Thursday, March 18, 2010
Wright Words: Failure is an option
Failure. Look it up in Merriam-Webster's and you'll see more than just my name and mediocre mug. You'll also find my thumbprint, Social Security number and shoe size. I challenge you to find anyone who's failed at more endeavors, large and small, than yours truly.
Did I work at Mr. Donut in high school? Yes. Was I fired for playing basketball in the kitchen with a coconut crumb donut wrapped in scotch tape? Yes.
Months later I took a job at a popular ice cream parlor across the street from the University of Virginia campus in Charlottesville, Virginia. Weeks later I gave a generous discount to an attractive coed buying a single scoop of Moose Tracks. Then just hours later I surrendered my apron and was shown the door. Turns out the cute pre-med student was the shop's owner.
Before graduating from high school, I also worked as a tuxedo-wearing doorman, as the Easter Bunny at the local mall in a giant fuzzy costume that smelled like tobacco and gin, and as a telemarketer selling tickets to a blind circus for children. To this day I have no idea what that actually meant, I just read the script. And, evidently, not so well.
What did these early failures teach me? Only that I hadn't failed enough yet. So over the years these jobs followed: Commercial actor, nightshift at a grocery store, model for a clothing catalogue, pizza delivery guy, construction, singing telegrams with my wife and our St. Bernard, Portuguese teacher, nightshift security guard at a telephone factory, nightshift security guard at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, sales for a time-management seminar company, computer consulting, door-to-door t-shirt sales, co-owner of a company that made paper placemats for restaurants, nightshift cleaning bathroom at BYU, weekend janitor of a dental college, and night watch at a home for troubled teens.
But wait, there's more! I also was the co-founder of one of the web's first sporting goods stores, director of sales for an e-commerce software company, co-founder of an Internet design company, co-owner of two video stores, owner of a cell phone store, candidate for U.S. Congress, founder of a public policy think-tank, founder of a popular political blog, ghost writer to members of Congress, and, finally, a fulltime novelist.
Wedged into that resume meatloaf is also a fulltime mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Belo Horizonte, Brazil. With the exception of marrying my wife, it remains the single most important decision I've ever made and brings me more satisfaction than any bestseller list.
Each of those career stops, even those that were odd and brief, taught me something about myself. I learned how to be a better employee and a better teammate. I learned what failure tasted like and how to take risks. But I also learned what risks not to take, and how to recognize the taste of success. Perhaps most importantly, I learned how to be a better me.
Admittedly, even my current and hopefully final career has had its share of failures. Some books connect with readers, some don't, and all I can do is to continue telling stories and hope I succeed more often than not, getting better each time.
So yes, I've had dozens of jobs, some ending wonderfully, some ending with failure, but each taught me to identify a new weakness and massage it into a strength.
If I hadn't failed, I never would have written Christmas Jars.
If I hadn't failed, I wouldn't be a New York Times Bestselling author.
If I hadn't failed, I wouldn't now live in one of the world's most beautiful places, the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
If I hadn't failed, I wouldn't be happy and at professional peace for the first time.
Please don't let the world convince you that failure isn't an option. Quite simply, nothing is too big to fail. Not even the guy in the Easter bunny costume.
Did I work at Mr. Donut in high school? Yes. Was I fired for playing basketball in the kitchen with a coconut crumb donut wrapped in scotch tape? Yes.
Months later I took a job at a popular ice cream parlor across the street from the University of Virginia campus in Charlottesville, Virginia. Weeks later I gave a generous discount to an attractive coed buying a single scoop of Moose Tracks. Then just hours later I surrendered my apron and was shown the door. Turns out the cute pre-med student was the shop's owner.
Before graduating from high school, I also worked as a tuxedo-wearing doorman, as the Easter Bunny at the local mall in a giant fuzzy costume that smelled like tobacco and gin, and as a telemarketer selling tickets to a blind circus for children. To this day I have no idea what that actually meant, I just read the script. And, evidently, not so well.
What did these early failures teach me? Only that I hadn't failed enough yet. So over the years these jobs followed: Commercial actor, nightshift at a grocery store, model for a clothing catalogue, pizza delivery guy, construction, singing telegrams with my wife and our St. Bernard, Portuguese teacher, nightshift security guard at a telephone factory, nightshift security guard at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, sales for a time-management seminar company, computer consulting, door-to-door t-shirt sales, co-owner of a company that made paper placemats for restaurants, nightshift cleaning bathroom at BYU, weekend janitor of a dental college, and night watch at a home for troubled teens.
