Logistics ~ the detailed coordination of a complex operation involving people facilities and supplies

During my Nashville adventure, my close friend and travel companion for the trip   Scott announced he was in the market for a new vehicle. I asked if he planned to trade his F-150 for his new ride. He shook his head, and with a sly grin informed me. “Nope! I’m selling the truck to you”

I wasn’t completely shocked about the peer pressure. Scott and I talk about everything. He’s pretty aware of my life. I had been contemplative of the need for new wheels. My logistics are ever changing.

My hobby / passion has an influence on my vehicle. I continued to outgrow my hauling capacity. Short of a semi, which I’m licensed to operate, I found the perfect compromise. I have a heavy enough truck to handle any load and still be a daily driver.

Nothing lasts forever, though. I’m also anticipating the need for fuel economy and travel comfort. If Nashville this year and the Huntsville trip last year are indications, I’m going to travel as an author.

I’ve entertained several ideas. A newer truck? A second vehicle? If a second one, what? I’m not a car guy. That wasn’t an option. Even as a second vehicle. A SUV? I had one as my primary vehicle before. Ironically, the Ford Explorer was a previous purchase from Scott.

I was a fool to part with the Explorer. It was nice! I had convinced myself I needed a pickup, though. Unfortunately, I had outgrown it soon after.

I moved into a full-size truck. Some of my local friends probably remember the truck. I freaked out many thinking I was a cop.

I found my first fifthwheel. The 1/2 ton handled it surprisingly well.

Here’s an idea! How about a cool truck that would be show worthy in itself. Big Red

The plan was great on paper, but. ..well… The old truck was loud, It sounded like a stock car, It was also pretty hot in the cab with no AC. The fuel capacity was lacking, and being comfortable outweighs looking cool.

Edwards’ influence helped me see Chrysler as a great choice. I finally ended up with a heavy hauler, My Ram 2500.  I had two trucks in one, a toy hauler and a daily driver

The problem being the truck was too tall for  the fifthwheel. I replaced that with a newer one

I agonized scenarios. Was it time to downsize? I considered selling the Farmalls and eliminating the need for a heavy hauler.  Sell tractors. eliminate the fifthwheel, I’m not ready to let go, though. The versatility of my trailer setup is perfect for anything I want to haul, 

So, cutting to the chase. I did buy the Fotd F-150 from Scott. My Chrysler comrades need not worry, though. I didn’t completely go back to the Ford dark side. I kept my dependable white tank. It’s just semi retired. I’m going to take care of it and see it to 300,000 miles.

The F-150 is pretty plush. I dare say I’m getting soft with all the creature comforts. I’m getting older, so I think I deserve to be spoiled

I’m willing to bet that fellow author and good friend Cindy Ladage will cringe when she reads the title to this article. I’d be surprised if she curses under her breath, though. She’s more sophisticated than that.

Yes, Cindy, this will be a tell all. Put down your pen, though. I’m coming clean about me, as well. I came to realize that after our Nashville trip, we  BOTH have a support staff. Mine isn’t as convenient as yours, though, and it might be bigger. I know there are more people in mine since you have one person in several positions. I wonder if we haven’t joined each others staff?

This article celebrates the behind the scenes assistance that makes a writer’s work easier. No matter as a novelist or a journalist assistance is greatly appreciated. I tease Cindy that she has a driver, baggage man, camera man, security guard … you get the idea. We place pretentious titles like keygrip, lighting specialists, and such .Of course, Keith Ladage takes on a higher role in production for Traveling Adventures of a Farm Girl.  He fact checks and proof reads.

I’m not as advanced as a journalist. I have unknowingly to them, recruited researchers, and photographers. Actually, the photographers do know. They always get credit for their work in an article. With exception to Steve Farmer, my researchers don’t always know they helped me. If you think you are to whom I refer, you’re probably correct! Thank you for the help! Marvin, Mark, Carl, Digger,Jim, Jason, Nathan, the list is endless….

