Earlier this month, my friend Kim, who is battling breast cancer (and winning, thank you very much, God!), sent the following e-mail about attitude vs. perception:
ATTITUDE AND PERCEPTION
There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head.
"Well," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today." So she did and she had a wonderful day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head.
"H-M-M, " she said, "I think I'll part my hair down the middle today." So she did and she had a grand day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head.
"Well," she said, "Today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail." So she did and she had a fun, fun day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head.
"YEAH!" she exclaimed, "I don't have to fix my hair today!"
Monday was an attitude / perception kind of day. I'd planned to spend it working on a project that has been cursed from the beginning, tying up loose ends so that they don't unravel any time soon, and putting other plans on hold. It was not a day I was looking forward to.
Lo and behold, when I went to do some work that involved choosing and placing photos, the CD that was supposed to be full of .jpgs... was blank! An electronic glitch!
Which means that it'll come overnight and I'll work on it today. But which also meant that I had an unexpected "gift" away from the ::bleah:: project on my anniversary. If perception is everything, it was a wonderful present, indeed!
In Other News
Had a lovely "date night" last night with my husband of 18 years and our 3 year old daughter. Pizza Hut and "Cars." An awful lot of fun with my two favorite people -- for under $30!
Congratulations all over the place to my friend, fellow screenwriter, John Alarid! His screenplay, "A Kodak Moment" was a winner in this year's Moondance Film Festival. That's the second contest success John's had this year. He's on a roll! Yay!
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Monday, June 12, 2006
In Praise of Persistence
Yesterday I helped my friend CK work with her two horses. She has a three year old gelding and a 4 year old mare. Both were PMU foals. She's had them for three years.
She'd like to be riding both by the end of the summer. Yesterday we focused on groundwork.
The gelding I had worked with before -- about a year ago. He's big and strong, and he knows it. He's dragged her repeatedly, run through fences, and been a general pain in the butt. I think he's quite smart. But he's also got a crafty, sly side to him, and he's not convinced that humans are worth paying much attention to.
If he were mine, I'd have put him in a hole long ago. Life is too short to own a horse that could kill you. (Yes, I know, any horse could. But few would make a point of offing you. This one might enjoy such a thing.)
But my friend, being of infinitely softer heart than I, has stuck with him (and has the bruises to prove it). Yesterday, she was showing me how she worked him in the round pen at liberty and online, and I have to admit, she's done a LOT of work with him. He behaved himself quite well.
By the end of the session, she was working him outside of the round pen, in a large field. He was exploring new things and learning to handle being new places while still paying attention to the human at the end of the line. Her persistence is paying off.
Not much credence is given to persistence these days, but there's much to be said for sticking with a thing you believe is worthwhile and seeing it through. Today is my husband's and my 18th wedding anniversary. How time does fly!
Of course there have been ups and downs, but I've enjoyed every minute of it. I might have chosen to have some things in our lives work out differently, but I wouldn't have wanted to go through life with anyone else.
Persistence. If you're working on a big project, training an animal, raising a child, or writing a book, persistence is a must. All good things take time.
She'd like to be riding both by the end of the summer. Yesterday we focused on groundwork.
The gelding I had worked with before -- about a year ago. He's big and strong, and he knows it. He's dragged her repeatedly, run through fences, and been a general pain in the butt. I think he's quite smart. But he's also got a crafty, sly side to him, and he's not convinced that humans are worth paying much attention to.
If he were mine, I'd have put him in a hole long ago. Life is too short to own a horse that could kill you. (Yes, I know, any horse could. But few would make a point of offing you. This one might enjoy such a thing.)
But my friend, being of infinitely softer heart than I, has stuck with him (and has the bruises to prove it). Yesterday, she was showing me how she worked him in the round pen at liberty and online, and I have to admit, she's done a LOT of work with him. He behaved himself quite well.
By the end of the session, she was working him outside of the round pen, in a large field. He was exploring new things and learning to handle being new places while still paying attention to the human at the end of the line. Her persistence is paying off.
Not much credence is given to persistence these days, but there's much to be said for sticking with a thing you believe is worthwhile and seeing it through. Today is my husband's and my 18th wedding anniversary. How time does fly!
Of course there have been ups and downs, but I've enjoyed every minute of it. I might have chosen to have some things in our lives work out differently, but I wouldn't have wanted to go through life with anyone else.