But wait, there's more! I also was the co-founder of one of the web's first sporting goods stores, director of sales for an e-commerce software company, co-founder of an Internet design company, co-owner of two video stores, owner of a cell phone store, candidate for U.S. Congress, founder of a public policy think-tank, founder of a popular political blog, ghost writer to members of Congress, and, finally, a fulltime novelist.
Wedged into that resume meatloaf is also a fulltime mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Belo Horizonte, Brazil. With the exception of marrying my wife, it remains the single most important decision I've ever made and brings me more satisfaction than any bestseller list.
Each of those career stops, even those that were odd and brief, taught me something about myself. I learned how to be a better employee and a better teammate. I learned what failure tasted like and how to take risks. But I also learned what risks not to take, and how to recognize the taste of success. Perhaps most importantly, I learned how to be a better me.
Admittedly, even my current and hopefully final career has had its share of failures. Some books connect with readers, some don't, and all I can do is to continue telling stories and hope I succeed more often than not, getting better each time.
So yes, I've had dozens of jobs, some ending wonderfully, some ending with failure, but each taught me to identify a new weakness and massage it into a strength.
If I hadn't failed, I never would have written Christmas Jars.
If I hadn't failed, I wouldn't be a New York Times Bestselling author.
If I hadn't failed, I wouldn't now live in one of the world's most beautiful places, the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
If I hadn't failed, I wouldn't be happy and at professional peace for the first time.
Please don't let the world convince you that failure isn't an option. Quite simply, nothing is too big to fail. Not even the guy in the Easter bunny costume.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Angels Among Us: A Visit from Dad
Another wonderful story from a reader. Thanks for sharing, Edgar!
Angels Among Us: A Visit from Dad
Edgar P.
My father died when I was 16. I carried a lot of guilt for the longest time because I was the last one to see him alive. I saw him on October 30th. Our town had decided to trick or treat that night because the 31st is normally a holiday in Nevada. So instead of having kids with sugar hangovers at school on the 1st of November, they had the kids trick or treat on the day before Halloween.
A couple of friends and I stopped by my father's house that night. He did not recognize me in my mask. I took it off and he grabbed me and kissed me on the cheek. Of course I thought I was too cool to be kissed by my old man, so I pushed him away. He died at work the next day.
A few months after his death, I had a very realistic dream in which he came in to my room and we went for a walk. He knew he was dead. And I knew he was dead. We talked about the moment when he died. He told me that everything became dark for him realizing that he was leaving his children behind. He and my mother had divorced years earlier, but we could still feel his love. We had a good talk that night. I could still feel his love.
The next morning, my mother told me that he had had a very strange dream the night before. She said she woke up because she felt that someone was in her room. When she opened her eyes, she saw my father standing there. She asked him what he wanted. He responded that he was there to see me and wanted her permission. She told him that it was fine. He walked through her door and headed to my room.
I filled her in with the rest.
My father still comes around to talk to me. I see him about once a year.
Angels Among Us: A Visit from Dad
Edgar P.
My father died when I was 16. I carried a lot of guilt for the longest time because I was the last one to see him alive. I saw him on October 30th. Our town had decided to trick or treat that night because the 31st is normally a holiday in Nevada. So instead of having kids with sugar hangovers at school on the 1st of November, they had the kids trick or treat on the day before Halloween.
A couple of friends and I stopped by my father's house that night. He did not recognize me in my mask. I took it off and he grabbed me and kissed me on the cheek. Of course I thought I was too cool to be kissed by my old man, so I pushed him away. He died at work the next day.
A few months after his death, I had a very realistic dream in which he came in to my room and we went for a walk. He knew he was dead. And I knew he was dead. We talked about the moment when he died. He told me that everything became dark for him realizing that he was leaving his children behind. He and my mother had divorced years earlier, but we could still feel his love. We had a good talk that night. I could still feel his love.
The next morning, my mother told me that he had had a very strange dream the night before. She said she woke up because she felt that someone was in her room. When she opened her eyes, she saw my father standing there. She asked him what he wanted. He responded that he was there to see me and wanted her permission. She told him that it was fine. He walked through her door and headed to my room.
I filled her in with the rest.
My father still comes around to talk to me. I see him about once a year.
