It’s Friday against and time to have just a little bit of fun — that’s why we call it “Fun-Filled Friday!” Today I’ve got some cute stuff to share, but I wanted to start with something that’s not so fun or funny regarding the release of my brand new book 21 Life Lessons From Livin’ La Vida Low-Carb.
Here’s the story: After working all year on the manuscript to my second book discussing many of the “lessons” I have learned along the way in this journey to better health, I submitted my final draft to the company I use to self-publish my book. They are an amazing print-on-demand (POD) business that has done a fabulous job with my first book that was released in 2005. I even hired a designer to create the front cover of this new book and the artwork is a million times better this go round.
But…
Today I received an e-mail from the owner of the POD who expressed concern over the controversial nature of the content of my book which she described as “angry,” “incendiary,” and “inflammatory.” If you’ve read my blog for any length of time, then you already know what my style of writing looks like. I share the truth in my opinions and refuse to hold back because the facts are on my side. Unfortunately, in the literary world there are potential lawsuits just waiting to happen — and the publisher seems to think I am opening myself and her company up for such litigation to ensue.
From a business standpoint, I can certainly see where she’s coming from. Why upset the apple cart with one author’s book who could potentially bring the whole thing down? At the same time, though, at what level do you soften your message to make it palatable enough to avoid legal scrutiny but still deliver the punch that is necessary for having the kind of societal impact that you desire? That’s my dilemma right now.
Although I’m self-publishing with this POD, they fear liability. The answer could be to hire an attorney and editor to comb through my manuscript, suggest and offer acceptable changes for making it work without watering it down too much, and getting it out there. Or, I could try to go it alone, publish it myself without the middleman, and take on all the risks myself. I’m still trying to figure out what the best course of action is right now — this news today just hit me like a sucker punch to the gut!
As an aside, doesn’t controversy sell books? Isn’t this how people like Ann Coulter, Glenn Beck, and the like make their living in the publishing world? And yet we never hear about them or their publishers getting sued for making a lot more “inflammatory” statements than what’s in my book. This is the kind of stuff that markets a book and makes it worth reading. Do I have to tame the tone just to bring it to the market? I’d love your feedback about this because I’m still at a crossroads about it.
Moving on to happier, chipper things here on this “Fun-Filled Friday,” you are never gonna believe this heartwarming story about an autistic high school kid who was the manager of the basketball team until the last game of the season when he was given the chance to play — and boy did he ever! I love a good happy ending like this:
WOW! Scoring 20 points in less than four minutes on the basketball court is unbelievable even for seasoned pros. Speaking of wonderful, how many parents feel like this dad in the classic Staples commercial about back-to-school time?
The new school year is in full force all across the country. But don’t be surprised to see little Jonny or Jane bring home a kit for the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau. The program is called Census In Schools and is designed to help streamline the process of gathering the census data from homes with children. As a former Census Bureau worker in 1990, I think this idea is novel, although it is probably more of a cost-saving measure than anything. Whatever it takes to count the American people I suppose.
Many people at my church thought I might not be a part of that 2010 census when they read an obituary for Jimmy Moore from Spartanburg, SC in the newspaper this past Sunday. The age of the deceased was 35 and many of my friends immediately thought it was me. Not until they saw me in the flesh alive and well did they know that wasn’t me. It’s good to know I’m loved so much!
Do you like word searches? One of the biggest fans of my blog is JayCee from South Africa and he came up with this “Livin’ La Vida Low-Carb” word search for you:
CLICK HERE if you need a larger view of the word search
THANKS JayCee! That’s too cool. Speaking of pretty amazing, check out this new sandwich from KFC that is being test-marketed in several markets now called the “Double Down” that contains NO bread — it’s got two pieces of fried chicken as the “bread” with bacon and other stuff in the middle. If they grilled the chicken, this would be pretty good for a low-carber to try at least once:
I’d eat it just to see what it’s like. Okay ladies, if you’re one of those people who thinks your husband should come along with you to the store while you shop, take a look at what one hubby did to pass the time:
HA! Now that’s the spirit of shopping, right? Hee hee! And finally, today, I’ve got a video from a comedic singing duo named Flight of the Conchords performing their song “Business Time.” If you’re a married couple, this one will have you in stitches:
It’s business, it’s business time! Whoop whoop! That’s all I have for you this week for “Fun-Filled Friday” but I welcome your fun, cute, and funny stuff anytime. Just slip me an e-mail with your stuff anytime by e-mailing livinlowcarbman@charter.net. Have an awesome weekend!
