Thought I'd update this blog--I'm posting regularly on my New Globals blog these days.
I've even posted some fun little videos about finding my book in Barnes & Noble and meeting my agent for the first time (I wrote the book in Argentina and did everything via email!)
and most recently, seeing my book in a bookstore window here in New York.
My book, The New Global Student: Skip the SAT, Save Thousands on Tuition, and Get a Truly International Education, was published by Random House on the 19th, and Tom and I are in New York for a month. Generally, authors do a book tour sort of thing, but we're doing things differently! We've had a great time hanging out with three of our daughters here, celebrated when our oldest earned her master's degree (at 23) and started a new job this week, and just enjoying life in the East Village.
We were excited to see the print edition of Smithsonian Magazine on the racks this week! As I'm sure many of you know, their cover story for the June edition is about living in Buenos Aires, and several expats are quoted, including me. Thanks for that, Daniel Politi! ;-) The interview was done well over a year ago, but the timing worked out very well as it was published the same week as my book launched!
There was a glitch in the shipment of books to the many education bloggers, organizations and others who were supposed to receive an early copy in order to build some buzz. We found out just last week that the books are still sitting in the warehouse! Argh. This seriously hampers marketing efforts, as you can imagine, so we're doing a little damage control and scrambling.
In fact, things are likely to pick up in a big way soon: later this week, a short feature on the book will be published in USA Today and a review is scheduled to appear in the Boston Globe either the 7th or the 14th (Sunday editions). I've had some radio interviews and podcasts so far and Tom and I are learning a lot in our lunch sessions with parents (a group of parents buys us lunch, we listen to their concerns about their kids' education and share tips). In fact, we had a fabulous one in Westport, Connecticut last Friday with a dozen people in attendance. Tom was the only guy, but hey, he's used to that.
Most of all, we're just enjoying the moment and feeling grateful for the opportunity to have a book published and get a chance to share this message with those who can benefit from it.
If you or someone you know is strugging with college costs, disheartened by the college-prep hassle, looking for inexpensive ways to study abroad, or just ready to hear some GOOD news about U.S. education, I hope you'll consider reading or recommending my book! Learn more at
http://www.NewGlobalStudent.com
It's also full of inspiring stories and helpful advice for anyone--especially families--considering spending time abroad.
And to all you aspiring writers in Buenos Aires and elsewhere---keep at it! Two years ago, I had no idea what I would write about and though I hoped I'd write a book someday, I was like millions of other people with the same vague dream. Keep dreaming, but more importantly, keep writing! You just never know where it can take you.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Saturday, January 31, 2009
We're Selling Our Apartment in Buenos Aires--UPDATE
Yep. It's true.
Oh, it's not that we don't love it. It's been fantastic. We chose this location (just on the edge of Belgrano) three years ago when we had two daughters living with us, and it couldn't have been more perfect in terms of proximity to their schools--Islands International School and Universidad de Belgrano, and an easy bus or train ride to Lincoln University College. Just a couple of blocks from the Subte D line (Congreso de Tucuman stop, so you almost always get a seat!) and four blocks from the Nuñez train station, with bus 29 running right in front of our apartment as well.
We have great neighbors and our sweet little street is quiet with very friendly people.
Our building? Love it. Only three years old, with a lovely pool and parilla area on the roof, a small gym, and a large sauna. There are only two apartments on each floor, and ours is facing the back instead of the street. Despite the fact that we're only a couple of blocks from Cabildo, what wakes us up in the morning is birds in the trees below (we're on the seventh floor).
So, why are we selling it? Well, regular readers will know that I just wrote a book and in May, Tom and I will be going to the US for the book launch and promotional tour...and we have no idea how long we will be staying. It could be two months, but it might be six or eight months, depending on speaking engagements and other opportunities.
Also, we purchased a studio apartment in Palermo, right on Paraguay (between Armenia and Malabia) that has been under construction and will be completed in the next month or so.
PLUS, our four daughters seem reasonably launched and as empty nesters, we just don't need three bedrooms. We really like to change things up, and we've always wanted to try living in a studio apartment, so Tom and I are excited to move into the little one.
That means we've decided to sell this one, despite our daughters' concerns (we've assured them that we're likely to buy another place--with at least a spare bedroom--once we get back here after the tour stuff is over).
Luckily, the wonderful realtor who sold us this place--Javier--is a friend and is helping us sell this one as well. He works with Cristian Bau realtors here in Buenos Aires and he's such a good man, a pleasure to work with and we trust him completely. By the way, buying property here isn't hard as long as you've got the cash since there aren't really any mortgages--we saw this place, bought it and MOVED INTO IT--all within a month.
So, anyway--if you or someone you know might be interested in buying a really nice three-bedroom, two bath apartment in a great location--and we're happy to sell most of the furnishings as well for a VERY reasonable price--let us know. It's been a fantastic place for our family and I know that whoever ends up lucky enough to live here next will enjoy it as much as we have.
To see the listing with photos, go to:
http://tinyurl.com/b675u9
WAIT--THAT'S NOT IT! IT'S THIS ONE: http://tinyurl.com/bb9sbe
AND you can take a look at much better photos here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/oregonfrost/sets/72157604301180973/show/
Oh, it's not that we don't love it. It's been fantastic. We chose this location (just on the edge of Belgrano) three years ago when we had two daughters living with us, and it couldn't have been more perfect in terms of proximity to their schools--Islands International School and Universidad de Belgrano, and an easy bus or train ride to Lincoln University College. Just a couple of blocks from the Subte D line (Congreso de Tucuman stop, so you almost always get a seat!) and four blocks from the Nuñez train station, with bus 29 running right in front of our apartment as well.
We have great neighbors and our sweet little street is quiet with very friendly people.
Our building? Love it. Only three years old, with a lovely pool and parilla area on the roof, a small gym, and a large sauna. There are only two apartments on each floor, and ours is facing the back instead of the street. Despite the fact that we're only a couple of blocks from Cabildo, what wakes us up in the morning is birds in the trees below (we're on the seventh floor).
