First off, thanks Tina for the invitation, and a big hello to all the folks in Seekerville. A lot has happened since I visited back in November. It’s obvious a lot has happened here, as well.
Congrats to all of you who’ve escaped from Unpubbed Island since then. It’s not that surprising considering the tremendous amount of help and support you all give each other around here.
Tina suggested for my second visit I answer this Question: “What do you wish you’d been told before getting published?” I loved the idea, because this year has gone very different from what I’d expected.
For those who’ve joined Seekerville since my last visit, here’s the link to what I shared then.
It explains why I have no idea what I’m doing, and why my expectations about the world of publishing have so often been out of whack. For those a little crunched for time, here’s the short version. Before getting my contract with Revell for The Unfinished Gift (my first novel):
- I had never been to a writer’s conference.
- I had never read a single blog about writing.
- I had never been to a writer’s group, had never had a critique partner.
That’s just how my story went. In a way, I think I missed out. I think these are good things. Not just to help someone become a better writer but to better understand all the “behind-the-scenes” aspects of a writer’s life.
Besides missing out on these things, because my book sold so fast, it set me up for a few more unrealistic expectations. Most writers, as you all well know, take several years to get published. They learn to adjust to a process that moves very slow and is often trying. But when I sent The Unfinished Gift out, two of the first three agents I contacted asked to read the entire book. A month later I signed with one of the top agents in the business. Two months later she secured the contract with Revell. It was all terribly exciting, but as you can imagine, I was clueless about what to expect…on every conceivable level.
What did I expect? Honestly, I’m embarrassed to say (I may actually lose a few of you after I explain). Well…you’ve seen the movies. You know how authors are generally depicted. He (or she) gets a huge advance. They stick the money in the bank and head off to a secluded place, say, a cozy cabin. A picture began to form in my mind that looked something like this:
A light breeze sweeps across the lake, becoming almost visible in the morning mist which yields politely to its touch. A blue heron swoops down from a mossy live oak and begins to bob in the shallows for its breakfast. Tiny waves lap on the beach, not fifty feet from the porch. My Adirondack chair is perfectly positioned on that porch to catch the sun as it rises above the treeline. My Netbook is perfectly positioned on my lap to capture a surge of words, the essence of literature itself. A perfectly blended cup of coffee sits beside me on an overturned peach crate. My mind, is free from all care.
Reality Check
Here’s the thing…that didn’t happen. What really happened after I got published is not even close (but you all knew that already). Please understand…what comes next is not me complaining. Let’s just call it a reality check.
For starters, I didn’t get the cabin by the lake; it wasn’t part of the deal. I’ve learned the Hollywood version of a writer’s life is really something like Writer’s Heaven. Only 5% of published writers get to go there. If you’re good, and I mean really good, and everything goes just so (say Oprah or Glenn Beck invite you on their show) then you, too, might get there someday.
Here are some other things I wished someone would have told me. For some reason (maybe because I write fiction?) as I thought on this, it came to me as though listening to a voice, like an imaginary Writer’s Angel was explaining it to me. He had a strong Bronx accent. He told me things like:
- You gotta make yourself a website. I don’t care you’re in your 50’s and you never even learned how to program your VCR. (So now I’ve got one: www.danwalshbooks.com)
- Then you gotta start a blog, and you gotta come up with all kinds of interesting things to say (So I started one. Still haven’t got the interesting things part down yet. http://danwalshbooks.blogspot.com) .
- Then you’ve gotta join Twitter and start Tweetin’. I don’t care you’re a guy and you don’t want to tell anyone you “Tweet.” (http://twitter.com/authordanwalsh)
- You gotta read the email loop on ACFW every day, interact with your readers on Goodreads.com and The Book Club network, and respond personally to every reader email.
- And you’ve gotta do dozens of blog interviews, write articles you don’t get paid for, go to book signings nobody shows up for.
Then the Angel looks at me and says, “And while you’re writing your next book, you’re going to have to make time for emails from your publisher’s editing, marketing and publicity teams, and do radio interviews on short notice, some of them live. And these interviews…they gotta be short and sweet, five minutes max. No long-winded answers.”
I tell him I’m a preacher, I can’t talk in sound bytes. I need ten minutes to say anything worth hearing. “Well, you better learn.” Then he adds, “And you’re also gonna get handed major rewrite assignments on the books you already turned in. But you can’t fall behind with your next book. You’re on a deadline now, a lot of people are depending on you to get it done on time.”
Then he says, “To top it off, you’re not going to make enough money to do this fulltime. You’ve gotta do all this and keep your fulltime job as a pastor.”
“Wait a minute,” I say, “I’m with a major publisher, the book sales have exceeded all our expectations. Foreign companies are picking it up: South Africa, Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Oasis Audio has made a first-class audio book out of it. The sequel has just released, and my publisher just offered me a new three-book deal.”
“That’s nice,” the Angel says. “I’m happy for you. But you ain’t in Writer’s Heaven. Get back to work.”
Is it Worth It?
See…nobody told me any of these things. They certainly don’t talk about this in the movies. I guess you have to have the kind of friends you all have here in Seekerville to learn them. I’ve wondered if I’d known all these things beforehand, would it have scared me off? I think it might have. I wouldn’t have thought I could pull it off. All I wanted to do was write.
But God knows what’s best for me, knows how to lead me through His pasture. Because this is also true…now that I do know what it’s like, I’m SO glad to be a part. I have met so many wonderful people and have learned so many wonderful things. It’s not Writer’s Heaven (and to be honest…I’d still like to go there someday), but it has been a remarkable adventure.
For me, it’s still about the writing, first and most. I love to write. I can’t stop now. I don’t want to stop. But I thank God now for every email, every phone call, every blog interview and article. I still don’t have the hang of how to do all these things well (I still won’t tell anyone that I Tweet). But the folks at Revell are giving me all kinds of solid help along the way. And my agent gives me great advice every time we talk.
So…I’ll keep doing it all as God leads, even if I never make it to Writer’s Heaven. And if I never make it to that secluded lakeside cabin, at least I can write about it. Make it the place where the murder mystery gets solved, where the young couple falls in love, where the lost traveler finds a refuge from the cold. That’s why they call it fiction, right?
So tell me…what are some of your crazier dreams, illusions and unmet expectations?
