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.

Listen to SENECA COUNTY RADIO.COM ON DEMAND PROGRAMMING - INTERNET Tiffin, Ohio

Listen to SENECA COUNTY RADIO.COM ON DEMAND PROGRAMMING - INTERNET Tiffin, Ohio

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...