The Co-Author Heard 'Round the World

If you have been reading my blog for any length of time, you will recall that I wrote a novel with Alan Solomon.  The kick is, we've never met each other.  We met online and never spoke on the telephone.  Why you ask?  Because at the time, he was located in Beijing, China and I was in Nashville, TN. 

Alan is a native New Zealander, more commonly known as "kiwi".  He owned a restaurant in Chiang Mai, Thailand called, "The Mango Tree Cafe."  After owning this restaurant, he had a story to tell and that is where I came into the picture.  He wanted someone to help with his novel by the same name of his eatery.  After learning about the story and being told that it sat upon the most mystical road in the world, I was hooked. They say once you walk Loi Kroh Road, you are forever changed.   I normally didn't accept book jobs such as these in my writing days, but something told me this was special.  And, indeed it was.

So, Alan and I have been keeping up with each other since 2007.  We published the book (see the column to the right under "Amazon Offerings"), received alot of media coverage about it and my eyes were filled with the world's mysteries and unspoken charms. 

I hadn't heard from Alan for awhile.  He had mentioned that he was going to leave Beijing this past December and relocate to New Zealand.  We've instant messaged each other, sent emails and the like as we've done in the past; our mode of communication.  We had tossed the idea around of writing another novel together...who knows?  It might be in the cards. 

Yet, I don't know.  He dropped me a line a few weeks ago and mentioned he was going to Japan to work on a project for a friend.  Of course, he has other things going on in New Zealand too.  He's a very energetic guy.  But, something inside of me whispered that our paths may not cross again.  I could be wrong of course, it's just a niggling I have.

Then again, I have walked Loi Kroh Road in spirit and I am forever changed. 

More Musings Later-

You'd think I'd be used to this...

but, I'm not. What am I talking about? DISCRIMINATION.

I applied for a writing job not too long ago and the recruiter called me and was thrilled with my qualifications. Great! Offer coming soon, right?

WRONG. The editor of this publishing company wanted a spouse to write a book on "Loving a Man with XYZ condition". When I revealed that my partner had this condition, she cautiously asked, You ARE married to a MAN, correct? When I said, "No" and explained the situation, - Boom. I didn't get the job.


Why? Cause I'm gay. That's it. If I had submitted a writing sample and she didn't like it, okay. I understand that.

Folks, we are smack dab in the latter part of 2008. Can we please move on into the 20th century? Harumph.

On to a lighter note....The Olympics are over (and man! weren't they exciting!) and my best bro, Alan Solomon survived it! If you remember, he and I co-wrote the book, "The Mango Tree Cafe, Loi Kroh Road" (it's an award winner by the way!) Anyway, Alan lives in Beijing, China and assisted the Chinese police with security.

Our book, "The Mango Tree Cafe', Loi Kroh Road"

Here he is enjoying some bar-b-que in Beijing (Company picnic).

Alan chowing down on BBQ

By the way, A Message to the Editor: "To Thine Own Self Be True" allow others to follow it.
More Musings Later-

Ever Had a Psychic Reading via Email?

Neither have I until recently! You remember my good friend, Alan who lives in Beijing, China? Turns out he is not only a superb writer, but he is a very psychic dude as well. Our meeting as we have (via email only) has been serendipitous to say the least.

Alan Solomon - At a booksigning in Beijing, China

What did he need from me to do a reading? An extreme closeup picture of my eyes. I know from writing books for clients who have lived in Asia, that fortune tellers and psychics tend to examine the feet, eyes, and palms to accurately predict the future and get a sense of the person they are reading. Although Alan isn't Asian, I guess some of the culture has rubbed off on him...or not. I'll have to ask him!

Anyway, thought you would be interested to read what I'm about - according to my eyes.
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..."You are a person who... is smart you know what you want to say, you say it but people don't seem to get it!

People who meet you like you instantly, you are warm, a little moody at times, and probably a little scary to many who don't understand your direct approach which you prefer over going around in circles to achieve the result you desire. You laugh a lot, you enjoy company, but you can be used too, so watch that.

But something I already know by chatting to you and what drew me to you initially is that you are not afraid of the world, you will meet challenges head-on, in the face of all the kicks you get you still stand tall and let people know who you are, and you are proud of who you are. That little eccentric piece of you intrigues people to the point that they need to investigate you further to try to find out what makes you tick. You are very courageous on the outside and can be a little vulnerable on the inside.

Looking into your eyes I can see a person who listens to people, to the point they talk at you and often you think, Jesus I wish he/she would shut up!..."
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Was he accurate? The "eyes" have it.
More Musings Later-

COMING SOON...

Are you ready for a virtual book signing with one author in BEIJING, CHINA and the other in NASHVILLE, TN USA?

Alan Solomon - Beijing, China Taryn Simpson - Nashville, TN USA

Read more about the book here: THE MANGO TREE CAFE, LOI KROH ROAD

STAY TUNED

The Mango Tree Cafe, Loi Kroh Road Book Trailer is on YouTube!