Dan Walsh Bio:
I’ve been happily married to the only woman I’ve ever loved for the last 33 years. We have two grown children (one grand baby on the way). We’ve lived in the same house in the Daytona Beach area for the last 25 years (we really like it here) and I’ve been a pastor for 25 years. My first book, The Unfinished Gift, released last September and is doing well. In June the sequel released, called The Homecoming. Both books received 4.5 Stars from Romantic Times. My publisher, Revell, signed me to write three more books for them through 2012.
~~~
Today Dan is generously sharing two copies of his latest release, The Homecoming, with our Seekerville friends. But, please leave an email address in the body of your post if you want to be entered in the drawing. Winners announced in the Weekend Edition.
Please note, every now and then Blogger is finicky. If your post does not show..it will later in the day. No worries. Apparently, posting anonymously still works, but don't forget to leave your email address. To thank those of you who go to the extra trouble of posting anonymously and leaving a valid email address, Seekerville will give away their own (a third copy) of Dan's book to one of you patient posters.
Three copies and the three winners will be announced in the weekend edition. So post your heart out and give Dan a Seekerville Island welcome!!
Hi Dan:
ReplyDeleteMany writers still do not do blogs and tweets. Is doing these things in your contract or are they only strongly suggested?
Also, about your three new books: are they outlined as to what you must write about or are you free to write almost anything you want to write about.
Thanks,
Vince
Vmres (at) swbell (dot) net
That is a great interview/article!!! I bet that means your books are great! martha(at)lclink(dot)com
ReplyDeleteFirst I'll set the coffee to brew. Nothing better than waking up to the smell of coffee...
ReplyDeleteThat was a great blog. You definitely need to give yourself more credit :) Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
EvaMariaHamilton at gmail dot com
Oddly, some of my unrealistic expecations are what actually happened to you when you started. I figured I would find an agent quickly once I finished my first book and get published soon after.
ReplyDeleteI finished my first book in 2007. My second one in 2009.
No publishing contract yet, but I've had time to learn what I didn't know before and come to understand that I have a lot more to go.
wmussell(at)hotmail(dot)com
Hey Dan,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations and welcome (back) to Seekerville!
I'm sure someone will have coffee or tea on shortly. Me? Heading for bed momentarily.
HAD to swing by to see what was shakin'.
Thanks for sharing your story. It's great to read about things going on, what you thought it would be like, and now that you're pubbed AND signed up for more of the madness, I mean, more of the fun, what your expectations are now.
I have NO idea. None. I'm just trying to be a sponge. Since my main character is a dog, and the real live version is 10, and I'd like her to go on "tour" so she can give her paw-o-graph, I'm feeling a bit of pressure to get it going. Yes. I know there were many Lassie's so I get it. It's just that this one is so doggone special. Truly!
But as you sorta mentioned, it really is up to the Lord, and I'm good with that. YES! (ya think He might know what He's doing or something???!!!)
may at maythek9spy dot com
(and I still don't see myself tweeting either...)
have a great one!
Dan, after reading your post, my first thought was "Holy cannoli, I don't want to sell a book. The mere thought of doing all what you've been doing exhausts me. I'd rather do laundry."
ReplyDeleteThen I thought about how messy my laundry room is and the piles of close upstairs and...*sigh*
Thanks for posting!
Since my hubby is a pastor, I'm in awe that you're doing two vastly different jobs for the Big Guy...and are still remotely sane.
THE COFFEE IS ON. Fresh fruit and since I watched Memphis Beat tonight (TNT, on the puter) and they were eating beignets..I bring you fresh beignets from Fat City.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back to Seekerville, Dan.
We are as usual delighted.
The reason I mentioned this topic was I know how all encompassing a pastor's job is and in the last year since I met you and your lovely wife in Denver I have often thought of you. Writer. Pastor. Newbie. HOW DOES HE DO IT? Sheesh!
You have graciously weathered the publishing world. Congratulations.
I'm a little early for the coffee. I'm about to head to bed too.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing journey, Dan. God has been good. I don't know what to expect. I just want to write wherever God leads me. If I can help ease some of the financial burdens, then great. If I can minister to a soul and lead them to God's grace, awesome!!
When I sell my first book (and I will), hubs thinks I'm going to buy him a motorcycle. Me, I want a dishwasher.
Every now and then Blogger decides it's a good day to eat posts. Today is one of those days, so don't give up if your post doesn't show. It will.
ReplyDeleteI am going to risk REWELCOMING DAN and offering coffee, fresh fruit and beignets once again.
And I am going to go Tweet his visit. I'll be back again in a while to see what Blogger does.
So Welcome Dan..multiple times.
Delighted to have you back and your Bronx accent angel.
What a great post. Thanks for your perspective on the journey, Dan.
ReplyDeleteSylvie
WELCOME DAN!!!!!
ReplyDeleteTHIRD ATTEMPT.
Someone open the door, I bring food..and coffee.
KC, Saw you jumped in late last night. Hope you slept well. Not sure how old 10 is in dog years, but I'm guessing it's up there. No telling how much longer it might be for you, but hope it happens soon.
ReplyDeleteAnd Sylvie, thanks for stopping by. Think I'll get that cup of coffee now myself, as I wait for a few others to wake up and face this new day.
Dan
Got an email from Tina that Blogger is misfiring, that there may be several people who've already posted but what they wrote is not showing up.
ReplyDeleteShe said she posted twice already, but it's not appearing. Sorry if I'm missing anyone. All I'm seeing are 2 posts (ones I just responded to).
Hope it straightens out. I'll keep checking back.
Dan
7:00 AM and I'm first in of the morning crew????
ReplyDeleteLuckily, Dan-O, I brought coffee and tea, biscuits and gravy, hot sausage, grits, scrambled eggs with cheese and hot sauce to your left, white, wheat or rye toast and Irish home fries, those bits of green pepper and sweet onion teasin' my senses to beat the band.
So, Dan.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
Sorry, just had to get that out of my system.
I think the Writer's Heaven thing comes when you get Robin Wright or Eva Mendes to play the lead in the movie version of a book. Or (cat-calling appreciatively here) Will Smith... Matt Damon....
meeeeeoooooowwwwww!
But I'm so proud of you because not only have you survived (and mega congrats on good sales, great reviews and wonderful imagery all around) you can LAUGH at yourself and that is the only thing that gets you through this tough business.
