The Little Black Book of Women's Secrets FOR MEN

per·sist/pərˈsist

2011-12-18T02:33:00.000-08:00

per·sist/pərˈsist

Verb:

1. Continue firmly or obstinately in an opinion or a course of action in spite of difficulty, opposition, or failure.

2. Continue to exist; be prolonged.

Meanwhile back at the ranch…yes I’m still here selling books. I’ve worn out a couple of pairs of shoes, racked up a neat petrol bill, and even learned a wee bit about accounts…and I have to say, marketing doesn’t get easier. Nor do relationships by the way. Neither of those are revelations to either of us, but still I find myself wondering how I’m going to keep on keeping on. I guess I must have been secretly hoping that when you amass a big enough total of life points, that you’d be in line for extra strength..or better armor..or something.

Nope. It’s the hard slog all the way it seems. For all you folks that put in the hard yards day in and day out..respect. Persistence is a virtue.

I don’t know about you, but I always thought of the ideal relationship as being an easy road; one where understanding came easily, and communication flowed. Somehow ‘persist’ seemed a word reserved for those unpleasant situations that, really, you should try to avoid. But I am learning that there are some things worth persisting with, and when I make the decision to follow a course of action, then persistence is very likely going to be needed.

I’m doing it. One day at a time. The writing, the marketing, the relationship thing. When it flows, I coast. And when it doesn’t, I persist.

NEW BLOG LOOK...

2009-07-27T06:59:00.000-07:00

Yes, it seems I am a typical female and need to change my look now and again... I didn't try and do it myself this time! A professional job looks much better I think :) Thanks Pixie Rose!

I have been busy writing another book, this time it's for women. I thought it only fair to gather the inside intelligence on the male of the species as well, and present it in a neat handbook for the ladies. Soon fellas, you will be able to return the favour and buy your wife a little black book of her very own...

WHO'D HAVE THOUGHT IT?

2009-04-01T01:26:00.000-07:00

Ok, I will confess to being more than mildly surprised that I am getting much more feedback about the Little Black Book from women than men. It seems that even though I wrote the thing especially for you blokes...the ladies read it and tell me they like it. Now I am scheming...how to get the book into the hands of the fellas, the ones that can really benefit from the ideas inside! Hmmmn.....I'll keep you posted....

HELP! ~ DONT BE AFRAID TO SAY IT!

2009-01-13T21:50:00.000-08:00

It's amazing how often conversations will gravitate towards relationships, especially when women chat. The husband, the kids, the neighbours...they are all topics for discussion, and too often it is the problems with these relationships that are the talking point. Instead of talking about it, lets do something about it! Asking for help can be humbling, but it beats letting things get so bad that people start to notice anyway! I have designed The Little Black Book to encourage men to take the lead in keeping the relationship at home healthy and growing. I hope it will be a gentle nudge, almost a little tickle really. Something that will prompt a desire make the effort to build a marriage that is truly amazing :)

ON THE AIRWAVES

2008-12-25T00:58:00.000-08:00

I had my first radio interview this week, on FM 107.9. It was easier than I thought it would be, just like chatting one on one with someone. It didn't seem to matter that I was actually talking to a lot more people than just one! I gave some thought beforehand to some of the questions I might be asked, and it was a helpful exercise to clarify in my mind some of the important details. I asked myself why it was that I wrote the book, and came up with a couple of reasons: I have so often heard jokes about how 'impossible' women are to understand...men tell that to each other all the time, and they believe it! But I happen to know that isn't true... so I wrote down what I thought were the basics about women that any man should know, and then condensed them into seven key points. I believe that our relationships are the most precious things we have, and I want to encourage people to work on keeping them strong and satisfying.

COMMENTS QUESTIONS & FEEDBACK

2008-12-03T18:59:00.000-08:00

Here's an opportunity for you to put in your two cents worth! If you have a comment or a question for me about the Little Black Book, post it here and I will respond!

5, 4, 3, 2, 1...BLAST OFF!!

2008-11-26T18:39:00.000-08:00

The books have arrived, the ball is rolling, and I can feel the momentum building already. Aside from making the book available online, I have approached selected stores which I felt would be likely to have male customers frequently. Most of these have been places where one would not normally find a book, such as florists, chemists and sporting goods stores...BUT the response has been amazing! The little book practically jumps up and sells itself! Nothing like being a little unconventional! I am learning not to have preconceived ideas and to think laterally. Confidentially though, I am loving the excuse to just get out there and talk to all kinds of people. Hee hee, no stopping me now! :)

YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE THIS LITTLE BLACK BOOK!..

2008-11-14T19:43:00.000-08:00

Four advance copies of the book arrived last week, and I am delighted with them. They couldn't have turned out better! I have spent the last few days putting finishing touches to all the marketing details, and soon all will be in place, ready for a big launch! Business cards, web pages, storefronts, book displays and media release are all poised, waiting for me to push the start button when the shipment arrives in Perth. I am excited for two reasons: first, to see this great little product finally hit the stores, and second, to hear how my readers will respond! I hope that I will hear many positive stories from both men and women. Maybe I will post my own testimony about how the book juiced up our relationship...(phew, is it getting hot in here?)

A BLOG BEGINS

2008-08-19T20:55:00.000-07:00

After extensive reviewing and editing, the first 'Little Black Book' has been signed off and is ready for printing. It is a relief to have finally closed that chapter. Now I wait for the moment when I can release it upon an unsuspecting public.... This little book is a risk for me, because it takes a controversial stance, and I have tried not to leave anything unsaid. It is tricky to do that and still be concise! But I know that it will change other relationships as it has already changed mine. For the better.
The process of turning my writing into a book ready for the shelves was made incredibly smooth by Vivid Publishing, and a gem of a bloke there called Jason Swiney. Thanks for the mountain of helpful information and advice Jason!