Persistence. If you're working on a big project, training an animal, raising a child, or writing a book, persistence is a must. All good things take time.
Friday, June 09, 2006
Calling in a Professional
As recent readers are well aware, we recently tore out our cobbled-together pasture to clear the way for someone who knows what he's doing to put in a new, Percheron-proof fence.
It has taken me years to come to the realization that though I may be capable of doing a thing myself, that may not be the best choice in order to have the job done in a timely, economical, competent manner.
For instance, I built the horses' shelter / lean-to in our pasture (with help from my friend Chari and my wonderful husband Robert). I'd never built anything of any consequence before. One look at the lean-to attests to that. Oh, it's still standing, and it serves its purpose. It's functional. But it ain't pretty.
Sometimes being a do-it-yourselfer can teach you a new skill. I am by no stretch of the imagination what one could call "mechanically inclined," but I once successfully detached, tore apart, cleaned, balanced the innards, reassembled, and reconnected the carburetor for my Ford 9N tractor. It works just fine.
I also dismantled the same tractor, replaced the old radiator with a new one, and put it all back together again. Still runs like a top.
Sometimes, however, it's just best to hand the job to someone who knows what the heck they're doing -- who doesn't have to consult a how-to guide in order to do what needs to be done.
Internet marketing guru Alex Mandossian's advice in this vein is to "hire people who play at the things you work at."
This certainly holds true in my field. Most people who have never written a book before would be well advised to hire a professional coach, consultant, or editor to look the manuscript over before sending it off to a publisher or -- as is increasingly the case -- self-publishing.
If you're going to commit something to print (which means that it will be around in one form or another indefinitely) AND it's going to have your name on it, it is absolutely in your best interest to take it to an objective third person who can help you fix the flaws before the project goes to press.
Will it cost you something? Absolutely. Hiring a professional always does. But the question that's more pertinent is: What is it worth to have a book that reads cleanly, that presents your vision in the best possible light?
We've all suffered through books that never should have seen the light of day. It's not that the ideas within them were no good -- it's just that the execution or presentation of those ideas was amateur at best.
Kind of like my lean-to.
He Who Will Not Call's book is in the editing stage at the publisher. They hope to send it out to print within a month or so. I know less than nothing about the subject matter of the project (though I wrote the entire thing -- a practice I would never advise). So earlier this week, I called in a favor from a friend of mine who is a professional in the same field, though she specializes in a very different niche market. I asked her to read the manuscript with a pro's eye, to ascertain that the information presented in it is correct.
There are times for pushing through, relying on yourself, and taking responsibility for the results of your amateur efforts. And then there are times to call in a professional.
It has taken me years to come to the realization that though I may be capable of doing a thing myself, that may not be the best choice in order to have the job done in a timely, economical, competent manner.
For instance, I built the horses' shelter / lean-to in our pasture (with help from my friend Chari and my wonderful husband Robert). I'd never built anything of any consequence before. One look at the lean-to attests to that. Oh, it's still standing, and it serves its purpose. It's functional. But it ain't pretty.
Sometimes being a do-it-yourselfer can teach you a new skill. I am by no stretch of the imagination what one could call "mechanically inclined," but I once successfully detached, tore apart, cleaned, balanced the innards, reassembled, and reconnected the carburetor for my Ford 9N tractor. It works just fine.
I also dismantled the same tractor, replaced the old radiator with a new one, and put it all back together again. Still runs like a top.
Sometimes, however, it's just best to hand the job to someone who knows what the heck they're doing -- who doesn't have to consult a how-to guide in order to do what needs to be done.
Internet marketing guru Alex Mandossian's advice in this vein is to "hire people who play at the things you work at."
This certainly holds true in my field. Most people who have never written a book before would be well advised to hire a professional coach, consultant, or editor to look the manuscript over before sending it off to a publisher or -- as is increasingly the case -- self-publishing.
If you're going to commit something to print (which means that it will be around in one form or another indefinitely) AND it's going to have your name on it, it is absolutely in your best interest to take it to an objective third person who can help you fix the flaws before the project goes to press.
Will it cost you something? Absolutely. Hiring a professional always does. But the question that's more pertinent is: What is it worth to have a book that reads cleanly, that presents your vision in the best possible light?
We've all suffered through books that never should have seen the light of day. It's not that the ideas within them were no good -- it's just that the execution or presentation of those ideas was amateur at best.
