Writeful

a weblog for readers and writers

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Happy New Year from the Goodmans and the Goose

It has been an exciting 2008. One of the most exciting things to happen to us over the past year has been the great reception we've gotten for Flightless Goose, our new children's book.

We hope to see even more reviews and coverage early in 2009.

To see some of the goose coverage so far, visit The Goose Who Could Not Fly Blog at www.flightlessgoose.blogspot.com.

Here’s to a fine 2009!

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Happy Holidays from the Goodmans and the Goose

Today is Christmas Eve. Gilbert, the Flightless Goose, and the Goodmans would like to wish you a happy holiday season.

Please remember that this is the time of year to eat turkey, not goose. Put another way, remember to make your goose printed, not roasted.

If you'd like to spend a moment with Gilbert the Flightless Goose over the holidays, you're welcome to join us at www.RunGoose.com anytime.

Season's greetings!

Friday, December 19, 2008

Do You Hear What I Hear?

Have you heard the latest about Flightless Goose? An article about the children’s book was published in The Hearing Review —The Hearing Industry Resource.

The article is entitled “Children’s Book Deals With Differences, Disability, Positivity.”

In the article, The Hearing Review said that Flightless Goose “deals with disability and aims to promote tolerance and build self-esteem.”

See the story for yourself at the link below.

http://www.hearingreview.com/news/2008-11-19_01.asp

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Auto Industry On Board With Goose

The U.S, automotive industry may be going through a rough time right now, but they've given Flightless Goose a lift.

Automotive Industries Magazine is the world's oldest magazine to cover the automotive industry. In the most recent issue of the print and online versions of the magazine, they've confirmed that Flightless Goose is a hit.

Automotive Industries Magazine's article focuses on the book's subtle lessons on road safety. In Flightless Goose, the main character, Gilbert, falls into the street and is hit by a moving car. The auto accident renders him unable to fly. The life-altering accident could have been prevented had Gilbert been more careful when playing near the road, or had the driver been more cautious when driving near a residential and play area.

The article stated, "Flightless Goose teaches important lessons to children about automotive safety, being watchful of play areas, how to deal with accidents and disabilities when they happen, how to focus on positive strengths, and how to treat others with dignity and respect, despite how different they may be."

As Towson Times recently noted, "Gilbert has lessons to teach." Not only lessons about how to focus on positive strengths and how to cope with difficulties, but even lessons about road safety.

Take a look at the story, "Flightless Goose Teaches Lesson About Safety" in the last issue of Automotive Industries Magazine at the link below.

http://www.ai-online.com/Adv/Previous/show_issue.php?id=2353

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Local Entertainment During Your Holiday Shopping

As you’re doing your holiday shopping this weekend, be sure to make Ukazoo Books one of your stops. The best time to stop in is at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 20. Browse the books, enjoy a coplimentary cup of coffee or tea, and best of all, enjoy local entertainment from a group of Maryland writers.

On Saturday, December 20, Ukazoo Books in Towson is hosting an afternoon with nine of the local authors featured in New Lines from the Old Line State: An Anthology of Maryland Writers. The reading begins at 2 p.m. and offers something for everyone.

The reading includes short fiction from Angela Render, Eric D. Goodman, Sonia Linebaugh, Gary Lester and Austin Camacho; essays from Ami Spencer, Sherry Bosley, and Al Karasa; and poetry from Barbara Morrison. New Lines will be available for purchase and a book signing will follow the readings.

New Lines from the Old Line State: An Anthology of Maryland Writers is the first book published by MWA Books. For more information about the book, this reading, and other exciting literary events, visit the Maryland Writers’ Association website.

www.marylandwriters.org

Friday, December 12, 2008

"Aim Off Target" To Hit Your Mark

My story, “Aim Off Target,” has been published as the feature article in this week’s issue of Writers Weekly — the highest-circulation freelance writing ezine in the world.

In the story, I share my tips and experience in marketing my new book, Flightless Goose. I explain that although you still want to use your laser to target obvious media choices (like book reviewers and subject area editors), you should also consider aiming your shotgun at less obvious places.

