Thursday, March 12, 2009
A Request for Help
Interviews are a necessary, sometimes torturous part of what I do for a living. Unless you have experienced it (and I know some of you have) nothing can be as mind-numbingly uncomfortable as talking about yourself. In fact, the only thing worse than talking about yourself would be doing it repeatedly.
Some interviewers make it worse by asking questions that clue you in to the fact that they are not even remotely prepared. “Today we have with us Andy Anderson! Andy, tell me about yourself.”
Or they confuse you with someone else. “Please welcome Olympic Gold medalist…”
Occasionally, an interviewer will introduce you with a description you’d rather avoid. “Here to motivate us all for the next hour…”
As hard as it is to be excited about an interview, there are those who are excellent at crafting an interesting conversation from worn out subjects. A good questioner can reveal fresh new seams of conjecture and discovery. For instance, John, from the ABC affiliate in Minneapolis asked me the other day, “Considering your accomplishments and adventures, when the light goes out on your life, what do you want your last memory to be?” Wow! What an awesome question. Even after babbling something for the camera, I have been contemplating the answer ever since he asked!
So interviews are a double-edged sword. No normal person wants to talk about themselves, but as a public figure, if you don’t talk about yourself a little bit, folks might not be aware you exist. This fact was brought home to me the other day with a peculiar question about my career. “What,” a newspaper reporter asked, “is the biggest professional disappointment that the public does not know you have endured?”
Sheesh, I thought. I’ve never been asked that before. But the answer came to me easily because I am reminded of it every day. Simply put, it is this: The vast majority of people who have read The Traveler’s Gift, do not know I have written anything else!
I am often approached in airports or restaurants. People want to say hello or discuss a situation they are going through. I really do enjoy these times, but it kills me when they say, “The Traveler’s Gift is one of my favorites…are you ever going to write another book?” That kills me. Kills me.
See, I think Island of Saints is the best thing I’ve done. And I’m proud of some of the others, too. I don’t consider myself a “braggy” kind of person and it is not in my nature to self promote, so this can be a big problem in an industry that relies on public awareness. After all, if your life’s mission is to produce books and material that will help other people, but you feel uncomfortable telling folks you have the stuff….well. you see my challenge.
So this time (as I take a deep breath), with a new book coming out soon, I am determined to ask for help. From you. I am already cringing as I write this and if you feel strange about me asking, please…stop reading now. I’d rather you and I just stay friends… But if you are one of the people who have seen some good come out of my work and wouldn’t mind spreading the word, move on to the next paragraph…
For a bit more than two years, I have worked on a book that I feel might be my most important. In preparation for it’s release, as I test the life solutions revealed in this work against the challenges of today’s world, I am excited to see the “light bulbs” come on in the hearts and minds of early readers.
The Noticer is a story that begins by detailing the period in my life when I was homeless, living under a pier on the Gulf Coast. In it, I reveal the identity of the old man who helped and encouraged me during that time. His name was Jones and it was he who started me reading the small, orange biographies that eventually lead me to the Seven Decisions in The Traveler’s Gift. Having now returned to the small town of Orange Beach, Jones begins to shape lives, dealing with situations in a very unusual way.
I hope and pray that this will be a favorite you will want to share with family and friends. In an effort to somehow get major newspapers, magazines, and television interested, we are attempting to build a “buzz” before The Noticer comes out. We are making available small, 8 x 10 easels that have the cover of the book reproduced on the front with an announcement stating: Coming this Spring from the author of The Traveler’s Gift.
If you have access to a location where people might see one of these easels, I would really appreciate your help in placing them around the country. Cash registers in restaurants or retail stores, barber shops, churches, airport ticket counters…virtually any place that people frequent would be awesome. If it is in a place that would allow you to talk about “this guy named Andy and these odd books he writes”, that would be even better! Do you have more than one location for which you wouldn’t mind being responsible? Ya want two? Five? I would really appreciate it!
Anyway, fill out this form and we will get you the easels within a few weeks.
