An author, once she has told her story, found a publisher, and the book has been edited, proof-read, and fine-tuned, gets a proof copy that she goes over with a fine-tooth comb. The first third of the payment has been sent to the publisher. A deal has been signed. The author is assigned an editor, publicist, proofreader, book designer, in a cast of 'thousands'.
This proof comes in the form of an unglued book, basically. The printer prints it off and the author and editor gives it a final go-over. This part of the process is very exciting. The book, at first glance, finally looks like a book. Book marks are created, and similarly proofed.
The errors or omissions are noted, she either asks for a new print-off, or signs off the book as corrected, or as is. The book designer then gives the command. It is sent to the printer, along with a check for the 2nd third of the agreed to payment. In the background, book stores are contacted. Book signings will be arranged, as well as a book launch. The author, if this is non-fiction, can arrange to write articles, seek out local media for reviews, interviews, and present workshops, or present at topic-related conferences. Advertising in magazines with similar topics can be arranged.
The item is placed in a catalogue, with the cost and information to promote the book.
Locally there are many papers in my region: Parry Sound Press, Bracebridge Examiner,Huntsville Forester, for example. Nepean This Week : published by Osprey, is a paper that might result in some attention. I lived and worked in Nepean and have many former teacher colleagues there, as well as the larger Ottawa Citizen newspaper. Explore your options. Many local papers take an interest in local authors!
The Gravenhurst Book Store 120 Muskoka Road South P.O. Box 40 Gravenhurst (705) 687-0555
Reader's World, 52 Manitoba St., Bracebridge, P1L 1S1 Parry Sound Books - in parrysound.com, 26 James St, Parry Sound
I was checking out the books in our Shopper's Drug Mart. The pharmacist explained that The Newsgroup are the ones that decide to put books in a drug store chain or not. Your publisher would contact that agency to make those arrangements.
I was shocked to hear an interview on Ontario Today. Rita Celli was speaking with Michael Schmidt, who has been convicted of contempt of court. Why is our CBC giving time to this man? Is CBC advocating that we promote consumption of raw milk? The next story covered an issue about health care. There was some irony in this.
We risk contracting many diseases by consuming raw milk. A Harvey’s restaurant in North Bay has been accused of giving 159 patients E. coli. A horrible, worse than flu-like symptoms, and we all know how bad THOSE can be...
E. coli exists in the intestines of animals and poultry; it can spread through undercooked meat or raw unpasteurized milk and apple cider or raw fruits and vegetables. It is a huge issue. Listeriosis, another risk in raw milk, just struck down a number of South Ontarians in a big scare, recall and debacle. Those most at risk are the young and the very old.
What shocked me more was that in the next story Ms. Celli then spoke to a representative from the College of Physicians and Surgeons to speak about family physicians (FP) acting as cosmetic surgeons suing the College for interfering with their right as physicians to do cosmetic surgery without the right credentials.
“Although the term ‘cosmetic surgery’ is widely used, there is no such specialty designation by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada”
This is one of the big holes in our system. This governing body has obligations. We need preventative medicine, as well as preventive surgery. We need to prevent physicians from flaunting the rules, and going against the College of Physicians conclusions designed to protect all of us. I wrote about second opinions in a different post. It, too, is a big issue. I would rather we get good first opinions. would rather we didn't let incompetent physicians from tarnishing the image of the great doctors out there.
My town on this Monday is quiet. As someone 'from away' (I've only lived here 2 years, but cottaged here for 45) I have been looking in on the progress of this town a little differently. I happened upon a My Town Monday group of bloggers and thought I would reflect.
The tourists have gone home, since most stores are closed after our BIG Cranberry Festival (2007 photos of the bog), which ran this past weekend (the w/e after Canadian Thanksgiving in October). It draws hundreds of thousands (2008 photos) of tourists in town --population of 650. The history of Muskoka revolves around cottagers who come north from the big city to play in the water.
I worry about our town. There are several shops and a restaurant for sale, including our big parking lot. Other shops are quite successful; General Store, LCBO, and the stores along the main street. We have a library (open Wed/Sat.), and a bank (only open 3 times a week in winter!). With several stores being closed, people speed through and pick up food at Don's Bakery, or the grocery store, but tourism dollars are down by 30%. We have some terrific shops, with specialty products, and they sell well. But it is a limited season and business owners are dependent upon summer dollars. For this reason townspeople are worried about the Hydro Dam Project.
The Kee, which used to be a dance hall in the big band era (Jimmy Dorsey, etc.), draws a different crowd. Nowadays, it is not always open on a Saturday night. When it is, there is a lot of heavy drinking and incidents have occurred. It was not licensed when I was young, and we visited it every Saturday and saw the bands that we listened to on the record player (how I date myself) and radio.
