This past month has been a whirlwind. The books are selling at a phenomenal rate, and the first edition is already sold out. The second printing should be here by tomorrow, so there's still plenty of time to get a copy ... or two ... or 20 before Christmas. There have been a lot of people getting them as gifts.
No rest for the weary. Christmas is almost upon us and hey, why would I have anything bought, baked or bedazzled? Time to get cracking.
Check out the video about my book, Calamity and Courage: Tiffin's Battle During Ohio's Deadly 1913 Flood on this blog. In keeping with the time period, the photos are set to the original 1913 recording of Madame Butterfly. I know, I know ... I'm a frustrated opera star wannabe. I just want to wear those metal things on my chest and carry a shield.
I'm still trying to upload my radio interview but technology is not always my friend. It's still stuck in iTunes land.
Calamity and Courage: Tiffin's battle during Ohio's deadly 1913 flood
Watching the flood on S. Washington St.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
One more day, then it's back to work
Another Thanksgiving for the record books. The beauty about dysfunction is that a dysfunctional-family gathering is never boring. For the first time in my adult life, I overslept on turkey day and got the bird in the oven an hour later than I wanted. Nobody seemed to notice that the first course of turkey was a little medium rare.
I learned a very valuable lesson tonight as well. If you're going to have a group of people at your new apartment, it might be a good idea to invest in a plunger before the festivities. That saves a trip to Wal-Mart at 9 p.m. after you discover that someone did not take their leftovers home with them.
OK, so tonight, my 20-year-old son is spending the night in anticipation of Black Friday. Personally, I've never ventured out of the house on Black Friday. But Grant wants me to go jeans shopping with him at 6 a.m. What's a mother to do? Like a fool, I said "yes." Dang. People have died during an early bird attempt to obtain a Tickle Me Elmo.
I just know I am going to bed tonight, only to have nightmares of getting caught up in a stampede that would rival a 1979 Who concert. I'd hate to think I may have to deck a middle-aged woman over a pair of Wranglers. It's more likely I'd find it necessary to pummel some fool for being rude.
In any event, I'd better get some rest. Without a doubt, it's going to be a bumpy ride.
I learned a very valuable lesson tonight as well. If you're going to have a group of people at your new apartment, it might be a good idea to invest in a plunger before the festivities. That saves a trip to Wal-Mart at 9 p.m. after you discover that someone did not take their leftovers home with them.
OK, so tonight, my 20-year-old son is spending the night in anticipation of Black Friday. Personally, I've never ventured out of the house on Black Friday. But Grant wants me to go jeans shopping with him at 6 a.m. What's a mother to do? Like a fool, I said "yes." Dang. People have died during an early bird attempt to obtain a Tickle Me Elmo.
I just know I am going to bed tonight, only to have nightmares of getting caught up in a stampede that would rival a 1979 Who concert. I'd hate to think I may have to deck a middle-aged woman over a pair of Wranglers. It's more likely I'd find it necessary to pummel some fool for being rude.
In any event, I'd better get some rest. Without a doubt, it's going to be a bumpy ride.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Another Thanksgiving is upon us
Just a few thoughts:
• The Pilgrims claimed they came here for escape religious persecution. Let's get real. Everyone knows they actually came here for Black Friday deals.
• Here's to plenty of turkey and projectile eating. I may be getting older, but I can still dodge a glob of pre-chewed green bean casserole when I have to.
• My Thanksgiving is a reality show waiting to happen.
Have to get up in a few hours and get the turkey in the oven. Hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving!
• The Pilgrims claimed they came here for escape religious persecution. Let's get real. Everyone knows they actually came here for Black Friday deals.
• Here's to plenty of turkey and projectile eating. I may be getting older, but I can still dodge a glob of pre-chewed green bean casserole when I have to.
• My Thanksgiving is a reality show waiting to happen.
Have to get up in a few hours and get the turkey in the oven. Hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Is signing books alone something like drinking alone?
OK, so I'm sitting on my living room floor, signing a box of books for Dave at Paper and Ink. All alone. I could be signing them in my underwear and no one would know. But no, I wouldn't do that because that would be entirely too weird, even for me.
