blog post where you can whip back in to fix a typo.
Guy, no longer blue
Its nice to be loved!! Just curious are you bisexual? I’m just saying maybe you could share a moment with the sweet caramel skinned lady..and maybe even a handsome caucasian guy like myself..I’m just saying..haha
The Hooker Chronicles: Yeah, I know what you mean re: keeping a separate persona. My theory? It’s impossible to be anonymous online. The minuted to keystroke you way to a “persona,” you’re online and people will (eventually) know who “you” are.
Kali: Thank you! :)
Baba Doodlius: Will likely update when I get back to New York. SXSW is non-stop madness. Responding to comments now, but getting ready to zip off to green room to prep for my talk, co-lead with Patrick.
katalicious: THANKS, lady! :)
A: :)
Guy Sez: Sooooooo true about writing & polishing!
Jonathan: I’m a dick chick. That said, I don’t really believe in arbitrary distinctions between “gay” “straight” and “bisexual.” Example? At a party last night, I bounced up and down on my gay brother‘s pants in an impromptu lapdance. His response? “Watch it! I’m gay … not dead.” My response? “Oh, don’t worry. I love erections” ;)
London loves you babes xxx
Love this post, Twanna! Talk about a rewarding moment.
Of course, it’s incredibly flattering to get recognized like this, but I think what’s probably most rewarding is meeting a reader in-person and hearing how they relate to your writing in-person. There’s something about getting that feedback face-to-face as opposed to getting it in your blog post’s comment section.
I know that’s how I feel whenever I publish something!
Relish the moment, it’s a nice and warm feeling :)
You’re a bad bad girl who deserves to be spanked… :)
Tony: That’s what I like to hear! :)
Jennifer: You’re spot on about “what’s probably most rewarding is meeting a reader in-person and hearing how they relate to your writing in-person.” That’s the part that always reminds me why I’m doing what I do. Actually, when I performed at Kiss & Tell, I bumped into two Funky Brown Chick readers. One women told me she quit her job and moved to New York to pursue her dreams and she thought me site was inspiring. Very few things makes the happiness of seeing someone look genuinely happy as they tell you that they’re doing what they love. She had a really really great story, and I’d glad she’s pursuing her dreams.
Relish the moment, it’s a nice and warm feeling :)
Buddha: Mmmm, and I bet you know just the man to do it ;)
That’s wonderful Twanna. I’m sure there are many more readers out there that have a similar relationship with your site :)
I love my readers! :)
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