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Media
This
page contains Press Releases, Articles & Interviews for
the media. Please feel free to use them in your publication.
Press
Release -
Sample Articles
Frequently
asked interview questions
- The Authors
Press
Release
--
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE --
KEYWORDS:
Zero Waste, Environmental Issues, Reuse, Recycling, Waste
Management, Trash.
-- Begins --
Local Authors Win BC Environmental Award.
Since
1999, Canadian authors Dave Brummet and his wife Lillian have
been working hard towards raising environmental awareness
and providing a means for better waste management. Their columns
and articles have appeared in publications across North America,
in the UK and in various online E-zines. Their book, Trash
Talk, has been embraced by readers and educational institutes
around the world. The concept of the book is to inspire individuals
to do their part for the environment by way of the reuse of
'waste' materials, frugal conscious living and reduced resource
consumption.
Most
recently, the Recycling Council of British Columbia recognized
their efforts during the 31st Annual Waste Reduction Conference
2005 held at Harrison Hot Springs. RCBC awarded the Brummets
top honors in the Journalist and Media Educator category for
their work. Visit their website (http://www.sunshinecable.com/~drumit),
which offers a free service called Tip of the Month where
visitors can learn reduction and reuse ideas. The site also
provides a large page of links to like-minded organizations
where there is something for nearly everyone including teachers,
parents, childcare givers, frugal individuals and environmental
groups.
###
Inspiring
new book gives hope to those striving for Zero Waste.
North
Americans account for less than 10% of the world's population,
yet we produce 50% of the worldÕs garbage and consume more
than 33% of it's resources. If everyone consumed like the
average North American, we would require three Earths!
Authors
Dave and Lillian Brummet offer an upbeat, proactive look at
waste and resource management with their inspiring book Trash
Talk. They explain that although the immense environmental
problems our world faces can be overwhelming, each and every
one of us can do something to help our world - starting right
where we are, right now.
Trash Talk is not a quick fix solution - it is about changing
consumer's mind-sets by providing ideas that inspire participation
from the ground level. It shows the direct effect of better
waste and resource management both for the environment and
the wallet. Not everyone can afford to donate cash or time
to a cause but by implementing the concept of Trash Talk,
the average person can make small alterations in their lives
that affect positive changes for the Earth.
Canadian
writers Dave and Lillian Brummet reside in the southwest region
of British Columbia. Their work has appeared in a variety
of Canadian publications. As the Brummets continue with various
free-lance writings, they also wear many other hats in their
busy lives. As gardeners and seed savers, business owners
and outdoor enthusiasts their days are packed full. It is
their love of nature, that is the major driving force and
inspiration for their work. Additionally, as photographers
they share and document their activities and experiences with
others. Their
website (http://www.sunshinecable.com/~drumit) has a growing
page of links to like-minded organizations where the reader
will learn more about better waste management. It shows a
personal view of the authors and describes how they "practice
what they preach". The 'Tip of the Month' box provides insightful
information, where visitors learn free reduction and reuse
ideas.
For
more information, contact Publish America Inc. through their
website (www.publishamerica.com) or phone (240) 529-1031 or
(301) 695-1707. Trash Talk (ISBN 1-4137-2518-X).
###
-- Ends --
Further
Information For Editors:
For
more information, contact Publish America Inc. through their
website (www.publishamerica.com) or
phone (301) 695-1707.
Trash
Talk (ISBN 1-4137-2518-X) is available from bookstores and
libraries.
Now
available at the following on-line Bookstores:
publishamerica.com
borders.com
barnesandnoble.com
chapters.indigo.ca
(Canada)
paddyfield.com
(Hong Kong)
alibris.com
booksamillion.com
bookshop.blackwell.co.uk
(UK)
pickabook.co.uk
(UK)
powells.com
proxis.be (Belgium)
Release
Date: August 2nd, 2004
ISBN#: 1-4137-2518-X
Format: 50% recycled paper
Page Count: 192
Dimensions: (inches) .44 X 5.5 X 8.5
Retail price: $19.95(US)
Available directly from:
Publish America Inc.