The intent is to release this book with as much noise as possible. (Trust me, the “quiet” release has not been effective in the past! Ha!) Our goal is to get the book recognized and in as many hands as possible the moment it is released in hopes of making it onto the big newspaper best seller lists. This in turn would provide more opportunities for the book to get into the hands of people who could use the encouragement and information.
Again, thanks so much for your attention to this. If you have some fish that need cleaning or yard work that needs done in the future in exchange for your efforts, I am sure we can work something out!
Your friend,
Andy
44 Comments
1. Kevin Bungert:
March 13, 2009 @ 10:55 AM
"Andy,
Would love to help in any way I can. Just paying you back my friend! I need 5, so send them out as soon as possible! All the best and remember to take care of yourself physically during this crazy time!
Kevin Bungert"
2. Pete:
March 13, 2009 @ 6:35 PM
"Andy,
I have all of your recent publications with my favorites being "Island of Saints" and "Traveler's Gift" in that order, although they all provide a bounty of food for thought. I am looking forward to "The Noticer" with great anticipation.
~ An avid reader"
3. Lynn Hogeland:
March 13, 2009 @ 6:37 PM
"Andy, I have told so many people about The Travelers Gift and even bought one for a friend. If this one is anything like it, I would love to put out easels. Can I read it first. Not that I don't think it great, because it has to be if written by you; however, I would really love to read a copy. Please send some easels and I will put them in a bookstore near me and other places.
Thanks"
4. Bonnie Bartel Latino:
March 13, 2009 @ 6:49 PM
"Andy: THIS is the book I've been waiting for since I met you years ago in Bay Minette at a writer's gathering...This book WILL be bigger than "The Traveller's Gift"...send me a few...I'll start with the gift shop at Wind Creek Casino...and I'll mail them to friends around the country who I know "we" can count on.
I've already ordered a copy from Amazon...I'll try to get a review in the "Mobile Press-Register"...the review I had published of one of your books came out the Sunday after Hurricane Ivan. I truly don't think anyone in Alabama saw it! With a Spring release we should be luckier this time.
Let me know how else I can help...AH! We'll put an easle in the Probate Judge's office in my county!
Bon in Atmore"
5. Maria:
March 13, 2009 @ 7:02 PM
"Andy, I have injoyed all of your books and shared with my children, mother and grandchildren, so I am very excited about your new book and have already pre-ordered 2 books. They won't be here for a couple months, yet we eagerly wait. Thank you.I am glad to help by putting the easle on display. I wish you great success."
6. Dave Paul:
March 13, 2009 @ 7:06 PM
"How interesting it was to me when I received "Travelers Gift" a number of Christmas seasons ago from a friend of mine who had no idea I was more than familiar with your inspirational work, Andy. I felt honored to receive such a book. Previously I had bought them for myself. Looking forward to the next journey, and your future success surrounding the release of "The Noticer". I will give you information about how to get the easels to me. Thanks for asking for help."
7. Lynn:
March 13, 2009 @ 7:06 PM
"Just sent in my request for 6, Andy. I am more than happy to help you promote the new book and CANNOT WAIT until I get to read it myself!"
8. Caroline Guichon:
March 13, 2009 @ 7:18 PM
"Hi !!
I would Love Some!! (lots)
Robert send as many as you want me to put out!
you got me thinking Andy...thanks for asking for involvement ...you just don't know how much you and your team mean to me... I want to do whatever I can to help you...
this world is crying out for the truth...
Much Love and (((((huggsss))))))
Caroline G. Richmond ..B.C. Canada"
9. Mitch Nichols:
March 13, 2009 @ 7:19 PM
"You are my favorite author, Mr. Anderson. You have been an inspiration to me ever since you won the Olympic Gold Metal in Munich in the bobsled.
On a serious note, I am looking forward to your new book.... been waiting for your second book for years now. Opps, it is hard for me to be serious I guess !!!"
