The Discard Pile

It's important to have a sense of humor in life. It eases a lot of stress.

Last month, while in Hessel in Michigan's glorious Upper Peninsula, I stopped in at the local library. They were holding a used book sale, obviously as a fund raiser but also, I'm sure, to clear the shelves for new wares. Lo and behold, and to my delight, I found a copy of my novel David Gideon. My initial thought was, how cool! The Les Cheneaux Public Library had bought a copy. My very next thought was, and it's in the discard pile.

It was a chuckle worthy incident with a strand of humility tossed in. Isn't that where most all books will end their lives, cast off for the brightest and newest? I did have a laugh at myself over it. And after all, what should I expect? My writing simply isn't going to be everyone's cup of tea.

I nearly bought it. Then it occurred to me that a sale to a (hopefully) impressed reader might lead to other sales of my other books. So I grabbed a pen, signed the inside cover "I hope you enjoy my book! Marty Cosgriff." and slid it right back in place. We'll see what happens.