Author Interview: James Doughty

Today James Doughty is visiting A Writer’s Words, An Editor’s Eye. He has also offered to give away a copy of his book to a commenter so be sure to leave a comment to be entered in the drawing.

As mentioned in my last post, I worked with James on his nonfiction book, Some Monument to Last: Memoir of TV Journalist James Muñoz with Family Poems and Letters, which was published in December.

Lillie: Welcome to A Writer’s Words, An Editor’s Eye, James. My readers are eager to hear about your book and your self-publishing experience. First, though, tell us a little about yourself. People see you on TV reporting the news but probably don’t realize the challenges you’ve faced in your life.

James: Thank you. I have overcome many challenges, but I was always determined to reach for the American Dream. Somehow my subconscious went to work to get it done. I always wanted more despite having a lot stacked against me.

Lillie: What has motivated you and kept you going during tough times?

James: My faith in God keeps me grounded. I’m either doing things His way or my way. I’ve discovered His way is much better; in fact, it’s perfect. I also believe if I can motivate just one person to reach for their dreams, I’m doing my job.

Lillie: I know you have been working on this book for a long time. When did you first get the idea for the book? How did you get started?

James: Shortly after my interview with Walter Cronkite in 2001, which led to my meeting with my great-uncle Preston Doughty, I knew I had a story to share with the world. Several years ago, I submitted one of my grandmother’s poems to the local newspaper. I spoke with the individual running that section of the paper and told her I wanted to publish my grandmother’s poems someday. She referred me to you. I recall our first phone conversation, you were so patient and kind. I was completely at ease, and it was the first time I realized my book idea was really possible.

Lillie: Please share a little about your experience self-publishing Some Monument to Last, beginning with why you decided to self-publish.

James: I sent my story to a very popular author and offered him all rights to the story. He wrote me back and encouraged me to publish the story myself. I learned a long time ago not to depend on someone else to promote me or get my ideas done. I knew my chances of being picked up by a publisher were slim. Now that the product is out, I can only hope I’m one step closer to being noticed.

Lillie: What was the best part of writing and publishing Some Monument to Last? Is there anything you would do differently?

James: I feel like I’ve really accomplished something, like I’ve truly left Some Monument to Last. As far as doing anything differently, I would have added the newspaper article describing my father’s death and made more room to accommodate larger-sized photos with names, birth dates ,and death dates. I would have deleted a few photos that didn’t show up quite as clear as I wanted them. There’s one quote I wrote that I no longer believe, but at the time that’s where I was.

Lillie: What advice would you give writers who are considering self-publishing?

James: If you have a story worth telling and you really want a book, go for it. Some people find it quite daring that I would write such a book, but if I’ve touched one person, it was all worth it. Finally, never sell books before they’re printed. You never know what can happen, leaving you unable to deliver.

Lillie: Where can readers learn more about you? Where can they find your book?

James: They can do both at my Web site: Doughty Enterprises. Right now, that is the only place my book is available, but I’m trying to get it into Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com.

Lillie: Please share anything else you’d like people to know about you and your book.

James: I like how Some Monument to Last is sectioned out. I managed to sneak some poetry in, which is hard to sell. People have told me they love the pictures and history. It’s no mistake the book has 149 pages. In my opinion shorter is better; 150 pages might have been too long. In 2009, many people want a short quick story packed with real life drama, hope, and courage. Besides, as a TV Reporter I am best at literature in a hurry.

Thank you, James, for sharing your experiences. I’m sure your story will inspire other writers and other people who are striving to reach goals or overcome obstacles.

Readers, what questions do you have? James will be checking back throughout the day to answer questions and respond to comments. He will also give away a copy of Some Monument to Lastto a lucky commenter. The winner will be drawn from all the commenters.

Winner (added 2/1/09): We have a winner of James’ book: Steve. I have e-mailed him and asked him to contact James with his mailing address.

James Doughty Coming to Visit

This Saturday, author James Doughty, also known as TV reporter James Muñoz, is visiting A Writer’s Words, An Editor’s Eye.

James and I will be chatting about his book, Some Monument to Last: Memoir of TV Journalist James Muñoz with Family Poems and Letters. James and I worked together for two and a half years getting the book from his draft to a published book. James self-published his book and will also share advice for writers considering this publishing route.

When I shared my excitement that Some Monument to Last was published, I quoted a short poem by James’ grandmother that gave the book its title.

The book isn’t easily categorized. The first section is James’ story—both about his television career and about his search for his father—interspersed with lots of photos. Next comes poetry—his grandmother’s poems and a few from James, followed by family letters and photos. The book ends with a collection of quotes, some James has collected and some he has written. It’s a short easy read but packed with encouragement.

James has generously offered to give away a paperback copy of his book to a commenter. You may comment on this post or the interview on Saturday to be entered into the drawing. The winner will be announced next week.