PO Box 151 Fredric, MD 21707
http://www.PublishAmerica.com
Phone: 1-301-695-1707
Fax: 1-301-631-9073
Book
Reviewers can request review copy at: support@publishamerica.com
PA offers school/retailer bulk order discounts.
Wholesale
purchasing:
Retail,
Library, and School orders:
Publish America: Phone 1-301-695-1707 www.publishamerica.com
Ingram:
Phone 1-800-233-8467 (Canada) 1-800-937-8200 (set up an account)
1-800-937-0152 Website: www.ingrambook.com
Baker
& Taylor: Phone (800)775-1800 or (704)998-3100 Headquarters:
2550 West Tyvola Rd. Suite 300 Charlotte, NC 28217 Website:
www.btol.com
Email: btinfo@btol.com
Brodart
Co.: Phone (USA & Canada) 1-800-233-8467 (International) 1-570-326-2461
Fax: (570)326-1479 Email: bookinfo@rodart.com Website:www.brodart.com
or www.brodart.ca
(Canada) Headquarters: 500 Arch Street Williamsport, PA 17705
Gardners
Books: UK's largest book wholesaler. Website: www.gardners.com
Ottakars:
(UK) - special order. Website: www.ottakars.co.uk
Press
Release -
Sample Articles
Frequently
asked interview questions
- The Authors
Sample
Articles
Reduce Waste this Christmas
(368 words)
--Begins--
Christmas
is responsible for more waste and consumption than any other
holiday. North American's trash increases by 25% over Christmas
- which equates to 25 million extra tons of garbage going
to the landfill. By recognizing the incredible waste that
is generated the urgency to do something becomes apparent.
A truly useful or environment friendly gift is a better ecological
choice. Here is a brief list of ideas to inspire you.
- For
the homeowner - thermostat control that automatically turns
the heat down at night. A low flow shower head attachment.
A draft cozy (placed in front of doors to prevent drafts)
and tubes of caulking or weather stripping. Dimmer switches
or compact fluorescent bulbs. Hot water tank and hot water
pipe insulation kits.
- For
the gardener - subscription to an organic gardening magazine
or a membership to a seed organization. Bird, bat and butterfly
houses, baths and feeders - or the patterns to build them.
A composting worm bin or a membership with an environmental
group.
- Tickets
to a performance, restaurant gift certificates or services
such as lawn care, diaper, cleaning, music lessons, exercise
or dance classes, tune-up or tire rotation services - all
support local business.
- Dehydrated,
canned or preserved foods make excellent gifts. Frozen dishes
are treasured by those that find cooking tasks cumbersome.
- Brazil
or cashew nuts as they promote a living tropical rainforest.
- Books
(i.e. Trash Talk).
- A
reusable coffee filter and whole organic coffee beans.
- If
you choose to purchase electronics, consider those powered
by solar or rechargeable batteries.
- For
holiday photo memories using a digital camera and getting
pictures put on CD's reduces chemicals, paper and cost.
Choosing 36 exposure film rolls reduces packaging and waste.
- Consider
purchasing a live tree. At the end of the season, donate
it to individuals, the city, schools or parks. Plant it
in your own yard for privacy, shade or erosion control.
-- Written by Dave and Lillian Brummet based on the concept
of their new book Trash Talk, a guide for anyone concerned
about his or her impact on the environment, that offers useful
solutions to reduce waste and better manage resources. http://www.sunshinecable.com/~drumit
--Ends--
The
Valuable Individual (413
words)
--
Begins --
How
can we, as individuals, participate in waste management? Because
some of us are so overwhelmed with Earth's problems, we feel
that our contributions have no real consequence in the end.
For others, social barriers can be an issue. A lady we once
knew confessed that she did not want to be seen buying used
items or being concerned with power use. She was worried people
would see her as cheap - a scrooge - when the family was so
affluent. Yet, she was very careful to be seen with recycling
bins out on the curb on pick-up day, because that was thought
to be the thing to do socially. Now is a good time to put
an end to these negative thoughts and feelings of false pride.
