One of the best things to happen to me recently was when friends of mine started sending me pictures of themselves holding my book. There’s really no feeling quite like it, and I’m hard pressed to explain it even though I’m purportedly a writer. (Although using a word like “purportedly” will probably get me beat up). But, after a friend of mine sent me a picture of Gift of the Shaper “hanging out” in Greece, I got to thinking that I could start to do something with them.
Thus was born the idea of “Gift of the Shaper in the Wild,” which will be my attempt at sharing the people who are the backbone of my success: my friends, and the people who were crazy enough to pick up my book. I couldn’t think of a better way of saying “thank you,” so this is my feeble attempt at doing so.
My first victim/hero is a friend of mine from back when we were teenagers, when Dashboard Confessional was cool and cloning a sheep was a big deal. So, if you’ll indulge me, I’d like to take the time to tell you about my friend Danielle.
D.L.: Alright Danielle, thanks for agreeing to do this. I’ll ship you the cash later. Do me a favor and tell us a little bit about yourself.
Well, I’m a 35 year old married mom of 3 kids and a dog living in Cleveland in an old Victorian house just a few minutes from downtown. A little more, I’m a business owner, but that’s just a living. I like to think of myself as a daydreaming nerd who loves art and movies and of course a good book.
D.L.: I remember you being excited about the map in my book. No wonder we’re friends. Okay so let’s say you find yourself the lone survivor of an interplanetary mission to the Andromeda Galaxy. What three items have you brought for the trip and why?
D.L.: I can see you’ve thought of everything. I wasn’t expecting this level of detail.
Now, if I could only have three things with me after finding myself the sole survivor I would have a supply pack with me or on me at all times. A gun or future weapon and an actual picture of my family, to physically hold onto. Ugh this just got sad.
D.L.: Super sad. But at least you’ll be well-moisturized.
Sure, but just to clarify, it would be a gun that also has flame throwing capabilities. Actually, no, I want the gun from the Fifth Element, you know, the one that Zorg demonstrated for the Mangalores?
D.L.: I am so happy we are friends. Okay, shifting gears here, what is your most vivid childhood memory?
I have many. So many. It’s hard to narrow it down. I guess one that always stands out is standing at the top of my basement steps with my dad and being embarrassed to shout down to the monsters “I’m not afraid of you!” Over and over. When I think back I can still feel the fear and then the joy as we gave those basement monsters what for. They never bothered me again [Editors note: This was the actual emoji that she used. I had to keep it].
D.L.: That’s super adorable. I can almost picture you standing there with your gun that you probably brought to Andromeda.
Right.
D.L.: What are you most proud of?
Probably for raising such awesome kids. And also starting a business.
D.L.: I’ve seen the facebook pictures. It’s like Cool is genetically inherited or something. Speaking of cool, what is your favorite book, and why is it Gift of the Shaper?
*Laughter.* Well. Honestly I’d have to say I don’t have a favorite book but the Dune series would be my favorite collection.
D.L.: Damn. I really thought that would work. Any shout-outs you want to give?
Like to real people? Shout out to my husband. John, thanks for never making me feel like a loser when I re-watch Star Wars, for always making me laugh even when I don’t want to and for being my teammate in this game called life. [Editor’s note: this was published on May 4th, International Star Wars Day. I did not plan this. May the Fourth be with you]. Famous people? Shout out to Neil DeGrasse Tyson for blowing my mind, Beyoncé for Beychella and Black twitter, you know why 🖤
D.L.: Solid choices. NDGT is always great to give a shout-out to, especially if you wind up taking a trip to Andromeda. Before we go, is there anything else you’d like to add?