That and God. And to thine own self be true.
But you KNOW both of those, and I'm deeeeeelighted to have you back with us!
And honey-chile, what kind of God would NOT WANT YOU PASTORING???? TENDING HIS SHEEP????
So I'm afraid you're stuck for a bit, and I'll tell you something totally from my heart: it makes you a better story teller in many ways. I don't think being Walden Ponded off in the trees helps someone become more literary, I think it curbs their realism to the point of too much philosophy and not enough story.
Very Clara Peller: WHERE'S THE BEEF????
You rock, Dude.
Ruthy
Blogger is really acting up. Now the post I wrote earlier to KC and Sylvie disappeared. I only see my explanation and apology to any others who posted that I can't see.
ReplyDeleteStrange things indeed. Well, I for one, need a strong cup of coffee. Sure hope we get to spend the day together. If not, we'll have to do a raincheck.
Dan
Okay, I was so there at the cabin by the lake. You had me at peach crate. You painted a beautiful storyworld with your literary brush. No wonder your books are so successful.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your list, Dan.
Lisa
lisajordanbooks at yahoo dot com
I'm going to take a chance and try posting again. (Numero four). Welcome back to Seekerville Dan.
ReplyDeleteI bring coffee (mocha java) and fruit.
Good morning!
ReplyDeleteIt was great hearing your Reality Check Dan. I confess, three years ago I said to my wonderful husband, "I can write one of those...," just like so many others. HA! I wrote in my spiral notebooks in the basement, when my muse hit, and he encouraged my dreams. But once I started checking out blogs, meetings, and my first conference last year, my ideas were crowded out by all the confusion in my head: agents, publishers, platforms,branding, sites, all the business/social networking aspects of this biz, not to mention just the craft and structure of writing. The first 5 pages, the first paragraph, the first line...aaargh!
I shredded all the notebooks.
And I figured my dreams of writing the Great American Romance Novel and its subsequent movies, licensing deals, t-shirts and action figures were thrown out with that bag of trash.
Somehow, God, and my wonderful husband, keep pulling that bag back in. I crash a computer, Husband repairs it with a new hard drive. I complain about no time to write, Husband takes the boys out camping, working on the car...all those guy things so I can live in my own romance world. I'm at a sticky point, I come here & there's encouragement, a lesson from real life.
I've come to learn it's diligence, persistence,listening closely to successful authors and learning to learn. And writing through the garbage to get to the good stuff.
Guess my curve is steeper than others'.
Well, for those of us in 90+degree heat and having trouble dealing with it, my special cold brew is in the fridge. Not that frilly --cino stuff: this is straight coffee, with coffee cubes. Strong stuff. Add sugar. It'll just get stronger. And in honor of Chavanel's Stage 2 win on Tour yesterday, ya'll need a good N'Awlins breakfast from Brennan's this morning: cold sliced melon, tiny shrimp on ice with cocktail sauce, and bananas foster. It's too hot to cook french toast.
Hi, Dan!
ReplyDeleteThanks for being so honest and sharing your experience!
Yes, I thought I would suddenly get lots more respect when my book actually sold to a major publisher. But I'm still the cook, the maid, the housekeeper, the chauffeur, etc. and people still burst in on me when I'm writing, still demand to be fed about four times a day, and yet they keep wanting to know what they're going to be able to buy when my book sells 50 million copies. I say, "Keep praying."
Once and again...welcome Dan.
ReplyDeletePosting anonymously to test this out.
Blogger is eating posts but hopefully they will all appear soon.
Tina Radcliffe
Dan,
ReplyDeleteLOVE the post!
And your angel. Great Bronx accent ;-)
My angel speaks in an Irish accent and since I'm not published yet, has consequently scared the freckles off my face. :-)
I think your last 'reality check' is what scares me the most. Writing + all the other things I do. Having a deadline, and STILL having a full-time job/family/pastor-hubby -etc.
My guess is that you have a really good support group? Plus some fantastic inspiration? :-)
Thanks so much for the post.
Good morning Dan and welcome back to Seekerville! I'm really glad you DIDN'T know a lot of the "reality" that most of the Seekers had already learned before we published as I'd sure hate for any of it to have scared you off!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your "enlightement" with us! It sounds like you're not letting it faze you and are moving ahead in the direction God wants you to go!
Wow Tina,
ReplyDeleteHave never seen this happen before. I think 3 of my posts have disappeared, but I'm trying again, anonymously. Hope this comes through.
Amazing how dependent we get on something like this to work normally.
Finished that cup of coffee. My eyes are open a little wider now.
Dan
Good morning Dan,
ReplyDeletePosting anonymously here, too. I posted last night and was shown as hvaing done so, but it's gone this morning.
I'll try to recap what I wrote last night. My issue is that my expecations before I learned match what actually happened to you in getting your first book published. I've finsihed two books so far, but no luck in getting an agent or a publishing contract.
Walt M
wmussell(at)hotmail(dot)com
My post disappeared also!
ReplyDeleteDan, good morning, thank you for your great post, and I would love to read your book!
tappitytaptap at gmail dot com
And I hope my comment appears. It was long; maybe I crashed something. Is that possible?
Great post. Thanks, Dan! I would like to win the book. My email address is srupp1 (AT) embarqmail (DOT) com
ReplyDeleteMorning Walt,
ReplyDeleteI have absolutely no idea why God let me skip the whole "paying my dues" part, before I got published. Hope you find success soon. I know the stories I've read from folks here in Seekerville are much more the norm, and why being a part of a group can be so encouraging, as we plod along on the journey towards publication.
Part of the reason I wrote what I wrote was to talk honestly about the real life issues that show up after you get that wonderful news. I think all of our hearts are prone toward grumbling and so we miss the wonder of the moment, focusing more on the big goals up ahead.
I'm working on cultivating a thankful heart that sees what God is doing today.
Tappity, don't think your post crashed things. Tina said this has happened before. Thanks for stopping by.
Dan
Morning Walt,
ReplyDeleteI have absolutely no idea why God let me skip the whole "paying my dues" part, before I got published. Hope you find success soon. I know the stories I've read from folks here in Seekerville are much more the norm, and why being a part of a group can be so encouraging, as we plod along on the journey towards publication.
Part of the reason I wrote what I wrote was to talk honestly about the real life issues that show up after you get that wonderful news. I think all of our hearts are prone toward grumbling and so we miss the wonder of the moment, focusing more on the big goals up ahead.