Waste reduction is not about ego - it is about the health
of the planet and of our nation.
Communities
would be wise to look at Nova Scotia's waste reduction success
and try to emulate it in their area. With the highest waste
reduction rates in Canada, Nova Scotia has reduced landfill
contributions by 46% - saving about $31 million per year -
simply by making the most of the organic and recyclable materials.
Curbside recycling service (Blue Box) is available to 99%
of its residents and 76% now enjoy curbside organic service
(a.k.a. Green Box).
With
better management of organic and recyclable waste, we will
find we do not have to put the trash out as often because
the odors and volume are greatly decreased. As a fiscal incentive,
many garbage collection companies offer discounts to homes
with reduced waste.
We
can also help the waste management industry run more efficiently.
For instance, when only full garbage bags and Blue or Green
boxes are put out on the curb, the garbage truck does not
have to stop as often and burn fossil fuels inefficiently
while idling. (Incidentally, vehicle idling is responsible
for 3% of the air pollution problem.) Similarly, by collapsing
boxes before recycling we are ensuring that space is used
more efficiently, thereby reducing the number of bins needed
for transporting materials.
Recycling,
alone, has a huge impact on the environment. A study of a
100-unit apartment building practicing maximum recycling found
it would save 21.93 thirty-foot trees, 26.86 cubic yards of
landfill space, 8,389 kilowatts of electricity, and 77.4 pounds
of air pollution in just one year!
So
you see, these seemingly small choices and efforts towards
waste management really do make a difference.
--
Written by Dave and Lillian Brummet based on the concept of
their new book Trash Talk. The book offers useful solutions
for the individual to reduce waste and better manage resources.
A guide for anyone concerned about his or her impact on the
environment.
--
Ends --
Clean
Vacationing (409 words)
--
Begins --
Admit
it. When the sun is out and you are at your favorite campsite
or cottage on the lake the last thing you want to do is spend
a lot of time cooking a meal. Often, when vacationing, the
lure to purchase instant foods is strong. Unfortunately, these
convenience foods often come over packaged usually including
some type of plastic. As we can see when we come across trash
in the wilderness, the plastics tend to linger the longest
- other than maybe glass and metal. Nothing ruins the feel
of a pristine, natural area more than a bunch of garbage.
Numerous studies prove that tourists return to an area primarily
for its cleanliness and greenery. In this era where the economy
has come to rely more on tourism, cleaning up is truly a benefit
for the community.
We
soon realized that walking by these messes and complaining
over such disrespect, we were behaving not much better than
the polluters who left it. Now when we hike we pack a supply
of plastic bags (grocery bags work well) to clean up as we
go. Often we earn up to $10 in returnable bottles and cans
in the process.When
you take a bit of time to clean up some trash not only do
you have a better trail or beach to come back to, you have
helped to make it safer and nicer for the next user. This
simple measure just might influence others to keep it clean,
as well.
When
on the water with the canoe we also clean as we go by diving
for garbage below the surface using a mask and snorkel.It
is amazing the finds we have from these excursions under water.
One of the first times we did this, we found an expensive
diving mask in about 30 feet of water - enough incentive to
continue this practice! We have found antique bottles, jewelry,
fishing lures and reels.
It
feels very good to clear up a beach of shards of broken glass
hiding just below the surface before an unwary swimmer splashes
into it. It does not, however, feel as good to find a large
fish hook by imbedding it in the bottom of your foot. Take
heart in knowing you have done a good thing as your expletive
echoes off the far mountainside. Imagine an innocent child
stepping on that hook instead of you and decide if it is worth
taking the time...
--
Written by Dave and Lillian Brummet based on the concept of
their new book Trash Talk. The book offers useful solutions
for the individual to reduce waste and better manage resources.
A guide for anyone concerned about his or her impact on the
environment.
--
Ends --
Press
Release -
Sample Articles
Frequently
asked interview questions
- The Authors
Frequently
asked interview questions
Trash
Talk: its beginnings and concept…
Question:
What inspired you initially to begin your Trash Talk venture?
