Being Prepared for the Unexpected Blessings

I just returned from a speaking engagement in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I was invited to speak about how charter schools can ulitize the media to gain more exposure. I knew that my newly released book, Don't Ask and I Won't Have to Lie and card game, Don't Ask, had nothing to do with the conference but I decided to pack some--just in case. (I was told in advance that since my book had nothing to do with the conference that I would not be able to sell it in the back of the room).

After dinner Wednesday evening, I suggested the people at my table play the card game for fun. To make a long story short, there was so much laughing and discussion going on, several members of the group wanted to continue to play back at the hotel--which we did until well after midnight (knowing we had to get up and be ready at 7:30am).

The next morning word quickly spread about my card game and I was approached by the head of the Admissions Dept. who wanted to know if I would consider creating a card game for their middle school students, which is roughly 12,000 students. It wasn't what I expected her to say. I told her I would certainly consider it and get back to her.

Needless to say, I am already working on the project.

Here's what I learned from that experience:

1) If you have more than one talent, don't be afraid to share it or use it. I went to the conference as a Media Expert. No one knew I was an author---let alone the fact that I had created a card game.

2) Make the most of every opportunity. NHA may not invite me back next year to talk about media but if I play my cards right (pun intended), I will have gained far greater exposure with this new card game.

3) I am truly learning how to be the gorilla while marketing with ease. (Thanks to Olalah Njenga and Pat Howlett).

Don't Read Don't Ask and I Won't Have to Lie IF

If you are looking for a book that's going to change your life, don't read Don't Ask And I Won't Have to Lie.

If you want to read a book that's going to inspire you to take action, Don't Ask and I Won't Have to Lie isn't for you.

If you think Don't Ask And I Won't Have to Lie is going to change your lying ways--think again.

Don't Ask and I Won't Have to Lie may not make you feel good about your life.

Here's the point: Not every book is designed to be a self-help, inspirational, motivational, take action kind of book. Some books are just designed to be enjoyable to read--an opportunity to get inside an author's head and compare your life notes. Some books are just meant to entertain, while others may have you nodding your head in agreement with some of what you read. That's what Don't Ask and I Won't Have to Lie is all about.

Don't Ask and I Won't Have to Lie started out as a personal account of a LIE I told that nearly cost me my life. I hope my story serves as a testimony for someone else--but also give you something to think about as you deal with your own truths and untruths.

One thing I will guarantee you is, there will be something in my book that will definitely make you THINK.

You can order a copy of my new book from Amazon.com or directly from my website:
Don't Ask

And there's a cool card game to go with it!

I'm Baby Boomer 305.24

It seems like our lives are identified by numbers. We have a social security number, driver’s license number and credit card numbers. We even have to have a number to identify the size of our clothes and shoes. Some of us have an incarceration number which, like your driver’s and social security numbers, will never go away.

But I learned recently that I have another number to add to my list. That number identifies me at my public library. That’s right. My book, Whatever! A Baby Boomer’s Journey Into Middle Age is in my local library! It sits right on the shelf alongside the autobiographies of former Secretary of State Colin Powell and Fox News Anchor Bill O’Reilly, to name a few.

It’s truly an honor to see my book sitting in a place with millions of other books. I worked hard on my book and even lost my job over it. Unlike other baby boomer authors, some who got wonderful five and six figure publishing deals, no one wanted to invest in me---so I had to invest in myself (or should I say my husband did). I still don’t have a distributor but it didn’t stop me from getting my book on amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com. Last week, my book reached the Top 100 on Amazon in the Aging category. That’s quite an accomplishment from someone whose advertising budget came more from her drive and determination instead of her pocketbook.

Even with all of the numbers I have to try to remember, I don’t mind being baby boomer 305.24. I do have a problem with my dress size though and I’m definitely working to change it!