Being a tractor reporter is all about image. The pristine restored tractors I have are due to a first-class crew.  I doubt my tractors would all run without help.

Most of the beautiful paint seen is because Doug Edwards of Edwards Tractor Restoration has put in time to make them shine.

Jerry Rawlings had a hand in getting ALL my Shaw Du-alls running. Jerry is my go-to fabricator. I need to mention Steve Farmer again. He’s my mechanic, Kevin and Travis Periman have  gotten me out of a bind or two….or five.

I’ll confess that writing a novel isn’t all me. Okay, so I’m the mastermind, but I’ve talked out ideas as I write them. Some writers claim they are only reporting what the voices in their head tell them. Evidently, my voices can talk through other people. Scary!

Judy Snyder originally became my cover artist during the final phase of New Perspectives. We’ve become friends, and she now proofreads  before submitting. One more set of eyes helps. The cover for Can’t go Home was also her design.

As far as my support staff goes, Scott and Kathy Rakes hold multiple roles like Keith does for Cindy. Kathy holds a title as my stylist. She is working hard to get my out of bib overalls. Believe it or not, it was my idea for a tie in Nashville, but she gets credit. I even thought to wear one.

Scott does what he does and keeps me grounded. I can’t imagine where I’d be without the Rakes.

I’ve grown my writing from a Facebook group. I’m grateful for the administrative staff I appointed to govern. That sounds so pretentious! Sorry!

Jessica Basford came on to help moderate. I didn’t ask her willingness, but she became an administrator. After a health scare a few years ago, I let her take over as chief. I’m still on staff, but it ain’t my show no more.

Now for a secret…..

I had my pen name my whole entire life! My aunt gave me my pen name before my birth. I’m well known as Rick, but that’s not my “legal” name. Who’d a thought I’d have my pen name 58 years before it appeared on a book cover?

As Paul Harvey would say, “and now…. you know…..the rest of the story”

As I get older, I’ve come to a conclusion, I hate winter!

The cold weather months are agony for a tractor enthusiast. It’s harder for one that writes. Sure, I have vast untapped topics I have yet to share. Some of them I haven’t even explored.Research can get stale, though. It’s more interesting to report new topics and happenings.

Winter is a great time to prepare for the upcoming “tractor” season. This can be a time alloted to repair and improvement. Providing the shop is heated. Both my mechanic and fabricator shutter their business when it’s too cold.  Who can blame them! It’s hard to work with frozen fingers…..and toes…..and, well you get the point.

Even though I have a couple of projects, I’m on hold for a temperature increase. Yes, even I have projects with tools. My continued confession is widely known by the following, I’m not mechanically apt. I do stay in my pay grade, though.

I can’t be the only one ready for spring. AJ’S Tractor Jamboree can’t come soon enough! That will begin my tractor season. Until then, I impatiently wait. I’ll try to be productive on the keyboard and share something interesting about tractors.

Rant over. Thanks for reading

I recently penned an article about becoming published. In that article, I hinted about a strange experience. Technically, House of Honor wasn’t my first attempt or in book writing terminology “pitch.” Let’s discuss some background to understand.

Big publishing houses work through literary agents. An author needs to pitch their manuscript to even be considered for a contract. Besides a worthwhile book, the opening pitch can make or break.

Once a contract is negotiated, book sale percentages are determined. Generally, the author receives nearly 20%.of the net book sale. The book printer /  distributor takes their cut from the top, and the profit trickles down until the author gets a check.

Some publishers pay an advance of income. This money should be used to help the author market the book. Authors won’t see another dime until the book “pays out” earned profits equal to the advance. Offering an advance, the publisher demonstrates confidence in how well the book will sell.

Publishers will also offer a multiple book deal. That’s exactly what it sounds like more than one book. Those curious, my contacts didn’t include an advance or multi-book deal. HoH has a first refusal option for each submission I write, but that’s industry standard. I’m okay not getting any advance, even after I’ve “educated” myself more on the inner working of the business. My novels are earning on their own merit without any forecast on sales.