Kind of like my lean-to.
He Who Will Not Call's book is in the editing stage at the publisher. They hope to send it out to print within a month or so. I know less than nothing about the subject matter of the project (though I wrote the entire thing -- a practice I would never advise). So earlier this week, I called in a favor from a friend of mine who is a professional in the same field, though she specializes in a very different niche market. I asked her to read the manuscript with a pro's eye, to ascertain that the information presented in it is correct.
There are times for pushing through, relying on yourself, and taking responsibility for the results of your amateur efforts. And then there are times to call in a professional.
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Catalog Corrections
An interesting development occurred the other day.
Robert was updating the book information found on my website when he discovered that, for some reason, the co-author of Clinton's book on Amazon.com was listed as "ami henckson."
No, this isn't a rant about the world getting my name wrong. Really.
It's more a rather unsettled musing about how easy it was to log into Amazon.com and tell them to change the author's name.
I know that when the book was released, the spelling of my name as co-author was correct. (Sure, I checked. I was so darn happy to see the book exist online.)
Does this mean that someone, somewhere, bothered to log in and change it? For what possible purpose? And does it mean that there is no Grand Poobah Amazonian who decides what does and does not constitute a bona fide catalog correction?
Hmmmmm....
Just for grins and giggles, I think it would be a hoot and a half to submit catalog corrections to author's names all over the place. Some suggestions:
* Think and Grow Rich -- by P. Hilton
* Bush's Brain -- by Dr. Seuss
* The Da Vinci Code -- by J. H. Christ
* I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings -- by Col. Sanders
* To Kill a Mockingbird -- by C. Heston
* A Million Little Pieces -- by A. Einstein
* Animal Farm -- by M. Stewart
The change form I submitted informed me that it would take about a week for the correction to show. Maybe by that time, someone will have told them that Hugh Hefner wrote the book on The Feminine Mystique.
Robert was updating the book information found on my website when he discovered that, for some reason, the co-author of Clinton's book on Amazon.com was listed as "ami henckson."
No, this isn't a rant about the world getting my name wrong. Really.
It's more a rather unsettled musing about how easy it was to log into Amazon.com and tell them to change the author's name.
I know that when the book was released, the spelling of my name as co-author was correct. (Sure, I checked. I was so darn happy to see the book exist online.)
Does this mean that someone, somewhere, bothered to log in and change it? For what possible purpose? And does it mean that there is no Grand Poobah Amazonian who decides what does and does not constitute a bona fide catalog correction?
Hmmmmm....
Just for grins and giggles, I think it would be a hoot and a half to submit catalog corrections to author's names all over the place. Some suggestions:
* Think and Grow Rich -- by P. Hilton
* Bush's Brain -- by Dr. Seuss
* The Da Vinci Code -- by J. H. Christ
* I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings -- by Col. Sanders
* To Kill a Mockingbird -- by C. Heston
* A Million Little Pieces -- by A. Einstein
* Animal Farm -- by M. Stewart
The change form I submitted informed me that it would take about a week for the correction to show. Maybe by that time, someone will have told them that Hugh Hefner wrote the book on The Feminine Mystique.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Rider's Wednesday -- Long Early Rides
A friend and I recently bartered some of my help training her young horses (a 3 and 4 year old) in exchange for fence lumber and posts for my new riding arena. We're working out the details, but the negotiations -- and my own 3 year old Percheron who is anxiously awaiting the day when I finish up this book project and can spend concentrated time playing with him -- have set me to thinking about approaches to training.
For instance, when training a horse to maintain a steady, consistent gait, I'm in Clinton Anderson's "long rides, wet saddle blankets, and concentrated training" camp. Too often, people try to train a green horse to do a ratable, consistent, three-beat canter without giving the horse ample time to find his stride.
The first time I ride a horse, we trot. A lot. I like to trot until the horse is no longer thinking about having to carry me around and is more concerned with when I'll let him walk. I don't advocate running the horse into the ground. But I am a big fan of giving him time to find his stride and learn to balance with a rider. I'm also a fan of nipping any spooking inclination in the bud.
When training the canter -- which should be done as early in the breaking process as possible, I believe -- I like to give the horse plenty of opportunity to get it right. The first time we canter, we'll go for at least 5 or 10 minutes. If the horse is fresh and frisky, we'll go 5 or 10 minutes more.
