Best-selling author Fannie Flagg has penned a new novel, The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion, and it’s destined to follow her earlier successes, including Fried Green Tomatoes At The Whistle Stop Cafe. This news made me recall my own special Fannie Flagg story and how the magic of the Universe works.
I’ve mentioned before in this blog that I’ve written a book, based on my spiritual awakening, that I hope to publish soon. Creating the manuscript is just part of the process. When it comes to marketing a book, authors often enlist blurbs from famous people to typically grace back covers. A fan of hers since a child watching her on Candid Camera, Fannie Flagg would be the endorser of my dreams for my memoir. Too, I’d written to her in 1987 after reading Fried Green Tomatoes…, praising her pages of fiction. A few months later, she replied with a sincere thank-you note! And, she’s also an Alabama native and even knows people from my hometown, Enterprise!
Social media is a set of tools that can also be an asset in building buzz in publishing. That being said, I’ve set up a website and a blog, but was reluctant to establish a Twitter account, thinking it might be overkill and worthless. Finally, early summer 2012, I signed up. In selecting people to follow on Twitter, I immediately searched for Fannie, but didn’t find her. To get me more involved, Twitter suggested some folks for me to follow, one of whom was the organizer of the Santa Barbara Writers’ Conference. I not only followed this person, I clicked onto the event’s website.
Guess what? It’s annual conference was happening within two weeks AND the keynote speaker was Fannie Flagg! Plus, tickets for her appearance were available to the general public for a nominal charge. Naturally, I made plans to drive four hours from Palm Springs to Santa Barbara. Sitting on the front row, I was fortunate to hear her read excerpts from her then recent work, I Still Dream About You. Oh, but it gets better!
Later that evening, she held a book signing. When it came my turn to meet my literary idol, I introduced myself and told her that I was originally from Enterprise, Alabama. And, then showed her the note that she’d written to me nearly 25 years ago. As she signed my copy of Fried Green Tomatoes…, I asked if she was honored that another Alabama writer, Harper Lee, the reclusive author of To Kill a Mockingbird, had given her a quote for Tomatoes’ back cover jacket. Of course, she said it was a thrill and a dream come true. Then, I replied, “Well, Fannie, when my book gets published, I would be honored if you would be my Harper Lee.” Oh, but it get’s better!
“Well, darling, do you have it with you?” she asked. I did have a draft – complete with typos and a few misspelled words – with me.
“Yes, it’s right here,” I responded, pointing at the 254 pages of paper in a clear binder.
“Well, is that for me?”
“Yes! Yes! Thank you!” I exclaimed.
So, here’s the thing (by the way, that’s probably my most over-used phrase when I do my psychic intuitive consultations), whether or not Fannie reads my manuscript and feels comfortable to give a quote is to be determined. What’s important is that I had a desired vision, paid attention to signs and was willing to take action. And, then allow the Universe to align our paths and bring the two of us together.
I can’t wait to read Fannie’s latest, The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion. Until then, I’ll revisit her inscription in my hardbound copy of Fried Green Tomatoes…“For Tony – Much love to my Alabama friend! Fannie Flagg.”
Love and light,
Tony
That’s a great story, Tony! Love it!
Thanks, Chris! You and both know about how ideas, timing, relationships and the Universe all add up to something amazing. If we allow ourselves to participate!
Yes sir! I completely concur. 🙂
What a great story Tony!! I LOVE Fannie Flag! My favorite novel by her is “Daisey Fae and the Miracle Man!! Funniest book I ever read!! I am not on Facebook anymore so I love reading your blog to keep up.
Wade
Hey Wade! I love all of her books! Such wonderful characters and life messages too! Told in a way that only she can.Take care xoxo
I LOVE this story!!
xo
Thanks, Chuck. Your having Alabama roots too, I’m sure you can relate to the wonderful world of Fannie!
What a wonderful story!
Thanks, Moira! Fannie was such a sweet person…and just so talented.
You know I love this story, and believe, as I know you do, that life is really supposed to be this way all the time. If ones pays attention, it is this way all the time. Too much clutter makes us miss it.
Kim, you are sooooo right! And, I believe Miss Flagg, for her to have accomplished as much as she has, pays attention, take action and is gracious and grateful along the way.
Great story, Tony. And I had forgotten she was on “Candid Camera.” I remember her mostly as one of my faves on “Match Game.” I hope Fannie graces your back cover. How cool would that be!?
Hey Mike…She was hysterical on Match Game! And, I’m with you…it would be very cool, indeed!
I am a big Fannie Flagg fan…I loved Daisy Faye, too! I was such a groupie of the movie, in 1995, I bought my first classic car, a 1960 Cadillac Sixty Special and drove down to Julliette, GA from Atlanta to the Whistle Stop Café. I still remember the warm summer day driving with the windows down (no a/c). I have a pic of the car in front of the Café somewhere around here. Good Luck with your own masterpiece!
Raymond
Hey Raymond!Lots of Fannie Flagg love going on the comments! And, I would love to see that picture of your Cadillac parked in front of the Whistle Stop Cafe (I’ve eaten there too). And, thanks for the good wishes! I appreciate it very much!
I took that same road trip!! I hope you had a plate of Fried green tomatoes! They were delicious!!
I bet we all had those tomatoes while we were there..plus toured the little town. And, the train did go by the little cafe while I was there!
This has inspired me to take another road trip there this weekend!! I can taste those fried green tomatoes already!!