Letting go of one’s book can be difficult. Several weeks ago I was in the pub enjoying a pint with 2 friends. I had just sold a copy of my book, “Lost in the Labyrinth of My Mind” to my friend A. There it sat, in all it’s splendour within easy reach of 3 pints of beer. Just one careless elbow or a wrong move by my guide dog Trigger and my book would have been well and truly soaked! While I didn’t voice my concerns, I sat in convivial surroundings thinking “what if someone’s beer splashes all over my book?” However the book was, of course no longer mine as it’s ownership had passed from me to my friend A who is now entitled to do with it as he sees fit. While “Lost” remains mine in the sense that the creator of intellectual property/ideas retains ownership of them (unless he signs a contract signifying otherwise), once I sell and/or give away any of my books, the property in them passes to their new owner.
I guess my feeling of concern regarding that book and the 3 pints can be compared to a parent who’s child has reached the age of majority, the point at which they can leave home and enter into relationships without parental consent. Parents may worry that a particular date isn’t right. They can, however do nothing whatever about their son or daughter’s decision.
The copies of “Lost”, once sold are, forever lost to me. Doubtless their new owners will treat them with care and, I hope gain many happy hours leafing through my work. I do, however think from time to time about that book on the pub table and the 3 pints of beer …!