Answer:
a) Both of us come from families with very
inventive parents whose reuse ideas were a part of everyday
life. We ourselves have been doing what we can to reduce and
reuse our own household waste and as writers felt a need to
share these ideas with others. It just so happens that a large
uprising of zero waste initiatives is present for a book of
such content to be quite timely.
b)
As a society, we are bombarded with negative information about
the environment and our resources constantly. Feeling powerless
because we cannot afford to donate cash or time to a cause,
we begin to feel overwhelmed by the immense environmental
problems our world faces. Psychologists know that simply performing
one positive action helps to define a positive outlook on
life and will inspire further participation from the individual.
Trash
Talk focuses on ways the average person can make small changes
to do their part for the Earth. We encourage our readers by
showing how their efforts make a difference to their community
and their own pocket book.
Question:
How long did the Trash Talk column run?
Answer:
The articles began in 1999, and were published for about 4
years. For the last couple of years, we have focused all our
energies towards compiling the articles into a book that matched
our expectations and the publisher's deadline.
Question:
Why the title?
Answer:
We
talk about trash so we simply called it Trash Talk. It was
an eye-catching title for readers of our column, so we kept
the title for the book.The concept of the book is to reduce,
reuse or recycle items that were formally destined for the
landfill. The idea of refusing to buy products with excessive
packaging is another key element discussed. You are sending
a powerful message to manufacturers when their sales figures
decrease.
Question:
What kind of book is Trash Talk?
Answer:
Firstly, Trash Talk is meant to inspire participation
from the individual in easing the world's environmental strain.
The entire book is focused on bringing the reader inspiring
facts, useful ideas, and a real sense of hope. We show how
recycling benefits us all and discuss how the 4-R's of waste
management are implemented. By treating waste as a resource,
the reader will save money and better the environment.
Question:
Where is the likely readership? What type of person would
be attracted to this book?
Answer:
Anyone that creates waste, that likes to save money and who
would like to lessen their personal impact on the environment
would get something very useful out of this book.
Anyone
who is feeling overwhelmed or depressed about the state of
the earth can find some comfort in our pages. Individuals
and businesses will learn how to save money and time. Our
financial consultant tells us that if people could find a
way to save just $7 a day they could contribute to their retirement
monthly. We show people how to accomplish this simply by improving
their waste and resource management.
Question:
What is the sales potential of the book? What are the interests
of the book?
Answer:
Zero Waste initiatives are gaining popularity in communities
across North America. Education systems are teaching recycling
and environmental sciences in their curriculum. And, the last
time we checked, the landfills were not getting any smaller.
It is in the best interest of all of us on this planet to
make it as healthy and non-toxic as possible in order to remain.
With this in mind, we felt it was vitally important to have
this book published, aiding communities in their waste reduction
efforts.
Question:
What makes this book unique?
Answer:
Trash Talk is about implementing the Refuse-Reduce-Reuse
tactics first, in that order, before even considering recycling.
In this, we are not trying to pronounce that recycling is
a negative approach by any means - more a final solution when
all other options have been considered. By taking matters
into our own hands we can ease the burden that is upon the
recycling industry, decrease our own household costs and help
preserve our resources.
In all our research, we could find only four, or five, books
on this subject throughout North America. Most of these are
regionally based and were written up to 10 years ago. We have
written Trash Talk for a wider, North American audience. We
included a list of over 140 magazines, Internet sites, books
and reports that were used in the writing process, as well
as providing statistics throughout the book. It is focused
on providing the reader with a sense of hope and the knowledge
that their actions have a direct impact on their own pocketbook
as well as the health of the community. In fact, many chapters
close with a list of the direct benefits attained by taking
the suggested actions and the chapters can be read in any
order.
Question:
Why should anyone care?
Answer:
We think it is vital that people recognize the volume of waste
generated in homes and businesses. Each bag sent to the landfill
increases municipal costs and the need to create new landfill
space. The ideas in this book will help individuals and businesses
to not only manage their waste and resource consumption, but
also purchase less.