The first pitch….I think.

New Perspectives wasn’t even complete when I started thinking about being published. I began searching around the internet to learn what was involved. I had a basic idea, but to confess, I was pretty clueless.

There are many promoters and agents who want to help a newbie get started. Of course,  they behavior can be very predatory. Like anything else, I’m leary, a fool, and his money is soon parted.

I sent an email inquiring information. In return, I received a request to see my manuscript. Most publishers want to see a complete manuscript. I explained that mine wasn’t finished. That didn’t seem to matter to this agent / publisher.

What the hell, I thought. Let‘s see where this goes. Did I mention I was leary? I sent them what I had.  Wasn’t long until I heard back. I received a glowing review and an offer.

Let’s just say the offer was too good to refuse. Spoiler alert: Since I’m with HoH, I turned it down. I don’t regret my decision, but I have been left pondering if the offer had been legitimate.

I had been offered a two book contract with an amazing advance. I had to submit two books in two years.  Before I’m pronounced a fool for not accepting ..let me explain.

Remember, New Perspectives wasn’t finished. I had eight years on the project since concept. I didn’t want a time limit placed on me. I wasn’t sure I could meet the contract guide lines. Knowing what I know now. I’d have been fine. Can’t go Home was submitted and published much quicker. My current masterpiece should have been submitted long before now.  CgH only took a year, but my latest submission is taking longer than I anticipated. I’m not writing at a consistent speed. See why I was concerned?

If I had been frugal, I might have lived off the advance so I could dedicate more time to  writing. I was afraid of a major life change. Did I want to write full-time?

I didn’t understand the obligations of the advance in a contract. My great fear was that I’d have to forfeit the money if I didn’t meet the agreed obligations. I later learned that, no, the money would have been mine. I wasn’t willing to live on a fixed income, anyway.

Was it a scam? Maybe. Maybe not. My takeaway was feeling flattered, providing the review was legitimate. NP had many revisions before it was deemed marketable. I’ve referred to the book as my Ikea project. With Jack’s help, the word jumble was assembled into a book. I look back at that knowledge and think I was the fish that safely slipped a hook. Even being my own worst critic, I’m still learning. Very seldom is an author’s first one the very  best.

I found the publisher that suits me. After screwing up my pitch, I still managed to secure a fair contract. I don’t recommend going at the way I did. I got lucky.

I can’t believe in all my time writing this blog and collecting that I’ve never featured Marvin Stinebaker and Mark Kleis. I have  mentioned Marvin and referred his expertise, but never “featured” either man.

Marvin pleaded with me not to make a fuss. Of course, anyone who knows him would expect his request. He’s just a laid-back guy. I’m not the first to share about them, Both Marvin and Mark have pictures of their tractors in Lawn and Garden Tractor and interviews with Brian Baxter for Classis Tractor Fever.

I met them in 2013 when they and Carl Davis rescued me from embarrassing myself hosting a garden tractor show. If not for them, the show display would have been measly at best. Granted, it was a side distraction for a garden tractor pull, but thanks to Marvin, Mark, and Carl, there was a good amount of garden tractors to view.

Before then, I didn’t realize there were so many lawn and garden shows. Thanks to their friendship, I’ve been introduced to further great L&G friends. I actually should give them credit, their behind the scenes influence helped introduce me to magazine writing.

Both Marvin and Mark have amassed an incredible collection. Marvin may own a few more, but that’s because he had a little more collecting time. Marvin corrupted Mark by introducing the contagion and joy of the passion. Mark also took a little time to discover his first machine, while Marvin already had his.

