Lost Opportunity

[Pan-human]

About 10 years ago, before ACC died, I had a lovely holiday in Sri Lanka. I knew we would be visiting Sigiriya, and passing Adam's Peak, so I searched my SF collection for my copy of "Fountains of Paradise", intending to read it again during the holiday. Couldn't find it. Tried the bookshops for a second copy - no joy. Nothing at the airport. Gave up.

The first few days we were at the Kandalamaa Hotel (gorgeous, in a nature reserve, within sight of Sigiriya). One evening, just before dinner, a person I recognised was sitting at a nearby table on the terrace, with another man of similar age and appearance. I asked one of the waiters "Is that who I think it is?". He said yes - that's his brother out from England - this is where they meet when he comes.

Now I am of course cursing that I don't have my FoP, because I would have taken it across to say thank you for all the pleasure I've had from his books, and ask for my copy to be autographed.

In the end, since I had no excuse for disturbing a family gathering, I chickened out. I'm happy with that decision - but how I wish I'd had my FoP to firm up my resolve.

Anyone else come close to meeting a favourite author, and missed the chance? Tell your story.

 

[The Judge]

A lovely story. Wouldn't you like it to have a wider audience, though, in view of your final paragraph? It occurs to me that it might attract a little more attention, and garner more stories, if I moved it to a more general spot (though not quite sure where...).

 

[Null_Zone]

Whilst not an author I once sat at a restraunt table next to Tim Burton, spent most of the meal thinking "he looks familiar from somewhere" until we left the restraunant at which point the friend mentioned who it was.

Sadly the Mrs was with him.

 

[AE35Unit]

About 10 years ago, before ACC died, I had a lovely holiday in Sri Lanka. I knew we would be visiting Sigiriya, and passing Adam's Peak, so I searched my SF collection for my copy of "Fountains of Paradise", intending to read it again during the holiday. Couldn't find it. Tried the bookshops for a second copy - no joy. Nothing at the airport. Gave up.

The first few days we were at the Kandalamaa Hotel (gorgeous, in a nature reserve, within sight of Sigiriya). One evening, just before dinner, a person I recognised was sitting at a nearby table on the terrace, with another man of similar age and appearance. I asked one of the waiters "Is that who I think it is?". He said yes - that's his brother out from England - this is where they meet when he comes.

Now I am of course cursing that I don't have my FoP, because I would have taken it across to say thank you for all the pleasure I've had from his books, and ask for my copy to be autographed.

In the end, since I had no excuse for disturbing a family gathering, I chickened out. I'm happy with that decision - but how I wish I'd had my FoP to firm up my resolve.

Anyone else come close to meeting a favourite author, and missed the chance? Tell your story.

Oh I so wish I could have met him! I'd have come away with a huge grin all day!

 

[SpanishMill]

Some guy on ebay was selling a register receipt from a fishing supply purchase that Clarke made (which he autographed)... they're used to fans violating their privacy...I would certainly have done it...