Read the article at the link below.

www.writersweekly.com/this_weeks_article/005080_12102008.html

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Bathsheba Monk Explains Flightless Goose

Bathsheba Monk is one of America’s great new writers. Critics from such magazines as Esquire and The New Yorker praise her first book, Now You See It … Stories from Cokesville, PA. The Chicago Tribune called it one of the best books of 2006.

She’s now at work on her second book, Nude Walker, which will be published in 2010. In the meantime, you can keep up with her at her blog, Bathsheba Monk Explains Everything where she writes about everything from literature to politics to … flightless geese.

Yes, even the popular author, described by American great Tim O’Brien as “a writer I’ll be talking about when I talk about brilliant new writers,” has written about Flightless Goose!

Check it out at the link below.

http://bathshebamonk.blogspot.com/2008/10/soar-with-these-geese.html

See what all the squawking is about! Visit www.RunGoose.com where you can learn more about Flightless Goose and even order your own autographed copy.

Monday, December 08, 2008

Towson Times Says Goose has Lessons to Teach

From the Baltimore Messenger to the Baltimore Sun, the Los Angeles Times to the Towson Times, Flightless Goose is getting good ink!

The story, “Gilbert has lessons to teach—Real-life incident inspired Rodgers Forge couple to produce book,” was written by the Towson Times editor, Loni Ingraham.

It got a full-page spread with a nice-sized illustration of the cover, as well as the top front-page blurb.

“Gilbert, the 'Flightless Goose,' lives on, thanks to a Rodgers Forge couple who have immortalized him in a full-color, hardcover children's book,” wrote Ingrahm. “The story behind the story is overcoming challenges …”

Missed the printed issue? Take a look at the online version at the link below.

http://www.explorebaltimorecounty.com/community/5303/gilbert-has-lessons-teach/

Sunday, December 07, 2008

Great Opportunity for Baltimore Writers

When Local Literary figures Gregg Wilhelm, Christine Steart, and Paul Lagasse get behind a literary event, you can rest assured it's one worth checking out. Here's the who, what, where, when, why and how on a great opportunity for writers in the Baltimore area.

WHO: Eight-Stone Press

WHAT: Open-mic "audition" for Baltimore-related stories for possible inclusion in a future issue of the award-winning zine Smile, Hon, You're in Baltimore!

WHERE: Baltimore Chop Books, Music & Coffee House, 625 Washington Blvd., Balto. 21230 (near the stadiums)

WHEN: 7 p.m., Wednesday, December 17, 2008

WHY: Because we like you, no matter what's written in the bathroom stall

HOW: Just open up and say, "…."

For more information, visit the Chop online at http://www.myspace.com/baltimorechop or e-mail wpt@eightstonepress.com.

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

LA Times Mentions Flightless Goose

This week, the Los Angeles Times featured Flightless Goose in the business section.

When a reader asked LA Times business columnist Karen E. Klein a question about how to go about getting a children’s book published, she turned to me for advice. I’m quoted in first section of the column. In fact, the first paragraph of the answer even includes Flightless Goose and the www.RunGoose.com website. The column appeared in the print and online version of the LA Times.

Here is the front page of this week’s LA Times business section, where you can see the headline “Tips for getting your book published.”

http://www.latimes.com/business/smallbusiness/

Here’s the direct link to Karen E. Klein’s column, which quotes me and mentions Flightless Goose and the RunGoose website.

http://www.latimes.com/business/smallbusiness/la-fi-inbox1-2008dec01,0,5330406.story

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Monday, December 01, 2008

See the ACREAGE Holiday Gift Guide

Its official: The Macy’s Thanksgiving’s Day Parade has ended, the Festival of Trees is over, and the holiday shopping season has begun!

The Flightless Goose reading at the Festival of Trees (the largest family festival on the east coast with more than 500 theme-decorated trees) was a success. We read the book to three different audiences during the allotted hour. Nicole, my daughter, even took the stage and read it to one of the audiences – her public reading debut!

Looking for some holiday gift ideas? Why not peruse the “ACREAGE Holiday Gift Ideas” guide? If you don’t have a printed copy, see the online PDF version at the link below. Pay special attention to the page 2-3 spread. Flightless Goose is the ACREAGE centerfold!

Start your holiday shopping now at the link below!

http://www.acreagelife.com/pdfs/Gift_Idea_11-20-08.pdf