Tom Explains Why he IS NOT AWESOME

[Tom]

A moment ago I received a message from a 'fan' who had kindly purchased Dolphin Song. She messaged me saying...
YOU ARE AWESOME!
Which is a wonderful thing to type. But, well, you see... I dont want to be AWESOME... I just want to be Tom. Here's why...
Fame is like a Golden Calf. People look at it from afar. They bow and curtsy. They don't see or hear it because there's nothing behind the glitter. I dont want that. I dont want fans. I want and need FRIENDS.
People I can have a meal with, a beer with. People I can laugh with and cry with. People who I can listen to and who can listen to me. Connecting that way makes life...well...life.
So if you reach out to me please dont say I'M AWESOME. Instead say Hi Tom. And I promise to say hi back.
WE MARCH FOR Liam O'Neill
Www.tomrichards.ie

[V.M.]

You aren't awesome, Tom. You're an ordinary person, who has written a book. Well done. But even starting a novel makes you one step above most, finishing it puts you up another, then having the courage to publish and expose it to the world puts you up a third step.
But in spite of that, you, me, and all other authors are just ordinary people at heart. Let's hope it stays that way, and those who read our books become friends, not fans.

[Tom]

thank u VM SANG. I agree. we keep writing. T