So, why are we selling it? Well, regular readers will know that I just wrote a book and in May, Tom and I will be going to the US for the book launch and promotional tour...and we have no idea how long we will be staying. It could be two months, but it might be six or eight months, depending on speaking engagements and other opportunities.
Also, we purchased a studio apartment in Palermo, right on Paraguay (between Armenia and Malabia) that has been under construction and will be completed in the next month or so.
PLUS, our four daughters seem reasonably launched and as empty nesters, we just don't need three bedrooms. We really like to change things up, and we've always wanted to try living in a studio apartment, so Tom and I are excited to move into the little one.
That means we've decided to sell this one, despite our daughters' concerns (we've assured them that we're likely to buy another place--with at least a spare bedroom--once we get back here after the tour stuff is over).
Luckily, the wonderful realtor who sold us this place--Javier--is a friend and is helping us sell this one as well. He works with Cristian Bau realtors here in Buenos Aires and he's such a good man, a pleasure to work with and we trust him completely. By the way, buying property here isn't hard as long as you've got the cash since there aren't really any mortgages--we saw this place, bought it and MOVED INTO IT--all within a month.
So, anyway--if you or someone you know might be interested in buying a really nice three-bedroom, two bath apartment in a great location--and we're happy to sell most of the furnishings as well for a VERY reasonable price--let us know. It's been a fantastic place for our family and I know that whoever ends up lucky enough to live here next will enjoy it as much as we have.
To see the listing with photos, go to:
http://tinyurl.com/b675u9
WAIT--THAT'S NOT IT! IT'S THIS ONE: http://tinyurl.com/bb9sbe
AND you can take a look at much better photos here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/oregonfrost/sets/72157604301180973/show/
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Kayaking in the Delta (Tigre)
Maya is hard at work on her other blogs so I (her husband Tom) wanted to use her traffic to recommend a guided kayak tour of the Delta that I took last week.
I have been up to Tigre and the Delta several times, it is only about 30 minutes from our apartment in Belgrano via train. Though the town of Tigre itself is worth a trip, I generally skip it to get out to the islands in the Delta.
Generally we have taken the Interisla Collectivos (passenger boats that act as buses between the islands) and have gotten off at a restaurant pier or someplace else to go hiking. We have also rented a house for a weekend.
But, what I really wanted to do was explore the myriad of small canals and channels that the
larger boats cannot get into.
Based on fellow expat Jonathan Harada's advice (http://tutoramigos.blogspot.com) we contacted Martin at www.eldoradokayak.com. Martin met us at the station and had already purchased tickets for the collectivo (boat) out to their island camp.
I have been on the same route before though it was totally different as Martin is very knowledgeable about the Delta and during the entire 1.5 hour boat ride he gave us great information about the route.
The last stop of the collectivo is their camp/house. Serenely quiet, the small canal had very few houses. All that we could hear was the winds in the leaves and the chirping of the birds.
Martin's partner Chapa had a light lunch ready for us, set nicely around a picnic table in the jungle clearing. Their house is simple but new, clean with full changing and shower facilities.
After a brief instruction on paddling techniques we set off in double and singles--very stable kayaks that were almost brand new.
Time is different in the Delta and the two-three hours we spent blissfully paddling the small canals and channels flew by. My two daughters were hesitant to go initially (worried they were not strong enough) and completely enjoyed the experience.
Our route took us through darker narrow passages as well as past grand houses on one of the larger rivers and then into seemingly untouched portions of jungle.
When we got back, a lovely lunch of sausage sandwiches, tomato salad and vino patero awaited. Chapa and Martin are wonderful conversationalists and our hour lunch turned into a three hour (again time in the Delta is different) discussion of Argentine politics, culture and life on the Delta.
When you visit Buenos Aires take this tour, you will not be disappointed. I have traveled a fair bit and the Delta is like nowhere I have been before and Eldorado Kayaks let me see it up close and personal.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
New Year's in Buenos Aires: A Look at the Year Ahead
Some people like to do the look-back-over-the-last-year thing on December 31st. I prefer to do the what-a-cool-year-it's-going-to-be thing on New Year's Day.
For the Frost family, lots of good things are in store and already in motion. Observe:
**My book, The New Global Student, will be in bookstores on May 19th. So the next six months will be devoted to pre-launch publicity as well as sketching out Book Two. Lots of exciting times ahead as we start to get media attention for the book!
**Tom and I are working together. We worked together as English teachers in rural Japan when we met back in 1983, and over the years, we've had businesses together and worked side by side. But we've always had our own projects. This year, I am very excited that he will be working directly with me on the business/nonprofit projects related to my book! We've always been far better together than apart, so there's no stopping us now! ;-)
**Our oldest daughter (she is 22) will complete her master's in May. She's been working full time in addition to earning her master's so May will bring some relief but also new opportunities. Cool!
**Daughter Number Two (just turned 21) graduated from college in December and finished two internships in Manhattan--one at a Latino ad agency, one at MTV international. Now, she is very happily working in an Irish pub (she LOVES it!) while saving money and also working as a freelancer for the ad agency. It's great to learn how to do freelance work (and negotiate for good pay) at the age of 21. This weekend, she is moving into a new apartment (she's been living with her older sister since August) and is thrilled to be living in New York and doing her thing.
**Daughter Number Three also graduated from college in December (she is 19) and was offered a job as a multilingual events coordinator for a major cruise line. Unfortunately, the earliest they can place her in a position is March, so she is arriving in Buenos Aires today to spend the next couple of months relaxing, traveling and possibly pursuing other work options if the cruise thing is taking too long.