Our
topics are not complicated and do not require unusual skills
or tools. Every one of them was successfully employed by either
ourselves, or someone we know.
We
show readers how to turn their yards into organic, wildlife
paradises. Individuals will learn how to increase the value
of their real estate. Employers will learn new ways of decreasing
sick days and increasing staff production. Communities will
learn how to reduce smog and waste issues. Each - and every
one -of these things we just mentioned can have a huge effect
on the financial state and health of people within our communities.
Question:
What makes this book enjoyable?
Answer:
The hands-on reuse ideas make it easy to start right away
with simple projects around the home or office that make a
difference. The positive approach gives the feeling that there
is hope and that no matter how small you start it is just
that - a start. In no time the inclination to look at anything
twice before discarding it will be a reflex action.
Trash
Talk has provided a voice for many friends and family's personal
reuse experiences. It is a source of inspiration to participate
from the ground level. Because readers learn of the direct
benefits of each action they make, we hope they will find
the courage to further their management journey. This book
could very well be one of the best tools for individuals and
businesses to meet Zero Waste goals.
Question:
What is the best way to get started in recycling?
Answer:
Returnable bottles and cans are probably the easiest to begin
with, and have the additional incentive of receiving money
for bringing them to the depot. All office paper, envelopes,
cereal boxes, newspaper and junk mail can be put in one box
and taken to the depot. Cardboard is also easily recycled.
However, not all glass is recyclable. Very few depots accept
ceramics or drinking glasses. Because mixed glass is less
valuable than separated colors, many depots require glass
to be sorted by color. Tin cans and aluminum foil can be put
in another box. Labels on jars and cans are also recyclable.
It
is easiest to start recycling these resources. When the family
becomes used to these, they can consider recycling plastics,
metals and many other things. Recycling is the first step
in taking responsible measures to deal with our waste problems.
Question:
Do you have outlets for all your recycled items?
Answer:
Most communities have big recycling bins,
reuse centers and take-it-back programs available for the
public. There are differences in each depot. For instance,
some require labels to be taken off cans and bottles - others
do not. Some accept all rigid plastics from #1-#7 - others
accept only translucent milk jugs. It is important to become
familiar with local depot requirements because the wrong thing
can ruin the whole bin.
Question:
How does one "save time and money"? Provide some
examples of how reuse works.
Answer:
a) Even before recycling, a plastic container
can be reused for various storage means numerous times. This
means the container is not going to the landfill, contributing
increasing municipal costs and loss of land. The individual
saves money by not purchasing a storage container.
b)
Consider the kitchen sink, where there is a vast volume of
wasted water. Rather than running the tap when cleaning vegetables,
use a bowl of water. Later, reuse it to water outdoor plants.
Reusing water from rinsing out the coffeepot for outdoor plants,
the compost or lawn is something we do all the time. Rich
in nitrogen as well as some trace minerals, it should be diluted
by filling the pot with water before using. Choose a different
group of plants every day and you may find you no longer have
to water them with the hose. Cooking water (i.e. noodles)
can be used in the same way - just let it cool first. Or,
to kill weeds, pour the hot liquid directly on the plant.
All of these water sources contain extra nutrients for your
plants.
After meals, scrape your dishes into the compost bucket before
rinsing. While rinsing, place other soiled dishes, jars and
utensils underneath while you work; it will begin the presoaking
process - reducing labor and water use. Anything caught in
the sink basket can be contributed to the compost, too.
Save
about 5 gallons of water per washing by doing dishes in a
few inches of hot soapy water. It may seem funny to do this
- but by turning the hot water tap on to rinse the dishes
into the sink, the level will slowly increase and will maintain
a hot temperature. No second sink needs to be filled for rinsing.
In
the winter, the water from washing or soaking dishes should
be left to cool. This way it releases its valuable heat into
the home, rather than the sewer. Dishwashers, that are not
built-in, allow reuse of the water for pre-rinsing heavily
soiled dishes because they drain into the sink. The water
can be trapped in the sink, or a soiled pot, where the heat
is slowly released into the home, saving energy costs in the
winter. Of course, the opposite applies in the summer, when
extra heat is not desirable.
