Weird things happen on the Internet.
A few months ago, I got an email from a woman claiming to be from the Boston Globe. She asked that I give her a call. I did a Google search on the phone number and the name because I have some very creative friends that just love practical jokes. Sure enough, she was a reporter from the Globe.
I thought that, maybe, she had gotten an early copy of The Reluctant and was so impressed that she wanted to do an interview. Even if I were not that lucky, surely she wanted to talk to me about something to do with the changing face of the publishing industry. Maybe she needed an author's view on newspapers? Maybe she wanted to know about the trials and tribulations of an author in today's world?
Nope. It was about food (see link to the article below). A pastry that seems to now qualify for the endangered species list, to be exact. I was disappointed that her interest in me had nothing to do with my books but, after all, I probably know more about food than writing.
This is where the strangeness of the Internet comes into play.
There had been a discussion on the GoodReads group, Creative Reviews, about pastry where I mentioned my love for the cruller. This reporter, Jenna Russell, was looking into the mysterious confection and had done a Google search of her own. That forum discussion and my name popped up.
We chatted on the phone for a half hour or more. She even did a follow-up call a few weeks later. She had uncovered new information on the subject and asked if I thought that “twisted sticks” qualified as crullers. Pffft! Not even close. I am a purist when it comes to unhealthy and delicious food.
As the weeks passed, I gave up on the fight to save the disappearing cruller. I figured that an editor with no taste, so to speak, had killed the story. Would anyone else besides Ms. Russell and me care about this ignored delicacy? I had my doubts.
Tonight, I received another email from her. The story is posted. Other people care. I am not alone. If you are a closeted and frustrated cruller fan, you may speak openly now. Cruller sightings are occurring with more frequency. Your desire does not have to remain secret. There is battle yet to be waged, but there is hope.
Viva La Cruller!
Splitter