**Daughter Number Four (she is 18) is here in Buenos Aires now on her winter break from college in upstate New York. It's a chance to visit us, visit her boyfriend (okay, we know he gets top billing) and see what it's like to come back to Argentina after being away for a few months. She's going to meet her boyfriend's family out in the campo (country) for a few days, which should be interesting. She'll return to New York in a couple of weeks, continue her studies, and do an internship this summer. It looks like she'll graduate with a BS in Applied Psychology (organizational psych, really) in December.
It's a year of growth, opportunities and changes--exactly what we love best. ;-)
Happy New Year, everyone!
For the Frost family, lots of good things are in store and already in motion. Observe:
**My book, The New Global Student, will be in bookstores on May 19th. So the next six months will be devoted to pre-launch publicity as well as sketching out Book Two. Lots of exciting times ahead as we start to get media attention for the book!
**Tom and I are working together. We worked together as English teachers in rural Japan when we met back in 1983, and over the years, we've had businesses together and worked side by side. But we've always had our own projects. This year, I am very excited that he will be working directly with me on the business/nonprofit projects related to my book! We've always been far better together than apart, so there's no stopping us now! ;-)
**Our oldest daughter (she is 22) will complete her master's in May. She's been working full time in addition to earning her master's so May will bring some relief but also new opportunities. Cool!
**Daughter Number Two (just turned 21) graduated from college in December and finished two internships in Manhattan--one at a Latino ad agency, one at MTV international. Now, she is very happily working in an Irish pub (she LOVES it!) while saving money and also working as a freelancer for the ad agency. It's great to learn how to do freelance work (and negotiate for good pay) at the age of 21. This weekend, she is moving into a new apartment (she's been living with her older sister since August) and is thrilled to be living in New York and doing her thing.
**Daughter Number Three also graduated from college in December (she is 19) and was offered a job as a multilingual events coordinator for a major cruise line. Unfortunately, the earliest they can place her in a position is March, so she is arriving in Buenos Aires today to spend the next couple of months relaxing, traveling and possibly pursuing other work options if the cruise thing is taking too long.
**Daughter Number Four (she is 18) is here in Buenos Aires now on her winter break from college in upstate New York. It's a chance to visit us, visit her boyfriend (okay, we know he gets top billing) and see what it's like to come back to Argentina after being away for a few months. She's going to meet her boyfriend's family out in the campo (country) for a few days, which should be interesting. She'll return to New York in a couple of weeks, continue her studies, and do an internship this summer. It looks like she'll graduate with a BS in Applied Psychology (organizational psych, really) in December.
It's a year of growth, opportunities and changes--exactly what we love best. ;-)
Happy New Year, everyone!
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Christmas at Mar de Ajó--and My First Book Blurb
Tom and I had a great time at Mar de Ajó--just the two of us, the beach, the sun. Though I expected more wistful moments--this being our first Christmas in 22 years without kids--there were actually just a few, and we thoroughly enjoyed celebrating Christmas in a sleepy beach town.
It's not sleepy now, though--the holiday crowds were arriving as we left! There was much painting and sprucing up being done during the time we were there. It was great to be the only foreigners around--everywhere we went, people asked where we were from, were very friendly and interested and we had delightful conversations with the locals we met.
Not so nice--I caught Tom's cold (I guess I had time to get sick, so I did!) and thanks to some pretty horrible coughing yesterday, I seem to have a cracked (or at the very least, very sore) rib. So, just as I was during my recovery from gum surgery a few months back, I am VERY QUIET. It hurts to breathe, let alone talk, laugh or (OUCH!) cough.
But the good news is that I got my first blurb for my book--from Dan Pink, author of A WHOLE NEW MIND. I loved Dan's book so I am utterly thrilled and humbled and awed that he wrote such a nice blurb for my book cover. Here it is:
It's not sleepy now, though--the holiday crowds were arriving as we left! There was much painting and sprucing up being done during the time we were there. It was great to be the only foreigners around--everywhere we went, people asked where we were from, were very friendly and interested and we had delightful conversations with the locals we met.
Not so nice--I caught Tom's cold (I guess I had time to get sick, so I did!) and thanks to some pretty horrible coughing yesterday, I seem to have a cracked (or at the very least, very sore) rib. So, just as I was during my recovery from gum surgery a few months back, I am VERY QUIET. It hurts to breathe, let alone talk, laugh or (OUCH!) cough.
But the good news is that I got my first blurb for my book--from Dan Pink, author of A WHOLE NEW MIND. I loved Dan's book so I am utterly thrilled and humbled and awed that he wrote such a nice blurb for my book cover. Here it is:
"With considerable verve and tremendous insight, Maya Frost offers a primer on how to take your education -- and your life -- into your own hands. THE NEW GLOBAL STUDENT is essential reading for any family yearning to step off the treadmill and plunge into the world."
-- Daniel H. Pink, author of A WHOLE NEW MIND
Nice, huh? I am looking forward to getting more blurbs soon--they are being sent to my editor at Random House/Crown and she is out of the office until January 6th. Dan just sent his along to me as a courtesy since he knew I was on pins and needles. It's especially meaningful coming from Dan as he is a father of three and took his kids on a sabbatical to Japan while doing research for his manga career guide, The Adventures of Johnny Bunko.
So...quiet....and thrilled. Not a bad way to spend the next couple of days. ;-)
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Holding My Book In My Hand and Searching For Candy Canes in Buenos Aires
So, yesterday I get buzzed from downstairs. It's the FedEx guy with a package for me from Random House--six copies of my book! Okay, these are early, uncorrected copies but they look just like a real book and everything.
It was so strange.
Since this entire process--finding an agent, getting a contract, working with an editor--has been done ENTIRELY online (not even a phone call--I'm seeing how long we can go just keeping things virtual!) it's kind of surreal. Now, I have six copies of my book scattered around the house--on a table here, a nightstand there--and my heart flutters each time I spy one. Very exciting and weird. I'm sure all new authors must feel this way.
This week, I've finished up my new website at www.MayaFrost.com
Also, I've redesigned by mindfulness website at www.MassageYourMind.com
I officially launched the Education Design Institute and Education Design Partners.