Checking in from the road
What's my name again? What city am I in? It's Day 11 of the current tour and it's been an adventure everyday. I've met the most wonderful people and been reminded that while I love writing, it's meeting people and hearing their stories that makes the journey worthwhile.
Earlier today my publisher, Penguin, released this web video. It's a short interview montage we shot in NYC a month ago. Give it a look, and if it trips your trigger, please share!
Zzzzzzzzzzz. The early wake-up call awaits.
Earlier today my publisher, Penguin, released this web video. It's a short interview montage we shot in NYC a month ago. Give it a look, and if it trips your trigger, please share!
Zzzzzzzzzzz. The early wake-up call awaits.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Angels Among Us: Taking The Bus
To celebrate the release of The Cross Gardener, I recently asked friends and readers to send me their stories demonstrating that the veil between this life and the next is thinner than we sometimes realize. If you have an inspirational story of someone passing on, perhaps having help from the other side, please feel to share it by using the contact form at http://www.jasonfwright.com
The first story I'd like to share came from a good friend. I think you'll enjoy it. Others will be added soon.
The first story I'd like to share came from a good friend. I think you'll enjoy it. Others will be added soon.
Angels Among Us: Taking The Bus
Angie B., Winchester, VA
Most people look at death as a very sad and final thing when it can be a joyful and eternal. Everyone has to deal with death at some point in their life. Many of us have dealt with lots of death during our lifetime. A few years back, we lost 5 family members within 18 months.
I have had the experience of being with both of my grandparents as they left this world. It was one of the most spiritual experiences I have witnessed.
In the days leading up to my grandmother’s death she kept talking about people she saw, people that were waiting for her, that were there, in the room, to get her. Several days before she died she kept telling everyone that a bus was coming and that she was going to get on the bus. The evening she died a winter storm was taking place outside, however her room was warm and filled with many family members. There were only 3 people physically in the room, my grandmother, my aunt and myself, but it felt like there was not space for anyone else in that small nursing home room. I know that family and friends came to greet and escort my grandmother as she passed through the veil into the spirit world.
The next day on the news we heard that there had been a bus accident with many casualties. I guess there was a bus coming to take her home to her Father in Heaven.
I believe we are never alone even in death, there is someone on the other side waiting for us, beckoning us to come, to take us by the hand and lead us home. I also believe that we will be reunited with our loved ones after this life, that knowledge makes death a lot less difficult. Don’t get me wrong I miss my grandparents, but I know I will see them again and that they are preparing a place for me when the time comes. I am grateful for my Father in Heaven and his son Jesus Christ, who make it all possible.
Is it finally March 2?
It's hard to describe what it's like for an author after so many months on Release Day.
I submitted the manuscript eight months ago on July 7, 2009. Since then we've edited, fine tuned, published, printed, shipped, planned tours, planned advertising, planned media, and waited...
And waited...
And at long last, the book is born in stores across the country.
After seven books, it's just as exciting!
I hope you'll give The Cross Gardener a spin. It's my most personal story to-date and it means the most to me. I hope, perhaps, it will mean something to you, too.
Oh, and always remember to take the long way.
I submitted the manuscript eight months ago on July 7, 2009. Since then we've edited, fine tuned, published, printed, shipped, planned tours, planned advertising, planned media, and waited...
And waited...
And at long last, the book is born in stores across the country.
After seven books, it's just as exciting!
I hope you'll give The Cross Gardener a spin. It's my most personal story to-date and it means the most to me. I hope, perhaps, it will mean something to you, too.
Oh, and always remember to take the long way.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Two weeks and counting to The Cross Gardener
Exactly two weeks to go until the release of The Cross Gardener. So why not give away another Advance Reading Copy?
In TCG, the Shenandoah County Fair plays a prominent role. In the comments below, tell us your very first memory of visiting a County Fair, Carnival, Disney park, etc.
I'll pick a random winner tomorrow. Good luck!
In TCG, the Shenandoah County Fair plays a prominent role. In the comments below, tell us your very first memory of visiting a County Fair, Carnival, Disney park, etc.
I'll pick a random winner tomorrow. Good luck!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
New Trailer for The Cross Gardener
Big thanks to my good friend, Aaron "Al" Lee, for another lovely book trailer.
Click here to watch it on YouTube.
Click here to watch it on YouTube.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Photo Caption Contest
Write a funny caption for the photo below. Author of the funniest caption will win a free advance copy of The Cross Gardener three weeks before it goes on sale.
