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
I remember scarfing these down years ago when I lived in PA. Instead of buying your typical donut, I would always turn to the bastard step child of the family and eat him instead. However, since moving to Vegas it is very rare that I ever find these in the luxury donut places that I visit (gas stations) and thus I have almost stopped eating this delicious form of baked artery clogger.
ReplyDeleteI thank you for being brave enough to talk about your love of the Cruller so openly and honestly and for sharing it with the rest of the world. You are doing humanity a big favor sir.
Omg..... This is sad.....and funny....
ReplyDeleteSorry, I don't like cruelles.
I'm a cake donut or eclair girl.
Crueller's are for old timers. A dying breed, that is only missed in the sepia toned memories of the most discriminating. That's my story and I am sticking, 'get it' to it.
ReplyDeleteAs to your other thought, Andy Warhol promised 15 min. He didn't say which 15 minutes. Enjoy it, my now, famous author friend!
You made me cry! Another old friend has bitten the dust--or since it's a donut, maybe it was bitten BY the dust!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting! Even if it's about donuts and not your novel. Your friends sound evil by the way! ;-)
ReplyDelete