There are only about 50 books left. Tomorrow I will go to MLAD on Jefferson Street and order more. Owner Mark Levans says it'll only take about a week.
I do want to thank everyone who's purchased a copy of the first edition, for their support. This book sincerely was a labor of love ... one that I wanted to share with everyone. That's saying something, considering I used to get poor marks in school for my inability to share. Huh. Come to think of it, I also often "failed to show control," I "didn't respect the property of others," I "ran with scissors" and I "ate paste." No, wait a minute. That last one was David Watson.
Thought for the day: If you eat paste, do your butt cheeks ultimately ... naw, I'm not going to go there.
In any event, there will be more books, so remember that Calamity and Courage would make a great Christmas gift!
There are only about 50 books left. Tomorrow I will go to MLAD on Jefferson Street and order more. Owner Mark Levans says it'll only take about a week.
I do want to thank everyone who's purchased a copy of the first edition, for their support. This book sincerely was a labor of love ... one that I wanted to share with everyone. That's saying something, considering I used to get poor marks in school for my inability to share. Huh. Come to think of it, I also often "failed to show control," I "didn't respect the property of others," I "ran with scissors" and I "ate paste." No, wait a minute. That last one was David Watson.
Thought for the day: If you eat paste, do your butt cheeks ultimately ... naw, I'm not going to go there.
In any event, there will be more books, so remember that Calamity and Courage would make a great Christmas gift!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
First edition almost sold out after only two weeks!
There were times during the writing of Calamity and Courage that I felt like having a pity party and inviting all of my friends to share my misery. A year with very little income had turned me into a big ol' baby.
Writing is a crap shoot. You never know exactly how your work will be received. Well, thanks to all of you who purchased a copy of Calamity and Courage, I'm not a baby anymore, which is good, considering the diaper thing will come soon enough. I keep telling my son his penance for borrowing money over the years and not paying me back is that he will get to change my diaper when that time comes.
Anyway, today I will order the second printing of books. So those of you who get that limited, first-edition copy, hang onto it. In due time, you might be able to double your money when you sell it on E-Bay.
Just email me at virginalleypress@gmail.com and we'll talk.
Writing is a crap shoot. You never know exactly how your work will be received. Well, thanks to all of you who purchased a copy of Calamity and Courage, I'm not a baby anymore, which is good, considering the diaper thing will come soon enough. I keep telling my son his penance for borrowing money over the years and not paying me back is that he will get to change my diaper when that time comes.
Anyway, today I will order the second printing of books. So those of you who get that limited, first-edition copy, hang onto it. In due time, you might be able to double your money when you sell it on E-Bay.
Just email me at virginalleypress@gmail.com and we'll talk.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Calamity and Courage, the 1913 Tiffin Flood book, selling like hot cakes
Calamity and Courage, about the 1913 Flood in Tiffin, Ohio, has been out about two weeks and already it's about to go into its second printing. Once I get a marketer, it should really take off. Settling into a marketing strategy for an ADHD writer is like ... what was I saying? ... oh, I know, it's like ... hmm, I think I'll paint the kitchen yellow ... oh, I was talking about marketing ... LOOK! SQUIRREL!!
There now is a possibility that the book may be expanded into a another dimension, but that's something about which, thus far, I've been sworn to secrecy. If the next project goes as planned, it will be worth the wait.
Right now I'm just trying to get back on track with my Plan B. I'm writing for two universities, and I've got a few other irons getting hot in that proverbial fire. Of course the books are top priority, even though I had originally intended that my next book would deviate from being historical in nature. Unfortunately, that project did not materialize, so I'm back to doing what I do best — taking my readers back in time.
There's still time to order a first edition of Calamity and Courage. Just send $35 to: Virgin Alley Press • Box 14 • Melmore, OH 44845. They also are available at Paper and Ink in downtown Tiffin, across from the Courthouse.
There now is a possibility that the book may be expanded into a another dimension, but that's something about which, thus far, I've been sworn to secrecy. If the next project goes as planned, it will be worth the wait.