The two are known to be Oliver collectors. Classic Tractor has featured Marvin twice. Once for an Oliver and once for his Farmhand 100. Mark was featured  for his Springfield. Members of the Antique Iron Mafia might recall I recently shared Mark’s interview

Marvin’s Oliver interview https://youtu.be/lvxkAnelDNQ?si=HQcFtw8T0CzOw4ln

Talking Farmhand https://youtu.be/7v2c7anB0KQ?si=0LEo7cITBu3skFmb

Mark shares about his Springfield https://youtu.be/9EoZG6E9qXE?si=g7CgvHvjnFuuljKF

Marvin started his collection with a Wheel Horse. That tractor had been in the family and was going to stay a one family tractor. Marvin was giving it to his son. Marvin has a lot of Jacabson built tractors in his collection . Brand names are recognized, but the tractors aren’t commonly seen.

Mark started his collection with a Springfield model.  Like Marvin, he has brands that people have heard of, but the tractors are not often seen.  Both gentlemen shy away from Cub Cadet and Deere.

Until last Christmas, I had never seen the two collections in their entirety.  I’ve seen what they have taken to shows, which changes at a whim. They have told me about the building, but I could only imagine. Their building is well organized, Marvin has his half, and Mark has his. The center has their transport trailers parked side by side.

I was so impressed! I was also grateful to be allowed to have a private viewing. Marvin had commented that he was surprised I wasn’t looking at every single tractor. He didn’t realize I was enjoying what I was seeing in an entirety.

We spent the time “talking tractor.” Both guys  know a wealth about Lawn and Garden. I heard great stories about shows and buying expeditions

I’ve been held to a confidence, I’ll never share the exact location where their tractors are housed. Simply put,if you’re in to Lawn and Garden tractors and are lucky enough to view the two collections. You’ll be in a small section of L&GT heaven.

So! You’ve written the next greatest artistic work, and you’re looking to become a published author.  Let me share my experiences. First off, in answer to a quote, I hear a lot, “You don’t look like an author.” I never feel insulted, but I do ask, “What’s an author supposed to look like?”

Maybe I misread the assumption, I actually hear, “You don’t seem like an author.”  Is there a type? I’ve been published since 2022, and to be honest, I still can’t believe I’m an author either. 

I have certain practices to feel like an author now. I only feel like a novelist when I sit at my laptop keys. I don’t have to work in my office, but that’s my comfort zone. I don’t type fast, and there is modern tech that could help that, but I veiw voice to text as a cheat. I guess even I have an envisioned view of an author. I see someone at the keys of a typewriter. Im.glad those days of old are gone. I’d waste A LOT of paper!

This blog is created on my smartphone. Maybe there is no writing difference, but I feel there is.  Poking at a smartphone just doesn’t give me an author vibe. Authors have written novels with their phones. I’m an author by a laptop and a blogger by phone.

My editor/ publisher is also an author. Jack LaFountain told me “There’s a certain feeling to hold a book and see your name on the cover.” Can I be honest? After two books, that feeling still hasn’t come to me. Of course, I feel pride. If anything, I feel a responsibility to my readership. I’m motivated to write more for their enjoyment.

There are basically two styles of becoming a published author. Self-publishing is one route. The term explains what that is. The author has complete control of every phase. Editing, publishing, and marketing are all handled by the author. There are hired guns that will assist, but that costs money. An old saying comes to mind “If you want to make a million dollars, you need two million.

There’s a stigma to self publishing, that’s probably why it’s termed vanity press. Readers may judge the quality of work as being poorly written. After an explanation of traditional publishing, that reasoning may be easily understood.

Now, let’s discuss traditional publishing. The author submits to a publisher. After the publisher determines whether the book is worthy, a contract is signed. In layman’s terms, the publisher leases the book. It may be the authors work, but the publisher has controlling rights to edit, creating a marketable read. Once the novel is released, the publisher markets the book. Publishing houses make money from the book sale. Obviously, they want quality saleable reads.

Some authors never make it past submission for a contract. I wouldn’t know the frustration of a rejection letter, however. I simply lucked out! It’s a story in itself that I found my publisher by accident.

