Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Reasons for writing "Climbing Kilimanjaro and Making a Difference"

I have been asked why I would want to go through the exercise of writing a book, having it edited, finding publishers, doing the marketing and all the other things that go along with trying to at least break even in the process. It is not as if writing a book was something on my "bucket list" although everyone thinks about it from time to time.

The decision came to me after I had done a few presentations about our climb of Mount Kilimanjaro. I realized that the climb is not something that everyone, and especially people my age, are prepared to do. It was brought home even more when I realized the interest that people had in helping others as we had done by using the climb as a platform to raise money to bring clean water and classrooms to Tanzania. There was a need to make people understand that my son and I are two ordinary people who were able to accomplish something extraordinary through perseverance and hard work.

I hope that people will enjoy following us on our adventure as much as we enjoyed doing it. My goals in writing the book with Chris' input were the following:
  • To encourage people of all ages to set goals for themselves and to strive to attain them, no matter how lofty they may be. It is never too late to try to reach a goal. A healthy lifestyle is key;
  • To take people who may never climb a mountain on our adventure up and down Mount Kilimanjaro, enlighten those who are thinking of making the trek and bring back fond memories for those who have done it; and
  • To help people realize the immense power of one or two people in making a difference in the lives of so many who desperately need the help.

If one or more of these goals is met for each reader, the long hours put into the book writing exercise will have been more than worth it.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Great site for budding authors (and for the more experienced)

Thanks to Twitter, a great site has been brought to my attention for those who are new to writing or for the writers among you who have more experience. I suggest you check it out for hints on getting that book out there. http://bookbuzzr.com/

Major donation for classrooms

Thanks to Debbie Harbridge for her significant donation to the classroom project in Mwanza, Tanzania!

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Book Update #2

Three chapters have been edited. I will post a brief synopsis when it is a little further along in the editing phase.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Pencils and toys

I have just written to two companies that manufacture wooden pencils and toys. We would like to have some donated so we can take them with us for the kids in Tanzania. Any other ideas?

Tanzania Trip

Plan Tanzania just confirmed that our visit to the schools is scheduled for February 3. We will see where the well has been dug and meet with a family that will benefit directly from it. We will also see the school administrators raise the Canadian flag that we carried to Kili's peak. Oh, and we are going to do a short safari. Can't wait!

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

CEO of Plan Canada at Our Golf Tournament


We were honoured to have the CEO of Plan Canada, Rosemary McCarney, join us at our golf tournament. Here she is presenting at the dinner following the tournament. Thanks Rosemary!!!

Book Update #1

I will be posting some updates as our book, tentatively called "Climbing Kilimanjaro and Making a Difference" is edited and nears publication. The editing process has started. Lots of work ahead but it is going to be fun! Stay tuned!