Right now I'm just trying to get back on track with my Plan B. I'm writing for two universities, and I've got a few other irons getting hot in that proverbial fire. Of course the books are top priority, even though I had originally intended that my next book would deviate from being historical in nature. Unfortunately, that project did not materialize, so I'm back to doing what I do best — taking my readers back in time.
There's still time to order a first edition of Calamity and Courage. Just send $35 to: Virgin Alley Press • Box 14 • Melmore, OH 44845. They also are available at Paper and Ink in downtown Tiffin, across from the Courthouse.
Monday, October 25, 2010
1913 Flood book just days away
Calamity and Courage: Tiffin's Battle During Ohio's Deadly 1913 Flood should be out next week! Needless to say, it's been a long-awaited project.
Make sure to pick up a Tiffin Advertiser-Tribune this Sunday, Oct. 31, for a story about the book by Nick Dutro. Damn boy even took a pic of my mug, which the more enterprising among us can blow up and use as a Halloween mask. Two things for the price of one! Watch those kiddies run in complete and utter terror! The A-T is also online, so you can read about the book there, if you don't want to buy and frame the article or have to put your kids on anti-anxiety medication.
Anyway, this book has had its costs. It cost me a partnership with a patient and supportive friend in Seattle. We had been planning to write a $1 million best-seller. Seriously, I think we could have. But at the time we made the decision to do that, I didn't realize this 1913 labor of love would stretch into more than a year. Guess we now both have to go to our Plan B's. In my case, it is with a heavy heart.
At this point, my plan B is to continue writing about the rich history of Ohio. There is so much more to tell. But in the meantime, there will be promotion for Calamity and Courage.
Hey, if all you readers aren't doing anything on Nov. 6 & 7, come see me at Paper and Ink in downtown Tiffin. I'll be doing a book signing there both days from noon-2 p.m.
Until then, I'll keep everyone posted on the dates and times that Calamity and Courage will make its debut.
Make sure to pick up a Tiffin Advertiser-Tribune this Sunday, Oct. 31, for a story about the book by Nick Dutro. Damn boy even took a pic of my mug, which the more enterprising among us can blow up and use as a Halloween mask. Two things for the price of one! Watch those kiddies run in complete and utter terror! The A-T is also online, so you can read about the book there, if you don't want to buy and frame the article or have to put your kids on anti-anxiety medication.
Anyway, this book has had its costs. It cost me a partnership with a patient and supportive friend in Seattle. We had been planning to write a $1 million best-seller. Seriously, I think we could have. But at the time we made the decision to do that, I didn't realize this 1913 labor of love would stretch into more than a year. Guess we now both have to go to our Plan B's. In my case, it is with a heavy heart.
At this point, my plan B is to continue writing about the rich history of Ohio. There is so much more to tell. But in the meantime, there will be promotion for Calamity and Courage.
Hey, if all you readers aren't doing anything on Nov. 6 & 7, come see me at Paper and Ink in downtown Tiffin. I'll be doing a book signing there both days from noon-2 p.m.
Until then, I'll keep everyone posted on the dates and times that Calamity and Courage will make its debut.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Radio Time is Sponsorship Time for 1913 Flood Book
Woke up knowing I had about 25 minutes to get to the new Seneca County internet radio station, senecacountyradio.com, for an interview with Keith. I'm a writer who tends to keep odd hours, so getting to the studio by 7 a.m. was a challenge. I didn't even have a cup of coffee and didn't have the brains ask Keith for a cup before we went on the air.
He's a great guy and a real pro. The interview went well, considering I practically needed to tape my eyelids open. Keith hit the high points and really tried to help me out with what my book needs the most at this point — sponsors. You can listen to the broadcast by clicking on the link below.
When I started writing Calamity and Courage: Tiffin's Battle During Ohio's Deadly 1913 Flood, the printing costs were minimal. After all, I was figuring the book would be about 100 pages. Silly me. This thing has taken on a life of its own, and after a full year, it's up to 290 pages (and counting) and at least 230 photos. The final appendix alone lists an estimated 475 names and addresses of Tiffin people who lived in the flood plane as well as what they lost in both real estate and personal property. This has truly become the definitive book on the subject.
That comes with a price.
