Meeting Molly Ivins - My Little Tale

[NashVegas]

Thirteen years ago, Molly appeared in Nashville at the Southern Festival of Books.

I brought my copy of Nothin' But Good Times Ahead to request an author's signature.

As I was standing in the fairly long line, one of her assistants passed out slips of paper to us all (and pencils where needed), to write down what we would like Molly to write in our books.

At first I was a little taken aback; I'd never been to a book signing before and it struck me as a little cheeky to be telling an author what to say. As I thought more about it, it struck me as a good thing; as an occasional writer, I will rip hairs out getting anything that's for publication *just right.* So, yeah, give the author a break.

So I pondered over what would be appropriate to ask the Molly Ivins to inscribe. What is appropriate to ask of a complete stranger, whose work you admire?

When I finally got up to Molly, I handed her my book and slip. She gave me a puzzled look and asked what it meant. I explained to her that after publishers' accounting methods, it was probably about her take from my purchase.

And she laughed, with a great, beautiful, knowing laugh.

[WiseButAngrySara]

1. Oh, this is good! French fries...and probably true! Thanks

for posting. K&R!

[Captain Hilts]

Theintro to NBGTA has her comment about marketing "Molly Ivins' BBQ-Flavored Vaginal Gel."

I was useless for three days after reading that.

[Hekate]

10. Dear gods, I missed that one! roflmao! Must get that book from the library...

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

What a great, great lady. Hope she and Ann Richards are up there together toasting the Human Comedy.

Hekate

[Missy Vixen]

2. I love this

I met Molly, too. It was one of the greater evenings of my life, because I told her to her face that she is the Goddess of Journalism.

I will miss her wit, her intelligence and her fearlessness always. I can only hope that somehow, I have a kernel of that fearlessness inside of me, too.

Julie

[NashVegas]

5. I Don't Know That I Believe In Heaven

But if I did, I'd imagine she and Anne Richards are getting drunk (spiritually, of course) about now.

[lordsummerisle]

7. Well said

I can't believe I won't be reading her columns anymore....I miss her terribly.

[Blue State Blues]

3. thanks for the laugh

on this otherwise terrible day

[midnight]

4. Nothing but good times ahead is what she could easily

perceived thanks to Clinton. But sadly it was not to be-thanks to Jr.bushwacking us. I haven't read the book, and was just conjecturing what this book might be about. Was I close? As far as the french fries. You are pretty funny yourself. How nice that you had an opportunity to meet her.

[NashVegas]

6. It's good stuff

The Bush she was writing about was HW, and there are many essays reflecting the 1992 election.

[derby378]

8. No French fries here, but I've got a picture of Molly from 2005

ginbarn and I headed down to Austin, TX in June 2005 for DemocracyFest. That Saturday morning (June 18), we were very lucky to catch Molly Ivins after she wrapped up a lecture with Jim Hightower, and Molly was happy to pose for a photo with ginbarn, who considers Molly a hero and a role model.



Rest in peace, Molly. You've earned it. But we the living will miss you desperately.

[NashVegas]

9. Oh, That's a Lovely Photo

What great smiles.

[WiseButAngrySara]

11. This photo is priceless! Thanks for sharing. ....n/t

[spooky3]

12. Great photo, and great story, Crisco!

I'll bet she remembered that encounter.