Captions will be judged by a panel of prestigious judges. (Jason, Kodi and Pilgrim.)
Winner announced Wednesday. Good luck!
Captions will be judged by a panel of prestigious judges. (Jason, Kodi and Pilgrim.)
Winner announced Wednesday. Good luck!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
SnOw SNOW snow!!!!
Everything outside is white, white, white. It is absolutely incredible! So here is a small tribute to the snow.
Snow can be pretty...
It can be heavy...
It can be confusing... why is the snow hanging off the car like that?
but most of all snow can be FUN FUN FUN...
Pilgrim is loving it... he loves it even more when Papa J plays with him.
He really loves it when he flattens Papa J in the snow...
but his favorite by far is dive bombing off the deck... and frankly when this is coming at you... SNOW CAN BE SCARY!!!
Snow can be pretty...
It can be heavy...
It can be confusing... why is the snow hanging off the car like that?
but most of all snow can be FUN FUN FUN...
Pilgrim is loving it... he loves it even more when Papa J plays with him.
He really loves it when he flattens Papa J in the snow...
but his favorite by far is dive bombing off the deck... and frankly when this is coming at you... SNOW CAN BE SCARY!!!
Saturday, February 6, 2010
The winner of Jason's Snowmageddon Super Bowl Snow Prediction Contest is...
The measurements are in, the numbers crunched, the highly scientific yardstick analysis complete. Under my watchful eye, my trusty assistant Jadi measured three spots in the front yard, and the average was:
26.0 inches!
That means our winner is shaunnab18, who guessed 25.9. Honorable mention goes to MarySue, Patty, IndianaRaven and Michleatherman, all were very close as well.
Congrats to our winner! Please drop me a note and I'll get your address for your box of goodies.
And stay tuned for another contest, perhaps sooner than you think...
26.0 inches!
That means our winner is shaunnab18, who guessed 25.9. Honorable mention goes to MarySue, Patty, IndianaRaven and Michleatherman, all were very close as well.
Congrats to our winner! Please drop me a note and I'll get your address for your box of goodies.
And stay tuned for another contest, perhaps sooner than you think...
Introducing Jason's Snowmageddon Super Bowl Snow Prediction Contest
Let's just consider this morning's Snow Prediction Contest the Pro Bowl, the warm-up act that's fun to watch, but pales in comparison to the Super Bowl.
Introducing Jason's Snowmageddon Super Bowl Snow Prediction Contest:
In the comments below, predict the total snowfall total as of 8:00 PM, EST. (Latest NWS warning predicts the snow ends by 8:00.)
Once again, I will measure three places in my front yard and take the average. Entries are due by 5:00 PM, EST.
If I'm going to call it Jason's Snowmageddon Super Bowl Snow Prediction Contest, I better have a pretty fantastic prize, right?
How about the biggest box of goodies I've ever given away? Closest to actual total (without going over) will receive:
-The James Miracle (hardcover)
-Christmas Jars (hardcover)
-Christmas Jars Reunion (hardcover)
-Penny's Christmas Jar Miracle (hardcover)
-The Wednesday Letters (hardcover)
-Recovering Charles (hardcover)
-The Cross Gardener (advance copy)
-The Cross Gardener (audio CD's)
-A Christmas Jar for Santa (limited edition Christmas card)
-Christmas Jar bookmarks
-Christmas Jar wraps
Winner will be announced here on the blog shortly after 8:00 PM. We'll figure out a tie-breaker if we need one.
Good luck!
Introducing Jason's Snowmageddon Super Bowl Snow Prediction Contest:
In the comments below, predict the total snowfall total as of 8:00 PM, EST. (Latest NWS warning predicts the snow ends by 8:00.)
Once again, I will measure three places in my front yard and take the average. Entries are due by 5:00 PM, EST.
If I'm going to call it Jason's Snowmageddon Super Bowl Snow Prediction Contest, I better have a pretty fantastic prize, right?
How about the biggest box of goodies I've ever given away? Closest to actual total (without going over) will receive:
-The James Miracle (hardcover)
-Christmas Jars (hardcover)
-Christmas Jars Reunion (hardcover)
-Penny's Christmas Jar Miracle (hardcover)
-The Wednesday Letters (hardcover)
-Recovering Charles (hardcover)
-The Cross Gardener (advance copy)
-The Cross Gardener (audio CD's)
-A Christmas Jar for Santa (limited edition Christmas card)
-Christmas Jar bookmarks
-Christmas Jar wraps
Winner will be announced here on the blog shortly after 8:00 PM. We'll figure out a tie-breaker if we need one.