Very
hot water is not always necessary for all washing and rinsing
needs. Usually, by the time we are finished washing our hands,
the water is just beginning to warm up - so really, all we
have done is heat up our pipes. When washing hands, turn off
the tap while lathering.
Now,
if you measured the amount of water saved each day by those
simple methods we just described - there would be dozens of
gallons of pure, drinkable water left untouched in the reservoir.
By reducing hot water consumption, our energy bills are a
little bit smaller. All this, just from the kitchen sink!
Question:
Where is the book available?
Answer:
The book can be purchased from any local bookstore
or requested at the library.
Or on-line at:
publishamerica.com
borders.com
barnesandnoble.com
chapters.indigo.ca
(Canada)
paddyfield.com
(Hong Kong)
alibris.com
booksamillion.com
bookshop.blackwell.co.uk
(UK)
pickabook.co.uk
(UK)
powells.com
proxis.be (Belgium)
Booksellers,
Library and School orders:
Publish America: Phone 1-301-695-1707 www.publishamerica.com
Ingram:
Phone 1-800-233-8467 (Canada) 1-800-937-8200 (set up an account)
1-800-937-0152 Website: www.ingrambook.com
Baker
& Taylor: Phone (800)775-1800 or (704)998-3100 Headquarters:
2550 West Tyvola Rd. Suite 300 Charlotte, NC 28217 Website:
www.btol.com
Email: btinfo@btol.com
Brodart
Co.: Phone (USA & Canada) 1-800-233-8467 (International) 1-570-326-2461
Fax: (570)326-1479 Email: bookinfo@rodart.com Website:www.brodart.com
or www.brodart.ca
(Canada) Headquarters: 500 Arch Street Williamsport, PA 17705
Gardners
Books: UK's largest book wholesaler. Website: www.gardners.com
Ottakars:
(UK) - special order. Website: www.ottakars.co.uk
Question:
Do you have a Web site for people to contact you?
Answer:
Yes, the URL is www.sunshinecable.com/~drumit
Press
Release -
Sample Articles
Frequently
asked interview questions
- The Authors
The
Authors
Who
they are and what influences them:
Question:
Who are Dave and Lillian Brummet?
Answer:
We are Canadian writers that reside in the
south central interior region of British Columbia also known
as the Boundary Country. Our articles have appeared in various
magazine publications, including Country Connection, Iskra,
Openminder and Seeds of Diversity. A passion for gardening,
cooking and pristine wilderness is the inspiration for our
work.
We
are members of Seeds of Diversity, the Recycling Council of
BC, Granby Wilderness Society and supporters of the Canadian
Wildlife Federation. We live in a small comfortable home and
have a large 10,000 square foot garden. Obviously, we like
to grow most of our own food. Saving seed from non-hybrids
is an educational hobby with positive results like participating
in seed exchanges with fellow gardeners and saving rare or
threatened species from extinction. We enjoy feeding our friends
and family and donating seeds to low-income gardeners, but
it is also a wonderful feeling to walk into community food
banks with bags of fresh produce for the needy.
Our
very best friends are our pets - Skylo, a 3-year-old dog,
and our two indoor cats Indika (10-year-old) and Akasha (4-year-old).
All of which were rescued animals and they are all fixed.
We love them dearly and receive adoration in return. All of
them are great hunters, keeping our home free of undesirable
insects and crumbs.
Question:
Where did you grow up?
Answer:
Dave
was born and raised in Kelowna, British Columbia. Though Lillian
was born in Lone Pine, California, she spent time in Nevada,
as well as the North West Territories in Canada. We met in
Kelowna in 1990 and moved to Grand Forks in 1999.
Question:
Was writing and reading a part of your childhood?
Answer:
We are both avid readers. Lillian's family used to read the
Lord of The Rings series and the Little Britches Series together
when all the children were young.