When the young horse is first ridden, everything is new to him. He's not used to having anyone on his back at all. So everything that involves a human astride is foreign. It doesn't matter if the human is sitting, standing, or tap dancing. It doesn't matter if the horse is walking, trotting, or cantering. Exposing him to all the gaits that will be expected of him early in his training just sets the stage for him to accept human guidance regardless of what speed he's travelling.
Long early rides. In my eyes, they pave the way for an animal with a solid work ethic and superior balance. In other words -- a joy to ride.
For instance, when training a horse to maintain a steady, consistent gait, I'm in Clinton Anderson's "long rides, wet saddle blankets, and concentrated training" camp. Too often, people try to train a green horse to do a ratable, consistent, three-beat canter without giving the horse ample time to find his stride.
The first time I ride a horse, we trot. A lot. I like to trot until the horse is no longer thinking about having to carry me around and is more concerned with when I'll let him walk. I don't advocate running the horse into the ground. But I am a big fan of giving him time to find his stride and learn to balance with a rider. I'm also a fan of nipping any spooking inclination in the bud.
When training the canter -- which should be done as early in the breaking process as possible, I believe -- I like to give the horse plenty of opportunity to get it right. The first time we canter, we'll go for at least 5 or 10 minutes. If the horse is fresh and frisky, we'll go 5 or 10 minutes more.
When the young horse is first ridden, everything is new to him. He's not used to having anyone on his back at all. So everything that involves a human astride is foreign. It doesn't matter if the human is sitting, standing, or tap dancing. It doesn't matter if the horse is walking, trotting, or cantering. Exposing him to all the gaits that will be expected of him early in his training just sets the stage for him to accept human guidance regardless of what speed he's travelling.
Long early rides. In my eyes, they pave the way for an animal with a solid work ethic and superior balance. In other words -- a joy to ride.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
The Power of Print
As I mentioned in yesterday's blog, a week ago, the Herald-Palladium ran an article that talked about my involvement in Geoff's book and other writing endeavors.
It's amazing how powerful print can be. I heard from people who've been out of touch for months, and even heard from some people I've never met. One woman is a neighbor. She wrote me the following e-mail:
Hello! I just wanted to congratulate you on all of your achievements you have achieved in writing and with horses as well as the lovely article that the Herald Palladium featured on you this past Tuesday.
Theo is a gorgeous horse! I live... right near you and caught my first glance of Theo as we were driving down (your) road. Since then we have gotten to see his growth process. A few times, my black lab has gotten loose from me and ran over to play with a dalmatian on your farm! It was so very nice of you to share writing tips with those that dream to write as well!!
I have been home disabled almost 4 years now, when I became ill at the age of 30. I had professionally modeled for several years, went to MSU, and became ill along the course. I have had 2 guest columns in the Herald Palladium, as well as several editorials. I am trying to use my illness to bring out my creative side. Growing up I was in a writing program for a few years, and I have written some poems throughout my life. I find it very therapeutic and the written language beautiful. Perhaps that is why my other favorite hobby (besides my dogs and writing and advocating for my illness) is reading!
I thank you so much for the tips you gave in your article! They definitely helped inspire me to set some goals for myself writing since I have so much time to myself!
When I responded, I thanked her for her kind words and mused on how sad it is that it takes a newspaper article for neighbors to meet. I also congratulated her on her writing successes, and made the following comments on living with disabilities:
Since we've been wrestling with my husband's medical condition, I've come to the conclusion that though a disability makes doing "normal, everyday" things more difficult, it may be God's way of freeing up a person to do the Thing that really matters with his or her life.
Many perfectly healthy people work in windowless, fluorescent-lit cubicles all day. I daresay that they don't often get the opportunity to think about what they're going to do with the time they've got on the planet. Yet, in our experience, having a disability forces you to examine the Big Questions on an almost daily basis. That's not necessarily a bad thing.
Her response:
Your words regarding disability just touched me.
I'm still adjusting to the limits I have with (my condition). I'm struggling to turn it into a positive situation instead of labeling myself and staying negative and burdened by it. What you have just said shows me that there is an entirely different view to look at my situation and that I really do have time to do anything I can and want during my days, I'm free and not stuck!
Good luck on your deadline!! It's very honoring and touching when authors respond to their readers!
