Famous, Shmamous

(This is a repeat from a few years ago, but hopefully everyone has a short memory.)

A friend and I were recently discussing a Hollywood celebrity who’s been in the news quite a bit. The outcome of the conversation was that we’re perfectly happy not being famous.

Think about it. If you’re not famous, you can go to the grocery store without people mobbing you and asking questions or asking for an autograph. Well, once there were two ladies who knew who I am and wanted to chat. That’s okay, really, because it’s not something that happens all the time. I don’t feel the need to wear a wig and sunglasses.

I can go to the beauty shop for a haircut without people fawning over me. Hmm. Maybe I wouldn’t mind a little fawning, but at least I don’t have the paparazzi nipping at my heels. Oh, well, if they were then that would probably mean my books were bestsellers. I guess that’s not all bad.

I have some friends who went to a famous author’s house once while on vacation. They stood in the street and watched his house. He came out and said they could look all they wanted, but if they stepped onto his property he might have to shoot them. Oops! Well, honestly, I might find it a little creepy to have people standing in the street, staring at my house.

I can go to parties and remain somewhat anonymous. That’s not all bad. Shopping in a department store? Total anonymity. The only person who’s ever peeked under the dressing room door was a small child, and she was looking for her mother.

Honestly, if I were well-known and wanted to just be one of the crowd, all I’d have to do would be to go out without make-up and let my hair grow out to grey. Without make-up I look like a totally different woman. A neighbor came to the door early one morning and she was shocked and speechless when I opened it. True Story. In my younger days I really was a blonde (uh, not that I’m not one now) and without beauty aids I have no face. Light complexion, all blonde – just two blue eyes staring out of… Well, you get the idea.

On the other hand, with fame (the kind I’m talking about) comes money. I’ve read a few articles about bestselling authors and the fabulous homes they live in. Just think, when something went wrong you wouldn’t have to check the budget before having repairs done or buying a new whatever-it-is.

I guess I appreciate what I do have more because I’ve had to work so hard to get it (not that bestselling authors haven’t). I’d never like to reach a point where I take things for granted. One can always dream about what it would be like though. Publishers and fans beating down my door, figuratively speaking, would make for a very interesting day. I’ve been on television and radio (local shows), and it doesn’t seem to have made a difference in book sales. Ah, well, we keep trying.

So not all of our names are household words. So what? I have more fun when I’m writing than I ever expected. If I do an event I can be myself without feeling like I have to be “on.”

What would I do different if I were famous? Probably nothing. As far as I know, the paparazzi don’t chase after authors. Let’s face it, most people have no idea what their favorite author really looks like. Um, I guess that’s not true. I’d recognize Mary Higgins Clark on the street in a New York minute, along with several other favorites.

What about you? As a reader, do you make it a point to watch for your favorite authors? Have you ever gone out of your way to meet someone you admire? I have. I made it a point to introduce myself to Rhys Bowen. She probably thought I was some crazed whacko fan, but she let me have my picture taken with her. Poor woman. She probably thought if we had a picture together I’d leave her alone. Oh! Now that I think about it, I did.

As a writer, do you wear a wig, sunglasses and a large, floppy hat? Of course not. You’re gracious to your fans and answer their questions willingly – because mystery writers are a fabulous group of people.

Interesting. I’ve used the word “fabulous” twice in this post. Isn’t that a word famous people use?

Until next time, think about what you’d do if you were famous. Would fame be worth it? Have a fabulous week!

CLICK HERE to visit Marja McGraw’s website

CLICK HERE for a quick trip to Amazon.com

Try One Adventure Too Many – A Sandi Webster Mystery. Who knows? Maybe that will turn out to be a breakout book and I’ll be on my way to fame. Uh huh.