Dave's dad is a very talented writer and often read comedic
bedtime stories to the boys at night. Dave was a bookworm
at an early age with the schoolbook clubs being a vast source
of material.
Question:
Who were your earliest influences and why?
Answer:
Lillian was influenced by two teachers. An
elementary teacher gave her special attention for a story
about a sad elderly widow who dressed in colorful, flowered
clothing in an effort to brighten her day. The teacher said
she had never seen such writing from a student. A high-school
English teacher, Mr. O'Connor, encouraged her as well.
Dave
lists Robert Service, Robert Heinlein, Neil Peart, and Rick
Van Horn as some of the many writers that have influenced
him. As an early inspiration, he recalls in fourth grade a
short story that received compliments from his mother and
aunt. He is currently re-writing that same story that started
it all...
Question:
Who are your role models?
Answer:
We have so many. Bruce Cockburn, Sting, David
Suzuki, Mickey Hart, our parents... we are inspired by people
who use words as a powerful tool to make a difference and
those who's quiet hands-on work benefits us all.
Question:
Why do you write? How long have you written?
Answer:
7
years ago, Lillian received injuries from a vehicle accident
that required her to retire from her business "Incredibly
Clean". At the time, Dave was taking a correspondence
writing course. He had written several short stories and had
dreamed of becoming a writer for some time. Lillian began
taking the course as well. When our articles sold, we realized
that a career was possible and began our journey. We wanted
to make a difference in what we chose to do in life, and writing,
for us, is a tool to do just that. We write about living lightly
on the land, gardening, food, enjoying wilderness, re-use,
alternative agriculture and many other things.
Question:
When did you know that you wanted to be a writer?
Answer:
Always. Both of us have written as a hobby long before deciding
to go professional. We decided to change our focus on life
and do what we really believed in, not what society or other
influences depicted. We wanted to make a difference by discussing
issues that mattered and giving people a sense of hope. Dave,
by the way, is very good at writing with humor - which is
a healing tool as well.
Question:
What was the last book you read?
Answer:
The last two books Lillian read recently were:Hawkwood's Voyage
by Paul Kearney and The Verdant Passage by Troy Denning.
Dave has been at The Manhattan Hunt Club by John Saul and
Atlantis Found , by Clive Cussler
The World of Writing: what experiences face a new author…
Question:
What was it like as new authors in the publishing world?
Answer:
As free-lance writers of informative articles,
we had no prior experience with book publishers. We did a
lot of research and were aware of some basic contract and
publishing procedures, yet there were many things we were
not prepared for. For instance, there was the book cover design
to conceive of - which our good friend Brian McAndrew created.
The back cover text had to be developed, an author's bio written,
photos to have taken and lists of nearly 2 hundred contacts
to sort out. The marketing research took weeks to do, but
it resulted in a 12-page plan to ease our way. Then there
were formal things like dealing with the Library of Congress
and Copyrighting. For instance, copies of the book had to
be sent to the Library of Congress at our expense. There are
rules to be aware of as well. The rights for free use (using
quotes from other people) is so gray that we opted out of
including this kind of text. Unfortunately, that meant more
editing. We were disappointed because there were some very
good quotes that would have added a great deal to the book.
Question:
What were some publishing experiences or unexpected turn of
events?
Answer:
While Lillian was browsing the Internet looking up information
on other publishers, she came upon Publish America's website.
It inspired her to send a query in on the spot. Within 3-days
we received a request for a sample manuscript. Now, these
publishers only accept 20% of the thousands of queries that
cross their desks, so we were excited to have such a good
response in a very short time. Unfortunately, we were also
relocating our home from one part of town to another, finishing
a garden year and working as well. Time was short and stress
was high. We got that sample manuscript off in a timely fashion,
however, and we received an acceptance within a few days.
The heady sensation of signing the 7-year contract flew by
us in a blur.
Question:
What time and resources do we put in for promoting the book?
Answer:
Every day we put in 2-6 hours into some aspect of the book.