The Bala Bay Inn is another great spot. Formerly known as the Swastika Hotel -- they changed the name after it became politically incorrect and the swastika symbol was adopted by Hitler.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We visited PeachFest in Niagara-on-the-lake this August, where our son was employed. That was fun. The fall harvest is a great tradition to celebrate. I love the Ontario festivals circuits. What is great about our Muskoka Lakes community is the efforts of local business owners to use local produce, i.e., Marty's Cafe, in Bracebridge. We believe in Muskoka.
Those who know say that this has been the best weather and the best turnout ever for our Cranberry Festival (2008 photos); (2007 photos of the bog).
Our festival's profits go to support charities in the area. I managed to convince a group of barrier-jumpers, who didn't think they needed to buy their buttons! It all goes to the community.
There are cranberries for sale, as well as cranberry bread, muffins, wine, jam, lots of local honey and other arts and craft products. We have two local bogs: Johnson's and the Wahta Reserve. They really put on a fine show with tours of the cranberry bog. Rick Mercer put us on the map last year by visiting. Last week he was in the area tubing behind our steamship.
While some of the trees have lost their leaves, many more are yellow and gold. The peak for colours was definitely a week ago.
There were tons of people, cars, dogs, babies in strollers, busses. Thanks goodness for our police officers who directed traffic.
The trolley and school busses take people through town. We had compliments on our transporation system! Visitors are advised to park at either end of town and hop on the busses. The price of admission is a $6 button.
Many thanks to the volunteers who give up their time to sit on the Board of Directors, work at the button booths and gates, coordinate volunteers, sit on the arts jury, and facilitate this event.
We sold out of our 18,000 buttons. What a great weekend!
We have met some great people in Bala. We contribute to its economy, endeavour to shop here and support business owners, and volunteer in the community in many ways. (Cranfest & Meals on Wheels.) It is quite a shock to me that we cannot agree to disagree in this issue of the Hydro Dam Project. Amazing how differences of opinion are not tolerated, are discredited and deleted by those controlling websites. I have shared photos (after being asked for helpful suggestions) with those who are fighting this development, yet I continue to get grief. I have given permission for my intellectual property to be used and my video has been a hit!
"We can still walk hand in had even if we don't see eye to eye."
There are hard feelings in town. I have been accused of a personal attack on particular businesses. My previous posts, perceived as complaints, were not directed to Purk's place but to the people (some call them citiots!) and the "market demand" for such noisy things like inflatable rafts, motor boats, and other pollution-generating toys. I watched one boat owner top up his boat's gas tank at a marina and it totalled $450. I kid you not!
We must balance environmental issues with tourism, our economy, and local and cottager/tourist safety. That said, tourists need to understand our fragile environment and it is up to residents to help them gain an understanding. Some of us live and WORK here and must rise early in the morning for this purpose.
Things like fireworks (you need to read what happened to us and others) have no place in our beautiful land. Fireworks at night, two weeks in a row...We are losing residents and long-time cottagers who cannot stand the noise, smell and irritating vacationer who pollutes land/sea/air. Many neighbours have moved and sold. Others rent their properties out to those who do not respect neighbours, the lakes or the land. They only visit in shoulder seasons when things quiet down. This is criminal. Those renting must educate their renters. They violate our rights to enjoy our Muskoka by violating noise and burning by-laws.
Boaters exceed the 10 km/hr. within 30 m off of shore Marine Law ALL THE TIME (see the video at the bottom!). It is an unenforceable law. Boaters and tubers shriek, swear, scream and turn up radios full blast in the middle of the lake. They have late parties and disturb residents. But I digress...
This has been an interesting situation in our town. Many are rushing to try to prevent the new Hydro Dam Project to rebuild our current dam. Media coverage has been spotty, but biased in favour of the dambusters. Swift River has been hard-pressed to get fair coverage or any coverage! As someone 'from away' (I've only lived here 2 years, but cottaged here for 45) I have been looking in on the progress of this town a little differently.
There are wonderfully romantic stories in the news media, on on the SavetheBalaFalls.com website about families swimming in the falls over the years. What Ian Baines, CEO, points out, is that is has been a dam for a number of years and people have always swum in it! The Bracebridge Hydro Dam looks great to me. Great tourist attraction, nicely treed!
The savethebalafalls.com movement has gained momentum. There was a rocky start on Facebook, with some messages deleted, and people told in no uncertain terms that they were either "for us or agin' us". I asked questions to better understand their issues. Others did the same. We were told to post elsewhere if we didn't agree that the Bala Falls would be 'ruined'. Some of us have done so. Still there are complaints!
My critical reflections are directed at those who fight environmental initiatives and progress, not at a store in particular. For those fighting to save Mr. Purk's store, which sits on MNR land, is an honourable thing. His children have risen to the occasion and garner great media interviews. It is great seeing people band together! Mr. Purkis has a right to pursue his business, and earn profits. This is the reason he is in business, as are the sons and daughters of our founding families. Many work hard, especially on a volunteer basis (i.e., Cranfest), to respect our town and its visitors.
