The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce invited me to meet with 200 or so of their members at the group's first Eye Opener Breakfast of 2013 on Tuesday.
I spoke with them about the rise of Independent Publishing and how barriers to getting work in print are now down. It is relatively easy and inexpensive for aspiring authors or poets to get published. But this also has opened the door for those who would like to publish and note the accomplishments of their social organizations, churches, families, or other groups. Putting together historical records and documents or memorials and getting them published professionally is as easy as 1-2-3.
During my talk, I mentioned how independent publishers are now among the major books sellers in America. In 2011 and 2012, "Fifty Shades of Grey," a somewhat controversial book of erotica - some folks call it mommy porn - has become a smashing hit.
The "Fifty Shades" trilogy is legendary and making an impact on our culture. I then shared with Chamber members how it affected my buddy Joe and his life:
Four guys have been going to the same fishing trip for many years.
Two days before the group is to leave, Joe's wife puts her foot down and tells him he isn't going.
Joe's mates are very upset that he can't go, but what can they do.
Two days later the three get to the camping site to find Joe sitting there with a tent set up, firewood gathered, and dinner cooking on the fire, sitting having a cold beer.
"Hell, Joe, how long you been here, and how did you talk your missus into letting you go?"
"Well, I've been here since last night.
Two days before the group is to leave, Joe's wife puts her foot down and tells him he isn't going.
Joe's mates are very upset that he can't go, but what can they do.
Two days later the three get to the camping site to find Joe sitting there with a tent set up, firewood gathered, and dinner cooking on the fire, sitting having a cold beer.
"Hell, Joe, how long you been here, and how did you talk your missus into letting you go?"
"Well, I've been here since last night.
Yesterday evening, I was sitting in my living room chair and my wife came up behind me and put her hands over my eyes and asked, 'Guess who?" I pulled her hands off, and there she was, wearing a nightie.
She took my hand and pulled me into our bedroom. The room had candles and rose petals all over. Well she's been reading 50 Shades of Grey......
On the bed she had handcuffs, and ropes and a riding crop! She told me to tie her up and cuff her to the bed, so I did.
And then she said, "Do whatever you want."
So, Here I am!
Needless to say, the story was a big hit with Chamber members. When laughter died down, I asked them to think of Joe and that story every time they're out driving down I-75 and see a bumper sticker on a pick-up truck that says: "I'd Rather be Fishing."
My talk concluded with a lively Q & A. This very bright and lively group of Chamber members had plenty of great questions about my Bay City based book and its development, independent publishing, and the new post-production movie studio that we're launching in Caseville.
The best part for me? I made many new friends and sold a bunch of books. My thanks to the Chamber's leader, Mike Seward, for the invitation to meet and chat with this robust group.
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