Not long after Melissa passed, we talked about getting her blog published.
For the last 13 years, off and on, we worked on it. Did a lot of Googling for information on how to self publish. Putting this blog in chronological order would take a lot of work. As you know if you've been a follower of this blog, the first thing you see is the last thing posted.
Last winter, Donny went to the end of the blog (which is actually the beginning) and began cutting and pasting the posts in chronological order. By late spring, early summer, it was almost ready. And over one thousand pages! That included pictures and comments. He knew that it had to be shortened somehow, and that was his next task.
Getting it published was the biggest obstacle.
And then, on one of our daily walks, a friend was driving by, and he stopped. He got out of the car and said "I have something for you!" He had written a book called The Arena (by Mark Ewald). Kind of a Chicken Soup for the Soul for coaches. Several years ago he had asked Donny for a story about Melissa. It was included in his book, and he had a copy for us! Divine intervention!!!
Donny asked him how he got it published. And the journey was about to reach its conclusion. Mark sent Donny to Schuerholz Graphics, a local printing company that we have used many times before. Specifically for Melissa's Chemo Fun Books. He worked with Anne, who did the editing. From there, Mark gave him the name of a woman in Missouri (whose title is Graphic Designer); she helped get it ready to be published - getting margins right, ISBN number. The things we had no idea how to do. Donny talked to his nephew, Ryan (who is a graphic designer and Melissa's cousin), if he would design the cover. Of course he would!!! And he did.
Within a few weeks, it was ready for Amazon!
JP's birthday was Wednesday. He would have been 19. We know he would have gone to college, and probably at University of Cincinnati because we know Melissa would still be working there. Anyway, I digress.
The next day, Donny got the call from Terese in Missouri. It was ready for publication. Kind of felt like it was a gift for JP. And for us. And for everyone who knew her. Now, for those who didn't know her, but hopefully will if they buy her book!
It went live on Friday. Donny did all the work getting it ready. Almost a year. So I'm in charge of marketing. With Social Media, it's easy to get the word out.
If you are wondering about the proceeds, most will go to the Cincinnati Kelts. We're not expecting a windfall; profits from Amazon aren't a lot. That's not what matters the most to us. What matters more to us is sharing her story; it keeps her alive for us.
The book can be purchased on Amazon in Paperback, Hard Cover or (soon) e-book. Just enter Forts Cancer Sux in the search bar.
This has been a whirlwind week. The book being published, the FORT 5K coming up November 6, and football season coming to an end. Max's season is over (seventh grade), Andrew's last game is today. He's a freshman. Ten weeks goes by pretty fast!
Melissa always ended with pictures of Andrew. So I'll close with Andrew and Max.
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