So today while I was tucking into a Parrot in a Pepper tree (still) by Chris Stewart, one of my favourite books set in Spain, I had a revelation. I keep having these revelations. I’m not sure if it’s my age, or the fact that I think too much, anyway, the revelation involved the mighty Chris Stewart author of a Parrot in a Pepper tree.

[image error][image error]So I imagined him in his humble abode, just back from walking one of his dogs. I’m not even sure if he still has dogs, but I hope he has. He was breathing in the fresh air on his farm, pottering about in his vegetable patch when suddenly his postman, Paco appeared.

Paco handed him a package in the shape of a book. Chris picked it up.

“Un libro?” he would ask Paco.

“Un libro?” Paco would repeat.

“Who has sent me a book?”

I know Chris is a world famous author, he’s even famous in Argentina. How do I know? Well, the other day I was chatting to a Dad at one of those luxurious ball parks that crazy parents hire out to entertain thier children for their birthdays. I should know; it was my daughter’s party. So, as we were watching our daughters repeatedly go up and down a slide, and dodging the vicious boys throwing plastic balls everywhere, we got talking about books and travel literature. That’s when he mention Chris Stewarts, “you know, the one who writes about the lemons.” I knew of him, in fact I’d read his books before, so I began to read The Parrot in the Pepper Tree again.

Anyway, back to my revelation. So, there’s Chris with a package in his hands in the shape of a book. He’s scratching his head and wondering whether this is his new book from his publisher, the one that he’s working on, but the wrapping looks all different.

I imagined him taking the book into his kitchen and speaking to his wife.

“Someone has sent me a book,” he said, dumping it on the table.

“Who is it from?” she asked. Then Chloe popped in, curious to see who the book was from.

“I’m not sure.”

“Well, go on, have a look.”

Then he made a cup of tea, and put off opening the book so he could guess who it was from, but, alas, he didn’t know.

Then, once with a cup of tea in his hand, he opened the book, and he saw it was a book called Falling for Flamenco by Barry O’Leary.

“Who the hell is Barry O’Leary, and why has he sent me a book?”

Then he looked at the cover, and remembered the time that he went to Seville in search of becoming a flamenco guitarist, and, hopefully, he’d immediately connect with the book, because that’s what writers do.

He’d think back to the time when he stayed in a hotel in Seville. He was chatted up by a couple of flamenco dancers, and remember when he even waited to play his guitar for a flamenco dancer, and in the end he didn’t have the balls to play for her, just like he admitted.

He was curious to read the book because, in fact, it would remind him of him, back in the day, eager to know Spanish, to know about flamenco, and to know just what it would take to serenade a beautiful Spanish woman.

Then he’d open the letter, and read it, and this would be the letter.

Dear Chris,

I’m sure thousand of guys living in Andalusia send you copies of books they have written everyday, so here’s another one for your pile.

My name’s Barry and I’m a huge fan of your work. I’m not one of those weird stalker types who might pop up outside your house asking for an autograph. However, I have read all of your books. I’m currently reading a Parrot in a Pepper tree for the second time.

Today I was reading about your time in Seville. I had forgotten that you came here, and so I thought that maybe you would like to read my book. I have lived in Seville for 13 years. I’ve never learnt how to play the flamenco guitar, but I immediately felt a connection with the music, as you did. When I read the bit about when you arrived in Seville and wanted to become a flamenco guitarist, I thought why don’t I just send this to you, as a sort of thanks for entertaining me. Just think of it as a gift from one writer to another. I’m an avid fan of books set in Spain too.

I’d like to thank you for your inspiration over these years. I’ve read your books at various stages of my life here and they have always entertained me. Maybe more so now, especially because I feel that I am finally finding my writing voice. I’d like to think you have influenced me in some way. Being able to see Spain through your eyes has been uplifting, amusing, and also educational. I love the way you laugh at life, and at yourself, and I see myself doing that.

So, enjoy the book, if you ever get round to reading it, I’d be eager to know your thoughts.

Your sincerely

Barry O’Leary

Yes. That is the letter that I’m going to write to Chris, when I send my book to him, as soon as I find his address. It must be on his blog: Driving Over Lemons somewhere.

Books set in Spain. Photo by Mabacam

Why am I doing this? As I said in my letter, it’s merely a thanks. I hope he’d be interested to read it, and maybe he’d send it on to his publisher. He is a guiri too, like me. Life is about risks. Just like writing is, and if you get an idea, or a hunch, and never follow it through, then you’ll always be wondering what if…

What if he likes the book and leaves a review on Goodreads, or my blog? Fantastic.

What if he throws it in the bin? Maybe not so fantastic.

What if his publisher is there, having a cup of tea when he gets the book and tries to contact me? Even more fantastic. Sharing is caring.

Have you ever sent something to say thanks to an author who has written books set in Spain? What happened?

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