A few months ago I was due to give a talk at Diesel bookstore, in Rockridge, along with Molly Katzen, Elizabeth Falkner, and a few other cookbook writers. I showed up on time, and met the bookstore manager. She looked both surprised and very worried, and asked me if I was okay, and to step into her office.
It wasn’t good, whatever it was.
It turns out that someone identifying themselves as Eric Gower had called the bookstore several hours before, claiming that a thief had broken into his car. His computer, which contained his only pictures of his mother (!) was stolen, and he had no way to get to the bookstore on time. He needed the bookstore to wire him $150, pronto, in order to make the event.
In one sense the story was so preposterous that it was amusing, and I got through the event ok, but in another, it was scary. Why in the world would *I* be chosen?? Jesus, couldn’t they find someone a little, I dunno, more well-known than an obscure cookbook writer? But maybe, in an odd way, it might be more plausible for that very reason.
I then brushed off the event as just another wacky manifestation of the times we live in, and forgot all about it. Until this morning, when the LA Times ran a story on how this “bookstore author scam” is gaining momentum. For any bookstore owners reading this, beware!
Well, at least I’m good company, with Nick Hornby.
Holy “High (in)Fidelity” Batman! This is so random. Crazy that this happened to you! I understand similar things were happening in restaurants here in the Bay Area as well. People are asking the host for money, with an excuse that they just lost a wallet or purse, for parking. Sometimes the host helps out and the people disappear never to be seen again.
I just had to send a link of this article to a few writer friends of mine. One is currently making bookstore appearances. I’m certain she will appreciate knowing this happens.
did you meet Molly Katzen??? she is my hero!
there are lots of rumors of phone scams here asking wives to send money to help out husbands or kids in scandal. usually for millions of yen…. 150$ is an interesting amount.
lucky it wasn’t true, i guess.
LA Times! and Nick Hornby! what else could you want?
Random indeed. It was quite the eye-opener. I’m just thankful it wasn’t personal, and never heard from the guy again….
Jan, I did meet Molly, and she’s very sweet in person. Sometimes one ends up liking authors LESS after meeting them, but Molly is grace incarnate.
And yes Lisa, anytime the words “breakaway cook,” “LA Times,” and “Nick Hornby” appear together, it’s a good day!
:^)
any publicity is good publicity, I say.
Gah, I live a few blocks from Diesel and never knew it. The site needs an “upcoming talks” section!