Selling the book, the Facebook page, and some wonderful friends

So, yesterday was the big splash for the book, but really it was only the first part of the splash.  Like navigating through a waterpark.  Consider yesterday's splash like, oh, maybe taking your inner tube and coasting down the Lazy Rapids (or whatever else one might call that slow-moving river-like part of a typical waterpark).  What's left?  Oh, the rest of the Really Big Waterpark!  Like contacting everyone I have ever received an email from, everyone I have an email for who is connected to a park, all my agents and clients from my voice-over world, connecting with small bookstores in the region, and eventually, reminding all the PR folks from all the parks that the book actually exists and is ready to wield its magic.

Then there's setting up book signings.  I have some irons in the fire on that avenue.  Small bookstores, libraries, even the Oak Park Arms, where my Dad lives.  They've all expressed interest in one form or another.  And every stone must be turned in order to get the Cotton Candy message out to the masses.

But back to yesterday.  I splashed Facebook, launched my book's Facebook page:

(https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Cotton-Candy-Roadtrip/204002577720)

... and told every person I know there, over 600 friends, about the page and to hopefully get it "liked".  Additionally, I took out a Facebook ad with a small budget, and am starting to get folks from all over the world interested in my project!  But the sweetest thing ...

was the outpouring of enthusiasm and love from my Facebook buddies. Their generosity of spirit moved me again and again throughout the day.  One friend purchased a copy of the book so quickly it made me dizzy, then went on to share the book's page link with her other friends.  A number of friends did that as well, shared the Facebook page link.  I blushed time after time at their words of encouragement, how they plugged the book sight unseen, just knowing it's a labor of love, that I poured my whole self into it.

Thank you friends.  Such generosity will be graciously returned.

Launch Day! 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1! BLAST OFF!

A perfect pony, gracing the Crescent Park carousel, one of my book's Honorable Mentions.

Yesterday while visiting my Dad at the Arms, I noticed a photo album, one of MANY, directly behind my head from where I was sitting.  I opened it up, this one singular album, and saw it held pictures of my Daddy and me at Kiddieland back in 1966.  And that told me, without a doubt, TODAY was the right time to splash my new book out into the world!

https://www.createspace.com/3840248

Go to this link, tout suite!!  I'd hoped to get the book out by April 17, the three-year anniversary of my visit to opening day of the Kiddieland's last season, but I think today is close enough for jazz.

Folks, I'm giddy: I've already sold five copies in just a few hours, and I've generated a lot of interest on Facebook.

To think: my labor of love is now out and about in the ether and soon will be in hard copy form in the hands of many, ready to enlighten folks to the spirit and treasure found in these vintage amusement parks.

Please consider purchasing a copy right away through the Createspace link.  I promise you when we next meet, I'll personalize it for you.

Sorry if I'm boring you with the details of publishing...

but this process is taking a while.  But it IS moving forward, that's for sure!

I got the hard copy of the book and basically flipped out by being able to hold "my baby" in my hands.  The first person I took it to was my dad.  After all, so much of the inspiration I received to carry on with the project came from him, even while he was going through a myriad of medical woes.  To see the broad smile of pride on his face was worth every mile traveled, every park visited, every funnel cake consumed.  Yes, even every pound gained.

Ben and I went out for a celebratory dinner, had a little bubbly - even showed the book to the restaurant owner, who thoroughly enjoyed it.  But she gave me a great bit of objective criticism - to make the photos stand out even more.

So, in the last week or so, we've re-tooled the photos, making them a lot sharper.  We've fine-tuned the segments the book is broken up into. And I did the very last (and I mean it!) editing of the text.  It's amazing how even after having it professionally proofread, you still find a couple of "oops"es here and there.

As of the wee late hours of last night, the electronic copy has gone back to the publisher and I should have the final hardcopy proof in a matter of days.

And then - off to the presses.

Book sent off to the publisher!!

Kiddieland's Little Dipper, Opening Day, April, 2009

May I let out a rip-snorting "YaHOO!!!"?  Last night, I uploaded all my materials for the book to the publisher and will receive a hard copy of the manuscript for final perusal soon.

Just think of it - the book will likely be published by the 3rd anniversary of the first visit, which was to Kiddieland on Opening Day of 2009.  What promise and happiness that day held - and what a bittersweet beginning to such a joyful undertaking.

I recall standing in line and starting to interview people.  I'm more of an introvert than an extrovert, so it took a little revving up of my internal motors to do it, but that's when it began: the first interview for the book, which would include dozens of observations from a plethora of happy park goers and park workers.

I'll keep you all posted on the progress and the actual date when "The Cotton Candy Road Trip" can be in your very own hands!

A totally accessible amusement park - how wonderful!!!

http://www.morganswonderland.com/

I just learned about this on Facebook, where I read about it on a post left by Children's Fairyland.  Wonderland is a totally accessible park, allowing for complete access for children and adults with disabilities.  Kudos and a big "hooray" to the folks at Wonderland!!

Back cover copy - done. Cover artwork - almost done.

Cna you almost smell the sugary-burnt smell of cotton candy in the distance?  That's because this girl is VERY close to sending off her book to the publisher.

More thrilling than my first dark ride, and a lot less smelly...

Conneaut Lake Park meets eligibity status as National Historic District!

The historic Blue Streak rollercoaster at Conneaut Lake Park

I am thrilled beyond words for one of the parks that is closest to my heart, Conneaut Lake Park!  This is a super step toward preserving this wonderful, historic space.

Just saw this posted by CLP on Facebook:

Here's a sneak peek at a release we're sending out. This is some of what we've been working on in the "off season." It just validates what we know and work so hard to prove: this park deserves to be preserved!



CONNEAUT LAKE PARK MEETS ELIGIBILITY STATUS AS NATIONAL REGISTER HISTORIC DISTRICT


Conneaut Lake, PA – In this, the Park’s 120th anniversary year, it is cause for additional celebration a...s the Park was just informed that it has met the eligibility status to be deemed a National Register Historic District by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC). According to its website, the mission of the PHMC is to “preserve the Commonwealth's memory as a teacher and champion of its heritage for citizens of Pennsylvania and the nation.”


Conneaut Lake Park is tied for 10th oldest operating amusement park in the nation (source:NAPHA) and has won awards and support from several organizations such as Preservation PA, National Amusement Park Historical Association, American Coaster Enthusiasts, and the National Carousel Association.


The eligibility status allowed the Park to apply for a $25,000 grant (via the Conneaut Lake Institute) for the Blue Streak through the PHMC’s Keystone Historic Preservation Grant Program; grant recipients will be named in 5 or 6 months.