From Chris (and this is an exact quote): “I read some comments from the author, and he made it sound as if he thought Conservatives, Republicans and anyone who believes in God are idiots. As I am all three of these, I would like to not receive any more of his writings. I am all for intelligent discourse, but without the name-calling and the idea that if people don’t think like you, they are somehow unintelligent. Please unsubscribe me.”
Sorry to see you go, Chris. AWeber tells me you’ve been a free subscriber since Jan 30th, so you’re several chapters into the book. I’ve hidden my own religion (definitely Christian) and describe it in the book vaguely as a “mainstream” denomination. I know plenty of conservative people as well as Republicans (my mother and sister for two) and have a deep religious belief myself—you didn’t get to the chapters that describe my interaction with my pastor. So I don’t think these people are idiots. But there are people I do think are idiots, and I freely describe them in the book. Lazy, unthinking, blinkered, stupid people are idiots! People whose “fundamentalism” is of the blind variety, who have a knee-jerk reaction to anything outside their tiny little worlds, and who yell before they seek to understand? Yes, these are idiots! And as far as religion, you’ll note that the FOG folks are dealing with truly sacred artifacts: the Holy Grail and the sole remaining remnant (so they think) of Moses’ staff. I define “reverence” as “respect for sacred things,” and you’ll never find me showing disrespect for the truly holy. This does not stop me, of course, from finding humor in any situation. And I’ll admit to picking on people from Texas and New York, undoubtedly unfairly!
American Flying Broomstick, Reader Comments
Hmm…I’ve been trying to avoid the HP words completely, both in the book and on this website (I should admit I’m a Harry Potter fanatic). But…when a 14 year old reads Book 1: Genesis in two days and pronounces it better than…Harry Potter…then I have to sit up and take notice. And then this 14 year old hands the book over to his 12 year old sister, who reads it and then makes the same pronouncement. (And I didn’t solicit these comments—they come to me via grandparents!) I aimed the book (and especially its dry, offbeat humor) at adult readers, but if 12 and 14 year olds get it, perhaps I need to add youth to my marketing strategy!
American Flying Broomstick, Reader Comments
[Note: the point is now moot, as Mt. Sneffels Press is adding other authors to its catalog.]
I’m going to paraphrase this reader comment because the language was rather strong. (The word “flame” comes to mind.) Stephen wrote about Mt. Sneffels Press, asking if it was for real or just published my books. He pointed out I said it was not a vanity press (see Mt. Sneffels Press page.) He’s almost right. A vanity press is one that takes lots of money for a setup charge and then gives you your books. I did not go to a vanity press (there are lots out there, and they’re quite eager to take my money and, frankly, I think by and large they’re all scams). Rather, I set up my own publishing house. Indeed, Mt. Sneffels Press at present only publishes my broomstick books. In fact, at this point it’s not much more than a name registered with the Colorado Secretary of State (which cost me $1) and a Colorado-registered logo (another dollar) and a credit union account (which costs me nothing). Gee whiz…I had to put something down for the name of the publisher! (And, when obtaining my ISBN numbers, I had to provide the name and address of the publisher.) So, let’s set the record straight. No, Mt. Sneffels Press is not a vanity press. Yes, I am self-published. And, yes, I’m open to the idea of publishing the works of local authors (one has contacted me), although I guess at that point I have to charge him enough money to cover my costs, which I guess will turn it into something of a vanity press…circular logic here. Poor Stephen accused me of trying to put something past him. Alas. That was never my intention.
American Flying Broomstick, Reader Comments
From Shannon: “Are you planning on publishing any of the “Three On A Broomstick” stories, either as short stories or full-length novels? I got very excited hoping they were real books after reading Brooms 1 & 2, and was sorely disappointed this wasn’t the case!”
Alas, I gave the first Three on a Broomstick book a shot and was so unhappy with the result that I haven’t even shown it to my wife. But the attempt gave me insight into the characters beyond that which comes from jotting down notes. Maybe someday.
American Flying Broomstick, Reader Comments
From Casey, who subscribed to a free chapter a week after having finished the hardcopy book: “I’ve enjoyed rereading this as much if not more than I did when devouring it at the Mensa AG. I love the conversational style, like you’re telling the story while at your ease in your great room.”
I’m delighted you liked the book! I never thought of a free chapter a week as a way to relive that experience, but why not?
American Flying Broomstick, Reader Comments
From Kim via snailmail: Thank you so very much for setting the story of The Great American Flying Broomstick to paper. What a fun trip I had with your masterpiece, from beginning to end, from cover to cover. It is rare to find a book like yours on the market—one that is written with wit, wry humor, and a fanciful (yet so very real and palpable) story line. … Thanks to you, now I know what it’s like to fly; carabiner, goggles and all! I look forward to reading more adventures coming from your creative energy….”
Thanks for your kind words, Kim. Book 2 continues the story (order info on the American Flying Broomstick home page). Gee…”masterpiece.” I don’t know that I’d go that far, but it’s sure nice to get the fan mail!
American Flying Broomstick, Reader Comments
From Pat: “I finished reading your book. It was great! Who would think I would be interested in reading a book about an engineer who rides and deals with the problems of a fictional flying broomstick….. I’m more into “chick books,” mysteries, music, art, classical literature (lots I haven’t read yet), psychology, religion….. but your book is absolutely delightful! Your writing style is so much fun to read, plus the book is “G” rated. It just makes you feel good…. I recommend this book to everyone who likes a good story – from age 12 to 110! Super work!
Thanks for the kind words, Pat! I’ve had many such comments from folks who were hesitant at first and then couldn’t put it down. And Book 2 is just as good!
American Flying Broomstick, Reader Comments
From Michael: “Met you at Author’s Alley (Mensa AG 2008), and bought B1+2. Finished B1 – LOVE IT! Starting B2 soon. Thanks for the good work. It brings joy to my life and a smile to my face. The general population appreciates THAT!
And so do I .”
Michael, that’s just what I wanted to happen!
American Flying Broomstick, Reader Comments