10. Courtney:
March 13, 2009 @ 7:28 PM
"Andy-
Without a doubt I will spread the word about The Noticer. I am in a buisness that enables me to closely connect with people and I would honor the opportunity to promote your work. You have given to me gifts through your writings that cannot be repaid and this is the least I could do. Please send 5 my way.
Hugs~"
11. Jim "Gymbeaux" Brown:
March 13, 2009 @ 7:39 PM
"Andy who?
Just kidding. I agree with you regarding the Island of Saints; great book! Waiting for it to come out as a Movie on the Hallmark Channel. How's that for starting a rumor? :-) Gymbeaux"
12. Norm:
March 13, 2009 @ 8:18 PM
"Andy, all of your work has been a huge influence in the life of me, my family and my friends. The best example of this is recently when a friend of one of my boys found himself in a substance abuse rehab program. I had a Gingerbread Man Package drop shipped to the facility during his first week. I wanted him to have access to the powerful message in The Traveler's Gift, The Lost Choice, and Island of Saints as he struggles to deal with the biggest challenge he has faced as a successful 30 year old. All of your work is important and I share it frequently with everyone who is important to me. I am looking forward to the release of the Noticer. I am sure it will become as important as the rest of your work in helping those who are fortunate enough to receive the gift that you channel through your body of work."
13. Ken:
March 13, 2009 @ 8:35 PM
"Andy,
No book other than the Bible has influenced my life more than 'The Traveler's Gift.'
The only way I could thank you was to buy that book for family, friends, and people enduring challenging chapters in their lives. Since I've purchased well over 20 copies of The Traveler over the years and recommended it to many others - I will tell you I'm anxiously awaiting 'The Noticer'. Sounds like I have to check out 'Island of Saints' soon, as well.
God Bless,"
14. Caroline Guichon:
March 13, 2009 @ 8:47 PM
"I'm in!!! I put my order in...
I can't thank you enough how you've helped me to turn things around...
((((((big hugs))))))))))) Caroline"
15. Dennis and Wanda Parrish:
March 13, 2009 @ 8:49 PM
"Andy,
My company has a website that gets over 1K hits per day, 95% are new visitors.
Do you have a link or other means that I can post info about the new book on my website?
I'd be happy to help. Lord know ya need it!
hardeeharhar!!"
16. Brandon Jones:
March 13, 2009 @ 8:50 PM
"Andy,
Everyone needs help sometime. Those of us who are givers, instead of takers, can find it hard to accept and even harder to ask for.
I'd like to offer a suggestion. Your marketing idea is a good one but is lacking, because it limits you to the help of your friends who actually have an outlet for the easels. What about the great many of us whose platform is the internet?
Have your designer put together a banner announcement, much like the announcement for the easels. Post it on your website, along with the HTML code to display it so that anyone can copy/paste it into their own blog, website, facebook, myspace, etc. I guarantee this strategy will reach massive numbers of people who may not learn of The Noticer otherwise, and it is totally free (except for whatever your web designer charges to post it for you.)
If you have any questions, feel free to email me."
17. Edd McGrath:
March 13, 2009 @ 8:52 PM
"Andy,
I love your books. The first one I read was the “Traveler’s Gift”, a book you signed and gave to Michael J. Zmistowski , a friend of mine, after you met him in Las Vegas. I enjoyed the book, got on the web and bought a few copies of the “Seven Decisions” DVD, and a copy of the “Island of the Saints”. I loved the “Island of the Saints” and promote it to my friends. It is a great story, well told. I think your best book may be the next one you will write.
I bought several copies of the “Seven Decisions” DVD and gave one to my son and one to my son-in-law. They didn’t immediately watch the presentation, but a few days later my wife was visiting our daughter and found my son-in-law and one of his friends watching the Seven Decisions and taking notes. You were really getting through to them.
Thanks for using your writing gift to lift people up.
As to your interviews, I saw you on FOX on their morning show and they misused you. You are a deeper person with important things to say so I urge you to choose your venues carefully. I know the temptation to gain more exposure for your books must be a strong pull, but a thirty second bit may not be your best platform.
