A Personal Note This Holiday Season

When I started VideoNuze 4 1/2 years ago, one of my key principles was to stay focused on business, and not deviate into sharing personal details like so many blogs tend to do. In fact, because the term "blogging" had gained a certain connotation, I decided early on to refer to VideoNuze as an "online publication" to avoid it being mischaracterized. Over time, I've stayed pretty true to that original vision; I respect that you are busy and read VideoNuze for business reasons and I don't want to distract you. However, today I'm going to break my own rule.

I want to share with you news that is special to me: my 11 1/2 year-old daughter Abby has written a book named "Starring Eliza" that my wife Sarah and I have self-published using Amazon's CreateSpace. Abby is selling the book for $10 and all of the proceeds are being donated to The Nature Conservancy, a leading conservation organization (Sarah and I are covering the self-publishing costs). Starring Eliza is 114 pages and approximately 22,000 words. It is actually Abby's second book; two years ago she wrote - and we self-published - "Very Berry," also about 100 pages. To date, Very Berry has raised over $1,600 for Reading is Fundamental, "RIF," the largest children's literacy non-profit in the U.S., which Abby chose as the beneficiary.

Both of these books have been phenomenal growth experiences for Abby. Other than Sarah and I providing some light editing and managing the self-publishing process, they are completely Abby's work. I won't deny that her ability to do all this at a such a young age fills us with pride, but in truth we've all seen kids distinguish themselves early on, whether in sports, art, music or other areas. Every child has his or her own gifts. As parents part of our job is to understand what they are and then nurture them.

This holiday season, as you think about stocking stuffers and other inexpensive, but meaningful gifts for girls (and boys) ages 7-13, please consider Starring Eliza and Very Berry. Both are compelling, original stories of girls learning to navigate life's ups and downs, while understanding the value of interpersonal relationships and how to make a difference in the world. We have been told numerous times they've helped inspire kids' interest in reading and writing and sparked a variety of other personal projects.

If you have a daughter, granddaughter, niece, friend's child, or another girl that's special in your life, I'm confident that either of Abby's books will be a cherished gift. And your purchase will help make the world a better place for all of us.

Click here, or on the book cover below, to buy Starring Eliza on Amazon.

Click here, or on the book cover below, to buy Very Berry on Amazon.

Or, if you'd like to pay by check, just drop me a note and I'll provide the necessary information.

Thank you, and wishing you all the best this holiday season.

Categories: Miscellaneous

Topics: Starring Eliza, Very Berry