I was very green, but I was ready to start the first step. I found Jack LaFountain by watching a YouTube interview. Jack was discussing one of his recent published novel that YouTuber Cam Buckner had narrated. After watching I decided to attempt a pitch.

How I became a published author was an exception and not the norm. I’m grateful for my experience, I did everything wrong and still managed to gain a contract.

House of Honor isn’t a large, well-known publisher, but they still are a traditional one. Including Jack, there are only a small handful of authors. Jack tends to contract with beginners, giving them a chance. Sadly, Jack has contracted with authors who didn’t work out.

HoH mave have contracted  control, but the author has a vested interest. Editing is interesting. During this phase, the author and editor can have a back and forth on what stays and what needs to be removed. I don’t know if all publishers work with the author, but that’s our practice.

I’ve learned a lot within publishing my two books. Can’t go Home was cut shorter, and my current manuscript is actually the continued storyline. The final outcome was from Jack’s advisement. I didn’t easily see his wisdom, but I’m glad I overcame my diva attitude.

In my opinion, traditional publishing is the superior route. There are more eyes in editing, which leads to fewer mistakes. The final outcome is a more professionally done novel.

New Perspectives went through editing with no hiccups. That’s pretty good for a brand new author, so I’m told. There were a lot of revisions, but I learned.

Can’t go Home did have a couple of hiccups. I’ve already confessed it’s shorter than the original manuscript. That works out for the story. It turns out there’s more to the story I couldn’t share….I can now!

There was a heated discussion over the cover for  Can’t go Home. That wasn’t the cover I wanted. Again, I needed to curb my diva enthusiasm and see reason.

You can’t always get what you want…but you get what you need ~ Rolling Stones

Judy Snyder  saved my book by winning over Jack with a much better suited cover. Thank you, Jack, for your patience. Thank.you.Judy, for a great cover. Judy created both my covers, by the way

From the outside looking in, the advantage may look to favor the publisher. Maybe, but then again, maybe not so much. The publisher has a larger monetary investment and does more work towards marketing.

House of Honor is small. The company hasn’t been in business long, either. When I earned my first contract in 2021, there were only a half dozen authors. Keisha Willi, Julia Yeoh, and Judy Snyder were some of the fine authors who were in editing and the same time as I was. Considering Jack does primary editing, he can manage several authors in what he deems rotation. Jack edits a chapter at a time.

A good majority of HoH’s catalog is available on Audible. That’s an alternative to those that have no time to read. New Perspectives is available narrated by Dean Mehling.

Finally, there is the review. This step is in the hands of you, the reader. I’m blessed with a local following. I have had several praise my writing personally. So far, no one has told me my work is garbage….to my face... Trust me, my skin isn’t that thin. I can take constructive criticism. I also quickly discovered that I can’t please everyone

My most cherished reviews came from two friends who claimed not to be readers. Both gave my books a chance simply for the sake of friendship. Both told me they greatly enjoyed the novels and couldn’t put them down. If I introduced two people to the joy of reading. I feel an accomplishment…. by no means am I done writing, though.

I have to confess my reasons to collect Gibson are a little childish. I simply like the tiller steer. There are other models that have tillers, but I like the Gibson style best.

After encountering a Gibson A at AJ’s Garden Tractor Jamboree a few years ago, I was hooked. Steve Farmer wasn’t along that year, so I recapped and debriefed the trip with him. I made the offhand remark “I’m going to own a Gibson some day”

When I say anything to Steve, I need to remember to be careful what I wish for. Not much time passed before he steered me to one for sale. Long story short, I traveled to Spencer, OH, and made a purchase and new friend. Bob Julio, I was the owner of a Gibson model D.

Whenever I own a brand, I’ll get obsessed with learning history. I haven’t delved in as deeply to Gibson yet. Recently, Steve, who assists in research, commented that he has done more digging than I have. He would be correct. I’m still enthralled learning Shaw Manufacturing and haven’t become a student to Gibson history.