Good luck!
The winner of the 10:00 AM "Predict the Snow" contest is...
The first measurements are complete! With so much wind and drifting, I decided to measure in three places across the front yard and take the average. The total as of 10:00 AM (EST) is 19.5 inches.
And the winner is: MTeacress! He or she guessed 19.3, the closest without going over, and has won a copy of The Cross Gardener on audio CD. Congrats!
And now for our next contest...
And the winner is: MTeacress! He or she guessed 19.3, the closest without going over, and has won a copy of The Cross Gardener on audio CD. Congrats!
And now for our next contest...
Friday, February 5, 2010
Predict the snow totals, win The Cross Gardener on audio
Snowmageddon is here! One of the biggest storms in the history of the Shenandoah Valley is upon us. Since we had so much fun with our last snow prediction contest, it would be a complete travesty to let an even bigger storm come and go without an even bigger contest!
Here's the scoop:
In the comments below, predict how much snow I will have in my front yard at 10:00 AM tomorrow (Saturday) morning. (entries due by 8:00 AM, EST). Closest to the actual total (without going over) wins a free copy of The Cross Gardener on CD three weeks before it goes on sale.
Entries must include at least first name and last initial, plus your snow prediction.
Winner will be revealed at 10:00 AM, then a second contest will be announced.
Good luck!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
16 years and I finally get the hint...
So as the story goes, for as long as I have been married to Jason, he would always ask for a go-kart on his birthday, for Christmas, for Easter, for Valentine's Day, for Father's Day and if that wasn't enough, he would write it on the grocery list every chance he got. Twice in the past two years he thought he was getting one... only to be disappointed by no go-kart under the tree...
Well this birthday proved to be the right time for me to shock his socks off.
I'm not sure who is more excited, Kason or Jason...
I think maybe I need to turn the throttle down on this little blue devil.
Jadi is being taught how to properly handle a go-kart... I think she keep yelling "slow down Dad."
"Now Dad this is the safe way to drive the go-kart." Notice she is going so slow that even Kason can outrun her... LOL
I'm just counting my blessings that it's not a real car... I have a few more years before that happens.
She keep her speed in check... good girl!
A very happy man!!!
"Faster Dad faster!!!"
Okay now that's my baby in there... slow down a bit...
All in all they had a great time and I am sure we will be getting lots of go-kart riding in in the next few days.
Well this birthday proved to be the right time for me to shock his socks off.
I'm not sure who is more excited, Kason or Jason...
I think maybe I need to turn the throttle down on this little blue devil.
Jadi is being taught how to properly handle a go-kart... I think she keep yelling "slow down Dad."
"Now Dad this is the safe way to drive the go-kart." Notice she is going so slow that even Kason can outrun her... LOL
I'm just counting my blessings that it's not a real car... I have a few more years before that happens.
She keep her speed in check... good girl!
A very happy man!!!
"Faster Dad faster!!!"
Okay now that's my baby in there... slow down a bit...
All in all they had a great time and I am sure we will be getting lots of go-kart riding in in the next few days.
One month to release... tick tock...
It's hard to believe that after so long, the release of The Cross Gardener is actually in sight! It will finally be available everywhere books are sold one month from today.
I've enjoyed writing my first six books, but I must admit that this one means more to me than any other. It's the most personal, and I truly hope the story and message will resonate with you.
To celebrate the one-month countdown, let's give away a paperback Advance Reader's Copy. In the comments below, tell me the very first novel you remember reading. Catcher in the Rye? To Kill A Mocking Bird? Huck Finn? Something else?
I'll randomly select from among the comments 24-hours from now. Winner gets a free book a month before the rest of the world. Good luck!
*****
Can't wait? Pre-order right now from our friends at Amazon or BN.com
http://www.amazon.com/Cross-Gardener-Jason-F-Wright/dp/0425233286/
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Cross-Gardener/Jason-F-Wright/e/9780425233283/
I've enjoyed writing my first six books, but I must admit that this one means more to me than any other. It's the most personal, and I truly hope the story and message will resonate with you.
To celebrate the one-month countdown, let's give away a paperback Advance Reader's Copy. In the comments below, tell me the very first novel you remember reading. Catcher in the Rye? To Kill A Mocking Bird? Huck Finn? Something else?