I'm working on cultivating a thankful heart that sees what God is doing today.
Tappity, don't think your post crashed things. Tina said this has happened before. Thanks for stopping by.
Dan
Unmet expectations?
ReplyDeleteThat would have to be my perfection :D
Okay, or the lack of...I never thought the ideas that I put on the white screen would have to be changed...even BEFORE I had any ideas of publishing.
*sigh*
Yeah, that'd be the biggest.
So many edits...and so many more to go. :D
But hey, it gives the story SO much more depth and meaning.
So it's not too frustrating.
Just time consuming.
freestonenkcs@gmail.com
thanks for sharing your story :)
(I'm probably going to show up twice here, sorry for that :()
ReplyDeleteUnmet expectations?
That would have to be my perfection :D
Okay, or the lack of...I never thought the ideas that I put on the white screen would have to be changed...even BEFORE I had any ideas of publishing.
*sigh*
Yeah, that'd be the biggest.
So many edits...and so many more to go. :D
But hey, it gives the story SO much more depth and meaning.
So it's not too frustrating.
Just time consuming.
freestonenkcs@gmail.com
thanks for sharing your story :)
Thanks for coming back Dan and sharing 'the rest of the story'. All the collective experience and wisdom is so helpful along the way.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on all your success with these two and your contracted books to come.
So is your angel a Mets or a Yankees fan?
Debra Marvin
debraemarvin (at) yahoo.
Oh, I'm also sharing that the little cottage by the lake is no guarantee of the Writer's Dream, because the floor joist still rot out and right now there's a skunk living under it.
oo, my post disappeared too :-( I saw it when I first posted it, but now it's gone.
ReplyDeleteAnd it was nice.
All about my Irish accented angel and how cool a Bronx accented angel would be :-)
I get nervous about someday getting published because of the deadline -thing; AND of having to keep my day job PLUS complete all the requirements for published authors. AHHHH!!!
I know God gives you what you need, but it still sounds overwhelming.
You must have a great support group.
Pepper
Pam Hillman here.
ReplyDeleteI need coffee, tea, or just another nap.
Sigh
Great blog today. I'm headed to work, so will catch y'all later.
HAVE MERCY, Dan, I wake up, read your post this morning, and think I'm still in bed 'cause I MUST be dreaming -- my life just flashed before my eyes!!!
ReplyDeleteI could have written this blog except for one or two things (uh ... like it took me five years and 45 rejections to get published vs. your lack of rejections in a two month time frame, but oh well!!).
You NAILED it, my friend!!! When you get published and amazing things start happening, you just assume they will quickly continue until you're sitting in that Adirondack chair at the cabin. I can honestly say that MOST of my expectations have not been met, which just goes to show you what a fertile imagination writers have when they dream of getting rich and famous!!
But there is ONE way in which I have made a killing, cleaned up, so to speak, and become rich beyond my wildest dreams. And THAT is in the realization that when you are writing for Him, the focus, the expectations and the wealth MUST be on, of and from Him, or you will be one miserable author rocking in a make-believe Adirondack chair. The "killing" I've made has been that of my pride and I've "cleaned up" considerably with a fresh dose of humility. But the biggest reward has been in getting "rich beyond my wildest dreams" in my devotion to Him, my audience of one.
Dan, what an open and honest post! Thank you for sharing your experience and your wisdom.
Hugs,
Julie
Congratulations on your success, Dan! Your tips are interesting to me and make me question if I really want to be published. I've got a blog (and you all know I use a made-up name, thus granting myself some degree of anonymity), but I'm such an introvert, even online, I really don't think I would want to "tweet"! But I can adjust to anything---I think!
ReplyDeleteYour book sounds great. Hope that you can retire to your lakeside cabin one day soon!
jprivette1(at)roadrunner(dot)com
Good morning AGAIN, Dan--and welcome back to Seekerville! I posted early this morning and my post & photo showed up, now that I'm checking in again 90 minutes later, it's GONE!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your "enlightenment." Even knowing so many published writers before I published and all they went through once published, it was still a shock how much time out of my already miniscule writing time allotment had to go to things other than that next book!
Glynna Kaye
HAVE MERCY, Dan, I wake up, read your post this morning, and think I'm still in bed 'cause I MUST be dreaming -- my life just flashed before my eyes!!!
ReplyDeleteI could have written this blog except for one or two things (uh ... like it took me five years and 45 rejections to get published vs. your lack of rejections in a two month time frame, but oh well!!).
You NAILED it, my friend!!! When you get published and amazing things start happening, you just assume they will quickly continue until you're sitting in that Adirondack chair at the cabin. I can honestly say that MOST of my expectations have not been met, which just goes to show you what a fertile imagination writers have when they dream of getting rich and famous!!
But there is ONE way in which I have made a killing, cleaned up, so to speak, and become rich beyond my wildest dreams. And THAT is in the realization that when you are writing for Him, the focus, the expectations and the wealth MUST be on, of and from Him, or you will be one miserable author rocking in a make-believe Adirondack chair. The "killing" I've made has been that of my pride and I've "cleaned up" considerably with a fresh dose of humility. But the biggest reward has been in getting "rich beyond my wildest dreams" in my devotion to Him, my audience of one.
Dan, what an open and honest post! Thank you for sharing your experience and your wisdom.
Hugs,
Julie
Freestone,
ReplyDeleteNot sure that's your name...edits can be discouraging. The art-side of us thinks we've created a masterpiece of literature, and we don't want anyone to mess with what we've done (or if not a masterpiece, at least it's what we wanted to say and how we wanted to say it). The problem is...literature is different than the art, let's say, of a painting.
In painting, they allow for all kinds of expression that may be totally in the mind of the artist, or in the mind of the observer. It's possible the artist thought one thing and the observer something totally different, and somehow it's all wonderful (to me, it's mostly nonsense).
In literature...our words are the canvas, and if we're painting a woman sitting next to a bowl of fruit, it pretty much better look like a woman sitting next to a bowl of fruit. In the minds of both the artist and observer. And for some reason, we need to keep at it until the observers are telling us, "Yeah, that's it."
In writing, we can't say, "I don't care that you don't see it the way I do." And so...we must accept this secondary, but necessary, component called editing.