Like Shaw tractors, I wasn’t content to own only one. My mistake is telling Steve. He’s good at finding them. He directed me to the Aumann Fall Harvest Sale. One of the lots was a Gibson  model A. I could tell this one was special during my procurement of the winning bid.

I’ll give an abridged quick biography of Gibson that is relevant to this story. Gibson tractors were built in Seattle, WA, and Longmont CO. The models A and D were a basic small tractor powered by Wisconsin engines. There are differences I’ve yet to learn. The A and D were very basic. Electric starts would have been a luxury in the forties. There is a registry  accounting for the tractors that still exist. Gibson stamped serial numbers on frames to designate type and which factory the tractor was built. D models have a D prefix, and A models begin with L. Bare with me. This information becomes relevant.

This model A has an electric start! That’s pretty unusual. Is it a factory spec? Nope! That was added during  the restoration. The work was so well done that it looks factory….at least to me.

The story about the restoration is inspiring. On closer inspection, it’s noted that the  tractor could be handicap accessible. The operator’s platform is wider, and a grab handle was added.

The reason for that is the inspirational part. Roy “Pete” James was paralyzed from the waist. Not only did he do the restoration, but he could also operate the tractor. He had special hand levers to work the foot pedals.

After Pete’s accident, he needed something to occupy his time. According to son Kirk, Pete was making knives. A friend that collected Gibson created a new interest with a proposition.

Two model As came to the shop. In the agreement, Pete would build a good tractor for his friend, and he could keep the leftover parts. Kirk shared this agreement worked well, and they repeated the deal again. The collector friend ended up with a model A and D. Pete had enough spare parts to build an A and D for himself.

In all, Pete’s collection included an A, D, and E. His daughter owned the A while living in Colorado. It’s ironic that the tractor was back in its state of origin for a time.

The D and E are still in the James family. Kirk has the E, and Pete’s grandson has the D.

The A is an imposter!

The tractor is in the Gibson registry #L2411. This number identifies it as a 1946 manufactured  in Longmont. The tractor has a “brass tag” identification. Here’s the problem! Gibson never used a brass tag on those models. They stamped the frame rail. I found the stamp. It wasn’t hidden! It’s right in front of the brass tag.

The stamp has a D prefix, or is it an L with a scratch? The numbers following are slightly illegible, but  with deductive  reasoning, it might indicate a 1946 model D. I’m not sure how Pete determined the 2411. Kirk and I discussed the possibility, but there isn’t any family signifance. Pete used leftover parts. Could that be why?  What I do know, the brass tag was Pete’s doing.

Should the registry be corrected? That’s difficult until I actually determine the stamped ID.  I’ll gladly share any information if that’s the needed outcome to update the registry.

Am I upset that I’ve been duped into believing I bought an A? Absolutely not! It’s still a Gibson. I don’t know of many with electric start and handicap accessible. I’m not the only one fooled. The tractor has been registered for a good while.

I’m not a “purist.” I have other tractors in my collection that aren’t exactly factory spec. This A, or D, is another great addition. Even if Pete blurred historic records, he did it in such a way that I almost got the joke.

The tractor may not be totally authentic, but the machine restoration celebrates our agricultural mechanical heritage. Roy James did a wonderful job despite being disabled.

 

It took me a little time to realize that I’m becoming recognized as a Shaw Du-all collector. After purchasing seven in the past few years, being recognized shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. Having the same name as the brand is frequently noticed.

Is it a vanity thing on my part? I’d have to shrug my shoulders. I do find it cool, but I just like the uncommon little machines. I’m a little introverted. I’d rather the focus was more tractor and less me. I invision myself as a lucky curator of agricultural history.

The “Barn Find” graced the cover of Lawn & Garden Tractor Magazine recently.  That, I realize, garners public attention. I’m humbled by the honor, but Jerry Rawlings, Doug Edwards, and Steve Farmer deserve attention for that tractor, just as much.

