Author’s Guild president, Roy Blount Jr, gives a leg up to book buying this season. It’s still not too late:
Clear out the mysteries, wrap up the histories, beam up the science fiction! Round up the westerns, go crazy for self-help, say yes to the university press books! Get a load of those coffee-table books, fatten up on slim volumes of verse, and take a chance on romance!
As he so obviously points out, “Booksellers don’t lose enough money, however, to receive congressional attention. A government bailout isn’t in the cards.”

With regard to book authoring, I had an epiphany driving over to the Pulaski Author’s Fair on Saturday (for which I sold just enough to pay gas for the 100 mile round trip so broke even if you don’t count the 6 hours of time invested).
But here’s my realization: The crisis of unexpected joblessness and the transition to what came next that is the heart of my book, Slow Road Home, is an all too common story in the past year of layoffs, downsizing and lost status, changing roles and sense of professional and vocational placelessness. My book, sadly, has a whole new audience.
I intend to get back out among readers again with my book because it gives hope, courage and peace to those who don’t know what comes next. It tells how one can find both meaning and new purpose, even when wandering off the familiar path of a life that has for a while come apart.
If you think this kind of encouragement would fit the needs of a friend, relative or coworker you know, you can read more about the book at slowroadhome.com and obtain the book in several different ways. For a signed copy, buy directly from me.
I’ll send it off in 24 hours. Good words to you!
I think you are so right Fred – a whole new audience
Absolutely! You’ve been there, done that!
I had not put 2 and 2 together. Thanks for pointing it out. I will keep my eyes open for folks who might be in need of that kind of encouragement.