Don’t miss the chance to ask James questions. He’ll be here Saturday to respond to comments.

Thanks to December Commenters

I appreciate the 178 comments left by 104 commenters in December, and, as usual, I responded to each one.  I’m also thankful for the silent readers, so accept my thanks even if you don’t comment.

This month, I’m pleased that I have fewer comments from “Hawaii Private Eye” and more from “Joe Blow@Hawaii Private Eye.” I can address the commenter as a real person instead of a keyword, and he still gets his keyword link, courtesy of KeyWord Luv. I really don’t like to carry on a conversation with keywords.

Top Contributor (18 comments)
Wilson, Will You Mind

Major Contributor (15 comments)
JeanHenryMead

Outstanding Contributors (4-9 comments)
Helen Ginger, Straight from Hel
Janet Kaderli
Bluestocking, The Bluestocking Guide
Brad, A-1 Medical Supplies
Renae, Morning Coffee

Significant Contributors (2-3 comments)
Andy, Cheap Queensland Housing
Justin, East Coast Airsoft
Mihaela (Mig) Lica, Online Public Relations
MJ, Mary Writes Romance
Morgan Mandel
Alina Popescu, Words of a Broken Mirror
Andy, Hart Granite
Brad Shorr, Word Sell
Charlotte Phillips, Char’s Book Reviews
Gary Sims, BibleBase Second Thoughts
Jeanne Dininni, Writers’ Notes
Joanna Young, Confident Writing
Matt Keegan, Matt’s Musings
Robert Hruzek, Middle Zone Musings
Tina, Tina Fountain Realtors
Titan, Bags Online

Important Contributors
Adam, Hayalet Yazar
Andrew Koen, AM Horizons
Andrew, Good Honest Dollar
Andrew Jacob, Stream Max
Ashwin, Software Hacker
Bill, Newport Financial Services
Carloss, Lacotera
Carrie, Canon XSI
cel, Simple Delights
Chicago Cardiology, North Shore Cardiology Clinical Service
Dae, Hypotheque Quebec
Dani, Blog Book Tour Guide
Daphne, Acne Remedy
Deborah Bradley, Trusler Menduni PLLC
Don, Storm Reviews
Donna Malone, Granbury Home Center
DTV Antenna, Indoor HD Antenna
e-file, Eastrovedica
Elaine Hopper, Happily Ever After
Erwin Tan
Essay Writer, Best Buy Essay
Essay Writing, Essay on Time
Farhan, Mester Web
Franklin, Hearthstone Homes
Franklin, Teachers Paradise
Gini, Gini’s Magic Blog
Gwyn Ramsey, Ramsey’s News Corner
Heather, BB Size
Jackie, Smoking Helper
James Lloyd, Presentation Fire
Jean, Indoor Crafts
Jean, Komodo Dragon
Jenny, Delta Burke
Jenny Crystal, Jenny’s Life
Jessica Bradbury, Debt and Credit
Jessie, MiB Smarter Money
Jill Hin, Price Comparison
John, Fiskehistorier
John, Miele Canister Vacuum
John Henn, Price Comparison
Jordan, Jordan Taylor
Joyce Porter, My Window Treatment Pro
Karen Swim, Words for Hire
knight23
Latif, Delta Debt Management
Lex Harrow, Web CPE
Lilla, Social Media Helper
Lisa Watson, Karate Mart
Lori, Words on the Page
Luke Gedeon
Mark, Anniversary Rose
Marketing Ideas, Marketing Minefield
Martha Hilliard
Marvin Wilson, Free Spirit
Merry, Mom and More
Mike Linley, Top 10 Scariest Movies Ever
Monique, Elite Submission Services
Monty J, Price Comparison
Nasia, Freelance Zone
Niels, Easy Blog
Nina, Toykin
PaddyPower, WOSB
Paul, Paul Counts
Paul. Think Horses
Paxil Defects
Peter Parker, Streamline Alliance
Product Reviews, Rating HQ
Robyn McMaster, Brain Based Biz
Sam, Ask Sam Knoll
Shaant, Religion and Esoterik Bucher
Shaneen Clark
Shari Lyle-Soffe
shirazi, Light Within
Simon, PC Software Reviews
Susan, Oceanside 411
Tania, Free Ipods Etc
Utah Property Insurance, NAI Utah
Van Theodorou, World Net Long Distance
Writing on Writing
Yvonne, Pest Control Aid
Zeriva, Your Power 2 Be

This marks a full year of thanking commenters monthly (though often belatedly!). I’m glad that each commenter and each reader spent some of their time in the blogosphere with me in 2008 and look forward to your continued visits this year.

A Thirty-Six Year Tragedy

Today is the 36th anniversary of Roe v Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion in the US. In those 36 years, nearly 50 MILLION babies have been denied the right to life.

