Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Rainy Day Book Update

Mother Nature must have decided it was time for me to catch up on my email and blog, cos we have definitely hit Alaska's monsoon season. As a result, I'm sitting here watching my lawn turn yellow with a covering of birch leaves. We've already spied some Termination Dust on Pioneer Peak, so winter can't be far away.

As for the book, it continues to do well. I won't say that I didn't think it'd sell, I did, but even I am astonished at the wonderful response I've gotten. Even more so, I guess, cos I really haven't kicked myself into gear to do much promotion other than via this blog and my email lists. It's a good thing I write well, cos I'm a rotten salesman. But, in any case.....

As of right now, with very little effort on my part, the book is in two bookstores. Alaskana Books in Palmer got it first, she's always a wonderful help when I'm in search of info, and Annabelle's Books here in Wasilla. They even asked if I'd do a booksigning, so somewhere around race time, how cool is this, I'll be there signing books. I've even heard from a couple Lower 48 bookstore sounding places, so the word is definitely out. And, to think, I only bought 25 mailing envelopes to begin with, but am already considering doing another order at the end of this month.

In a weird way, tho', it still doesn't seem real to me. It's as if I'm playing the role of an author in a play and following some script, not as if it's really me. Okay, yeah, I'm weird, but there's just such an air of unreality to being on the same page as authors like Gary Paulsen and even, hee-hee, briefly outselling him. Oh, yeah, Gary's going to hear about this one, that's for sure! Of course, even weirder than being a "real author" now, is the realization that someone like Gary Paulsen is a friend, not just a name on a book. How cool is that? The guy I blame for inspiring my interest in all things Alaska is a friend.

On the "what's next?" front, I'm toying with two ideas. One will be sorta a kids' guide to the race, maybe in two versions, elem. and higher level, and the other will be a more detailed look at the people that make the race happen. Iditarod Classics looked at the mushers, but in addition to that, I want to include in the handlers, volunteers, fans, and even the media that write, photograph and illustrate the race. I think I have my work cut out for me, but it'll be a fun ride.

Thursday, September 06, 2007

A Letter From David Monson

Dear Friends,

It is hard for me to believe that it has been a year since Susan died. This August would have been our 22nd wedding anniversary. I cannot help but reflect on all the memories she left me with along with our two beautiful girls Tekla and Chisana. I was truly blessed to have shared a life with her. Even though Susan is gone, the awful disease that took her from all of us is still inciting its pain on others.

Last year when Susan was sick, I ran a marathon in honor of her on-going fight to survive. She was very supportive of my effort to raise money to help find a cure the disease she was valiantly fighting. I ran as part of the Team in Training program to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society(LLS). The LLS raises precious research money used to find a cure for all blood cancers as well as providing support to families who are affected and displaced by the illness of a loved family member.

This year I am running again. This year, I must run in Susan's memory and the memory of all the brave people we met in the hospital who lost their fight. I am running to raise awareness so that a cure for Leukemia and Lymphoma can be found. I ask you to join me again by supporting the work of the LLS by making a donation through my race to help others.

Should you like to support my efforts, please make a donation on line at:http://www.active.com/donate/tntwaak/godave or by sending me a check made out to the LLS at: P.O. Box 60249, Fairbanks, AK 99706.

Thank you from all who will benefit by your generous gift.
With love and appreciation for your support of my family and this important cause.

David Monson, Fairbanks, Alaska

Monday, September 03, 2007

Book Signing Tour of My Kitchen Table



















Everything was neat and tidy and semi-organized when I started.




















Those are the envelopes for some of the books in a bag that's sitting in the chair for the photo. There's a note on the piece of paper reminding me that Helen gets five copies and a card with Marlene's order under the front and center book.












Spreading out a bit...