Sharing the Gift of Literacy

Readers,

As some of you know, when we wrote Get Between the Covers: Leave a Legacy by Writing a Book, we pledged to give our publishing royalties and click-through revenue for 2006 to a charitable endeavor that supported literacy.

Being from Florida, I didn't have to look very far to find a worthy cause. Kids in Need--Books in Deed, a non-profit housed at the Florida State University Foundation, is dedicated to giving free books to underprivileged children in the state of Florida. Founded by bestselling novelist Julianna Baggott, whose compelling life story we put in Get Between the Covers, and her husband, the organization runs entirely on the efforts of its volunteers and contributors. You can see more about Kids in Need--Books in Deed, which I highly recommend as the year ends and you are looking to help out those who are less fortunate, at www.booksindeed.org.

Our donation is specifically being used for Gadsden County, the most impoverished county in the state of Florida. The books will be given directly to the children in home visits and also as part of a give-away at the library.

On behalf of Neil, I want to extend my thanks to Julianna for making us aware of this opportunity a couple of years ago, and we will continue to support Kids in Need--Books in Deed in the future.

We would also like to thank everyone who purchased a copy of our book to help facilitate this meaningful contribution to our literacy efforts.

Best,
Eric

I Return From My Hiatus

Readers,

Wow, it has been quite a while. As you might imagine, if you've been keeping tabs on me at my Internet radio show's site, www.creativemindbehind.com, I have had my hands full running The Creative Mind Behind with Eric Spencer. Although, I must admit, I've had so much fun chatting with some of the great creative minds and people, from a range of backgrounds, who are shaping our world in so many positive ways. If you aren't already a listener, I recommend checking it out.

As you can see in the Media Room section at (www.creativemindbehind.com), I've been out on the campaign trail, in a manner of speaking, promoting Get Between the Covers and sharing the message of what Neil and I have created.

Even though I have to balance my time between my job in finance (my priority) and my creative pursuits (writing, radio show, speaking), I plan to ramp up my efforts with Get Between the Covers because I think it is so important to share this message with readers and potential writers everywhere.

So, look for more blog posts soon.

Best,

Eric
Host & Exec. Producer of The Creative Mind Behind with Eric Spencer

The Latest Gadget: Amazon's Kindle

Readers and Friends,

In case you hadn't noticed, technological advancements are all around us. Even in the sometimes antiquated publishing industry. With Amazon's Kindle, the newest portable reading device, you may find yourself quite a prolific reader in no time--with access to thousands of books, every major newspaper, and even the leading blogs. All in the palm of your hand.

There have been previous reading devices, but the Kindle has made some dramatic improvements, including how the text appears on the screen...it almost looks liked printed writing. Other advancements allow you read it in sunlight. So you can even bring it to the beach. You can plug in headphones and listen to audiobooks if you want. It has a keyboard built in that allows for easy searching for whatever you desire.

It's lightweight and reasonably priced. The Kindle has received rave reviews from users and from many of the leading authors in the industry. Definitely check it out.

We give it two thumbs up!


Eric

Important Updates

Dear Readers and Friends,

First of all, we hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving with their family and friends!

There are some exciting updates in the Get Between the Covers movement. The 2nd edition will be in stores in mid-January. Planned Television Arts will be running a media campaign featuring a number of radio interviews with Eric on February 5th. Five Star Speakers and Trainers will now be representing Eric for his speaking events with corporations, schools, and associations. We will continue to refine and add programs to our online creative community www.cRADIANCE.com.

Perhaps most importantly, Eric will be running his own Internet radio show "The Creative Mind Behind with Eric Spencer" (www.creativemindbehind.com) beginning in early 2008. The show will feature interviews with authors, musicians, artists, actors, entrpreneurs, and scores of other innovators. The stories behind the stories of those that are changing our world and the way we look at it. And, hopefully, one of the most creative websites to go along with the program. More to come on this front.

Best,

Eric

Updates on the progress of Get Between the Covers

Readers and friends,

Our speaking event at Young Harris College went very well, and Neil and I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to meet the faculty and students. For me, it was a special treat, as I got the chance to leave the big buildings of Manhattan for a pleasant drive through the South Carolina and Georgia foothills.

We are planning a number of speaking events with colleges, associations, and corporations coming up. We will certainly let you know when we are going to be in your area. Please contact us if you have an interest in having us come speak to your group on: why (and how) everybody can write a book, your unlimited futures in life, following your passion in everything (including writing), how to overcome obstacles on the path to achieving your goals, how to take life less seriously even with serious dreams to pursue...of course all with a fair amount of humor mixed in.

Some updates on the book:

--The 2nd Edition will be available in bookstores in January (it's already available online)
--Planned Television Arts will be representing us and the book in a media campaign in January
--We are forming partnerships with several corporations and associations that have a shared goal of helping thousands, if not millions, to write books.

And, perhaps most importantly, I promise to maintain this blog on a much more regular basis.

Best,

Eric

Young Harris College Speaking Event

Dear Readers and Friends,

Neil and I will be heading to Young Harris College in Young Harris, GA on November 5th to speak to students, faculty, and members of the community.

We have plans to speak at a number of schools, particularly colleges and universities, as we spread the message of Get Between the Covers. What better place to start than with the next generation of writers?

But have no fear AARP members. We promise that we haven't forgotten about you, and that we will develop a number of programs catered to assist you and steer you in the right direction, as you share your life experiences with millions around the world.

We will be sure to post pictures and possibly video from the event at Young Harris College.

Best,

Eric

AARP National Convention

Dear Readers and Friends,

We hope that everyone had a great summer. It always goes by quickly.

We wanted to post a blog to follow up on an unbelievable speaking event at the AARP National Convention. Our room in the Boston Convention Center held just over 200 people and it was completely full (they had to turn people away). The latest edition of our new book sold out in an hour at Barnes & Noble downstairs.

But the best part of the entire event were the people. AARP is a first-class organization and put on a great event. AARP's membership, who proudly made the trip to Boston, were so inspirational. They talked with us for hours after our event. They told us their stories and of their newfound desire to write books. People who were new to writing and those who had been waiting 20 years to finish off their projects.

It is for AARP's membership in particular that we wrote Get Between the Covers. We want to empower the everyday person...the one who has done a lot of living and now wants to spend time sharing their experiences, knowledge, and creativity and to truly "leave their legacy."

We look forward to seeing the completed books of so many at the speaking event.

Best,

Eric and Neil