It’s happened.
About eighteen months since I was told I was going to be translated for sale in the Czech Republic, Hrebik Zarazany Do Sdrce is in better bookstores across Prague. That’s A Nail Through the Heart to those of us in the English-speaking world.
Being translated is one of the really rarefied pleasures of writing. It’s difficult to explain the satisfaction, but somehow it’s an all-the-way-to-the-toes thrill to know that somewhere in the world someone has labored long and hard over something I wrote, bringing it to a whole new readership. It’s very, very gratifying.
It also allows me to have the coolest segment in all my bookcases — me in different languages. Few objects delight me more than the first copy of a book in translation. There it is, with my name in it, a title I’ve never seen or heard before, and I didn’t have to do any extra work.
Now, what I’m hoping for is an invitation to Prague, one of the four cities in the world I most want to see. I’ll even pay my own way, if someone will just take charge of me, introduce me to some interesting people, and show me around.
Then I can say to people, “I’ll do it right after I get back from Prague.” I might even buy a smoking jacket.
December 27th, 2012 at 2:16 am
Congratulations, Tim. What an honor for you and recognition of your work. “A Nail Through the Heart” is what got me hooked–here comes the rest of the world!
December 28th, 2012 at 9:34 am
Too cool, Tim! I tried to figure out which book it was from the title… good thing you told us, as my effort was a complete wash-out. As for the smoking jacket, that’s easy: go to your closet with a can of lighter fluid and a Bic… mission accomplished.
December 29th, 2012 at 9:23 am
Thanks, Tom. Wouldn’t that be nice? But then I’d have to write more books, and the way things are going right now it’s more comfortable to contemplate having people do things with books I’ve already finished. But who knows? Maybe I’ll push through it.
Everett,I share your bewilderment at the relationship between the languages. No apparent common roots at all. Should I be wearing the jacket when I douse it?
December 29th, 2012 at 10:46 am
I’m happy you are spreading your books. Your humor is a little harder to contemplate today. A happy new year to you and yours.
December 30th, 2012 at 2:37 pm
Thanks, Lil. My humor is sometimes difficult for me to contemplate, too, but (unfortunately) I usually get over it. Glad to see you back here.
December 30th, 2012 at 2:40 pm
More happiness is sent to you from your pals in Fort Bragg. What are the other 3 cities on your wish list?? Fort Bragg has been visited, visiting Prague will be great!! Just go and hang out–book store owners will be thrilled to welcome you. Leave your smoking jacket home, take Munyin!! Love, Ruth & Joe (Happy writing in the New Year!!)
December 30th, 2012 at 4:04 pm
And happiness back at you, Ruth. The other three cities are Barcelona, Vienna, and Luang Prabang, in Laos. I’d gladly take Munyin, if you’ll push her, kicking and screaming, into the plane.
Oh, and Reykjavik, but not in December or January. So that’s four.
January 9th, 2013 at 5:48 am
Your book in Czech? That is the coolest thing in the world. I assume you will frame that cover. Actually, you should pin it to your smoking jacket and hop on a plane to Praha. It’s sure to get you a lot of free beers in the local pubs. (Take Poke there too. He would love it.)
I salute you sir. This is just the beginning!
January 9th, 2013 at 10:11 pm
Thanks, John – great to hear from you. Mu smoking jacket is at the cleaners in expectation of an invitation to Prague. Hope to bump into you sometime soon on one continent or another.