I hope she does pursue her writing. Print is still a powerful product. It can energize, invigorate, draw people together, educate, and inspire.
Powerful, indeed.
In Other News:
I received this on Monday from my friend, screenwriter and playwright, DonnaMarie Vaughan:
I just found out that ME, II will be performed locally here in Buffalo at the New Phoenix Theater in November as their season's second show.
ME, II is a musical, more than 2 years in the making. I co-wrote the "book" and helped with ideas for lyrics and songs, which were written by Grant Golden, the other co-writer of the book. Many editing dinners and rewrites later, we were finally happy and started to submit it - and immediately it was snapped up for production!! YEAH!!
ME, II tells the funny story a man so eager to get out of his lengthy doctor's appointment that he sneaks a peek at the file and writes down his diagnosis! -only to discover via the internet, and only AFTER he's gotten engaged that he is dying! In a desperate measure to avoid telling his fiance about his impending illness, he and his best friend seek a solution - but no good deed goes unpunished!
And talk about small worlds and circles in life... David Granville, who directed my IN SICKNESS AND HEALTH full length stage play in 1988 is once again back as director for ME, II.
For those far away, I know you can't attend, but wanted to share the good news. Hard work and co-work sometimes does pay off. I doubt there will be any money from the production (no cultural funding here with the budget cuts, so all plays rely on ticket sales) but it's an addition to the resume, and hopefully we will snag some press along with it.
Congratulations all over the place, DonnaMarie! I wish I could attend opening night.
It's amazing how powerful print can be. I heard from people who've been out of touch for months, and even heard from some people I've never met. One woman is a neighbor. She wrote me the following e-mail:
Hello! I just wanted to congratulate you on all of your achievements you have achieved in writing and with horses as well as the lovely article that the Herald Palladium featured on you this past Tuesday.
Theo is a gorgeous horse! I live... right near you and caught my first glance of Theo as we were driving down (your) road. Since then we have gotten to see his growth process. A few times, my black lab has gotten loose from me and ran over to play with a dalmatian on your farm! It was so very nice of you to share writing tips with those that dream to write as well!!
I have been home disabled almost 4 years now, when I became ill at the age of 30. I had professionally modeled for several years, went to MSU, and became ill along the course. I have had 2 guest columns in the Herald Palladium, as well as several editorials. I am trying to use my illness to bring out my creative side. Growing up I was in a writing program for a few years, and I have written some poems throughout my life. I find it very therapeutic and the written language beautiful. Perhaps that is why my other favorite hobby (besides my dogs and writing and advocating for my illness) is reading!
I thank you so much for the tips you gave in your article! They definitely helped inspire me to set some goals for myself writing since I have so much time to myself!
When I responded, I thanked her for her kind words and mused on how sad it is that it takes a newspaper article for neighbors to meet. I also congratulated her on her writing successes, and made the following comments on living with disabilities:
Since we've been wrestling with my husband's medical condition, I've come to the conclusion that though a disability makes doing "normal, everyday" things more difficult, it may be God's way of freeing up a person to do the Thing that really matters with his or her life.
Many perfectly healthy people work in windowless, fluorescent-lit cubicles all day. I daresay that they don't often get the opportunity to think about what they're going to do with the time they've got on the planet. Yet, in our experience, having a disability forces you to examine the Big Questions on an almost daily basis. That's not necessarily a bad thing.
Her response:
Your words regarding disability just touched me.
I'm still adjusting to the limits I have with (my condition). I'm struggling to turn it into a positive situation instead of labeling myself and staying negative and burdened by it. What you have just said shows me that there is an entirely different view to look at my situation and that I really do have time to do anything I can and want during my days, I'm free and not stuck!
Good luck on your deadline!! It's very honoring and touching when authors respond to their readers!
I hope she does pursue her writing. Print is still a powerful product. It can energize, invigorate, draw people together, educate, and inspire.
Powerful, indeed.
In Other News:
I received this on Monday from my friend, screenwriter and playwright, DonnaMarie Vaughan:
I just found out that ME, II will be performed locally here in Buffalo at the New Phoenix Theater in November as their season's second show.
ME, II is a musical, more than 2 years in the making. I co-wrote the "book" and helped with ideas for lyrics and songs, which were written by Grant Golden, the other co-writer of the book. Many editing dinners and rewrites later, we were finally happy and started to submit it - and immediately it was snapped up for production!! YEAH!!
