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So you think you’re a writer?

Junkyard Wisdom Book, So you think you're a writer?,

It’s starting to seem real now!

With the release of the book just two months away it’s starting to seem real now! My publisher just posted this about the book, which is a great explanation of the theme and focus of my writing. Let me know what you think!

The last few weeks have been filled with edits, galley reviews, cover details, and on and on. It’s all fun of course, but there’s a ton of detail involved. Really thankful to have a talented co-writer in David Jacobsen, an assistant in Anne with an eye for detail, and a patient D’Aun as I answer email …

Junkyard Wisdom Book, So you think you're a writer?,

Blog Tour!

The book release is less than 90-days away, so I’m gearing up for the marketing. One key way to get the word out is to have a “blog tour” around October 1st.

If you have a blog you could help! I could write as a guest blogger, do an interview by phone or Skype, or simply give you some information to help you write your own blog.

If you don’t have a blog there will be other ways you can help. Posts on social media, reviews on Amazon, pre-orders, etc. Or maybe you know somebody who runs a blog, write …

So you think you're a writer?,

Want to help me write a book?

Want to help me write a book?
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Here’s how. Click this link, Junkyard Management, and dozens of posts come up about leadership, management, and my junkyard days.

Scan through as many as you can and tell me

1) what your favorite is

2) why it is

3) what’s the least interesting post

You can email me at roy @ junkyardwisdom .com (hopefully those spaces keep the spam bots away, but obviously you need to remove them to email me….duh).

And if the book is published, I’ll give you a freebie!

Please notice that the oldest — and often the …

Random Thoughts, So you think you're a writer?,

Celebrity Philanthropy Gone Wild

It’s tempting to blast celebrities (or political candidates, though there isn’t much difference) for their public philanthropy.
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Like the big name Hollywood actor who earned millions for doing a commercial, then let his publicist promote the story about him donating $10,000 to a local homeless shelter. I remember cynically thinking at the time, “Wow, so generous, you gave almost .1% of the income you earned doing a one day photo shoot.”

But the truth is we all do it. Maybe we don’t have a publicist (I don’t, but if you want to volunteer give me a call). Maybe we give …

So you think you're a writer?,

Editing Angst

I had editing angst. Writing a book involves a lot of steps, some more complex than others. The one process I was dreading was turning the manuscript over to an editor and letting somebody else rip it apart.

medium_7874958188I don’t mind somebody correctly, um, correcting my spelling or grammar. That’s all welcome. But having somebody reshape the flow of the book, question the assumptions, or challenge the ideas … that’s intimidating.

Nobody would ever define me as having thin skin. I’m a landlord, so I’ve heard it all. But writing is an artistic process and finding your voice takes …

Random Thoughts, So you think you're a writer?,

“Nobody Wants To Be Around Poor People” – Steve Wynn

Casino mogul Steve Wynn is a billionaire. He has amassed a fortune with casinos across the globe. High profile and high energy, at 74 he is still pushing forward.
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At a recent investors meeting he was talking about the proposed Wynn casino outside of Boston. In a lame attempt to explain the high end branding his company seeks to achieve, he said, “…rich people only like being around rich people, nobody likes being around poor people — especially poor people…”

At first we might dismiss this comment as just another poorly stated, class war comment from a tone deaf billionaire. …

So you think you're a writer?,

Thankful for Book Endorsements

I’m in the midst of collecting endorsements for my book and one word keeps coming to mind.

Thankful.

I’m truly thankful for the people who have taken the time to read the draft, reflect on the content, and write a few words of support. I’m thankful my life is filled with such generous people. People who enrich my life with their ideas, their energy, their love. I am blessed, and I am thankful.

The first official endorsement came from Tony Campolo, who has always been there to support me. Then one from Bob Goff, a friend since elementary school. And …