I finished my 4th book, creatively speaking, almost 2 months ago. Been editing every since. After I send it in, my editor will see even more things. And so it goes.
Dan
Dan
Hi Dan, Welcome to Seekerville and thanks for coming back. It was great meeting you and your lovely wife in Denver last fall.
ReplyDeleteI brought coffee. Chocolate Velvet of course, hot chocolate, iced tea, and fresh squeezed orange juice.
Ruthy will be by later with food. But in the meantime, I was at the airport and they always torture you with the smell of CinnaBons. So I picked up a bunch for us.
Love your story. Isn't God amazing how He works so differently with each of us. He does love variety. smile
Hang in there. Tina is a great friend. She's taught all of us Seekers about this techno stuff. Its been a fun ride. You're doing great. Your website is impressive. Love the 5th; grade photo. and the pooches.
Congratulations, Dan, and thanks for coming back to Seekerville to share your experiences. As an unpubbed writer, I think it's helpful to learn as much as I can from what others have gone through.
ReplyDeleteI'm married to a pastor, and you guys are busy! When do you make time to write?
I'd love to enter the drawing.
srdietze at sbcglobal dot net
Blessings!
Pepper,
ReplyDeleteAt times it is overwhelming. But I think most published authors would say, "these are good problems I'm having."
For me, a good part of the challenge has been to be able to hear, once again, my Shepherd's voice in this new world. Seriously. There are so many competing voices for my time and allegiance (and actually, none of them have a Bronx accent).
I tend to be a Martha anyway, so I find I'm much more open to voices that say I need to do it all, and do it all now. In that mindset, the thought of trusting God and waiting on Him feels almost...irresponsible. I mean, how will anything get done if I wait on God, slow as He is.
Then I remember...no, He's the most important voice of all. And he can open doors no man can shut, and close doors no man can open.
When I get quiet, I hear Him much better. I'm trying to learn to hear Him tell me, what of all these things are needful. And which ones can wait, and which ones aren't for me at all.
Dan
Glynna,
ReplyDeleteI hear you. Isn't it crazy? I started off this year, as a result of starting to receive some book income, freeing up "two whole days to write" each week.
Here we are mid-year and, on the whole, about half the time is writing, half all the other things.
I'd like to think if I was full time, the ratio would be far more lopsided toward writing.
Dan
Starting to seem some pictures now...there you are Walt and Renee.
ReplyDeleteI'll take a stab at posting as myself, see if this shows up.
Renee, hope you get enough when you do publish for both the motorcycle and the dishwasher.
I made enough off my first book (so far) to remodel my wife's kitchen. Course we did it through IKEA, and did most of the work ourselves, but she loves it.
Dan
Oops, mine disappeared too, and it was quite wordy.
ReplyDeleteOf course.
And I laughed at Dan.
What temerity!!!!
But it was a really good hug from afar, DAN!!!
Luckily the food is still fresh although untouched because none of you knew it was there.
More for me.
Signed,
Ruthy (who is rarely anonymous)
I would love to win and read this book.....have his first one and loved it! Thanks for entering me!!!
ReplyDeletejackie.smithATdishmailDOTnet
Hi, Dan. Thanks for being on Seekerville.
ReplyDeleteHappy Monday morning.
Except oops, it's Tuesday.
I predict I will be confused all week.
enjoyed reading this posting, very much...
ReplyDeletethanks for the opportunity to read dan's masterpiece :)
karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
Dan, darlin' you're livin' the dream.
ReplyDeleteOnce you're published there are no more problems. Only bliss.
You shouldn't scare our aspiring authors like this.
Dan,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading of your success and your journey. Everyone's path is so unique!
I have a story to tell - historical fiction based on an ancestor's story - but didn't know how to go about it.
I am gleaning so much from blogs and books, that it actually looks like a novel that is nearly finished. BTW I love these Seekerville friend! What a difference they make.
What we have in common is that it has caused us both to listen better to God's voice, and has opened a new chapter in life to explore and walk by faith.
I would love to read your book.
kathy5476 at yahoo dot com
Kathy
The marketing part of being a published author is what surprised me.
ReplyDeleteAnd I wrote FOREVER before I got published. So I had no excuse for not knowing things.
I was in organizations, critique groups, I'd attended conferences. I think, no matter how prepared you are, it's still a surprise.
And just guessing but I think NONE OF US would go back to being unpublished if we knew everything and could opt out.
I wonder what's the matter with us?
Dan,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading of your success and your journey. Everyone's path is so unique!
I have a story to tell - historical fiction based on an ancestor's story - but didn't know how to go about it.
I am gleaning so much from blogs and books, that it actually looks like a novel that is nearly finished. BTW I love these Seekerville friend! What a difference they make.
What we have in common is that it has caused us both to listen better to God's voice, and has opened a new chapter in life to explore and walk by faith.
I would love to read your book.
kathy5476 at yahoo dot com
Kathy
Hi, Dan! I've enjoyed reading your testimony(story). I don't blame you for wanting to visit writer's heaven. Sounds wonderful. I'd like to visit too.
ReplyDeleteI've been relying on God every step of my writer's journey. He has been faithful. Anytime I've needed direction or even financial guidance for writing events, He has been there. So glad you got your own Angel. Maybe I should ask for one too, but then if I got one, I'd probably be too terrified to listen. :)
Dianna Shuford
diannashuford(at)gmail(dot)com
My post disappeared! Poof! Vanished! Just like everyone else's. Luckily, I copied my post before I hit the publish button. Phew!! So here it is:
ReplyDeleteHi, Dan! I've enjoyed reading your testimony(story). I don't blame you for wanting to visit writer's heaven. Sounds wonderful. I'd like to visit too.
I've been relying on God every step of my writer's journey. He has been faithful. Anytime I've needed direction or even financial guidance for writing events, He has been there. So glad you got your own Angel. Maybe I should ask for one too, but then if I got one, I'd probably be too terrified to listen. :)
Dianna Shuford
diannashuford(at)gmail(dot)com
(Sorry if this appears twice.)
Dan, welcome back to Seekerville...I love it that your writer angel has a Bronx accent. :)
ReplyDeleteI wanna go to Writer Heaven too! What a great description.
Quite an eye-opening post, Dan--and thank you for the sometimes brutally honest look at life after the first contract! Truer words were never spoken . . . er, blogged.
