Saturday, February 5, 2011

Character Happens! The ‘Revised’ Edition…

NewBookCoverYellow

  Pictured is the new cover for the ‘Revised’ Character Happens! book.

  The book is being revised for many reasons, to include; a sub-title more descriptive of the books context, artwork more congruous to the theme, revised Foreword and Afterward, revised back cover and new yellow overall book cover. And, specifically revised text/developmental editing with enhanced graphic inclusions.

  Character Happens! discusses the concept of personal character and decision making…all wrapped within a golf storyline. The newer subtitle; ‘How Golf Teaches You (and your children) About…’ will more aptly define for potential readers the content of the book. At least better than the previous subtitle; ‘The 5 Most Important—But Fleeting Virtues.’ I was relatively happy with this first subtitle as it was received well by many readers, however, it didn’t include the two key concepts this newer subtitle does: ‘How Golf Teaches’ and ‘your children.’ In my opinion, those two phrases are magical and will be incredibly important in the books marketing. BookCover12010

  Replacing the angel on the original cover with the new 1700’s era illustration; the golfing couple conversing with the younger caddy person, is quite illustrative of the books title. The picture reminds me of the ‘Old Course at St. Andrews.’ A definite improvement to the new book cover.

  As many of you know, with some bringing it to my attention…the original text contained some errors; misspelled or misused words, missing words, other grammatical and developmental faux-pas. So the book needed some revisions. Being an ‘Indie’ or self-publisher, as I am, it’s not such a monumental task in making these adjustments to a previous work. And that I will do…hopefully targeting potential reader’s better, more complete.

  For those interested…I need beta readers, or proof readers. With several other sets of eyes the comments are plentiful and immensely helpful. So if you a mind to help and have the time, you can reach me here. I promise all who participate with me a ‘new’ and ‘improved’ copy (print or ebook) of Character Happens! Free!

Many Regards, Garry M Graves

Character Happens! Bloody Omaha (Both $.99 @ Amazon)

Posted by The Remembrance Tree at 3:36 PM

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What are "The 5 Most Important--But Fleeting Virtures?"

Honesty, Integrity, Courage, Compassion and Humility.

.....this is a portion of the "introduction" or prologue to the book (not yet completed)...email with your comments.

The books title; Character Happens! The 5 Most Important—But Fleeting Virtues, describes my belief these five important virtues (Honesty, Integrity, Courage, Compassion, Humility), are sporadic in use and diminishing in personal character. The books message is in recognizing this “fleeting” nature and from that reinstitute a more virtuous choice in your decision making.

The paradox of the two words; Character Happens, with another two words: “S### Happens”* (decorum prevents use of actual word) is not without merit. My belief is that observed human character is much like, well...s###! This kind of observation can be disconcerting at times. So confusing that society can hardly make the distinction between the two words and there obvious different meaning. Individuals make virtuous and un-virtuous choices/decisions for innumerable reasons, both consciously and without deep thought. If we postulate; can an individual make a 'more' virtuous choice in life’s decisions should they want to do so? Answer—perhaps. How does one 'reinstitute a more virtuous choice' into their personal makeup...making the response more automatic? Answer—practice. With a concerted effort at 'practice' I believe...an individual might just develop a more 'repetitive' decent response...much like grooving a golf swing.

I love golf. I think the game is like no other. The five stories that make up Character Happens! have a golf storyline. Some readers may not be able to relate to the game of golf or its vernacular or for that matter, why people...a large number of people...love golf. Too bad! You should try it sometime...because it’s more than a game...it can be a life experience. The golf course environment alone is enough to put most people at ease.

Golf is a game played by the individual as opposed to being a member of a team, like baseball. Baseball has umpires who enforce the rules of the game. In golf you are the umpire. Because of this unique method of enforcing the games rules—golf is a “hotbed” for testing the players character...their honesty, their integrity, their courage and sometimes their compassion. And, because all golfers started from knowing nothing about the game; like how to swing, how to putt or chip... they also learn of humility. Now doesn’t it make perfect sense that a book about character would juxtaposition a storyline with the game of golf? Anyway, I thought so.

There are five stories, one for each virtue. The book has six main characters that make up a group of what I call 'golf buddies.' The storyteller, Spencer Madison, in reality is me. Well, somewhat like me...as I have a better golf game than Spencer. The five others vary in age, gender, education, religious beliefs and definitely personality. The 'binder' of the group or what brings them together; golf.

The reader will hopefully discover in their own lives a similar incident with one of the story’s in Character Happens! If not, that’s okay too...as the stories are earnest while humorous, carefree yet compelling. And, I believe each chapter or story makes a 'point' in this wonderful, wacky, dynamic world in the 21st century.

The stories are fictional as are the characters. Names, personalities or incidents are fictional and in no way resemble or refer to a living person. I’ve used paraphrasing of many authors’ ideas and concepts and have referenced them in a special section. Because of these references and the specific genre where the book is to be found, it’s categorized as a non-fictional, personal development book.


*...sorry for the language but this word best describes the thought I want to convey. In Forrest Gump the term was used to describe situations that happen to all people for no particular reason.