Category Archives: Uncategorized

When not everyone loves your book…

July 26, 2010

Terry Cordingley of Tate Publishing turned me on to a new opportunity at Goodreads.com. I had no idea such a website existed. So, I happily tapped in the address and went to check it out.

Humility

I have long said that it is best to plan a little humility into your day rather than be surprised when it shows up. Its perennial little presence will appear sooner or later.

There were already two evaluations of Amazing Grays, Amazing Grace up on Goodreads.com. Okay, that was great. Then… two stars. Out of a possible five stars one person had given the book two stars. On Amazon.com we were 100% five stars so far. What happened here?

It is a fact of life that we can not meet everyone’s expectations. I was disappointed that somehow I had failed to meet Amy’s. But wow, two stars…

Blessings in Disguise

There were actually two hidden blessings in this two-star rating. The first is that I must redouble my efforts to precisely explain what Amazing Grays is about to let folks make great decisions when considering it. (You can read a bunch of it by using the ‘Search’ function on Amazon.)

But when describing it in person I need to do a better job.

The second blessing is I had just come off a fantastic week of personal appearances, and my head was still full of wonderful moments with the folks I met during the presentations and clinics. It would be fair to say they were successful and I was still basking in the memories.

Not everyone will love you...

Authority is Balanced by Humility

Over the week I was center-stage as the authority, giving messages and demonstrations about relationship with both horses and Jesus Christ.

God is always faithful and He simply provided the balance of humility in that two star rating.

It’s All Good

Authors, take heart. Learn from your readers but remain true to your message. Make adjustments when needed, and realize that we can’t be all things to all readers.

And to Amy, “Thanks for reading Amazing Grays. I’m sorry you didn’t find what you expected. If there’s a question left unanswered, send me an email and I’ll do my best to get it right. Otherwise, have a blessed day and I appreciate the time you took to share your opinion.”

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One reason we’re broke…

June 11, 2010

Today’s post will be a bit out of the ordinary. Inspiration and blessing are foundations of this blog. Today, however, is a combination of observation and, well, I’ll be blunt… venting.

Both the world and the USA is broke – at least on paper. Any bankruptcy judge would look at the ratio of assets to debt and sign the papers. Why?

Bankruptcy of Reason

There is a difference between supporting each other in fellowship and requiring all to underwrite the selfish ambitions and bids for celebrity of the few.

In decades and centuries past risky ventures had underwriters; those who were willing to take a risk in return for a potential reward. The risk was taken voluntarily. If the venture ended badly, well, they failed.

Today anyone can set out on a venture of their own choosing and require that the rest of us make an investment in their pursuit of fame or fortune.

The risks of selfish behaviors have been mitigated by the unwilling participation of the many.

New York Times photo

Abby Sunderland

Fine, so this California family seems to have a rite of passage: each child needs to sail around the world as a sixteen year old. Abby’s older brother did and now she is making the attempt. If that family thinks this is a good idea I take no issue with that; it’s none of my business.

Oh, but wait. Abby’s emergency beacon began transmitting yesterday from somewhere in the Indian Ocean. So far an airbus was leased by a Maritime Authority to search for her. A “‘naval” ship has been reported by Fox News to be rerouting two and a half-days off it’s present course to go to her aid.

Off to the rescue

A kid from her neighborhood, Shawn Guzman, 15, said he didn’t think her attempt to sail around the world was reckless. “If it’s her dream to sail, and she wants to follow her dream, that’s courageous. ”

Courageous or not, this wasn’t the dream of the taxpayers of France, Australia, and soon the United States. One little girl’s quest for celebrity and family achievement now involves millions of taxpayers and millions of dollars.

The World Awaits

Well, this may be the fulfillment of her dream. Satellite news crews flood the area outside the family home. Every news engine is generating stories about the poor little girl lost at sea.

Each of us is free to take a personal risk. When did my choice to climb a mountain, ride in the basket of a balloon, or said around the world become the responsibility of the world? Rescue is only rescue when the person in danger didn’t accept the risk willingly. In the case of Abby Sunderland, as with so many others, the risk is being shared by us all.

I hope Abby returns safely to her family. Let’s hope the next venture she sets out on won’t make us all unwilling investors.

My mother taught me that my freedom ends where yours begins.

That’s it. My venting is over. We went off course went we lost the ability to identify the limits of freedom.

Thanks, Mom.  Have a good day.

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Is it really as bad as you fear?

May 28, 2010

Sometimes our fears and dread prevent us from moving forward, when as FDR said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” How often do you finally take the plunge only to find the water wasn’t really ice-cold but comfortably warm?

Too cold to jump in... or not?

As I wrote the last post I was preparing to go to the barn and take down all the stuff stored on top on the tack room in Rubbermaid containers, bags, and boxes. When we moved here three years ago all the extra stuff was thrown up there. It was time to get it down and do a final spring cleaning.

Expecting the worst

In my mind’s eye there was a picture of a pile of stuff that would look like a dump truck had just raised its bed and let loose a full load. I was girding up to face such a challenge. Fearing the worst I had postponed this chore for a couple of years. If you recall, I first mentioned it to you well over a month ago… two months maybe?