ReplyDeleteAnd even though shows like Castle may only contribute to the fantasy view of a writer's life, Castle remains one of my favorite TV heroes. Besides, I still like to dream!
Guess Blogger is still messed up, back to being anonymous.
ReplyDeleteClicked on the box to have posts emailed and got emails from Ruthi and Mary, but don't see them down below.
I replied to Glynna but that disappeared. Gina's post from 1:38am suddenly appeared (Hi Gina).
Since only my anonymous postings have remained, I'll just stick with this.
Mary...guess I am being a whistle-blower here, airing all the challenges that come post-publishing. But I suspect I won't scare off a single writer. This seems to be something of an illness, I think. This irrational compulsion to write.
For me, it's doubly so. They say to be a pastor, you have to either be called or crazy. After 25 years, I completely agree. I started off called, ended up crazy. Now I appear to want to end my years in a similar field. Where one has to be either called or crazy.
But hey, it's a good kind of crazy, right? No one's putting a gun to our heads here.
Dan
Thank you so much for preparing all of us newbies out there as to the reality...and adding a lot of humor to soften the blow :)
ReplyDeleteChristi
christi_corbett at yahoo dot com
This is so funny, each time I click back in, new posts appear, but some from the past, not recent. Vince, your post just showed up from last night, I guess.
ReplyDeleteI'll answer your Q's. These things are strongly encouraged, NOT in the contract. In fact, my agent and editor would be voices that say, "Don't do too much of this, just give us great books."
It's the marketing/publicity folks, not to mention the general theme of all the writing blogs, that say a writer must do all this marketing if they expect their books to move.
As far as the future books, I'm sure book deals differ. My publisher doesn't want me to write a 3 or 4 book series, but mostly stand alone novels. By the time they had finished and approved the 2nd book, The Homecoming, I already had the 3rd book nearly completed and a really nice idea for a 4th. So they offered me a 3 book deal, for the 3rd and 4th which they already knew about, and a 5th...by faith, I guess you'd say. They feel pretty convinced by now that I will come up with something they will like and want to buy.
Dan
Ruthi and Julie,
ReplyDeleteThere you both are. Your posts just suddenly appeared.
I love what you said Ruthi, about being "Walden Ponded." LOL. That about says it. I am coming to grips with the fact that His ways are not my ways. And that they are higher, not just slower.
Julie...wonderfully said. I urge everyone in Seekerville to read what Julie wrote. That's the heart of it all, right there.
Dan
Hi Dan,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your publication journey. It does seem daunting, but we can only take one baby step at a time!
Would you mind sharing a little blurb about your new book? I love the covers of both of them, btw.
(Hopefully this comment shows up!)
Best of luck with your writing.
Cheers,
Sue
sbmason (at) sympatico (dot) ca
You all rock for being so patient and posting anonymously. I love Seekerville!!!
ReplyDeleteOkay do we have enough java? Food? Bring in the extra fruit and bagels.
Dan you are a sweetheart to hang in there.
I want to know what those next three books are going to be about and will they be connected??
And tell us about the current release and where the idea for it came from.
Expectations. Truthfully, I think my poor husband has more expectations about my being published than I do. ;) But he's supportive. Which sometimes piles more expectations on me. I guess sometimes, especially when God's voice seems far away (like it does now), that Martha voice starts saying, "You'll never get published, and you really shouldn't expect to ever be more than a Seekerville Groupie."
ReplyDeleteBut then I have a friend on my blog (yes, I already have one of those - and I tweet, too) who fusses at me every time I say "if," and makes me change it to "when" I get published. She's a Mary to my Martha, and I love her.
Thank you so much for sharing your post, and your expectations. It means so much to me to be surrounded by writers and friends who are people of God.
Regina
trmerrick@bellsouth.net
Here's what my theory is. This is like a small business start up and no matter how prepared you are and how much you study, you still have to be prepared to put in 24/7 for the first year or two if you want to float.
ReplyDeleteKeeping that in mind I feel better about the whole thing.
Oh and btw, I did TWEET your visit.
ReplyDeleteOn principle.
This is my 3rd time trying to post this. If it shows up more than once...sorry.
ReplyDeleteHi, Dan! I've enjoyed reading your testimony(story). I don't blame you for wanting to visit writer's heaven. Sounds wonderful. I'd like to visit too.
I've been relying on God every step of my writer's journey. He has been faithful. Anytime I've needed direction or even financial guidance for writing events, He has been there. So glad you got your own Angel. Maybe I should ask for one too, but then if I got one, I'd probably be too terrified to listen. :)
Dianna Shuford
diannashuford(at)gmail(dot)com
This is so freaky, how posts are showing up and disappearing at random...
ReplyDeleteWhile my early one has reappeared in all its glory, the later one seems out for the count.
Trying this under my own name which is whatever you want it to be, big guy! ;)
Kidding, Dan. Really.
LOL. At first I thought I'd stumbled into a meeting of Ghost Writers Anonymous, but now I see that blogger is just playing games with y'all.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your candid insight into the life of a published author, Dan. It does seem a bit daunting from both a prospective writer and an avid reader's point of view.
The writer in me is just plain scared of all that extra stuff but the reader in me loves getting to know more about favourite authors via blogs and websites etc. Such a conundrum!
Awesome post! I'd love to read your book. :)
ReplyDeletedancerchick(at)cimexico(dot)org
Welcome, Dan! Thanks so much for your honest, fun post. (I'm going to go out and tell everyone you tweet!!) :)
ReplyDeleteThis business is hard work, but so worth it!
Hi Dan,
ReplyDeleteWelcome back to Seekerville!
After finishing my first manuscript, I went to my first writing conference, met an agent who was interested and called hubby to tell him the good news.
Both of us thought the book would sell...
A number of manuscripts later, I realized my first attempt needed to remain hidden for life.
But I'll always remember the thrill I felt at that conference.
Of course, I had years of rejections before my phone finally rang with The Call.
Wish I'd had a talking angel to teach me the ropes and keep me on track! :)
Congrats on your continued success!!!
Tina,
ReplyDeleteMemphis has beignets? Who knew?
How bizarre. I appreciate everyone being so FLEXIBLE TODAY with Blogger.
ReplyDeleteDan, what kind of PR support does Revell give their authors?
