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Just ask

I had a wonderful evening last night as the guest of the Neighborhood Book Club. They read Sparrow Migrations as their May book selection. Here we are at the home of host Laura Jacobson (on right, holding book.)

Book clubs rock.

Book clubs rock.

How did this happen — that a first-time novelist’s book was chosen by a group whose last pick was mega-best seller J.K. Rowling’s The Casual Vacancy?

I asked.

I’m a regular patron at the store where Jacobson works. Last month I overheard her mentioning her book club to another employee. I came out of the dressing room with my promotional postcard blazing, and asked her to consider Sparrow Migrations. As luck would have it, she was the next one up to select a book, and they went for it.

Over and over in this self-publishing journey I’ve found that if you just ask, it’s amazing what can happen:

  • When I was searching for a cover artist, I really wanted someone who understood autism. I asked a publishing contact if she knew anyone, and wound up with Anie Knipping, who is autistic herself, and created the amazing cover.
  • When Miracle on the Hudson co-pilot Jeff Skiles came to Traverse City in March, I just asked to be put in touch with him. Now he’s got a copy.
  • After I was chosen as the National Writers Series Author Next Door in April, I asked if I could introduce Dr. Temple Grandin at her appearance in June. Now a copy is en route to the best-known person with autism in the world.

Asking is sometimes hard, even for me as a former newspaper reporter. But it gets a lot easier with practice. So thanks for a lovely evening, ladies. Any other book clubs game for a guest?

 

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On being read (horn toot warning)

How cool is this (look over on the right, by the green button):

TADL_Sparrow_ScreenCaptueZero copies available. Zip. Zilch. Nada, baby!

Then there’s this:

BestSellers042813People are reading Sparrow Migrations! They are spending their free time — the most precious, limited resource in 21st century American culture — reading my novel. And they’re talking about it — I’m aware of three book clubs reading it at the moment! Talk about a high.

My launch month closed Tuesday. What a month. Every day, almost, I got a comment from someone, via e-mail, Facebook or in person, about how much they were enjoying it. Most gratifying is that readers who originally began the book due to a connection either to me as the author or to autism as the main theme are saying they like the story for its own sake.

Here’s one, from a woman who also has a child on the autism spectrum:

“I would happily recommend this book to friends and family as not just an insight into life with Autism, but as a good read.”

Another, from a reader who loves birds:

“wow….a wonderful read…i absolutely LOVED it. I have recommended it to many of my friends. can’t wait to read more from you!”

And one more, from a co-worker who’s also a librarian:

“I started it because it was your book. I’m finishing it because I want to.”

And all those readers are doing some good. In April I offered to donate $1.88 per book sold to two local autism advocacy groups. This week I did my reckoning. I sold a total of 132 copies in bookstores and on Amazon. That means the Autism Resource Network of Northwest Michigan and the TCAPS iPads program through the Traverse Traveler Scavenger Hunt for Autism each get $125.

Thank you for making that happen. Thank you for validating two and a half years of work. Thank you for your Amazon reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations and media coverage. A writer doesn’t exist without readers. As I’ve written before, hit it, Natalie:

 

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1,000 ausome things

So it looks like one thing. Son spells out name with train tracks. Cute.

Alphabet tracks

That’s what I would have thought three years ago. And then dismissed it.

But when my son did this two nights ago, it took my breath away. After all, difficulty with communication is a hallmark of autism. That’s what the professionals say.

But, looking at the train tracks, for the first time, another idea emerged. What if it’s not Owen who’s having trouble communicating? What if, rather, it’s the rest of us who aren’t comprehending his language?

Another idea: What if that divide is neither of our faults?

Talk about an ausome awareness to wrap up Autism Awareness Month. Moving forward as a family, with empathy, sans guilt, and a mind more open to such epiphanies.

It’s freeing. It’s empowering. Bring on May, June, July and the rest of our lives.

 - Today’s post is part of the 1,000 ausome things autism positivity flashblog. Please read the blogs to find out 999 more ausome things.

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