Well this is fun. A month or two ago, I entered Memoirs of a Gas Station in the “Shirley You Jest!” book awards, a literary contest that highlights the often-overlooked and somewhat offbeat world of humor books (and the authors who write them). Finalists were announced on September 1, and what do you know, the damn thing made the cut. Righteous. You can see the full list of categories at the official website.
The winners will be announced on November 1, and I assure you I’ll be posting on this blog if I somehow manage to make it that far. And if you don’t hear from me, just assume the worst. Either way, I’m proud to be a finalist and to get that cool badge thingy in the corner there.
And a big thank you to everyone who read, reviewed, or just gave this book the general time of day. This should serve as some sort of validation that you are not completely crazy. At least that’s how I’m taking it.
In the spirit of Shirley, I leave you with this timeless quote:
“Can you fly this plane, and land it?”
“Surely you can’t be serious.”
“I am serious. And don’t call me Shirley.”
– Airplane
September 26, 2012
I’m not the least bit surprised. I just finished the book this morning, and…
I think I’m headed for a severe psychotic depression. No more Sam Neumann pages to turn. No more smiles. No more grins. No more freekin’ LOLs.
So sad. What’s the point of even getting up in the morning. May as well chuck it in right now.
Crossin’ fingers for ya!
September 26, 2012
Thank you so much, Dyanne – so glad you enjoyed it. Please don’t give up though, there is reason to go on! 🙂
Sounds like everything is going well for you out in the great wide open. Keep on livin’ the dream.
September 30, 2012
Hey Sam, well I just downloaded your book from Amazon, I’m about ten pages in and have already laughed out loud at LEAST three times, which in my book, is pretty impressive. You’re a great writer, I know that already, and I look forward to giving you a cracking review on Goodreads when I’m done (to thank you for the free book, I mean, it’s the least I can do). Well done! Good luck in the comp!
September 30, 2012
Ah, thank you Sarah! I somewhat promise it does not go incredibly downhill after the first ten. Very glad to know the book’s being read on a beach in Mexico (or wherever you’re living it up currently).
October 3, 2012
Just finished your book and absolutely LOVED it!! Good luck to you on your award!!
October 30, 2012
Thanks so much Susannah! Only a few days now, keeping my fingers crossed.
October 27, 2012
Sam, Just found your e-book while looking for something to inspire me to here in my new temporary home along the soon-to-be-battered east coast (B-More). I work nights, which is almost as bad as working in a gas station. I read before trying to sleep. Travel books take me to dream land.
I have spent a dozen years in the true wilderness of Alaska, Fairbanks and the NSB. I loved taking trips north of the Arctic Circle. Hope you can get yourself back up, as there are MANY more places to explore. Shoot me an e-mail anytime for some insight.
Denise
October 30, 2012
Thanks Denise. I hope you’re doing alright out there – Sandy is already looking pretty nasty.
I made it one of my goals to get back to AK eventually, and that hasn’t changed. You’re so right about the vastness of it; I barely scratched the surface of what’s available. So I just have to find another chunk of time to go check it out (and probably bring a car this time :)) Be expecting an email when I do. Stay safe!