The Internet has proven to be a powerful tool where an immense
amount of information can be found from newsletters, publishers,
forums and authors. Every on-line communication we have is
an opportunity to plug our book by simply attaching an auto
signature. We developed promotional materials (flyers, mini-posters,
large posters, bookmarks, labels) and, of course, galleys
and sample packages for editors and booksellers. Most importantly,
we had a great website built for us by Brian McAndrew of Beyond
Graphix.
Question:
What did you learn in researching the book?
Answer:
We thought we were committed to the concept
of the book in our lives, but when researching and writing
this book we found we became much more motivated, more committed
and more informed.
Question:
As a writer, what have you learned about staying organized
or motivated?
Answer:
Having a plan of action for every project is vital. Every
project should have an outline starting from the title through
to the end. There should also be a market plan laid out. Who
are you marketing to? How you are going about it? What will
you do first? These are the most important tools of a writer.
Most people think of a writing career being one where you
have lots of leisure time and creating with words. On the
contrary, most of the time is spent marketing and organizing
projects. For instance, we might write an article and query
it to a market. That market may take a few days to get back
to us, but it may also be as long as a year before we hear
from them. That article is idle and we do not get paid until
after it is published. A writer must have hundreds of pieces
of their work at various stages of writing and marketing
at one time. They need to know where it is and its status,
at a glance. We use the Excel program to take care of this.
For the book, plans were indispensable. The market plan alone
is a book in itself and will take us years to complete. That
is normal, actually. A writer must spend much of their time
promoting the book for years after publication in order to
keep sales happening. Unfortunately, promotion and writing
time are unpaid hours in the meantime.
Question:
When do you write?
Answer:
We work as a team. Mostly, we write separately
and then conglomerate our work later. Because we share one
computer, this can be a bit of a juggle. Dave works shift
work so when he is at work or sleeping Lillian will use the
computer to research and promote.
Question:
What is your professional background?
Answer:
Dave and Lillian began their (paid) writing career working
as staff writers at Openminder Newsletter where they experienced
the harried pace of getting several articles and even feature
or interview articles ready for a by-weekly deadline. It was
our start in the writing world and plunged us head-first into
the community, interviewing unique and enterprising people.
The concept of Trash Talk was already developed and this market
snatched up the column immediately. When Openminder closed
shop, we started a free-lance career. Our articles have since
appeared in a variety of magazines including Seeds of Diversity,
Country Connection and ISKRA.
Question:
Have you won any awards or contests?
Answer:
Yes, Dave has recently won first prize in the Nature category
of BC Cottage Magazine's 2004 Photo contest. Lillian has won
several editorial awards for her poetry and has had her work
published in 5 hardcover anthology books of poetry through
contests.
Question:
What is the goal for the next book?
Answer:
Our next book might be the cookbook we have been working
on for more than 8 years...
Question:
What is your current project?
Answer:
Currently, we have a few articles queried out and some poetry
as well. Other than marketing the book and managing work that
has already been written, we are taking a break for a few
months. Our business, Drum-it Percussion is in it's peak during
the summer months - so we will be spending our time giving
lessons, workshops, performances and building and repairing
instruments.
Question:
What is the most important lesson in your writing career?
Answer:
Research. If you know something is coming
up, research it and make a plan of action well ahead of time.
If we did not start the market plan and develop a plan of
action and estimated schedule soon after finding out the manuscript
was accepted, we would have never been ready for the myriad
of work ahead of us, much of which is time-sensitive. Doing
it right is essential - there is but little chance to make
an impression with a reviewer, reader or publication. Even
with the best of preparation you will be caught off guard
or unprepared. Don't sweat it too much if you make a mistake.
Think of it as a lesson.
Question:
Have you any advice for new writers?
Answer:
We hate to sound redundant, but again, do your research. Join
forums and research the previous messages for several months
ago. You will find many novice questions are thoroughly answered
with many different people contributing ideas and opinions.
Always research your market and query them in a professional
manner before sending a finished product.
Press
Release -
Sample Articles
Frequently
asked interview questions
- The Authors
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