Well, everything is down. My worst fears never materialized. Not only was there no dump truck, but 90% of the stuff in the storage containers is clean, bagged horse sheets and blankets. If I took all the bagged pony clothes out of the Rubbermaids there would be only two small containers left. Those are filled with blankets as well, just not in neat individual bags.

Paralyzed by fear

Okay, so the word paralyzed is a little strong. But, it kinda tells the story. How many times do we put off doing something because we are afraid of how massive the required effort might be? Our schedule just never opens up enough to get at that mess. So – we never get to the mess and in our mind it grows larger and more ominous as time passes.

Melinda, the author of Boots and Saddles blog (click on title to visit), commented on my last post that she also creates the dreadful ‘maybe’ pile thinking she might still need the stuff. She never does.

A pleasant surprise

In retrospect I guess shouldn’t be surprised that the expected tsunami of stuff just never materialized. I don’t habitually leave stuff in a mess. That doesn’t mean my house is always clean, mind you, but I don’t leave piles of stuff behind closed doors as a rule.

Claim Victory!

Don’t give in to your fears. Open the doors wide and sweep clean that last place you dread to go. Every mess we hang onto, whether it lives in reality or simply in our mind, is a needless burden on our shoulders and spirit.

Claim victory from fear today. At the top of my ladder was an organized stash of good stuff that will find a new home. Somehow the sun seems to be shining a bit brighter this morning and I’m walking just a bit taller. The mess, it seems, was only in my mind. Is yours?

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How to make money in the horse or book business…

April 19, 2010

Surprisingly, the way to make money in the horse business and as an author appears to be the same. After years in the horse business (and I actually made money) I recognize the landmarks as I start down the road as an author.

Have a Great Product

First you must begin with a great product. The horses you turn out must be worthy, just as the messages an author pens must be meaningful. Consistency is also important. Success will not come from breeding or training one great horse, or from writing just one Pulitzer prize-worthy piece.

Always Breed the Best

Always Breed the Best

Know Your Market

Not every horse is equally valuable to every rider, and one book or article won’t be of interest to every reader. Know your audience; know who will benefit from what you produce, whether it is a show prospect or chapter. Find your niche and make the specific rifle shots necessary to reach your target market. The broad coverage of a shotgun blast may sound impressive, but you sure won’t nail much of value.

Be Passionate

Successful horse businesses and renowned authors are both passionate about what they do. Both understand their marketplace, but neither will sacrifice the quality of their product to make a quick buck.

What Are The Odds of Winning the Lottery?

Yep, I made money in the horse business. Few people do. Most big horse operations are funded from other sources; a family business or family money. I have found that the odds of making money owning horses are about the same as winning the Lottery. Sure, folks win those millions, but I don’t think buying a ticket should be the basis of your household budget.

There's Lots of Competition Out There

There's Lots of Competition Out There

After countless trips down the road hauling horses, and all the stuff necessary to make them comfortable and presentable in each new place, we finally began to find a little financial success.

It took years of producing a great product before we got noticed. Success came by finally having enough people know who I was in the horse business and expanding my marketing to include other trainers. I made more money in the years I boarded horses for other trainers than the ones where the entire business rested on me and our breeding program.

One secret; I didn’t own those horses… the profit margins were huge in comparison to stalling and feeding my own. The horses I had in training couldn’t return the same level of profit because of the time I spent training them. Profitability often comes from unexpected places.

Selling Books is so Familiar

After only our first few book events the similarities between my early years in the horse business and being a new author are simply remarkable. Pack up and haul to an event. Tote in all the stuff that helps present the books. Make connections and initiate conversation.

After returning home, tally up the costs and compare them to the rewards. In the horse business it’s prize money, breeding contracts, horses scheduled for training, breed points and trophy merchandise.

As an author it’s invitations to future events, book sales, and suggestions for the next trip from those who have been down the road before me.

Early Results Won’t Buy a Fancy Dinner

In the horse business you probably won’t walk away with early profits; just breaking even is often the goal for some future date. Selling books is much the same. After this week’s three events -we made a profit! Well, if you don’t count the $100 cost for the one purely promotional event… but we didn’t intend to sell books there. So, do I really have to count it?

Each actual book event made a profit, I think. We covered the cost of participation in the event itself, the books we sold, and the gas to reach the event. Oops, I didn’t figure in the cost of our meals and the candy we gave away. Maybe we should have skipped a couple more meals…

Don't Make Me Look at the Bottom Line

Don't Make Me Look at the Bottom Line

It’s How You Define Success

While we don’t have much to show on the bottom line, was the week successful? Absolutely! We met some wonderful folks and shared the message we’ve been given to share. We have leads for new events and did some work that should produce future benefit.

In my early days as a trainer I hauled to bitty little shows where all I could go home with was a ribbon, a story, and some experience. But, I made an entrance into the business. No one backs the new guy. New trainers have to prove themselves and gain followers. New authors have the same challenge.

Be Passionate, Be Consistent, and Keep Your Day Job

As we continue on this new journey, I’ll try and share some of it with you. For those of you in the horse business, or trying to get your new book read, hang in there. Be realistic – and enjoy the ride!