At this writing, it's going to cost me thousands to print. That's where the sponsorships come into play. Everyone who purchases a sponsorship gets their name/business name listed at the back of the book, the address (or town); and in the case of businesses, the owner/manager's name. Business sponsorships fall into 5 categories: $50-$99; $100-$199; $200-$299; $300-$499; and $500 and above. Of course the largest sponsors get premium, bold-face placement.
Families can lest childrens' names, etc.
So anyone who wants to see their name forever enshrined in the book, email me at virginalleypress.com and I'll get the particulars.
This is the most comprehensive book ever written about the flood in Tiffin. The oral interview alone — from the people who lived through it — make it a great family heirloom!
Watch for me at the Heritage Festival in September. I'll be doing pre-orders.
He's a great guy and a real pro. The interview went well, considering I practically needed to tape my eyelids open. Keith hit the high points and really tried to help me out with what my book needs the most at this point — sponsors. You can listen to the broadcast by clicking on the link below.
When I started writing Calamity and Courage: Tiffin's Battle During Ohio's Deadly 1913 Flood, the printing costs were minimal. After all, I was figuring the book would be about 100 pages. Silly me. This thing has taken on a life of its own, and after a full year, it's up to 290 pages (and counting) and at least 230 photos. The final appendix alone lists an estimated 475 names and addresses of Tiffin people who lived in the flood plane as well as what they lost in both real estate and personal property. This has truly become the definitive book on the subject.
That comes with a price.
At this writing, it's going to cost me thousands to print. That's where the sponsorships come into play. Everyone who purchases a sponsorship gets their name/business name listed at the back of the book, the address (or town); and in the case of businesses, the owner/manager's name. Business sponsorships fall into 5 categories: $50-$99; $100-$199; $200-$299; $300-$499; and $500 and above. Of course the largest sponsors get premium, bold-face placement.
Families can lest childrens' names, etc.
So anyone who wants to see their name forever enshrined in the book, email me at virginalleypress.com and I'll get the particulars.
This is the most comprehensive book ever written about the flood in Tiffin. The oral interview alone — from the people who lived through it — make it a great family heirloom!
Watch for me at the Heritage Festival in September. I'll be doing pre-orders.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Introducing Calamity and Courage
The book, for all intents and purposes, is done. There's still some tweaking, but Hallaloolah! Amen! and Can I Get a Witness! It's finished.
Why am I so insanely happy? Well, for one, this book took on a life of it's own during the writing. As a result, I've had very little income during the past year. What the hell. It was worth it, even if I do end up like Edgar Allen Poe ... penniless, drunk and dead in a gutter. There's never been a book like this in this area. Maybe my grandkids will benefit from it someday, if I ever get any grandkids. I'm in no hurry for that, though, just in case my kids are reading this. Don't want them going out to have random sex to make a baby on my account.
First things first. I have to get the sponsorships to be able to publish this monstrosity. No easy task in this economy, but I'll do it nonetheless. Secondly, I have to move, and with very little income, looks like I might be living in a tent under the Washington Street bridge. Life is a never-ending adventure when you write for a living. Never a dull moment.
More about the book in the next installment. Hey, the library's closing. Free wireless and air conditioning. It just doesn't get any better than this. Wonder if there's a cot in the back...
Why am I so insanely happy? Well, for one, this book took on a life of it's own during the writing. As a result, I've had very little income during the past year. What the hell. It was worth it, even if I do end up like Edgar Allen Poe ... penniless, drunk and dead in a gutter. There's never been a book like this in this area. Maybe my grandkids will benefit from it someday, if I ever get any grandkids. I'm in no hurry for that, though, just in case my kids are reading this. Don't want them going out to have random sex to make a baby on my account.
First things first. I have to get the sponsorships to be able to publish this monstrosity. No easy task in this economy, but I'll do it nonetheless. Secondly, I have to move, and with very little income, looks like I might be living in a tent under the Washington Street bridge. Life is a never-ending adventure when you write for a living. Never a dull moment.
More about the book in the next installment. Hey, the library's closing. Free wireless and air conditioning. It just doesn't get any better than this. Wonder if there's a cot in the back...
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