I'll randomly select from among the comments 24-hours from now. Winner gets a free book a month before the rest of the world. Good luck!
*****
Can't wait? Pre-order right now from our friends at Amazon or BN.com
http://www.amazon.com/Cross-Gardener-Jason-F-Wright/dp/0425233286/
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Cross-Gardener/Jason-F-Wright/e/9780425233283/
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
You Can Keep Him, by Matt Birch
I can't wait for Matt's book to be published. I've read most of it, and I can tell you it will make you laugh, cry, and want to be a better person.
Check out the first trailer:
Check out the first trailer:
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Taking a moment to vent about AT&T's terrible service
Yes, I know I'm on deadline. Yes, I know I am supposed to be in hibernation. Yes, I have to get this off my chest.
I've been with AT&T for approximately 10 years. I have spent, very conservatively speaking, at least $25,000 with them through the years on phones and service. Now with four phones on my plan, my bill averages $270 a month.
I won't get into how terrible their coverage is. You've certainly seen the Verizon ads poking fun at AT&T's coverage. "There's a map for that."
Obviously they struck a nerve because AT&T now has their own ads touting the speed of their 3G network. Newsflash AT&T: Speed is great if you just happen to be standing next to a cell tower having a sandwich, but does you little good if you have no signal at all.
AT&T's argument is like saying: "Look at us! We make the fastest sports cars on the planet, but they don't always start! But zooooooom, when they do, baby watch out!"
Back to venting. A few weeks ago I added a line to my account for a "family phone", a phone available to the kids but tightly controlled by Mom and Dad. They have access to it when they babysit, when we're gone, field trips, etc.
If only it worked.
Within two weeks the phone was dead. No problem, right? Just take it back? Sure, if you have the original box. When I went to AT&T, I was told they couldn't replace it without every stitch of the original packaging, even though I was well within the 30-day return window.
My options?
1. Purchase a replacement model for $299. (That's the price you pay when you're not activating service, which is where wireless carriers make their real profits. Phones are just a means to a contract.)
2. Roll the dice and purchase a used phone with no warranty on eBay from some guy in a "Finding Nemo" bathroom logging on from his mother's half-finished basement.
3. Pay an early termination fee of $175.
4. Throw the dead phone in the Shenandoah River and pay for the service, without actually using it, until the contract expires. Then renew my contract and get a phone at the "new customer" discount.
So I tried calling. What did AT&T say?
"No box, no replacement. No box, no canceling. No box, no soup for you."
Frustrated, I sent an admittedly "aggressive" e-mail through their web site. To their credit, a polite woman called from customer service, reiterated their policy, but made an enticing offer to keep me from leaving. AT&T would credit my account for up to $40 if I replaced the dead phone with one of their cheapo pre-paid models available at finer convenience stores everywhere.
I wonder if she'd also cover my Big Gulp.
Whew. I feel better already. Now it's back to comparison shopping at Verizon and Sprint.
I've been with AT&T for approximately 10 years. I have spent, very conservatively speaking, at least $25,000 with them through the years on phones and service. Now with four phones on my plan, my bill averages $270 a month.
I won't get into how terrible their coverage is. You've certainly seen the Verizon ads poking fun at AT&T's coverage. "There's a map for that."
Obviously they struck a nerve because AT&T now has their own ads touting the speed of their 3G network. Newsflash AT&T: Speed is great if you just happen to be standing next to a cell tower having a sandwich, but does you little good if you have no signal at all.
AT&T's argument is like saying: "Look at us! We make the fastest sports cars on the planet, but they don't always start! But zooooooom, when they do, baby watch out!"
Back to venting. A few weeks ago I added a line to my account for a "family phone", a phone available to the kids but tightly controlled by Mom and Dad. They have access to it when they babysit, when we're gone, field trips, etc.
If only it worked.
Within two weeks the phone was dead. No problem, right? Just take it back? Sure, if you have the original box. When I went to AT&T, I was told they couldn't replace it without every stitch of the original packaging, even though I was well within the 30-day return window.
My options?
1. Purchase a replacement model for $299. (That's the price you pay when you're not activating service, which is where wireless carriers make their real profits. Phones are just a means to a contract.)
2. Roll the dice and purchase a used phone with no warranty on eBay from some guy in a "Finding Nemo" bathroom logging on from his mother's half-finished basement.