I hope to meet you sometime. Until then you are in my prayers. Thank you.
EDD McGrath
813.240.2889 (whenisell@AOL.com)"
18. Mary:
March 13, 2009 @ 8:55 PM
"I shared your request through twitter, which will show up on my blog and FB. I look forward to reading The Noticer."
19. Greg:
March 13, 2009 @ 9:01 PM
"Andy,
I've been a big fan of The Traveler's Gift (which I've "gifted" to others), and The Seven Decisions, which we've used in a small group in our church. When I got notice of the preorder for "The Noticer," I had to sign up, and also ordered "Island of the Saints," since I'd not read it. Best of luck to you, and know what a positive impact you've had on my bride and me and several of our friends!!"
20. Angie Keiser:
March 13, 2009 @ 9:34 PM
"I can't wait for The Noticer and am happy to spread the word! I just submitted my order for a few of the signs, and I too, think that a web banner would be fantastic. I'll be happy to blog and twitter about it as well. All of your books (we have a collection at home including Tales from Sawyerton Springs, the Storms of Perfection series, Travelers Gift, Lost Choice, and Island of Saints - we know you've written more than a few)have been quite inspirational in my life and I too, have gifted many to employees, friends and family. Thanks for reaching out ... sometimes we (the readers) don't even realize what we can do to help those whose work has touched our lives. Wishing you all the success you hope for ... and then some!"
21. Phil Gerbyshak:
March 13, 2009 @ 9:38 PM
"Andy - if you'd be up for a review on my blog, I'd be happy to interview you. I really enjoy your writings, and I'd love to help in some small way.
I do both text and podcast interviews. Let me know if you have an interest in this and I'd be delighted to assist.
Just an FYI: I got introduced to you by a very good friend 3 years ago and I've been a fan ever since. I only wish you'd write more than 1 article a week."
22. Beverly (Remember Soul Celebration?):
March 13, 2009 @ 10:40 PM
"Dear Andy, I haven't seen you in 30 years and would love to read your book. If you might read my blogs I have a message also that I would like to take further as God leads. Read em' sometime, then I'll put up a poster, it's much easier than yard work! See... self-promotion works both ways! Kindest regards, Beverly Trent Jeffries"
23. Mie Logan:
March 14, 2009 @ 12:37 AM
"Andy,
I'm a big believer in you and your work, though I must admit that I've neglected to read any of your other books after The Traveller's Gift. I'll be happy to help you promote your latest, and will look forward to reading it and catching up on the others that I've missed. God speed..."
24. Kelly Krei:
March 14, 2009 @ 1:30 AM
"Andy,
I am the proud owner of 3 of your books; The Travelers gift, The Lost Choice and Mastering the Seven Decisions, book # 412 first edition; I also have an audio cd of The Storms of Perfection.
Your life and stories have served as inspiration in my life to the point that I am publishing my first book, The Trials and Triumphs of Down Syndrome (C); in particular, I will forever be inspired by a comment you made in the audio cd, "if it is important, and if it will change peoples lives, you must decide to commit yourself". You go on to tell the story of President Lincoln and how he was the 'only leader available'; Andy, your work, your stories and your life give inspiration to countless many, thank you; I am glad to help you.
One day, down the road; when I have accomplished what I set out to do in and with my book, I would like to ask you now, to tell that story again, of Mr. Lincoln; to the audience that gathers to open a center for the developmentally disabled.
In the mean time, keep on doing what you do, Mr. Andy Andrews; it matters."
25. Lon Diffenderfer:
March 14, 2009 @ 1:58 AM
"Andy, I do not have "counter space" nor other public areas for the easels. However, if you create some small ads that can be placed on websites and blogs, I would be happy to make use of those. -Blessings!"
26. Allen:
March 14, 2009 @ 2:37 AM
"Andy,
Thanks for the chance to help! I requested 25 but my goal is to place 100 of them.
I will also try to figure out how to put a link to your wen site on my facebook account.