I sent an e-newsletter to several thousand subscribers.
I posted on my blogs, submitted an article to an article directory, had an interview with a reporter for a newspaper in New York--and she wants to pitch an article idea involving a lengthy interview with me to several major magazines.
My agent explained that my Book #2 proposal is on hold--it's too similar to one that a bestselling author just signed a contract for with my publisher. That really sucks for me, because I could easily sell the proposal to another publisher as it's a very hot topic--I just happen to have the same publisher as this guy! Drat. But switching publishers before my first book is even out would be very bad form, and besides, I love working with my current editor. So, I will spend some time thinking about a different proposal and just have to kiss that other one goodbye. Such is life.
My only consolation is that fact that if I wait and submit a different proposal later in 2009, I might have a fabulously successful book under my belt and get a much better offer. I'll focus on that.
Tom and I are having our first Christmas in 22 years without any kids--all of the girls are spending Christmas together in New York City. So we are making sure to be away from home for the holidays---heading to a nice Argentine beach (not the fancy one). We set up our Christmas tree in the lobby downstairs for everyone to enjoy and we're delighted that the (old--from last year) candy canes that were hanging on the lower branches have disappeared--now we have to go out and buy some more. Anyone know where to find them here in BA?
Two daughters are arriving for visits within the next two weeks, though, so that's pretty exciting! Can't wait to see them.
Loving the weather--spent some time this week in the pool on the roof with Rita, my Pilates teacher. I'm bummed to learn that the Pilates place next door is CLOSING--that's why she did a training session for me in the pool instead. Rita is my buddy--and now she's not likely to teach in my neighborhood since she lives a fair distance away. Several storefronts in my neighborhood are for rent--it appears that the landlords are raising prices from January. The bad news is that some of our favorite places are closing. The good news is that there will be new ones opening--and that's always fun.
That's it for now. Love to everyone up north--and east and west and south. Stay warm/cool and have a wonderful holiday!
It was so strange.
Since this entire process--finding an agent, getting a contract, working with an editor--has been done ENTIRELY online (not even a phone call--I'm seeing how long we can go just keeping things virtual!) it's kind of surreal. Now, I have six copies of my book scattered around the house--on a table here, a nightstand there--and my heart flutters each time I spy one. Very exciting and weird. I'm sure all new authors must feel this way.
This week, I've finished up my new website at www.MayaFrost.com
Also, I've redesigned by mindfulness website at www.MassageYourMind.com
I officially launched the Education Design Institute and Education Design Partners.
I sent an e-newsletter to several thousand subscribers.
I posted on my blogs, submitted an article to an article directory, had an interview with a reporter for a newspaper in New York--and she wants to pitch an article idea involving a lengthy interview with me to several major magazines.
My agent explained that my Book #2 proposal is on hold--it's too similar to one that a bestselling author just signed a contract for with my publisher. That really sucks for me, because I could easily sell the proposal to another publisher as it's a very hot topic--I just happen to have the same publisher as this guy! Drat. But switching publishers before my first book is even out would be very bad form, and besides, I love working with my current editor. So, I will spend some time thinking about a different proposal and just have to kiss that other one goodbye. Such is life.
My only consolation is that fact that if I wait and submit a different proposal later in 2009, I might have a fabulously successful book under my belt and get a much better offer. I'll focus on that.
Tom and I are having our first Christmas in 22 years without any kids--all of the girls are spending Christmas together in New York City. So we are making sure to be away from home for the holidays---heading to a nice Argentine beach (not the fancy one). We set up our Christmas tree in the lobby downstairs for everyone to enjoy and we're delighted that the (old--from last year) candy canes that were hanging on the lower branches have disappeared--now we have to go out and buy some more. Anyone know where to find them here in BA?
Two daughters are arriving for visits within the next two weeks, though, so that's pretty exciting! Can't wait to see them.
Loving the weather--spent some time this week in the pool on the roof with Rita, my Pilates teacher. I'm bummed to learn that the Pilates place next door is CLOSING--that's why she did a training session for me in the pool instead. Rita is my buddy--and now she's not likely to teach in my neighborhood since she lives a fair distance away. Several storefronts in my neighborhood are for rent--it appears that the landlords are raising prices from January. The bad news is that some of our favorite places are closing. The good news is that there will be new ones opening--and that's always fun.
That's it for now. Love to everyone up north--and east and west and south. Stay warm/cool and have a wonderful holiday!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Galley Ho--the Next Step In the Book Publication Saga
Today, my editor at Random House emailed me a copy of the cover for the galley for my book, The New Global Student. A galley is an uncorrected version of the book that is quickly bound and a cover slapped on it so that it can be sent to some hapless author or expert who is expected to read 300 pages and come up with a pithy little phrase to put on the back of the final book cover that will make people buy the book.
It's a very humbling process.
First, you have to come up with a list of about 50 people you'd love to have on the back cover. This takes some dreaming, some researching and a lot of outright fantasizing. I mean, you're supposed to aim as high as you can and then take a little step back. So, okay, Obama was on the list for a nanosecond--we have the same publishing and sales teams, after all--but I figured he probably has other things to do right now than read my galley. ;-) (Doesn't mean he won't get an advance copy in spring, though!) Then I stepped back a little and came up with a full range of options--people who are experts or journalists in parenting, education, creativity, global living, travel, pretty much any category that is included in the book.
Next comes the process of tracking down contact info (agents, blogs, whatever) and sending an email explaining that I'm a person they have never heard of who has written a book they didn't know about, but would they consider taking several hours out of their holiday schedule to read the book and then offer a blurb? Kind of humiliating, really.
And then the fun part: some people actually say yes. w00t! Of course, there are some "no, thanks" responses and some who don't respond at all, but it becomes a sort of treasure hunt that is oddly addicting. I will be sorry when this process is over.
