Some kind words from my first sale! ... and CBC!

I was wheeling this afternoon, and all of a sudden someone called out from behind me. It was Mike, the first person to ever buy a copy of the book! What is more unusual, is that he wasn't a friend, or even someone who knew me. I had chatted a few times on the street with his partner Karen, mostly about her dog as she was out walking it. On that occasion, I met Mike for the first time and his old doggie, Hobey. I mentioned that I was exercising to help keep fit for my trips and he instantly pulled out a Blackberry and noted down all my info. When I got home I had an email waiting from him saying he had bought the book. And, even before anyone else knew it was available.

Today, Mike saw me and was sooooo enthusiastic about the book. He asked me questions about Nova Scotia and was laughing about the story of when I arrived in my mother's village in Croatia, all the while she was waiting for me in the next village at the train station. Mike said he was really enjoying it and was about 1/3 thru it. He mentioned that my recommendation of just a few stories each night before bed was a great way to enjoy the book. Thanks guys, I needed that boost!

I received an email from CBC's Metro Morning. MM is interested in interviewing me but need more info!! Also, just now CBC News Today, on CBC Newsworld wants to interview me!

Some mailings to Spina Bifida associations has received results. Lori in Wisconsin is printing out some flyers about the book for their meeting on the 9th, and Shauna of the Ontario group are interested in getting a copy for their lending library. Yeah!!!! I want this book in libraries for disabled adolescents and parents.

Lots of positive energy abounding today.

Spooky Hallowe'en ghosts on my website?!

I have been getting some positive responses from disabled groups that I have been mailing out info to. In fact, Mark from Roosevelt Warm Springs, wants to include TRAVELS IN A BLUE CHAIR in an exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution, that will be making its way down to him. I really think that is fantastic. My understanding is that the exhibit relates to FDR, the president of the USA who had polio as a child.

Some early versions of Internet Explorer and Firefox are showing a "ghost" line of black text in my blue text that should not be appearing and doesn't on IE7. I was debugging it tonight and think I have found the problem.

Those goblins are out there trying to make my publicity project difficult!

A lifeline from jolly old England!

After only 3 days of trying to drum up interest in the book, I received an enthusiastic email from a Polio group in Lincolnshire, England. They are going to include the book in the group's next newsletter. Hilary, the woman who contacted me, is heading to Florida this weekend.

YEAH!!! Someone is interested.

Still, nothing from the print media (pretty discouraging when your hometown paper in Welland, isn't returning emails), but I will get contact them later on this month, when I am down in Niagara.

Big muchos gracias to Geoff and Suresh, who are assisting with my website, as we all had a conference call late yesterday afternoon to sort out my email problems.

So, that's it for this week from the Big Smoke!

The people you meet...

Yesterday I was doing my usual twice daily wheel around the neighbourhood and a helpful young student at Humber stopped to ask if I needed help wheeling around in the blue chair. We got to talking and she mentioned that her god daughter has cerebral palsy. Sara volunteers with disabled children at ErinOak in Mississauga, which is where I also volunteered, way back in the 90's. I mentioned my book, as one of the reasons for writing "Travels in a Blue Chair" is that I hope I can be a positive role model for young disabled people and reinforce to parents of disabled kids the fact that these children will grow up to be productive adults in today's society. Anyway, Sara took my card and hopes to include the book in ErinOak's next newsletter.

I stopped by the local branch of the Toronto Library, which is across the street. I asked if they had a section on the disabled and the young woman wasn't sure, but we filled out a form for the purchase of new books. She said that she would attach a copy of my webpage to the application form. I really hope to get this book into public and school libraries over the next few months.

Breakfast TV sent me a reply asking me to email and fax the info back to them!! Red tape!! I did what they asked.

No responses yet from the email campaign to the print media.

....and the beat goes on!

We have contact!

Received an email from the magazine publisher requesting info and a story, so that is optimistic.

Yesterday I sent some info out to newspapers, using contacts I was able to glean of some websites, mainly to book reviewers. I had one response from the Globe and Mail, pointing me in the direction of the proper person.

Also, sent a note to Breakfast Television to see if they would be interested in having me appear.

Still early days....

Blog...blog...blog!

Dear Bloggiary,

Well, this is my first attempt at this bloggy thingy, that seem to be all the rage.

Yesterday, I sent out some friends a preview of my book's new website and the response was positive. My buddy sent it to his friend, who happens to be a publisher of an active lifestyle magazine for the disabled and apparently he is interested in putting "Travels in a Blue Chair" in an upcoming edition. Left a message and hopefully he'll call back today, as he was in a production meeting.

Still working out some of the kinks in the website, especially the email account, but should be OK shortly.

End of bloggy attempt one!