3. Pay an early termination fee of $175.
4. Throw the dead phone in the Shenandoah River and pay for the service, without actually using it, until the contract expires. Then renew my contract and get a phone at the "new customer" discount.
So I tried calling. What did AT&T say?
"No box, no replacement. No box, no canceling. No box, no soup for you."
Frustrated, I sent an admittedly "aggressive" e-mail through their web site. To their credit, a polite woman called from customer service, reiterated their policy, but made an enticing offer to keep me from leaving. AT&T would credit my account for up to $40 if I replaced the dead phone with one of their cheapo pre-paid models available at finer convenience stores everywhere.
I wonder if she'd also cover my Big Gulp.
Whew. I feel better already. Now it's back to comparison shopping at Verizon and Sprint.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Deadlines, cabins and hotels, oh my!
Well it's that time again. A deadline is racing toward me at 1,000 miles-per-hour and I'm steadying myself for impact.
When I signed with Penguin/Berkley, we decided to try two novels in 2010. The first, THE CROSS GARDENER, will be released nationally on March 2. The second should hit stores in the fall, presumably late August or early September.
The first, which I'm very proud of, has been polished and in production since August. The second is -- well -- um -- well -- much of the second is still lodged in my noggin.
If you've followed me or the blog in the past, you know that I work best under the pressure of deadlines. With the exception of CHRISTMAS JARS, every manuscript has been a very late bloomer. Such will (hopefully) be the case (gulp) with the new one.
Since March of last year, I will have written CHRISTMAS JARS REUNION, PENNY'S CHRISTMAS JAR MIRACLE, THE CROSS GARDENER, spent the fall on the road promoting the first two, and finished my fall 2010 release.
I need a nap.
But, sadly, no nap. Unless writing hibernation counts.
As of Monday (1/4) I've said goodbye to e-mail, Facebook, and showering until the latest manuscript is in. I'll spend time at a dear friend's cabin in the mountains of West Virginia, long days at my office in Woodstock, and, if history is any guide, a few nights at a local hotel in protective custody.
This might all sound a little strange. But, actually, with few exceptions, most writers operate this way. Everyone works a little differently, but many of my full-time author chums plug away slowly day-by-day until the agent or editor start pressing, and then they go into Hulk Hogan lockdown mode until the last page is written.
And now it's my turn. I'll try to come up for air as time permits, but it's time to generate high daily word counts and purple prose.
If you've emailed, called, or Tweeted me this week, rest assured I'm not ignoring you. Unless you're you-know-who, in which case I'm absolutely ignoring you and considering a restraining order.
Stay warm. Read a good book. And, as my mother used to say, remember who you are and what you stand for.
When I signed with Penguin/Berkley, we decided to try two novels in 2010. The first, THE CROSS GARDENER, will be released nationally on March 2. The second should hit stores in the fall, presumably late August or early September.
The first, which I'm very proud of, has been polished and in production since August. The second is -- well -- um -- well -- much of the second is still lodged in my noggin.
If you've followed me or the blog in the past, you know that I work best under the pressure of deadlines. With the exception of CHRISTMAS JARS, every manuscript has been a very late bloomer. Such will (hopefully) be the case (gulp) with the new one.
Since March of last year, I will have written CHRISTMAS JARS REUNION, PENNY'S CHRISTMAS JAR MIRACLE, THE CROSS GARDENER, spent the fall on the road promoting the first two, and finished my fall 2010 release.
I need a nap.
But, sadly, no nap. Unless writing hibernation counts.
As of Monday (1/4) I've said goodbye to e-mail, Facebook, and showering until the latest manuscript is in. I'll spend time at a dear friend's cabin in the mountains of West Virginia, long days at my office in Woodstock, and, if history is any guide, a few nights at a local hotel in protective custody.
This might all sound a little strange. But, actually, with few exceptions, most writers operate this way. Everyone works a little differently, but many of my full-time author chums plug away slowly day-by-day until the agent or editor start pressing, and then they go into Hulk Hogan lockdown mode until the last page is written.
And now it's my turn. I'll try to come up for air as time permits, but it's time to generate high daily word counts and purple prose.
If you've emailed, called, or Tweeted me this week, rest assured I'm not ignoring you. Unless you're you-know-who, in which case I'm absolutely ignoring you and considering a restraining order.
Stay warm. Read a good book. And, as my mother used to say, remember who you are and what you stand for.
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