APRIL/MAY 2004
How many times do you write a book?
This is the question I’ve been asking myself for the last little while. In March ShortHand Publishing sign a deal with a company in Victoria, B.C. that will not only reprint, but promote my autobiography, Too Much For One Lifetime.
The first step in this process was to get the book ready for reprinting. This was an excellent opportunity to change the few things I didn’t like the first time around. My editor once told me a book needs many, many edits. I have lost count how times I have gone through my story, there always seems to be something that can be improved upon.
When formatting the book the first time we lost our italics, this was not noticed until it was too late. I’m sure there will be minor things missed this time around as well, but that’s what makes this all so interesting.
Except for a few author visits, I spent the month of April formatting the book and getting it ready for our May 1st deadline. This, I’m happy to report was accomplished, and none to soon I might add.
Our first big promotion will be Book Expo 2004 Chicago, ILL. June 4th to 6th. I won’t personally be attending; however, I will be at the second, Book Expo Canada in Toronto the following week. I’m sure I will learn a lot about the publishing industry as there are many events planned for all attendees. I will give you a full report in the June memo.
So, on to other things. I’m extremely happy to report the Stinkbugs are at a minimum this year. We have hardly seen any and it is a welcome change from last year I can assure you.
I love spring – watching everything come back to life after a long, cold winter. I spoke to my uncle in Ontario today (May 4th) and he told me the trees there are almost in full leaf. Maybe I shouldn’t have told him our trees have been out for a few weeks now, but I couldn’t help myself.
In April we watched birds as they prepared to build their new homes. A family of Sparrows is living in our neighbor’s eavestrough. We watched as they collected twigs from our yard which had blown over from the neighbors willow tree – it was nice of them to tidy up.
We watched with amusement as one tried to get a twig, at least eighteen inches long, into the tiny space. He would try, find out he couldn’t quite make it, then, fly back onto the roof as if to think it over. While pondering his dilemma he’d pace up and down, all the while holding the twig in his beak. Then, he’d try it again.
He tried countless times and I had to give up watching as my writing was calling me back. They must have their nest finished because every now and then we see them coming and going with a fresh meal for their little ones. Nature is a wonder to behold.
Also in April we added a sunroom to the back of our home. Now, we are able to sit and enjoy the beauty around us without concern for the weather. Last night it was extremely blustery but that didn’t affect us in the least.
We noticed after the sun sunk behind the mountains in the west, it was still shining on the mountains in the south/east. I’m sure there is a logical explanation, but it still struck the senses as odd.
Seeing, (pun intended) that our sunroom is made of glass, I am able to watch the eagles as they soar high above us. What graceful creatures they are. Oh, to be so free.
Another thing we have been enjoying is watching and listening to it rain. Years ago we used to sit in our garage and listen to the rain – there’s something very soothing about rain. I’m also looking forward to watching it snow on the roof, but I’m not rushing the summer.
We have a couple of author visits this month and they will probably be the last ones for this year. That makes nineteen this year. I enjoyed each and every one of them more than I can say. I look forward to what next year holds for us.
Plans are well under way for my trip to Toronto next month. I’m so looking forward to the adventure which lies ahead. After the Expo I will be taking a couple of days to visit friends and my aunt and uncle who live in the area. There are a couple of very special people I will be dropping in on, but I’ll tell you about those visits next time.
I have already begun to go through, Too Much For One Lifetime: Book Two as it is for the most part up-to-date. Just a couple of chapters to add and it will be complete. I have been asked when it will be out and before hooking up with this new company I didn’t have an answer to give. Now, I can say if all goes well, hopefully it will be ready for ordering next year!!
There isn’t much else going on right now, so will end this month’s memo by saying, never give up on your dreams! Life is a grand adventure and I look forward to seeing what it holds. Until next time, be well! J
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