Justine Larbalestier

reading, writing, eating, drinking, sport

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Obama—just like every other first-time author

Scott just pointed out an interesting article in the Times about Barack Obama’s publishing career. Here’s the bit that cracked me up:

“Barack is a very focused, determined person,” said Ms. Hartman, who now considers Mr. Obama a friend. “Barack would go to people one by one and say, ‘Here’s my book, I want you to read it, give me feedback.’ For me, as a publisher, he wanted me to write about it. He would call me every week and say, ‘Did you read my book?’ ”

Oh, I remember those days of harassing all my friends and family, not to mention mere acquaintances and random strangers, thrusting my brand new book upon them and then always greeting them with the same refrain:

Did you read my book yet? Did you read my book yet? Did you read my book yet? Did you read my book yet?

Well done, Obama, that those you harassed are still friends with you!

Posted by Justine at 20:19, 18 May 2008 under Writing life | 5 Comments »

Comments

  1. anon Says:

    laughter

    May 19th, 2008 at 12:07 PM

  2. Steve Buchheit Says:

    Would that be like a reverse mugging. “Here, take this book, darnit. Read it. Have you read it? Have you?!”

    Oh my, what the back alleys around Publish America must be like.

    May 19th, 2008 at 1:12 PM

  3. Mary Elizabeth S. Says:

    No, I haven’t read your book yet. I’ll tell you when I have. Stop asking.

    Hey, wait, put that down! Get away from me! Help! HELP!

    ~Mary

    May 19th, 2008 at 7:08 PM

  4. Mike Says:

    Hilarious. Humans. It would seem that Obama’s friends are still out there. I read in the Age today that he spoke to a crowd of 75,000. Will he still have friends in November?
    btw, have you ever thought about running for president?

    May 19th, 2008 at 11:44 PM

  5. 5. Justine Says:

    I can never be president of the US. Not only am I not a citizen I was not born here. Also: Ewwww!

    May 20th, 2008 at 10:58 AM

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