written road blog

Last week I posted that I had been to Powell's in Portland and found copies of Sand in My Bra in the travel writing section. It's a big shelf, but I was able to turn the four copies to an optimal position.

I was also happy to see that they had chosen Rolf's book Vagabonding for their shelf of staff picks. But it was even more thrilling to see that they were sold out! I think that empty space above a recommendation says a lot to a customer looking at a staff pick shelf. It says even more to the book buyer. No doubt they stocked it back up as quick as humanly possible.

Here are the other pics thanks to my friend Sally:
Putting Sand face out
Sand and the proud editor

There's a fascinating discussion about why people want to write a book at 2blowhards.com

I've read the main post, but still need to go through all the comments to see what everyone else thinks. There's lots to agree and disagree with. For me the reason to write a book is because what I have to say might entertain, enlighten, or inspire people. Ideally it would connect people to other people, and even to themselves when relevant. And also because I can. So can you. It's totally possible. It's not brain surgery or rocket science.

Here's what the poster, Michael, suggested:

"So why do people do write books? I come up with these possible explanations:

* Some hope to hit the jackpot despite the odds
* Some have a dream about being an author, or taking part in "literature"
* Some are obsessed lunatics -- ie., they feel they just gotta
* Some don't know better (these usually never write a second book)
* Some have other ambitions, and writing a book is a step along the way
* A handful are determined to be trade-book authors as a career, and know what the game consists of, and have (or think they have) the tenacity, toughness, talent, luck and energy to succeed"

I'm not sure which of his theories I fall under. Maybe that last handful he talks about. I would say that I swing closer to the ambitious side of the pendulum than the obsessive one.

From my desk I just want to get started on the first book, or continue rather, and do whatever I can to pass out info to other writers on how this process can be simplified.

I found the link on my WordforWriters listserve (WorkForWriters@onelist.com) which I highly recommend joining (WorkForWriters-subscribe@yahoogroups.com) but they asked us to credit Neat New Stuff I Found This Week.

Have you seen this cool outdoor magazine yet? Hooked On the Outdoors They are taking submissions from freelancers but make...

I finished reading On Writing by Stephen King. I almost read it in one day, but because I loved it...

I didn't know what to write about today. Hence the post at 3pm. This weekend I got a call back...

I spent the weekend in Portland and got the opportunity to introduce some friends to Powell's Bookstore. We joked ahead...

Would you like to talk about travel writing with writers who are embarking on a similar path? Check out the...

Seal Press has a submission call out for the next book in their Adventura series. Father-Daughter Adventure Travel Anthology "The...

Tim Cahill, Isabel Allende, Don George, Larry Habegger, Jeff Greenwald August 14-17 A few people have been asking me if...

Good news from Susan at TT. She says that we're through with our initial print run of 10,000 and half...

OK so I frickin wrote yesterday. I can't tell you what I was more motivated by, not wanting an opportunity...

Sometimes it takes the right messenger for the words to sink in. Right now I'm listening to Rolf Potts. His...

I'm hired! Travelers' Tales wants to make the most of this crucial launch period for Sand in My Bra, so...

It's great to see and hear people talking about Sand in My Bra. Susan called yesterday to let me know...

Travelers' Tales lovers Krista, Tara, Kathy, and Tanya are helping Larry Habegger with our annual appearance at the North Beach...

Bill Bryson, Paul Theroux, Calvin Trillin, Isabel Allende, Jennifer L. Leo in that order for spots 3-7 of the top...

I hadn't heard of this till Ayun mentioned it in the comments to yesterday's post about the new Dandelion. Thanks...

ROUGH GUIDES is hiring an editor to work on revised and new titles out of their New York City...

What does fullfillment mean to you? That seems to be the central theme behind the premiere issue of Dandelion....

Wow, what a great event! Louann from Distant Lands had stopped by the Travelers' Tales booth at BEA a few...

Thanks to Tara for alerting me to the The Association of Authors' Representatives This organization's web site is informative, yet...

Today's handselling went well. It helped that my dad knew all the main drags of the local beach towns. We...

BIG thanks to Deborah for capturing the debut of Sand in My Bra at BEA in film. Check out the...

I finally showered today. First time since Saturday. This cold has me whooped so bad. I got tired of doing...

Another way of looking for an agent is to research the successful books that are similar to what you are...

Ok, so now we begin the search for an agent. I already knew to go look through the Literary Market...

On the morning I left for BEA, I found that Sean Keener had picked a "discussion" with me on the...

I was scheduled to sign and give away copies of Sand in My Bra in the traditional autographing area in...