Thanks buddy
AC"
27. Kathleen:
March 14, 2009 @ 9:39 AM
"Think I have all your books and will do whatever I can to promote the new one - you are already on my facebook as Traveler's gift is my Fav.... send me something to put up on my facebook page -"
28. Andy Andrews:
March 14, 2009 @ 9:55 AM
"WOW!
Thanks so much everyone for the response. I do love being able to read your thoughts immediately. I will be going to the blogs mentioned by some of you and the team in our office is already at work creating banners and such for your websites. Thanks SO much for your help with this. I appreciate it (and you) more than you will ever know!
Yours,
AA"
29. jan burch:
March 14, 2009 @ 11:00 AM
"Andy,
Looking at the comments above mine I think there is no more to be said as I too have ALL your books - including a treasured and, I understand, now rare copy of Sawyerton Springs. And I believe you know how at least one of your books changed my life! I will be doing a little traveling this summer and will be happy to put out easels. In fact, if you bring one Sunday I will take them to Fort Walton Beach on Tuesday to the Womens Club and then to Destin and Niceville. God Bless you and your terrific family. JB"
30. Jerri Finley:
March 14, 2009 @ 11:26 AM
"Andy, Please send me an easel. I will put it in our coffee shop and will want to retail your books. In preparation for the releae, I would like to have several copies of The Traveler's Gift and Island of Saints to get people familiar with you who might not already know your wonderful works!"
31. Brent Woodworth:
March 14, 2009 @ 4:10 PM
"Andy,
I will gladly place one in my business. Just want you to know that the 1st book I read of yours was Island of Saints, followed by The Lost Choice, and am just starting on the Traveler's Gift.
God has a way of guidance to meet our point of need. I had been dealing with a forgiveness issue for a long, long time. I had not read any preface to Island of Saints, but ordered a package and read it first. Obviously, it deals with this very issue. Thank You!"
32. Alisha Alligood (Neese):
March 15, 2009 @ 1:03 AM
"Andy,
I LOVE all of your books. I think Island of Saints is my favorite and it is a tie between The Lost Choice and The Travelers Gift. I have already started sharing about your new book coming out. A group of friends were asking me if I have read anything good lately. They were looking for something to read in a book club. I was telling them about your books and that you have a new one coming out soon. I can't wait to read it! I would be glad to help spread the word. Please send me some of the easels and I will be happy to put them out. Let me know if you get to Atlanta. It would be great to see you.
My love to all,
Alisha"
33. Donna Spencer:
March 15, 2009 @ 3:37 PM
"Andy,
Would love to take two of your easels and will put them in a prominent place. Sounds like a very innovative way of getting the word out."
34. Sheryl Lindsay:
March 15, 2009 @ 4:49 PM
"Andy,
Gary and I can display 3 easels in Orange Beach and Mobile. We are looking forward to the new book also. I have enjoyed all of your books.
Thanks,
Sheryl"
35. Heman Smith:
March 15, 2009 @ 5:12 PM
"Andy, I am happy to put some easels up on bulletin boards at BYU, and they can get the book through the bookstore, which I know has your other works. I'll also put some at local, high traffic businesses I know.
How about 10-12 easels? Thanks!
I also do reviews on Amazon, and for a local publication in Utah County. If I can get a review copy, I'll do an article for it in there, and send the article to several other papers. I'm happy to spread the word.
I have given away copies of Island of Saints to some struggling with forgiveness. I expect to be able to do the same with this book.
I am just launching my own coaching/facilitating business, and would be happy to blog about the book as well.
Heman Smith
11322 S 5250 W
Payson, UT 84651
801-831-2898"
36. Kevin Klug:
March 16, 2009 @ 10:03 AM
"You got other books?????
Just kidding, I am actually printing out your Blog and giving it to people. So you can just drop by any day and we can do some yard work and fix a couple of the cars. I will supply the meals and if you stay for a couple of days, the lodging. Hey bring the kids, I love kids. I double dog dare you.