The bottom line is that we have to react to climate change, gas emissions, and take into account the ecological footprint on our fragile Muskoka environment. It takes all of us. It takes a new mindset for us to move into the future. Whereas tourists once visited by coal-fired steam boat and train, we now can use cleaner means. This is true, too, of our leisure activities.
We can manage without growth and ignore important objectives: to shift policy in public debate from pursuit of economic growth to respect for earning a living in a sound, financial and ecological manner. We must pay attention to more pressing objectives than increasing profits*, working living, working and playing more mindfully. I am shocked and saddened when the lake is saturated with the smell of PWC engines. The black smoke from the steamships shocked me as I rode it in August, 2008 (see photo).
This issue is bigger than just one or two or six businesses. It involves visitors, residents, wildlife; our town, our regional governments, our province, nation and our impact on the world. But it starts here, at home, with us. I only ask the questions:
Does this project respect the goals of landowners, business owners, and visitors, alike?
There is no question that carbon pollution in a world-wide issue. What is the worst part of this crisis is the exponential increase in larger developing/developed countries (billions of people in China and India) who are becoming more affluent and adding to pollution by buying cars.
Jim Taylor's blog on Runaway Carbon, totally surprised me. I must admit that I have deep concerns about the 'green shift'.
Imagine my amazement when I heard David Suzuki hosting a show, a week before the election, and talking about M. Dion's Carbon Tax. On CBC, my tax dollars going to pay for propaganda to convince me to vote for a particular candidate and his plank. I was shocked.
On The Current, 10/10/08 Battle of the Ecos I heard Dr. Suzuki hosting and interviewing guests who are in favour of a carbon tax. During the election I heard a lot about this topic. I am worried. There are those who say it is doing well in Norway. I went to my Pocket World in Figures, 2008 (The Economist) and created a comparison chart. I had heard someone say that there is no way to be able to compare these two countries as they are so disparate.
Norway has a vastly different geopolitical, and human framework than our country.
Dr. Suzuki played a comment by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. They cite concerns that the impact on taxpayers will be onerous. I agree, but Peter Victor*, teacher at York U. , author of Managing by said that the Canadian Taxpayers Federation 'has more credence than we should be giving them'. WHAT? Who else will stand up for us?
Some say NO to a carbon tax. I do, too. We must change the way we think about the environment. I think it is clear that we HAVE rejected the carbon tax plan. I cannot see that it will work. Those who can least afford to pay more for food, shelter, clothing will be the most affected in Canada. M. Dion says they will get taxes back, but those living in poverty, and the working poor, do not PAY taxes. Instead, these increased business costs will trickle down. Big business will continue to pollute and we will pay for it through the nose.
I was shocked to hear Dr. Suzuki in the fray. Until we stop giving ourselves permission to pollute (carbon credits - more like earth debits) we must lobby and convince friends, neighbours, regional politicians, provincial, federal governments and other countries. We must get together and reduce this massive goal of profits at any cost.
Those with lots of cash will continue to run their heated pools, hot tubs, and resorts will run as they always have, charging a bit more to those that have, while the have-nots will not benefits from any reduction. We cannot force people to respect the environment by taxing their fuel-related expenditures. We can take responsibility for watching what business do and monitor their energy use, pollution levels and convince the public not to buy overpackaged goods, leave their cars at home, and turn down the thermostat. Here in Muskoka many earn a living in the services sectors. Most only old a certificate, trade or diploma. Salaries are not high, $15,000 lower than the provincial average. Contractors, who depend on being available to drive to jobs (which could be 35 km apart), will be hard-pressed to earn a living.
Heating costs are more expensive here in the north, as in many locations. We retirees will pay more to simply shop in town. We are on a fixed income. I retired early to help my parents in their passing. This just doesn't feel right to those who can least afford to pay it. The costs of setting up this infrastructure will be huge. Think of the hand gun registry!
~~~~ *Peter Victor: Ecological Economics, Managing without growth: slower by design, not disaster
This post hit home with me, Judy. We moved to give palliative care to my parents. After they died we moved into my parent's house. The neighbours enabled them to remain here longer than they should have. They are particularly old-fashioned in this community. I tried to attend their church, but I couldn't fit in. They insisted the Bible says 'brothers', and would not include women by adding 'sisters. (They set the women's movement back 40 years.)
Currently, the town is fighting a dam redevelopment , with which I agree. (There has been a dam there since the late 1880s) The dam is already there, and everyone is up in arms about it. I think it just might be progress and certainly is good for the environment. I feel pretty much alone. I am posting a My Town Monday with more info, but there is a picture bigger than our little town. I am trying to model "Even if you don't see eye to eye, you can still walk arm in arm." It is difficult.
I just watched an Oprah show on women who changed the world. You cannot change some minds. You can only life your life as you see fit. When there is a time to speak, you will be so moved. I just heard Maria Schriver speak about her Minerva Award.
"Every single person is capable of being an architect of change, even if it's just speaking up at your own dinner table," she says. "Even if it's speaking up for your child in school, fighting for the right education plan for your child, doing something in your community…every single person, I believe, is capable of that."
This has been an interesting situation in our town. Many are rushing to try to prevent the new Hydro Dam Project to rebuild our current dam. Swift River has been hard-pressed to get fair coverage and any coverage!
Our town's economy is in trouble, with tourism dollars down by 30%. One's point of view as tourist, resident, or cottager is different, depending on your situation.
The savethebalafalls.com movement has gained momentum. There was a rocky start on Facebook, with some messages deleted - not the ones I posted here, however, and people were told in no uncertain terms that they were either "for us or agin' us". I asked questions to better understand their issues. Others did the same. We were told to post elsewhere if we didn't agree that the Bala Falls would be 'ruined'. Some of us have done so. Still we get complaints via third parties!
Some are posting threats:
I am allowed a point of view. Interesting that one of my YouTube videos generated an ignorant comment about how I helped lose a Liberal in our riding by voting Green.
There are those who do not understand the freedoms Canadians have in free speech! There is a difference between observing and being for or against a cause. I have posted some videos about the Bala Hydro Dam Project, and they were used by the Dambusters. I like to watch what is going on!
It is interesting that the only media coverage Swift River can get is in posting a full-page ad in the Banner.
Falsehoods and misinformation continue. This isn't a "big company". It is made up of a few people who want to put in a dam larger than the one that is there.
I am unsure how this will "destroy the town". It is a pretty sad state now. I think the town needs refurbishing. I think the old church, rather than being used as a craft store, ought to be changed into a museum. There could be slide shows of the development of the dam over the years, the progress as it is being built, show the history of the dam and the falls before humans changed the course of the falls and the height.
The big photo-op brought a lot of people into town. People were selling t-shirts and getting signatures on their petition. The shirt were on sale for $8 at various locales.
The Facebook site has had a threat posted. Not a pretty picture. This movement has really heated up with the town councillors vote.
We could market a reno to the hydro dam as a tourist attraction, as many other small towns have done. Few enough people stop in Bala, tourism dollars are down some say by 30%. The parking lot is for sale. If IT sells, the bakery and Annie's are hooped.
Town councillors seem uninterested in a plan. Perhaps the Chamber of Commerce should work with shop owners. Instead of fighting progress we should be adapting to it as we have always done. We need a vision for the future, not just a tearing down of a well-thought out provincial plan, with a voter-mandated goal of reducing coal-fired generating plants.
~~~~~~~~ It is amazing how much attention is given to rumour, shrieking protestors and unfounded, uniformed fears of those who protest the falls development. The dambusters are making complaints about the falls being reduced to a 'trickle'. (If you viewed the falls in January you would know this is not true). Others fear that all tourism in the region will cease. I say we market it as a tourist attraction, but I digress.
It is important that local residents see the big picture in all of this. Provincial voters have elected a government with a mandate to increase hydroelectric generation and decrease dependence upon coal-fired, carbon-producing generators.
I worked in an Ottawa school during the Leafs-Sens finals a few years ago. Those of us who were for the Leafs had to take great courage to wear our Leafs jerseys. But wear them we did. There are those in this community who support progress and the evolution of our environmental developments. We are having a hard time having our voices heard as the media only covers the squeaky wheels. It would be great to have balanced reporting of the news, not just the skewed viewpoints of business owners, bridge jumpers, and romantic two-season cottage owners with no vested interest in the environment. We need long-term sustainable, renewable energy projects. This seems to fit the ticket. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I was really upset by CTVs decision to post M. Dion's three-take interview. Can you imagine TV journalists, of all people, feeling that they had to post a video that included outtakes?
"CTV believes we owe it to you to show you everything."
People who live in glass houses should not throw stones! We watched an A-CHANNEL reporter in Parry Sound do three takes for her 20 second segment. With all going on around her, I could understand it. The same is true for M.Dion, even though I do not like the Green Shift policy, I felt this unfair. The Liberals are right to be upset. The Conservatives ought not to have bought into this HUGE mistake. PM Harper hasn't spent much time talking to the media. No wonder.
Conservatives across the nation are refusing to appear and defend their past behaviour and policies. Incumbent, and Health Minister Tony Clement refused to participate in a local debate on The Arts.
The rhetoric continues. Ads attacking Mr. Harper's policies and accusing him of being responsible for current economic crises seem ridiculous.
Media bias is rampant. The Toronto Star questions M. Dion's character. Some locals are getting out there and protesting!