• How many of them would have been scientists or researchers who discovered cures for diseases or improved food production methods?
• How many of them would have been city council members, state legislators, Senators, Congressmen, even President?
• How many of them would have composed beautiful music, created masterpieces of art, or written inspiring books?
• How many of them would have become entrepreneurs or doctors or lawyers or ministers or social workers or factory workers or teachers or maintenance men or managers?
• How many would have brought joy to their loved ones by their lovely smiles, their generous natures, their giving hearts?

Their deaths in the womb destroyed their chances of being the persons God created them to be. The Bible talks about the sanctity of life created by God in His own image.

I’ve written about the sanctity of life in The Most Basic Human Right: Life and Slavery and Abortion: Moral Relatives. In the post In Memory of 40 Million Aborted Babies, I linked to this powerful message: Think of Me Turning 34 Today. Just change 34 to 36 and realize how many more people aren’t turning 36 today.

O GOD, merciful and compassionate, who art ever ready to hear the prayers of those who put their trust in thee; Graciously hearken to us who call upon thee, and grant us thy help in this our need; end the evil of abortion and let the children live. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Religious Freedom Day

photo credit: rubberpaw 

President Bush has proclaimed today, January 16, 2009 as Religious Freedom Day.

The proclamation states in part:

I call on all Americans to reflect on the great blessing of religious liberty, endeavor to preserve this freedom for future generations, and commemorate this day with appropriate events and activities.

The first settlers came to this country to be free to worship according to their conscience. Our founding fathers guaranteed us freedom of religion, and our military has defended this freedom throughout the history of our nation. Today we pause to reflect on the blessing of religious freedom with gratitude for those who have made it possible.

O God, who art the giver of all good gifts; We bless thy Name and give thee thanks for the religious freedom guaranteed to us in these United States. Grant that we worship thee, the one true God, faithfully and reverently, and that we protect this freedom for future generations,  ever mindful that we enjoy liberty that many have not. We offer supplications for thy children around the world who do not enjoy the freedom to worship thee openly and freely without fear of persecution. We beseech thee to remember them in thy mercy and spread religious freedom  around the world. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, who liveth and reignth with thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end.  Amen.

New Voices Deadline Nears

The deadline for EPIC New Voices, writing contest for junior high and high school students is this coming Friday, January 16. This is a wonderful opportunity for young writers to win great prizes and have their work published. Perhaps more importantly, it is a chance to get objective, encouraging feedback from professional writers, editors, and educators.

Details and entry forms are available at EPIC New Voices.

Birthdays and Thanks

Last week, we enjoyed a special family celebration. My husband Jack turned 76 years old. My sister-in-law Cindy had a birthday the same day, but she was less than half Jack’s age. Cindy and her husband David (Jack’s brother) live in China so it was a treat to have them here for a joint birthday party. The photos are courtesy of David and Cindy.

In addition to the birthday folks and their spouses, the partygoers included:

• Jack’s sister Carol and her husband Sam
• My sister Nancy and her friend Borrego
• David’s daughter Marie
• David’s son Scott, his wife Rachel, and their daughters Megan and Zoe

A couple of days after the party, I fell, and Jack has been taking care of me since then. I’m getting around a little on my own now, but for the first few days, he had to wait on me hand and foot.

I recall when we were undergoing premarital counseling nearly 42 years ago. The priest advised me several times to seriously consider that, since Jack is almost 14 years older than I am, I would probably spend years of my life taking care of an old man. In fact, he’s taken care of me far more than I’ve taken care of him. He cared for me for months after the stroke as well as for shorter periods following the dog bite, several surgeries, and a couple of other injuries. I am truly blessed!

Blogapalooza: What I Learned from 2008

Robert Hruzek is hosting Blogapalooza over at Middle Zone Musings. All you have to do to participate is to write a post listing your favorite post for every month you blogged in 2008 (12 posts if you blogged all year). Robert is posting the entries through January 25. His goal is 100 guest posts, and he’s already received more than 90. If you haven’t entered, it’s not too late to help Robert reach his goal and to get the SEO benefits of a dozen incoming links.

My submission appeared today.

I’ll Be Back

I fell on Monday and banged up my knee and leg. Although I finally managed—with a lot of help—to make it out to the office, I don’t anticipate being able to sit here long.

I’m not sure when I’ll get to the office (a small building in the backyard) again so don’t expect to see a new post for a few days. If your comment goes into moderation, please be patient if there is a delay in comment approval.

I’m looking at this hiatus as an unplanned vacation!

Blog Book Tour: Part 4—Review

Phil Davis of Authors on the Net interviewed me on a podcast about my blog book tour and the results summarized in my report.

Listen to the podcast as Phil and I discuss blog book tours.

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