ME, II tells the funny story a man so eager to get out of his lengthy doctor's appointment that he sneaks a peek at the file and writes down his diagnosis! -only to discover via the internet, and only AFTER he's gotten engaged that he is dying! In a desperate measure to avoid telling his fiance about his impending illness, he and his best friend seek a solution - but no good deed goes unpunished!
And talk about small worlds and circles in life... David Granville, who directed my IN SICKNESS AND HEALTH full length stage play in 1988 is once again back as director for ME, II.
For those far away, I know you can't attend, but wanted to share the good news. Hard work and co-work sometimes does pay off. I doubt there will be any money from the production (no cultural funding here with the budget cuts, so all plays rely on ticket sales) but it's an addition to the resume, and hopefully we will snag some press along with it.
Congratulations all over the place, DonnaMarie! I wish I could attend opening night.
Monday, June 05, 2006
Back From Afield
Yes, I know I've been un-blogged for awhile. The short explanation is this: we're having a new pasture put in, and the old one needed to be ripped out.
Sounds simple. But it took over a week to do. Worked outside in unseasonably warm weather, trying not to think about not making my self-imposed deadline for finishing the book. But at least the pasture-ripping-out is done. Now we're just waiting for the wonderful Fence Gods to smile upon us and magically make a new pasture appear.
In the time since I've been incommunicado, several things have happened:
* I finished the next chapter of Dr. Warson's book, and it received his enthusiastic blessing. Only two chapters left to write. With no further fence to tear down, I've allotted one week to each. Which means in two weeks, I should be celebrating.
* Geoff had a very successful booksigning at Malvern Saddlery while at Devon. By all accounts, everyone involved was pleased with the book, with the sales that made the signing a success, and with the information that Geoff was happy to share with those who attended.
* Geoff Teall on Riding Hunters, Jumpers and Equitation broke into the Top 25 Equestrian Sports books on Amazon.com, and into the Top 50 of all Horse Books. Yes, it's a transitory rank. It changes daily, if not hourly. But it's kind of cool to see it creeping up there. (And, as I write this, Amazon.com only has 3 books still in stock... Rah!)
* Jan Krieger, a writer who has attended some of my Writer's Workshops interviewed me, and wrote a nice, front-page-of-the-section feature article in the Herald-Palladium, our local paper, that favorably mentioned the book.
I'd love to post a link to the article, but the H-P fancies itself on a par with the New York Times. To access their archives, one must first pay -- more than one would pay for the actual paper itself. When asked about this practice, one of their head editors rather bluntly explained that the paper was really only interested in making money. Looks like I'll keep my $1.50, and just tell you about it. Tune in tomorrow for more on that front ...
Sounds simple. But it took over a week to do. Worked outside in unseasonably warm weather, trying not to think about not making my self-imposed deadline for finishing the book. But at least the pasture-ripping-out is done. Now we're just waiting for the wonderful Fence Gods to smile upon us and magically make a new pasture appear.
In the time since I've been incommunicado, several things have happened:
* I finished the next chapter of Dr. Warson's book, and it received his enthusiastic blessing. Only two chapters left to write. With no further fence to tear down, I've allotted one week to each. Which means in two weeks, I should be celebrating.
* Geoff had a very successful booksigning at Malvern Saddlery while at Devon. By all accounts, everyone involved was pleased with the book, with the sales that made the signing a success, and with the information that Geoff was happy to share with those who attended.
* Geoff Teall on Riding Hunters, Jumpers and Equitation broke into the Top 25 Equestrian Sports books on Amazon.com, and into the Top 50 of all Horse Books. Yes, it's a transitory rank. It changes daily, if not hourly. But it's kind of cool to see it creeping up there. (And, as I write this, Amazon.com only has 3 books still in stock... Rah!)
* Jan Krieger, a writer who has attended some of my Writer's Workshops interviewed me, and wrote a nice, front-page-of-the-section feature article in the Herald-Palladium, our local paper, that favorably mentioned the book.
I'd love to post a link to the article, but the H-P fancies itself on a par with the New York Times. To access their archives, one must first pay -- more than one would pay for the actual paper itself. When asked about this practice, one of their head editors rather bluntly explained that the paper was really only interested in making money. Looks like I'll keep my $1.50, and just tell you about it. Tune in tomorrow for more on that front ...
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