Tina Radcliffe
I LOVE that angel . . . and yes, I've had a few visitations myself. : ) As to your question, ((sigh)), I had an instructor in grad school TELL us to envision where we saw ourselves at our most successful. I saw my book on someone's nightstand--right beside Nicholas Sparks. Or perhaps that was a vision from your angel. : ) Thanks for the blog, Dan.
ReplyDeleteWow,
ReplyDeleteWent out for an hour to run some errands. Looks like many of the phantom blogs are pasted back in. I'll try to make my way to everyone.
Missed you Lisa, this morning. Thanks for the kind words. Sure would have like to wake up with that peach crate beside me this morning.
Pamela, missed that N' Awlins breakfast this morning. Sounded mighty nice. I do have the 90-plus heat, though, here in Daytona.
Melanie, isn't it funny what our friends and family think it means when we get published. They've been watching the same movies, I think. "You write out by the cabin, and I'll take the dough."
Pepper, missed that your Angel is Irish last time. Mine should be, since I'm 100% Irish.
Thank you all for stopping by.
Dan
Kelly, sorry for calling you "Freestone". Your first name wasn't there before.
ReplyDeleteDebra...don't know if this is good news or bad news, but my angel is a Yankees fan (but being from Philly...he's got some baggage either way).
Mary Bailey, You've picked a great character to hide behind. It's a Wonderful Life is my all time favorite movie. Some of my highest compliments were from folks who said my first book reminded them of It's A Wonderful Life.
Sandra, hope we see you all again in Indianapolis in Sept. And those pooches...taking their afternoon nap, right beside me.
Susanne, when do I find time to write? It's a long story, but Monday has always been my day off. This year, I'm taking Tuesday off from pastoring. Church's budget was a little tight, and I needed the time. So I do most of my writing on Mon & Tues.
I'll see if I can respond to some more here...
Kathy, I'm glad you've found Seekerville. One of the best writing communities on the internet, IMO.
ReplyDeleteDiana, the problem I have is, I don't just want to visit Writer's Heaven, I want to live there. But God may not have that in mind for me. I want to get to where I'm rejoicing and content with the boundary lines he has assigned, wherever they are. Not pressed against the fence, craving what's just out of reach. Thanks for the kind words.
Myra, Cindi and I have our DVR set to catch all of the Castle episodes, but you're right, it does reinforce the stereotype, doesn't it.
Thanks again for all of you plodding through the challenges we had earlier.
Susan asked if I'd share a little blurb about The Homecoming. Here's one (if you want more info, there are over 20 reader reviews of it on Amazon):
ReplyDeleteNo sooner is Shawn Collins home from the fighting in Europe than he's called upon to serve his country as a war hero on a USO bond tour. Others might jump at the chance to travel all around the country with attractive Hollywood starlets. But not Shawn. He just wants to stay home with his son Patrick, his aging father and to grieve the loss of his wife in private. When Shawn asks Katherine Townsend, Patrick's former social worker, to be Patrick's nanny while he's on the road, he has no idea how this decision will impact his life. Could it be the key to his future happiness and the mending of his heart? Or will the war once again threaten his chances for a new start?
Tina,
ReplyDeleteYou asked about the next 3 books. If anyone would like to know more about my 3rd novel, The Deepest Waters, if you click on my blog (mentioned in the article) and scroll down one post, you can read a nice summary, plus catch the incredible cover (best one yet, I think).
I'm just finishing up the 4th novel, which is another Christmas novel, set in 1980 called "The Book Nook." It will come out in time for Christmas 2011. It's about an almost enchanted little bookstore in an old rundown part of town that changes the lives of everyone who go there.
My 5th novel...we haven't firmed this up yet, but it will also be a stand alone novel. That's what my publisher wants me to write. Of course, that could change.
Oh...you asked about how the idea for The Homecoming came about. The short version is...just felt these characters had one more tale to tell when I completed The Unfinished Gift. A love story, but one that would face almost insurmountable obstacles because of things that happened in the first book. The ending is a definite tear-jerker (in a good way).
Regina,I would be a mess were it not for the "Mary's" God has given me. As you can tell from what I wrote, the need for encouragement doesn't end when you get published.
ReplyDeleteI joked about Writer's Heaven, but I suspect, even if I got there...every facet of this life is marred somehow by The Fall. I might get a splinter in my rear end the first time I sat on that Adirondack chair. Or I open the door (as someone suggested) and I find a skunk died under the cabin floor.
I think God means for us to look to Him, to seek our greatest and highest joys not from things tied to this earth.
Dan
Thanks, Dan for giving Seekerville kudos.
ReplyDeleteI like having you here because aside from the nice Seekerville comment you tell it like it is and that transparency is much appreciated. :)
Tina Radcliffe
Tina, I like your theory about it only being 24/7 for the first year or two, then it takes off. I'm almost through the first year, so things should start looking up before too long.
ReplyDeleteKav, I'm glad you're enjoying getting to know authors, find out more about your favorites on the internet. See, that's one of the things I've grown to love about this thing. I really have enjoyed getting to know all kinds of people I'd probably never meet in "Writer's Heaven."
Debby, so glad you got The Call. As you know, even with all that goes before, and all that follows, it is one of the most wonderful moments in a writer's life.
Vanetta, perhaps both our books might be on that nightstand some day. Seems like Nicholas has a few fans he could spare :)
Sorry about the long string of posts down at the bottom here.
ReplyDeleteTook longer than I expected to get caught up. Seems to be working now, so hopefully all the posts will get through.
Dan
Thanks, Dan, for sharing your writing story. It's helpful to see that the journey is full of twists no matter how you go about it!
ReplyDeletehendrickson_emily(at)hotmail(dot)com
Thanks for sharing, Dan!
ReplyDeleteI can't speak from the published perspective yet, but already this process has been different than I thought.
When I decided to stop putting off my "when I grow up" dreams two years ago, I pictured a lovely book turning up in Borders with my name in, oh, say, 1 year?
I know, please laugh with me.
It is a daunting gift, this writing thing, but the more I dig in, the more I think all that God calls us to--all gifts be them creative, relational, professional, or any other--are daunting. They are not meant to be free or easy because the labor makes them that much more precious.
Hmph. Sometimes that's not super exciting.
Hi Dan:
ReplyDeleteI think I may have uncovered the key to your rapid success:
If God is for us, who can be against us?"