So, here are the wonderful, kind souls who have already agreed to receive and review a galley:
Dan Pink (A Whole New Mind, Free Agent Nation)
Po Bronson (What Should I Do With My Life?)
Bill Bartmann (billionaire philanthropist/entrepreneur)
Jay Mathews (education columnist for the Washington Post)
Greg Toppo (education reporter for USA Today)
Dan Brown (author of The Great Expectations School, ed columnist for Huffington Post)
Seth Godin (author of numerous books including his latest, Tribes)
Karen Maezen Miller (Momma Zen: Walking the Crooked Path of Motherhood)
Dr. Daniel Amen (Change Your Brain, Change Your Life)
Dale McGowan (Parenting Beyond Belief and Raising Freethinkers)
Peg Tyre (The Trouble With Boys)
Ariel Gore (founder of Hip Mama magazine, author of Atlas of the Human Heart)
Neal Pollack (Alternadad author and punk-dad columnist for Parents magazine)
Richard Wiese (Discovery Channel travel host, author of Born to Explore)
Eric Maisel (Creativity For Life and many others)
Richard Florida (The Rise of the Creative Class, Who's Your City?)
Matt Mason (The Pirate's Dilemma: How Youth Culture Reinvented Capitalism)
Jim Fay (the Love and Logic parenting series)
...and a few really big names that I don't want to mention because I don't want to jinx anything.
I am already deeply indebted to these people for simply saying yes, even if they hate the book and decide not to offer a blurb. I mean, seriously--I'm not sure I would say yes to me, so I am very grateful.
They're going to be mailed out around Thanksgiving, and I will hand-write notes to be included with each galley (and FedEx them up to NYC for them to add to the mail-outs). Maybe I should send them some Godiva chocolates or something. Too much? Well, if they send me a nice blurb, I will think of some way to say thanks.
And then the waiting begins.......do they like it? Did they stop halfway through? Will I ever hear from them? Will they write on their blogs about what rubbish the book is? Ack.
Meanwhile, I'm launching a brand new website and redesigned old website this week--International Education Week--and sending out press releases for that.
Stay tuned!
It's a very humbling process.
First, you have to come up with a list of about 50 people you'd love to have on the back cover. This takes some dreaming, some researching and a lot of outright fantasizing. I mean, you're supposed to aim as high as you can and then take a little step back. So, okay, Obama was on the list for a nanosecond--we have the same publishing and sales teams, after all--but I figured he probably has other things to do right now than read my galley. ;-) (Doesn't mean he won't get an advance copy in spring, though!) Then I stepped back a little and came up with a full range of options--people who are experts or journalists in parenting, education, creativity, global living, travel, pretty much any category that is included in the book.
Next comes the process of tracking down contact info (agents, blogs, whatever) and sending an email explaining that I'm a person they have never heard of who has written a book they didn't know about, but would they consider taking several hours out of their holiday schedule to read the book and then offer a blurb? Kind of humiliating, really.
And then the fun part: some people actually say yes. w00t! Of course, there are some "no, thanks" responses and some who don't respond at all, but it becomes a sort of treasure hunt that is oddly addicting. I will be sorry when this process is over.
So, here are the wonderful, kind souls who have already agreed to receive and review a galley:
Dan Pink (A Whole New Mind, Free Agent Nation)
Po Bronson (What Should I Do With My Life?)
Bill Bartmann (billionaire philanthropist/entrepreneur)
Jay Mathews (education columnist for the Washington Post)
Greg Toppo (education reporter for USA Today)
Dan Brown (author of The Great Expectations School, ed columnist for Huffington Post)
Seth Godin (author of numerous books including his latest, Tribes)
Karen Maezen Miller (Momma Zen: Walking the Crooked Path of Motherhood)
Dr. Daniel Amen (Change Your Brain, Change Your Life)
Dale McGowan (Parenting Beyond Belief and Raising Freethinkers)
Peg Tyre (The Trouble With Boys)
Ariel Gore (founder of Hip Mama magazine, author of Atlas of the Human Heart)
Neal Pollack (Alternadad author and punk-dad columnist for Parents magazine)
Richard Wiese (Discovery Channel travel host, author of Born to Explore)
Eric Maisel (Creativity For Life and many others)
Richard Florida (The Rise of the Creative Class, Who's Your City?)
Matt Mason (The Pirate's Dilemma: How Youth Culture Reinvented Capitalism)
Jim Fay (the Love and Logic parenting series)
...and a few really big names that I don't want to mention because I don't want to jinx anything.
I am already deeply indebted to these people for simply saying yes, even if they hate the book and decide not to offer a blurb. I mean, seriously--I'm not sure I would say yes to me, so I am very grateful.
They're going to be mailed out around Thanksgiving, and I will hand-write notes to be included with each galley (and FedEx them up to NYC for them to add to the mail-outs). Maybe I should send them some Godiva chocolates or something. Too much? Well, if they send me a nice blurb, I will think of some way to say thanks.
And then the waiting begins.......do they like it? Did they stop halfway through? Will I ever hear from them? Will they write on their blogs about what rubbish the book is? Ack.
Meanwhile, I'm launching a brand new website and redesigned old website this week--International Education Week--and sending out press releases for that.
Stay tuned!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Lucky Writer, Get Over Thyself
Okay, I'm coming to terms with the fact that I had pretty much zero say in the design of the cover of my book. This is not so unusual for authors (especially new ones) with big publishing companies, and the design team at Random House has been cranking out bestselling covers for years, which is certainly more than I can say for myself.
So, I'm reminding myself that it's OKAY if I don't love the title.
It's OKAY if I don't love the cover.
What matters is that I am incredibly fortunate to have a chance (and an advance) to get my book out there into the world, and I should just shut up and get over my own little petty color preferences and word fetishes.
I'm over it. (Almost)
And having gone through the process of moving and reestablishing the book-related blog YET AGAIN, I have decided that I do not ever want to be in the position of moving a blog.