Kev"
37. Jim Pace:
March 16, 2009 @ 3:21 PM
"Andy,
I have a complete collection of your other books and... I have actually read them. I use something from one of them almost every day. Today at lunch it just happened to be Joshua Chamberlain. Can't wait to get a copy of the new one.
Jim"
38. rich ruhmann:
March 16, 2009 @ 5:11 PM
"Andy,
I have read every one of the Storms of Perfection, Tales From Sawyerton Springs (my favorite baseball, boys and bad words). I have read each of your others books and have all of the DVD's and audio cd's I state this not from trying to impress you with what I have but to emphasize how much I feel your writing is right on the mark.
I am a professional executive coach. I have seen to it that close to fifty executives have read the Traveler's Gift. It is required reading. When read as Leadership decisions it takes on an entirely new meaning. How many times a day are we faced with The Buck Stops Here or I will persist without Exception Congress could have done better.
Currently I have pre-ordered 10 copies (as a starter) of the Noticer for some of the executives I coach. In this era of irresponsibility the accountability of your principles are timeless.
I would like to receive 6 of your posters on the new book.
Take Care, You are making a difference.
Rich"
39. K Tjaden:
March 17, 2009 @ 5:12 PM
"Andy, we are among your avid reader fans. I dont know how many travlers gift books ive given away, and we (my wife and I) both treasured Island of saints, also passed on to others. Great news about The Noticer. by all means, count us in to help get the word out. by the way, I work at one of those places that sells books, so ill be pulling extra duty to get the word out. thanks for all you do. blessings always. K&K"
40. Jay Wischum:
March 19, 2009 @ 9:45 AM
"Andy,
I already ordered the new book and I know it will be great. I loved the Island of Saints but for me The Lost Choice - which was given to me as a business gift - was your best effort. I am not a critic so I don't know about all of the official reviews but that book touched me very deeply.
I have given it and the Traveler's Gift to dozen's of people as gifts and feel pretty confident this new release will make a big splash...
Good luck!"
41. Angie Allred:
March 23, 2009 @ 3:46 PM
"Andy,
My older sister saw you on EveryDay with Marcus & Lisa today. She is very impressed with you. After looking over your website, and looking over all of your books, I can see why. So today after talking to my sister and looking at your website, I feel that some how you can be part of an answer to my prayers for help. And at the same time I would very much like to be an answer to your prayers for help with getting the word out about your new book. I would be very willing to place your ads in many places in the area that I live.
If you could email me I would like to share my question for you and see if you can be part of God's help for my quest for helping my son.
Blessings,
Angie
PS I am going to the bookstore today and get your books and start reading!"
42. calvin kinghorn:
April 3, 2009 @ 7:52 PM
"Andy:
The Travelers Gift is so good, I would be happy to place 3 announcements of your new book.
Thanks Calvin Kinghorn"
43. Herb Hutchison:
April 6, 2009 @ 6:22 PM
"Andy,
While we have never met, you have touched my life and, as a result, the lives of others close to me. At the same time, I may be the only person responding who has NOT read The Traveler's Gift.
Island of Saints was placed in my hands at your local packaging store in Orange Beach. What a grand friend you have there and what a fortuitious day for me. Since then I have purchased many copies and have taken friends and family back to the store to purchase their own copies.
It will be my pleasure to display counter cards in my five restaurants. Please send them as soon as possible."
44. Doug Levins:
July 14, 2009 @ 12:01 PM
"Hello,
I have done amazing things in this world since the age of 15.
I scored the highers score ever recorded on the (AFOQT) Air Force Officer Qualifying Test in 1975.
People including Tim Tebow, Jeremy Foley and Urban Meyer believe I could be Elija the Prophet.
Norman Schwartzkopf accused me of being Elija the Prophet during the planning sessions of Desert Storm and Desert Shield in 1990 and 1991.
God Bless,
Elija
PS Matthew 11:14 tells us that Elija was John the Baptist.
This is because Malachi Ch 3-4 states that Elija will prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah."