Keeping print alive

Last week, I got a call from The Bookstore in Michigan City, Ind., to tell me they've sold my book, which is great. Then to also tell me the store is closing, which I was bummed to hear about.

With today's digital technology, local business, especially bookstores, are going through hard times. Since my book came out in February 2012, four stores have closed that once carried my book and it's all because of poor business.

It's really sad that print is going through this period, books and newspapers. Someone told me that print has a better lifespan in terms of archiving than digital will. I didn't think of that until they told me. Think about it. How often do computer programs get updated? How often does print get updated? It won't be long until our digital age will be incompatible to the future. Then what?

Please, go out and support your local bookstore and newspaper.

Book contests and Author Night

I have been submitting my book, "A Life Worth Dreaming About," into contests and have come up empty. I think it's 0-for-4. While I'm trying to keep it in perspective because I'm used to winning awards with my journalism, it's a bit frustrating. I wonder if it's even worth submitting the work into contests, seeing that it costs money to do so. So if anybody has a thought on that, please let me know.

I've got one more I'm going to try for. Let's hope for the best.

My Author Night on Wednesday was a good time, but a tad disappointing. I was hoping for a bigger crowd than what I actually got. Don't get me wrong, I was extremely grateful for the people that showed up. But I promoted the heck out of the event. So I'm trying to figure out how I could've increased the attendance. I thought I would've gotten more than I did. I did sell four books at the event, including three to my first-grade teacher Mrs. Black. It was so nice to see her and truly appreciate her support.

Here is a picture of the two of us from Wednesday night:

And here is a picture of me speaking at the event:

Up next is a book signing at Martha Merrell's in Waukesha, Wis. I'm there from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, May 4, where a portion of the proceeds will be donated to benefit breast cancer research.

After that, I'll be at the Lakefly Literary Conference and Book Fair on Saturday, May 11, in Oshkosh, Wis.

Then, I don't have anything scheduled for the time being.