Write All About It!

My first novel, A Breath of Fresh Air (A Transplant Tale) was published on August 26th. So far, it hasn’t set the world on fire* but I’ve sold some copies. I chatted about it with Erik and Iris, the hosts of the swell morning talk show Bridge Street on channel 9, which was great fun.

The good folks at Parthenon Books (https://parthenonbookstore.com/) in downtown Syracuse hosted eight local writers, myself included, last month. I met some really nice people  there and am grateful to Parthenon for the exposure.

My pal, Rey

Another friend, Kevin

On November 6th at 6PM, I'll share a table with another local author at the Onondaga Free Library on West Seneca Turnpike, talking about the book and maybe selling a few. I have tentatively landed another couple of library gigs down the road.

I’m having a blast!

I have been heartened by a number of (so far) five-star reviews on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Goodreads. I’m touched that so many readers were inspired and encouraged by my story. 

I would ask those of you who have finished the book to consider writing a review (or, heck, reviews).**

Let me, and the world, know what you think. It means a lot to independent writers like myself, as we seldom get many (or any) professional reviews. We love feedback, even if it’s criticism because that makes us better writers.

So if you have time, dash off a review. It doesn’t need to be long or fancy, just heartfelt. If you know anyone at the New York Times, you know, you can tell them about it, also. Thanks, and thanks for reading.

* The world is already on fire, after all.

** Give me an inch and I'll ask for a second review (I think that's how it goes)

Song of the Day:

Bermuda Triangle and Other News

I have a long list of people who want a copy of A Breath of Fresh Air (A Transplant Tale), including three family members (!) Ugh. Unfortunately, my last order of books is apparently lost somewhere in the Bermuda Triangle (or the lesser-known Haitian Parallelogram). I promise that when my supply is replenished I will let everyone know.

I had a swell time last Saturday the 7th at Parthenon Books on S. Salina Street. Eight local authors, including me, chatted about our newest books and even sold a few. A splendid time, I thank Ann and the rest of the Parthenon staff for being such charming hosts. 

Upcoming appearances: Erik and Iris, the genial hosts of channel 9's fun morning talk show, Bridge Street, will welcome me on September 23rd at 10 AM.

Then on October 23rd at 7PM, I will be chatting with hosts Rob & Joan on the popular podcast, Meet the Authors. https://indiebooksource.com/podcast/  

There are a couple more dates that are not firmed up yet. When I know for sure, you'll know.

Now, I probably should price flights to Bermuda. Or Haiti. Or Cuba. Or...

 PS: How about that debate?!

Programming Note

 Good morning! My appearance with the good folks on Bridge Street, the swell morning talk show on channel 9, WSYR-TV, has moved to Monday, September 23rd. 

However, I will still be taking part in a local authors showcase from 1-4 tomorrow, Saturday 7th at Parthenon Books on South Salina Street, across from the Landmark Theatre. So come and say hi!

Two Pictures are Worth 2000 Words

 From A Breath of Fresh Air (A Transplant Tale):

"A couple of years later, the boys reached sign-making Nirvana. For the final game in 1989, Danny rigged up a fancy rotating letter system to honor two departing seniors, Herman Harried and Sherman Douglas, and junior Derrick Coleman. He cut and pasted black letters on large orange posterboard, and the boys lugged them up to section 315. Danny and Johnny duct taped another posterboard on the wall to their left that just said MAN.

Pete and Leslie, two other season ticket holders that sat next to the guys, eagerly agreed to help. They were all set. Whenever one of the three players scored a basket, Danny barked out instructions. Following a Coleman basket, Danny yelled, “C-O-L-E! ”and Pete held up the “C,” Leslie the “O,” Johnny held up the “L,” and finally the “E” was Danny’s job.  Derrick was honored with a black and orange COLE-MAN for all to see.

Herman Harried didn’t see much action, but he did score a couple buckets. “HER!” said Danny (Pete got to stay seated for that one). HER-MAN, section 315 boasted.

Photos, presumably, taken by Pat, Dick's wife (Dick is the man in the white baseball cap) two great people who sat directly ahead of us in lofty section 315. Steve and I referred to them as the Nixons. Of course. And thanks to my main established man, Steve Heller, for unearthing these pics.