The details of acquiring the Barn Find can be read in the article The Barn Find in this blog. Duane Stone wanted me to have the tractor since my last name was Shaw.

I purchased the N5 from Kevin Shaw. During our negotiations, Kevin stated, “Its only fitting a Shaw owns this Shaw.” I wasn’t going to disagree, but I was more intent to make a fair deal we were both happy with.

The “Shaw needs a Shaw” quote was used when I was negotiating for the N8W. That seller was holding out for more revenue. Tim Cash came to the discovery that I wasn’t willing to part with more of his last name to acquire a tractor. Obviously, we came to terms.

Now, my tale leads to recent weeks. I haven’t been looking to add any more to the collection.Just like anyone else with the tractor passion, I’ll investigate a deal.

Don Nowak left a message on my voice-mail. Not sure why a John Deere guy would have been browsing Ebay for a Du-all. Maybe because it’s green?  Don was the one to alert me though.

The auction was about to close. I knew it hadn’t sold, though. “Reserve not met” was clearly in print.

Sure enough, the tractor came back on Ebay as a best offer or buy it now option.

It was a A frame R6 that had been repowered to 16 hp. It also didn’t have the original rear wheels. The tractor was a package deal with Shaw and aftermarket implements and accessories. I’d take the tractor, but there were parts I definitely wanted.

**** Correction! R6 tractors were available with 16″ rear wheels, rather than 24″ *****

Initially, I contacted the seller to negotiate the breakdown of the package. That wasn’t an option he wished to consider.

The conversations and consulting started with Steve Farmer. The seller wasn’t way out of line on his ask, but hey, let’s see if I can get it cheaper. My initial offer was countered. My next offer was declined. After a week, I made a third offer and waited.

Saturday afternoon, my phone rang. It wasn’t a number I recognized, but I had a feeling I should answer it. Here’s a transcript….

“Hi! Is this Rick Shaw?” Which I affirmed. “Do you own or know anything about Shaw Du-all?” Agian, I affirmed I owned Shaws, but I admitted I didn’t know EVERYTHING about Shaw, just enough to get myself in trouble.

He told me he had one for sale, on Ebay, and had an offer for it. He wanted my opinion. Here’s where the transparency comes in. I was honest, I told him I couldn’t advise him. I had made the offer!

Since I was being honest, the gentleman came clean in return. He had hoped I was, admitting he was fishing for the buyer off Ebay. We won’t discuss further the rest of the deal due to Ebay restrictions.

Honestly, the infamy scares me a little. I realize the public would notice me. My writing has been published in Lawn & Garden Tractor Magazine and Hart Parr Oliver Collector. I have no idea how many follow this blog, but I’m humbled and honored anyone does

I knew that when I became a published novelist, I needed to be careful with my internet presence. I try my best to be fair and honest. That’s were my transparency comes into play.

Thanks for reading my ramblings..

Authors don’t just write. They have to promote the book. Unless you’re already famous or a big name with an established publisher

Saturn car dealers had a no pressure tactic. They felt they had an amazing product that would sell itself. Some of you may never have even heard of Saturn cars, so I guess the low pressure approach didn’t work so great.

My novels are good, if I don’t say so myself, but I need visibility for the  public to discover that. The Saturn tactic didn’t work, I can’t expect it to work for me.

I need to face the fact that my in person sales have kind of been by accident. A casual mention has led to several books being hand sold. I have sold two copies at the local Harley Davidson dealer, a copy to the weight master at a grain terminal, some friends have sought a copy at a tractor show, and a few friends have chased me down for a copy.  I’m grateful for the sales, but that just ain’t gonna get me noted as a bestseller.

