Idiot Base Growing

Lately a lot has been happening with my book,  A Sail of Two Idiots. It came out in March and did really well, but has gotten some serious wind in its sales the past couple of months (so to speak). I've been asked to do a seminar for the Toronto Boat Show in January (I think my dates will be the 12th-15th - one seminar each day), I have my fourth radio interview tomorrow (to air on Saturday - I'm even doing a radio station promo!), and Practical Sailor magazine put out an email to all its subscribers that described my book so perfectly, I just might hire them to be my publicist.

Chris Doyle who co-authors the very cruising guides Michael & I used to propel ourselves down (and back up) the Caribbean, endorsed my book and the abbreviated review will be featured on the covers of any newly ordered books because Idiots has gone to reprint already.

Nautical Mind out of Canada has been a huge supporter of Idiots, and continues to recommend it as "staff pick" to their customers. As a matter of fact, they suggested me to the boat show and will have me signing books in their booth during the January event.

And, if all that wasn't enough, I hit #1 in two book categories on Amazon (under Product Details). It fluctuates, but it counts.

If anyone would have told me that any of this would be happening, any of it, I just wouldn't have believed it. I watch our promotional video and wonder who that crazy couple is. I wonder how I went from just converting my sailing blog to a personal memory keepsake, to writing a book that not only interested a major publisher, but a book that is actually selling.

The people who take the time out to review Idiots or email me have made all of this an adventure in and of itself and I thank every one of you. My favorite so far though has to be an email I just received from a marine in Afghanistan:

I'm a Marine pilot currently deployed to Afghanistan, and just finished your great book.  I didn't want the book to come to an end it was that entertaining!  I'm a huge fan of the caribbean and anything tropical, so your book easily took me away from the middle east and transposed me to the islands- what a great way to end the day!  While reading the book, I thought many a time that cruising the islands wouldn't be a bad adventure to partake in (of course after the Marine Corps).  Thanks for your stories and advice, now the book will be sent back to my girlfriend in San Diego so she can get the same entertainment and maybe take a hint of our future plans.  Attached is a pic I took during downtime on our flightline.  Take care!

After I wiped away a tear or two, I added Ben of the Greyhawks to my Idiot fan ticker (going across the Idiot blog) and asked him to send me a photo of him and his girlfriend posing with the book while sailing in San Diego once he gets home safe and sound. Now where are the rest of you Idiot fans?! If someone fighting in Afghanistan can send me a photo, so can you! Don't you want to be a part of this attractive group? (You email subscribers will have to come to the blog if you want a looksie.)

If you haven't read it yet but want to and happen to be in Key West, just send me an email and I'll get you a signed copy for $20. You can also nag the folks at Key West Island Books to order a few books for their shelves. I tried. Otherwise you can always order it online just about anywhere, including as an e-book, or wander into your nearest major brick & mortar store. Makes a good gift too!