Romans 8:28-31
Lesson: Write the kind of books that God’s wants published right away.
Vince
Et Tu Ruthus!
ReplyDelete“I don't think being Walden Ponded off in the trees helps someone become more literary, I think it curbs their realism to the point of too much philosophy and not enough story.”
Usually the books with the most philosophy are also considered the most literary. Such classics often have a second meaning that transcends space and time. Realism can only show us what is; philosophy shows us what it means.
Now that Winter's Ended and you’ve Waiting Out the Storm, I definitely think you could use a week at Walden Pond. : )
Vince
Kimberly, Like what you said: "They are not meant to be free or easy because the labor makes them that much more precious." Think you're onto something there. Let's face it, by now, we know it's not about the money or fame. So what is it? It's the sweetness of the reward at the end of a long and arduous journey, made all the more sweet by what we learned along the way.
ReplyDeleteVince, you may be right. I received so much email from people so deeply touched by The Unfinished Gift. Example, one woman who was 96, who had her 73 year old daughter read the book to her because she could no longer see, then her 50 year old granddaughter email me, because neither of them had computers. Just to tell me how God used the book in her life. Brought me to tears, that one.
And if God gives me some time at the Pond, I will not refuse :)
Lesson: Write the kind of books that God’s wants published right away.
ReplyDeleteI love this, Vince!@!
Tina R
Dan,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your post. I'm the mother of 8 kids (6 which still live at home) and 2 grandbabies. My dream of being published is to be able to afford to pay someone to clean my house from top to bottom at least twice a year. You know,the cleaning I never get around to; baseboards, cabinets, and there's a high spot on my ceiling from a kid throwing a slimy ball into the air. If my advance was enough, I'd buy the kids an above ground pool w/a nice deck. (I promise this to the kids so they'll stay away from the my bedroom while I'm writing.) The rest of the money would go to everyday bills.
I've been around authors enough to know few first-time authors make the big bucks.
Connie
bcountryqueen at msn dot com
Tina, thanks for reposting what Vince said. Now Vince...you get a bead on this, you can take that seminar on the road.
ReplyDeleteConnie, see, that's such a much more realistic expectation than my cabin. I hope you realize that dream, and even more.
Dan
Dan, thanks for all the time you gave us today. I know how valuable time is! We appreciate your patience through all the Blogger bugs.
ReplyDeleteWe wish you continued success on your journey!
Seekerville friends thank you for your patience and we will announce the winner's of Dan's books in the WE edition which is Sunday this week.
Tina and friends,
ReplyDeleteIt was a joy spending time with you. And I want to add my thanks for all of you who pressed through the glitches to participate.
Those of you who win the books, as well as those who don't (but are now too curious to resist getting a copy), hope you really enjoy The Homecoming.
Have a great week folks!
Dan
Hi Dan,
ReplyDeleteVery happy to see you here again and to get caught up on your experiences since last year's visit. I was here earlier but had to leave before leaving a comment. Thank you for sharing your expectations and the reality check. Thanks for being so honest. Over the past year I've learned not to expect too much and to be thankful for the little successes. I want to be content with His will for my writing life. Your interview was a blessing once again. I'd love to win a copy of your novel.
patjeannedavis[at]verizon[dot]net
Hi Dan,
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking it right down to the bare bones and being so honest. Also, congratulations on your three book deal...woo!hoo!
I have heard wonderful things about your books and can hardly wait to read them. I would love to be entered into the give away for one of the three copies. Thank you for your generosity.
Smiles,
Cindy W.
countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com
I misspelled my email address.
ReplyDeletebcountryqueen6 (at) msn (dot) com
Thanks,
Connie...
Great to hear of a pastor writing for the marketplace. Maybe the coffee is too strong soaking up the comments--just finished a children's book, The Hugging Tree. Hugs, Bev
ReplyDeleteDan, I'm a pastor/Army Chaplain's wife, so I particularly relate to your "state" before publishing.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy for you....it sounds like i don't need to say it, but keep writing (I need to hear it, since I haven't had the "big call" yet.)
Bless you,
Gail Kittleson
gkittleson@omnitelcom.com
PS...thanks to Seekerville for remembering us anonymous folks.
Pat, Cindy, Bev & Gail,
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by. We left the porch light on for you.
Thanks for the encouraging words. Looking forward to my next visit to Seekerville!
Dan
I'm extremely curious! Please add my name to the drawing.
ReplyDelete~Linnette
lr.mullin at live.com
This really made me smile. Thanks, Dan.
ReplyDeleteIt's always nice to read the beginnings of a new writer's road to publication. I find yours a natural and honest journey. It inspires all us unpublished authors to persevere. My mantra is "Ambition knows no obstacles." Therefore, I will continue my goals for book publication and hopefully be a guest author on Seekersville, someday. Keep on writing, and thanks very much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne
sbmarket22@gmail.com
I truly enjoyed your post.
ReplyDeleteLove the concept of The Homecoming and would love to win it.
I love Christmas stories so am so glad you are having one coming out in 2011.
yourstrulee(at)sasktel(dot)net
Dear Dan:
ReplyDeleteYou manage to pass along some good advice to people like me who know absolutely nothing about how to get started. Good for you!
Most of us out here just have a few stories to tell. The stories have a mind of their own. They will come out whether you like it or not. At least, that's how it is with me.
This morning I came across Seekerville. I will have to spend some time here reading everything. I have always loved books. I have always been a hack writer, too, although secretively.
Over the weekend I began my own blog. It has about fifteen pieces up there. I have a lot more material, but no time to sit down and polish it.
My blog is for the benefit of Cancer Survivors like me. I have had Cancer now for two years and I should not be here today.
My own belief is that I am not all that lucky. I believe that there is a Higher Power at work her calling the shots. I just haven't figured out the "why" quite yet.
Anyone interested in some of the nonsense I write about is welcome to take a look at it at compulsiontowrite.blogspot.com .
I especially invite any critical input you might have to offer. My friends are too polite to be critics. Strangers can often be more honest with you.
Thanks.
Mr. Charming
Mr. Charming,
ReplyDeleteThanks for responding to the post. So glad you are a cancer survivor. I have some friends who've beat it, and others, including my father, who did not.
Glad you discovered Seekerville. An enormous wealth of wisdom, talent and light-hearted humor here. Wish you the best,
Dan Walsh