Nerdy Noel isn’t  my first attempt at a book signing event. My first try was at a book fair for the Judah Robinson Foundation. Although I didn’t make any sales during the foundation fair, I had a great time and came away deeming it a success. Judy Snyder, the host, was disappointed. It wasn’t her fault! She promoted and cajoled. The age-old saying, “Ya can’t lead a horse to water.” Yes, I’m paraphrasing to suit me.

That event was still a success. With networking, we made friends with other authors. Ideas were shared. Too bad the authors outnumbered the crowd.

Writing isn’t my day job….yet. This whole novelist adventure is fun. It would be great if it paid the bills a little better, but…. well, so far, it doesn’t.

I’m in Huntsville on vacation. Working? (Shrug). This has been my first chance to meet my publisher / editor. Jack LaFountain is quite the accomplished author as well. He has twenty titles published. Having “face time” has been much better than phone conversation and emails. Interacting personally has been more rewarding.

Robert Borders, another House of Honor Books author, is also in attendance. I have to admit, I’ve learned a lot about the methods of engagement. I need to get away from the Saturn sales mentality. Both Robert and Jack know how to “work” the crowd and draw them to the table.

We worked together  selling everything title House of Honor has available. Team work makes the dream work for our publishing house

I talked about my returning from Alabama in a previous article. Wanted One Banjo. On Saturday, during our initial meet. Jack, Robert, and company toured Lowe Mills. This is an old textile mill that has been reused as an arts center. Anything from music to painting could be found. One small shop was dedicated to building cigar box guitars.

My ticket home from Alabama wasn’t a banjo. However, I did find a cool shovel guitar

~ Edit. I didn’t purchase a shovel guitar for my return home. However! I met a local cigar box guitar craftsman. My mature resolve was lost! Logan Elliott created two shovel guitars, in which I’m the proud owner of one

I will have phone conversations to pass the time as I travel back and forth down Interstate 55. I can only stand hearing the same song repeatedly played on the radio. Let’s face it the telephone can be the only source of social contact in this fast place world.

On this particular day, I was visiting with my friend Nate Reinhart, Nate,of course, also was looking to defeat boredom. We have a tendency to talk about everything and anything. Somehow, the conversation turned to tools. Nate noted how versatile the cresent wench was.

Its not just a size adjustable multi tool, we decided. As tools go, the wrench is a hammer, a pry aperatice, a gear puller, can or a bottle opener, and a stir stick. A cresent wrench is truly a very multi functionary tool, no matter how misused.

I have even seen a cresent used as a hitch pin.. Nate witnessed it used as a clamp.He even suggested it used as a measuring device. Carpenters can use it for a stud finder, although the drywall may never be the same.Being a Lawn and Garden guy, I’ve actually used a cresent as a wheel chock.

The tool can be used recreationally, Maybe as a tent peg.or a boat anchor. A baseball bat  and maybe a Javelin. Losing it from the Javelin toss could lead to a great game of hide and seek. Perhaps in that reguard if a dog is present, it could be used to play fetch. I guess a kid would enjoy the game too.

How about medicinally? Think about the relief of stress. Tossing the tool could relieve pent-up tension. The wrench could make adjustments of aditude. Maybe thoroughly cleaning the cresent it could be used as a substitute for anatheshesa? Maybe not, that might cause undo bruises.

An emergency tool! It can’t be used as a seat belt cutter but as a glass breaker. Of course, morality issues come into play whether a person is breaking in or breaking out.

Cresent wrenches come in many sizes. A small one could be used as a key fob. In that regards, a larger one could or couldn’t be used as a theft deterrent. Some gas stations use ridiculous large objects as anti theft for bathroom door keys. A cresent wrench probably would never be returned. Even with the proper moral mindset. The tool is too useful.

I admit that some of these uses may seem to condone violence and theft. Please understand I DO NOT condone such things. This celebration of the crescent wrench is just another attempt at satire.

Nate and I had a long list of uses, some practical, some maybe not. I leave it to you, the readers of my musings, to create even more imaginative ideas.