Enjoy the Ride!

Enjoy the Ride!

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Achieving Peace, from an inspirational author

March 25, 2010

Peace. Something we all crave, although it remains elusive to many.

This article appeared in my email in-box this morning when the author, Shirley Cheng let me know that she had quoted me. Shirley is a blind and physically challenged award-winning author and speaker.

Author Shirley Cheng

Author Shirley Cheng

Ms. Cheng’s article contains great truth, and just reading her brief bio information at the end may help get your attitude properly adjusted today.

There is only one constant source for peace.

The article begins,

“Are you able to feel at peace even when life bombards you with hardship? If not, how can you achieve peace when life gets tough?”

Follow this link to read Shirley Cheng’s article, PEACE .

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Being fearless – the radical difference between Christians and non…

September 4, 2009

The subject of my book Amazing Grays-Amazing Grace is how to discover a right relationship with God. Many illustrations use horses and what we can learn from building a correct relationship with them. One of the messages of Amazing Grays is that of the radical change in perspective, in life itself, that a right relationship with a leader begets, be the leader a horse owner or God Himself.

Horses in strong relationships with their owners or trainers gradually abandon the natural mindset of prey animals. The relationship with their trainer overcomes the ‘fight or flight’ response horses are born with.

Often a particular set of circumstances will cause a ‘natural’ horse or person to react in fear, to run or fight, seemingly for their lives. In contrast however, the secure horse, the secure Christian, may not even acknowledge that same stressor as being anything of concern at all. It just wasn’t a big enough deal to consciously register as an issue. What is the difference?

The Christian is not unaware of these situations – the Christian is undaunted by them.

Confident horses and Christians seldom react in fear. We consider, we process, we lean upon our understanding and confidence in our leader. God is responsible for those really big things, as is the horse trainer. We are calm because our leader is calm. We are secure because our leader is secure.

Christians drift off to sleep each night knowing that God is awake, keeping watch over us. My grays, Bo and Swizzle, gently chew their hay, carefree and fearless, knowing I will keep them safe.

Are you fearless?

 

(To visit the pre-release site of Amazing Grays, click the link in the Blogroll at the bottom right of this page.)

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Relationship accounts… are yours balanced?

August 2, 2009

Relationships are much like saving accounts. Each is about making deposits and withdrawals. There is a positive balance required to maintain both relationships and bank accounts. Deposits must exceed withdrawals for the account to stay open, whether it is a relationship or your saving account.

The concept of keeping a saving account solvent is one we all understand: deposit, withdraw, withdraw, withdraw, deposit, etc.. When our withdrawals exceed our deposits, our account goes into the dumpster with yesterday’s coffee grounds. The same is true of relationships.

The only way to build a relationship is to be in proximity, in touch, with the one you are relating to. Time and consideration make up the deposits in your relationship accounts. Relationships require commitment and accountability. There is a very simple exercise you can do to identify how important each of your relationships is. First, write down all the significant relationships you have; family, friends, co-workers, folks from chuch, dog, cat or horse.

Next, write down after each relationship the amount of time you dedicate to it each day, week, month or year. Once you have finished your list, rewrite it in order of importance, from most important to least important. Your most important relationship is the one that gets the most of your time, your new list will end with your least important relationship, the one that gets the least amount of your time. Any surprises? This is the picture of how you are currently spending your relationship budget. 

In strong, secure relationships there is no substitute for time spent together. Time apart makes withdrawals on your relationship account. Failure to keep dates, or other promises, will drain your account so fast it’ll make your head spin. How do you know a relationship is in trouble? When one of you can’t find time in their schedule for the other.  

The truth is there are only so many great relationships possible at any one time. Be realistic about how much time you have to invest in new relationships. Don’t offer to be an important part of someone else’s life if you don’t have plenty of available time. In order to have strong, meaningful relationships with a spouse and family, difficult choices must be made when budgeting time for other relationships. The husband who spends three hours each day at the gym or on the golf course has made his choice. The wife who has meetings every night of the week for one charity or another has made her choice. Your children are little more than resident strangers unless they spend most of their time with you. If you only see your horse on Saturdays, you will never be Roy Rogers and your horse will never be Trigger.

Once our important relationships are established, they require ongoing maintenance. Relationships with other people require maintenance, regular deposits and consideration. The quantity of time we spend in our various relationships defines the quality of each. “Quality time” is possible, but only when used sparingly. Quality time maintains your relationship account balance, but only for a short period of time. After that, the balance declines unless further deposits are made.

Acquiring new skills works in much the same way. If you want to learn to play tennis, paint landscapes, program computers or speak French, you must commit yourself to the pursuit regularly. Learning to ride or train your horse also means time, time, time spent in the company of your horse. You can watch every training DVD out there, read every book on how to train your horse; you will not make any progress as long as you are inside studying and your horse is outside in the pasture alone.

Are your accounts balanced? If you are not allocating your resources to the relationships that mean most to you, start spending your time differently. Keep making withdrawals, putting off time together, and soon you won’t have to worry about those relationships, they will only exist in your memory.

Also posted in Christian Relationships, For the love of Horses – 2 Comments