So, I nabbed a killer domain name--www.NewGlobals.com--and will be using that for everything: this book (though I also have www.NewGlobalStudent.com that will always point to the book page), the new blog (with broader topics/appeal), and future books/projects.
It hurts to go from like 1,000 visitors a day on a blog I've been working on for eight months to, um, TWO visitors a day to the new one this week. Again, time to buck up and get over it and be clear about planning long term and starting from scratch at a site that I can grow for longer than eight months!
So...in the next few weeks, I will be unveiling my new site at www.NewGlobals.com Watch for announcements here!
So, I'm reminding myself that it's OKAY if I don't love the title.
It's OKAY if I don't love the cover.
What matters is that I am incredibly fortunate to have a chance (and an advance) to get my book out there into the world, and I should just shut up and get over my own little petty color preferences and word fetishes.
I'm over it. (Almost)
And having gone through the process of moving and reestablishing the book-related blog YET AGAIN, I have decided that I do not ever want to be in the position of moving a blog.
So, I nabbed a killer domain name--www.NewGlobals.com--and will be using that for everything: this book (though I also have www.NewGlobalStudent.com that will always point to the book page), the new blog (with broader topics/appeal), and future books/projects.
It hurts to go from like 1,000 visitors a day on a blog I've been working on for eight months to, um, TWO visitors a day to the new one this week. Again, time to buck up and get over it and be clear about planning long term and starting from scratch at a site that I can grow for longer than eight months!
So...in the next few weeks, I will be unveiling my new site at www.NewGlobals.com Watch for announcements here!
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Retiring In Buenos Aires: My AARP Interview is Online
About ten months ago(!), I was interviewed here in Buenos Aires by Rich Halten, who was doing
a recorded bit for AARP on retiring in Buenos Aires. Okay, so I'm not retired, but I did connect him with someone who is and he interviewed me about moving here and what to expect. I couldn't talk about my book (too early).
Things have changed in ten months. In the interview, I say that here it costs about half what we would pay for a similar lifestyle in the US. Well, as you all know, prices have gone up considerably since then--now, I'd be more likely to say that things are about 30 percent cheaper, depending entirely on your choices. Still, I stand by my claim that for those who are looking to lead a simple, low-cost life outside the US--nice but not terribly luxurious apartment, no car--in a cosmopolitan place with all kinds of cultural opportunities, BA remains a great option.
You can listen to the interview here:
(it's only four minutes long, and I'm the second of the three local expats being interviewed)
a recorded bit for AARP on retiring in Buenos Aires. Okay, so I'm not retired, but I did connect him with someone who is and he interviewed me about moving here and what to expect. I couldn't talk about my book (too early).
Things have changed in ten months. In the interview, I say that here it costs about half what we would pay for a similar lifestyle in the US. Well, as you all know, prices have gone up considerably since then--now, I'd be more likely to say that things are about 30 percent cheaper, depending entirely on your choices. Still, I stand by my claim that for those who are looking to lead a simple, low-cost life outside the US--nice but not terribly luxurious apartment, no car--in a cosmopolitan place with all kinds of cultural opportunities, BA remains a great option.
You can listen to the interview here:
(it's only four minutes long, and I'm the second of the three local expats being interviewed)
http://radioprimetime.org/index.htm
Just scroll down to the story on Prime Time Postscript about Buenos Aires.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Trying Not To Be Attached: Book Angst in Buenos Aires
I'd heard that when it comes time for a publisher to come up with a cover for a book, they get some input from the author, come up with three very different options and then ask the author for their thoughts, what they'd like to combine, tweak, etc.
Sounds reasonable.
So it came as a bit of a surprise to me when my editor emailed me saying, "Here's the cover for your book...what do you think?" without ever asking for any initial input from me. Fortunately, there were some good things about the design, and I viewed it as a starting point for discussion.
So, my agent and I came up with some suggested changes (after first offering praise for the general layout) including a change in font color from brown to black and a change in the subtitle color from red (overlaying a map, it looks like a danger zone) to blue. I thought the whole thing could look much bolder and more eye-catching with a blue/green/black color scheme rather than the red/blue/brown presented. The font was tall and skinny, and not particularly friendly, so we asked if that could be fattened up a bit. In the middle was an image of a bag--intended as a student bag--which was a bright red backback, something a fifth grader would carry. I asked for an image instead of a messenger bag, perhaps with the corner of a laptop peaking out of it and a passport in the front pocket.
My agent and I submitted the requests and looked forward to getting the new design(s).
Today, we received an email saying, "Here are the five designs--which one do you like best?" Except that the artist had decided that he didn't want to change the font or the colors. And the images of the bag? One had a red Communist star on it--not kidding. One had fluorescent colors. One was army green with nothing else. One was very girly. One was blue with a yellow star. Nothing inside, nothing peeking out, no details--these were more like catalog images.
Oh, and they decided to change the subtitle. Yes, you see in the beginning, I had asked for "Skip the SAT, Save Thousands on Tuition and Get An Outrageously Relevant Global Education" but then they insisted on using Global in the title, so I suggested (at my wit's end after many rejected proposed titles) "The New Global Student" since it was super duper basic, which seemed to be the only acceptable quality. We couldn't have global in the title and subtitle, so I switched the subtitle to "Skip the SAT, Save Thousands On Tuition and Get A Truly International Education"--not nearly as zingy, but boring enough to please the middle America moms they are afraid of scaring off.
But then they said, hmm, we need to add "HOW TO" in front of it, or "DISCOVER THE SMART WAY TO" etc. I said, you know, it's kinda long and clunky already--can't we keep it shorter? No. So we added "DISCOVER THE SMART WAY TO"...
But in today's email, my editor says, "Listen, sorry, I know we were the ones who insisted on this initially, but now we think we should drop the 'DISCOVER THE SMART WAY TO' since it's just so long and all."
Sigh.
Now, I'm emailing my agent asking how much I can negotiate on the cover. I mean, I don't think changing the color of the font is too much to ask, really, and it hardly feels collaborative when we're asked for input and it's completely ignored.