Go Tell it On the Mountain

Not necessarily the mountain, unless you see people up on the mountain* who would like to read a great review of A Breath of Fresh Air (A Transplant Tale).

I am delighted with the critical response to the book so far. People come to me and quote parts from it and that really makes me happy. And no, smart guy, I didn't pay any of them to say nice things.

Though I'm not above it.

But in this early stage, word-of-mouth means a lot, so tell your friends, or friendly enemies, about BFATT. (I don't know about that acronym, though.) 

Remember to support your local independent bookstore. Here in Syracuse, that means Parthenon 
Books on S. Salina Street (https://www.parthenonbookstore.com/)

It just so happens that yours truly will be part of their local author showcase from 1-4, Saturday, September 7th, 

But taking the extra step and writing just a teeny review on the website of the bookseller of your choice helps a lot.

*I will personally pay the first person to post a picture of A Breath of Fresh Air from the top of Mount Everest the sum of TEN DOLLARS. No joke. Ten bucks. First picture only, please.

Song of the...Blogpost?

20 Three-Ring Binders Later...

In my bedroom, tucked away on a shelf reserved for that purpose, are 20 three-ring binders. Each binder represents a year of painstakingly recorded vital signs. Cleveland Clinic told me "Be sure you bring your binder to each appointment! Very important! Here's a few extra !!!!!!!!s to use in case you forget!"

Naturally, the first (and second, and third, and so on) times I had an appointment they never looked at the binder.

But I kept them anyway, for two reasons. One, in case they changed their mind (they didn't) and two, for me. Recording blood pressure readings and blood sugar results, temperatures and daily weight readings and PFTs into a binder for easy retrieval meant that I would be more diligent in keeping them, and I was.

Today is the 20th anniversary of my double-lung transplant, and not coincidentally, the official release day of A Breath of Fresh Air (A Transplant Tale), a novel inspired by my life and centered around the transplant. If you're a regular reader of this blog, or of my Facebook page, you have certainly been pummeled with hype about that, so I won't say any more.

Even though I almost never look at any of those binders or their contents, I treasure them. They represent the last twenty years in granular detail.

One last thing: if you are the praying kind, say a prayer for the donor's family. I never met them but they are always in my thoughts, especially on anniversaries, this one most of all.

Now, let's do another 20 years!

Come annnd Get It! (Shameless Plug Number I Don't Know What in a Series)

After three years (not counting nine months of sloth) my novel A Breath of Fresh Air (A Transplant Tale) will be in my hot little hands sometime tomorrow. Actual release date is August 26th.

As those who have been bludgeoned by these posts know, the book is inspired by my life with cystic fibrosis and centered around my double-lung transplant in 2004. It's less than 360 pages,* so a quick read.

Since I am thoroughly sick of me by now, I will pass on reading it, for awhile. But I hope you're not sick of me and I hope you read it.

Remember, autographed copies are yours for the asking, priced at just $19.99** (please add $5 for shipping if you need it mailed.)

Either text me or Facebook Message me with your address and we can figure out payment and stuff.

Alternately, you can support your local independent bookstore and order it directly from them (here in Syracuse, that is the marvelous Parthenon Books on Salina Street https://www.parthenonbookstore.com/ in the heart of downtown.)

You can also get the eBook for just $7.99 from Amazon, or wherever you get your eBooks.

On Friday, September 6th, I will be appearing on the popular morning talk show, Bridge Street on channel 9 here in Syracuse, to chat about the book. My biggest fear is temporarily choking on a sip of water on live TV.***

One last thing—if you like A Breath of Fresh Air, I hope you'd consider writing a review, on Amazon, Goodreads, or Bookmarks.reviews. And if you love it, tell your friends.

I'm excited. 

Thanks for reading,

Dave

* Not much less

** Let's call it $20. I will grudgingly give you the penny change if you ask.

*** I do that frequently

Song of the Day: 

https://youtu.be/unsQSNQYERI?si=q_MKkk8E5Kzr2M2s