A tranquil afternoon in Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, where the elegant park offers respite amidst the city’s rhythm. Here I sit, the author of “LAWNDALE” and “Down the Shore,” immersed in my surroundings.
Rittenhouse Square has always been one of those places in Philadelphia where time seems to slow down. It’s a haven within the city, a respite where I often find myself, taking in the sights and sounds of this urban oasis. I was just taking a break between visits to some local bookshops.
But on this particular day, Rittenhouse Square had something extraordinary in store. As I sat on a bench, a gentle breeze rustling through the leaves of the towering trees, I noticed a young woman approaching. She had an air of curiosity about her, and her smile was both warm and inviting.
When she stood before me, our eyes met in friendly acknowledgment. “Excuse me,” she began, her voice soft-spoken and polite. “Are you Charles Wiedenmann?”
I must confess; that I’m always taken aback when someone recognizes me outside my small sphere of influence. (Even if they mispronounce my last name!) I smiled and nodded. “Yes, that’s me. How can I help you?”
She introduced herself as Mei, a student at Drexel University. The intrigue deepened as she revealed that she had read my book, “LAWNDALE,” which she discovered at the Free Library of Philadelphia. “I recognized you from your photo on the back of the book.”
I mentioned that I had done an author event at the library in May.
“I’m sorry I missed your event last month. I’m sure it was great.”
I chuckled and thanked her, humbled and delighted that my work had found its way into her hands. What followed was a heartwarming conversation about her journey through the pages of “LAWNDALE.”
Mei, a history major, shared how the stories of my neighborhood resonated with her, and she felt a connection not only to the place but also to the struggles and triumphs conveyed within the book. Her passion for literature and local history was evident.
With genuine curiosity, Mei inquired if I had written anything since then. I told her about my last book, “Down the Shore,” which explored my summers in Wildwood during the ’70s. Her eyes lit up with interest, and she expressed her intent to purchase a copy on Amazon.
Sharing my literary adventures with such an enthusiastic reader was a joy. With a smile, I reached into my bag and produced a copy of “Down the Shore,” armed with a Sharpie pen. “Who should I make it out to?” I asked. She smiled and shared her info, and I couldn’t have been happier to sign the book for her. “Here, take one of my business cards. You can use it as a bookmark.”
It’s moments like these that remind me why I write—to connect with readers who share a passion for storytelling and find meaning in the tales I weave.
As our conversation continued, Mei asked if I was working on anything new. I shared the details of a current project, which I hoped to publish in the future.
The excitement in her eyes mirrored my own enthusiasm for this latest venture into the world of literature. Our chance encounter in Rittenhouse Square had blossomed into a delightful exchange, a reminder of the beauty of unexpected connections and the profound way literature brings people together.
Our paths had crossed in this city of stories, and it was a moment worth cherishing—a meeting of writer and reader under the dappled sunlight of Rittenhouse Square.
.
.
Thank you for reading my blog. Please read, like, comment, and most of all follow Phicklephilly.
You can check out my books here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=charles+wiedenmann&ref=nb_sb_noss_1
Phicklephilly 