So, that's my rant for the day. Big breath. I have been through other scares (like when they wanted to publish the book in AUGUST, which would have killed it) so I am hoping to get through this one with flying colors(!) as well. But when you're IN IT, it's a little nerve-wracking. I actually love my editor and trust my agent to help get this settled, so I'm not worried--just a little...surprised.
I'm afraid to transfer my blog to my new website at www.NewGlobalStudent.com in case they change the title at the last minute! That site is just temporary--I'm waiting for the final cover art before having my web person design a whole new look. So haven't been doing any education blogging, though I will be a guest blogger at Education Futures later this month.
Did have an interview with Newsweek yesterday--that was cool. You never know how things are going to turn out or if you'll make it into print, so you sort of have to view these interviews as opportunities to share information--even if it's only with the journalist. We'll see where it goes, if anywhere.
Looking forward to tonight's gathering of local expat entrepreneurs....it's always fun to hear what other people are up to. And it's a good way to forget about the cover for a while. ;-)
Sounds reasonable.
So it came as a bit of a surprise to me when my editor emailed me saying, "Here's the cover for your book...what do you think?" without ever asking for any initial input from me. Fortunately, there were some good things about the design, and I viewed it as a starting point for discussion.
So, my agent and I came up with some suggested changes (after first offering praise for the general layout) including a change in font color from brown to black and a change in the subtitle color from red (overlaying a map, it looks like a danger zone) to blue. I thought the whole thing could look much bolder and more eye-catching with a blue/green/black color scheme rather than the red/blue/brown presented. The font was tall and skinny, and not particularly friendly, so we asked if that could be fattened up a bit. In the middle was an image of a bag--intended as a student bag--which was a bright red backback, something a fifth grader would carry. I asked for an image instead of a messenger bag, perhaps with the corner of a laptop peaking out of it and a passport in the front pocket.
My agent and I submitted the requests and looked forward to getting the new design(s).
Today, we received an email saying, "Here are the five designs--which one do you like best?" Except that the artist had decided that he didn't want to change the font or the colors. And the images of the bag? One had a red Communist star on it--not kidding. One had fluorescent colors. One was army green with nothing else. One was very girly. One was blue with a yellow star. Nothing inside, nothing peeking out, no details--these were more like catalog images.
Oh, and they decided to change the subtitle. Yes, you see in the beginning, I had asked for "Skip the SAT, Save Thousands on Tuition and Get An Outrageously Relevant Global Education" but then they insisted on using Global in the title, so I suggested (at my wit's end after many rejected proposed titles) "The New Global Student" since it was super duper basic, which seemed to be the only acceptable quality. We couldn't have global in the title and subtitle, so I switched the subtitle to "Skip the SAT, Save Thousands On Tuition and Get A Truly International Education"--not nearly as zingy, but boring enough to please the middle America moms they are afraid of scaring off.
But then they said, hmm, we need to add "HOW TO" in front of it, or "DISCOVER THE SMART WAY TO" etc. I said, you know, it's kinda long and clunky already--can't we keep it shorter? No. So we added "DISCOVER THE SMART WAY TO"...
But in today's email, my editor says, "Listen, sorry, I know we were the ones who insisted on this initially, but now we think we should drop the 'DISCOVER THE SMART WAY TO' since it's just so long and all."
Sigh.
Now, I'm emailing my agent asking how much I can negotiate on the cover. I mean, I don't think changing the color of the font is too much to ask, really, and it hardly feels collaborative when we're asked for input and it's completely ignored.
So, that's my rant for the day. Big breath. I have been through other scares (like when they wanted to publish the book in AUGUST, which would have killed it) so I am hoping to get through this one with flying colors(!) as well. But when you're IN IT, it's a little nerve-wracking. I actually love my editor and trust my agent to help get this settled, so I'm not worried--just a little...surprised.
I'm afraid to transfer my blog to my new website at www.NewGlobalStudent.com in case they change the title at the last minute! That site is just temporary--I'm waiting for the final cover art before having my web person design a whole new look. So haven't been doing any education blogging, though I will be a guest blogger at Education Futures later this month.
Did have an interview with Newsweek yesterday--that was cool. You never know how things are going to turn out or if you'll make it into print, so you sort of have to view these interviews as opportunities to share information--even if it's only with the journalist. We'll see where it goes, if anywhere.
Looking forward to tonight's gathering of local expat entrepreneurs....it's always fun to hear what other people are up to. And it's a good way to forget about the cover for a while. ;-)
Friday, September 26, 2008
What Do You Do After You've Turned In Your Manuscript? Wait...Or Write Another Book
Tick. Tock.
The last few days, I've had a bunch of time on my hands. You see, I turned in my manuscript for the book I've been writing, and while my editor is going over it to send me my final round of edits, I am twiddling my thumbs and wondering what the hell I used to do all day before I started writing this book. There must have been SOMETHING. Well, I did have a daughter or two kicking around, and now it's just Tom and me, and since he's got his stuff to do, I am finding myself rather open, schedule-wise.
So, I've gone for walks. I've been out enjoying the spring sunshine. I've been sitting in cafes and parks.
Not only am I waiting for edits--you see, I've spent the week waiting to hear from my agent, who presented my ideas for Book #2 and Book #3 to my editor at Random House. And waiting. And waiting. Okay, just since Monday, but it seems like a really long time.
Just heard back last night that my editor LOVES the two book ideas. That's the good news. The bad news is that I'm not likely to get an offer until Book #1 is "in production" (meaning done with the copyediting process and turned over to sales and marketing...which could be weeks or even months).
And so, my agent--being the strategist that she is paid to be--suggested I put together a formal proposal that she can present to Random House/Crown (they get first crack at it, as per my contract) and if they balk or drag their feet, well, she will be ready and able to shop it to other publishers. Of course, it would be ideal to have the same publisher for all three books, and I absolutely love my editor so it would be wonderful to work with her again. But the books I have in mind are very timely and I don't want to sit on my hands for the next few months (a few days is long enough for me).
So, today I am beginning the formal proposal writing stage. I like this part. You get to do research on comparable books and come up with all kinds of fun marketing plans. The great thing is that a book proposal is hilarious to look at after the book has been written because your table of contents, title, marketing ideas, EVERYTHING will change. So, knowing that, you don't get too serious--you just have some fun with the possibilities. It's a creative writing assignment that you can really sink your teeth into.
This will keep me busy for a few days, and by then, my editor will send me the edits and we'll get that baby tucked into bed (at least, my part will be mostly finished) and move on to the next. I guess I have a history of moving on to the next baby quickly (four kids born within four and a half years) so I know it works for me.
Total immersion, baby. Eat, sleep, and breathe it for a very intense period of time.
Now, if only that was working for me language-wise.
The last few days, I've had a bunch of time on my hands. You see, I turned in my manuscript for the book I've been writing, and while my editor is going over it to send me my final round of edits, I am twiddling my thumbs and wondering what the hell I used to do all day before I started writing this book. There must have been SOMETHING. Well, I did have a daughter or two kicking around, and now it's just Tom and me, and since he's got his stuff to do, I am finding myself rather open, schedule-wise.
So, I've gone for walks. I've been out enjoying the spring sunshine. I've been sitting in cafes and parks.
Not only am I waiting for edits--you see, I've spent the week waiting to hear from my agent, who presented my ideas for Book #2 and Book #3 to my editor at Random House. And waiting. And waiting. Okay, just since Monday, but it seems like a really long time.
Just heard back last night that my editor LOVES the two book ideas. That's the good news. The bad news is that I'm not likely to get an offer until Book #1 is "in production" (meaning done with the copyediting process and turned over to sales and marketing...which could be weeks or even months).
And so, my agent--being the strategist that she is paid to be--suggested I put together a formal proposal that she can present to Random House/Crown (they get first crack at it, as per my contract) and if they balk or drag their feet, well, she will be ready and able to shop it to other publishers. Of course, it would be ideal to have the same publisher for all three books, and I absolutely love my editor so it would be wonderful to work with her again. But the books I have in mind are very timely and I don't want to sit on my hands for the next few months (a few days is long enough for me).
So, today I am beginning the formal proposal writing stage. I like this part. You get to do research on comparable books and come up with all kinds of fun marketing plans. The great thing is that a book proposal is hilarious to look at after the book has been written because your table of contents, title, marketing ideas, EVERYTHING will change. So, knowing that, you don't get too serious--you just have some fun with the possibilities. It's a creative writing assignment that you can really sink your teeth into.
This will keep me busy for a few days, and by then, my editor will send me the edits and we'll get that baby tucked into bed (at least, my part will be mostly finished) and move on to the next. I guess I have a history of moving on to the next baby quickly (four kids born within four and a half years) so I know it works for me.
Total immersion, baby. Eat, sleep, and breathe it for a very intense period of time.
Now, if only that was working for me language-wise.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Anybody Awake Up in the USA?
In the last few days, I've been amazed to hear from friends and family members in the US that people they know aren't really talking about the financial crisis.
What? Seriously?
I ask, "You mean, they're so worried that they can't talk about it? Maybe they aren't mentioning it to others because it's so obviously the elephant(!) in the room?"
Um, no. Those I talk to are saying that life goes on, people are so busy doing their stuff that it really isn't part of daily conversation or even on their minds that much. Most figure that either there will be a governmental plan that deals with it effectively--or there won't be.
I'm thinking it's learned helplessness. And frankly, I find it quite alarming.
Why am I alarmed that people aren't alarmed? Because it's not just the Wall Street ways that need to change or the federal government that needs to address the causes of this crisis--every American will be affected, and both on a personal and national level, Americans need to change their mindset about what matters most and begin to develop a much more realistic understanding of salaries, savings, and security.
Maybe being away from the US for a few years--and going back to visit recently--makes this seem a little clearer, but there is such a deadly head-in-the-sand syndrome permeating American culture that it, more than anything else, points to the root of the problem--namely, a critical lack of urgency regarding the need to address issues of financial security, health care, education and just about everything else. Now, that's scary.
Honestly, I think my Argentine neighbors are more aware of--and concerned about--the status of the US economy than most of my American neighbors are back in the US. You see, the people here understand what happens in a financial crisis--they've lived through one. While life goes on in the US, Argentines are remembering the past and perhaps fearing the worst for their clueless friends up north. We'll see.
What? Seriously?
I ask, "You mean, they're so worried that they can't talk about it? Maybe they aren't mentioning it to others because it's so obviously the elephant(!) in the room?"
Um, no. Those I talk to are saying that life goes on, people are so busy doing their stuff that it really isn't part of daily conversation or even on their minds that much. Most figure that either there will be a governmental plan that deals with it effectively--or there won't be.
I'm thinking it's learned helplessness. And frankly, I find it quite alarming.
Why am I alarmed that people aren't alarmed? Because it's not just the Wall Street ways that need to change or the federal government that needs to address the causes of this crisis--every American will be affected, and both on a personal and national level, Americans need to change their mindset about what matters most and begin to develop a much more realistic understanding of salaries, savings, and security.
Maybe being away from the US for a few years--and going back to visit recently--makes this seem a little clearer, but there is such a deadly head-in-the-sand syndrome permeating American culture that it, more than anything else, points to the root of the problem--namely, a critical lack of urgency regarding the need to address issues of financial security, health care, education and just about everything else. Now, that's scary.
Honestly, I think my Argentine neighbors are more aware of--and concerned about--the status of the US economy than most of my American neighbors are back in the US. You see, the people here understand what happens in a financial crisis--they've lived through one. While life goes on in the US, Argentines are remembering the past and perhaps fearing the worst for their clueless friends up north. We'll see.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
