|
Tara Taylor Quinn | Measurements ... of love
May 19, 2011
How do you measure that which is not quantitative? My husband, Tim Barney, and
I are on tour with our new book, IT HAPPENED ON MAPLE
STREET. We were here at Fresh Fiction last month. And last week, a 'tour
mate’ asked if there was a way for us to know if we’re doing what we set out to
do. Is the tour working? Is the book working? It’s not a question I’ve ever heard from a reader before. As a reader, I’ve
never once wondered such a thing. As an author, I ask that question every single time I put words to paper. My
editors and the marketing and sales and art departments that all have a hand in
the creation of my books never stop asking that question. For the publishing
professionals, there is a quantitative answer. For a lot of them, there is only
one scale upon which they judge -- did the book sell well? For them, it’s all
about the numbers. For my editors it’s more than that, of course, but ultimately, they, too care if
the book sells well or not. The sales of a book they’ve purchased and worked on
reflect on them and can ultimately have an effect on their employment. As an author, I care about sales, too, but it’s not just a business to me, as it
is for the publishers. It’s not just about profit. I care because my numbers
determine whether or not I get another contract. I have to maintain good
numbers in order to have the opportunity to write the next book. That
opportunity means everything to me. But this time is different. IT HAPPENED ON MAPLE STREET
is different. This book is a one time shot. I’m never going to write another
one like it. My publisher isn’t watching numbers to determine if they want to
buy from me again. We came together for this one project -- because we had a
job to do. A message to impart. While it is a love story -- my true life love story -- it’s purpose is not
solely to entertain, but to reach out to a society of women who are hurt by
silence -- the society of women who are victims of domestic violence. According
to the Center for Disease Control, one in four women in the United States are
victims of domestic violence at some point in their lifetime. The Harris poll
showed that sixty percent of all Americans personally know someone who is a
victim of domestic violence. When HCI, the publisher of IT HAPPENED ON MAPLE STREET
asked me to write this book, one statement closed the deal. The acquiring
editor said, 'if we can help just one woman with this book, we’ve done our
jobs.’ Our 'tour mate’ knows what we’re trying to do. She’s on tour with us, of course
she knows. More, she’s now got a stake in the job -- the passing on of the
message. And she wants to know if we’re making a difference. She wants to know
how we’ll know. Tim and I have talked about this. I’ve been thinking of it a lot since I first
read the question here on tour. We’ve been getting letters from women we’ve
touched. We’re receiving a lot good response from people who’ve read the book.
But have we really helped someone yet? And, of course, that then asks the question, is there more I can do? More I
should be doing? Is there a stone I’ve not yet turned? Probably. But if it’s there, we’ll find it. Tim and I are on a mission and I
can’t rest. I can’t reach a point where we’ve scheduled enough appearances, or
agreed to enough events. I can’t be done. No matter how many women we talk to,
or how many letters we get, there’s still another woman out there who might be
living in the darkness of abuse-imposed silence. I will be her voice until she
can speak. Something else occurred to me as well. I was trying to think of a way to bring
together people who’ve read the book. To create a means by which people could
post their thoughts of the book so that people like our 'tour mate’ could see
that the book is out there, possibly making a difference. And also so that
others who have not yet read the book can find out about it. And spread the
word. My wheels were spinning and I was up and running on this project that was going
to be a conduit for us all to continue to show support to victims of domestic
violence who are afraid to speak out. Until it dawned on me that I was
re-inventing the wheel. The tool is already out there -- right where it needs
to be. On the book’s page of on-line retailers. So today I’m asking any of you
who have read IT HAPPENED ON
MAPLE STREET to visit at least one of the big three -- Amazon, B&N or
Borders.com(s) and leave your thoughts about the book. It’s free. If you have
time, visit all three. We need your voices. Numbers aren’t going to speak to
the success of this project. People are. And if you go, above all else, please be honest. If you had a problem with the
book, say so. If it moved you, please tell us all why. This book is about
truth. About standing for truth. And I stand by that. This post is brought to you as part of the IT HAPPENED ON MAPLE STREET
International Blog Tour. For a complete tour schedule visit www.tarataylorquinn.com. All blog commenters are added to
the weekly basket list. One Unique Gift Basket is given each week to one
randomly drawn name on the list. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, or if you suspect
someone is, please contact www.thehotline.org, or call, toll free, 24/7, 1-800-799-7233
(SAFE) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY). The call can be anonymous and is always
confidential. There is not one second of life that is worth wasting. Next tour stop: Saturday, May 21, Storybroads. To get your copy of IT
HAPPENED ON MAPLE STREET, visit your favorite bookseller, or www.maplestreetbook.com. Don’t miss The Chapman Files! Still available at: Amazon . IT HAPPENED ON MAPLE
STREET is available on Kindle and NOOKbooks,
too! Tara Taylor Quinn
Comments
37 comments posted.
Re: Tara Taylor Quinn | Measurements ... of love
I think you will definitely make a difference with this book. Thank you!
(Lisa Garrett 7:27am May 19, 2011)
(Kaelee/Linda Esau 9:46am May 19, 2011)
Tara and Tim ~ I don't know how you manage to find something
fresh to talk about but you do. I think you are going to
find that you have made a difference in a lot of lives.
However you cannot expect to reach everyone. Life doesn't
work that way. Just help those you can and they will go on
to help others hopefully. Tara you have been so brave in
speaking out that others will surely follow and the ripples
will go on and on.
(Kaelee/Linda Esau 9:51am May 19, 2011)
I'm sure that this book is one where a person reads it and tells two friends and they tell two friends, and so it goes on. The story is important in today's society, since things are so out of control, and it's time that things were reigned in again. Nobody has the right to take control over another person, regardless of their sex! Your story is important, and I hope that more and more people read your book and find the way to seek help in some way. Thank you for not only writing the book, but for caring so much about the welfare of others, since this happens to both sexes, although the majority are women. I am anxious to get my hands on your book. Having limited funds makes it hard for me to run to the store to buy all the books that I want to read, so I'll have to wait until I see it at the library. Thank you again.
(Peggy Roberson 9:53am May 19, 2011)
i want to say thank you for doing something to help all of the families that this is happening to. even if the children in the family are never physically harmed it can do lasting damage to them to grow up in this kind of enviroment and the mothers of the children are just as helpless to change it as the children are. so again thank you from the bottom of my heart. i will be honored to help spread the word about this book and hopefully someday we will no longer here the words victim of domestic violence.
(Tammy Ramey 10:18am May 19, 2011)
I would love to read this book. I grew up in an abusive household where my mother was being beaten all of the time and I never understood why she didn't just leave, I still don't understand it.
(Michelle Downing 10:32am May 19, 2011)
I was in an abusive relationship..it took me a couple years to leave and I don't know why it took so long now..I was around 19 yrs old and afraid, but I didn't want to tell anyone either..so I would love to read this book..Thank you
(Leisa Prater 12:06pm May 19, 2011)
sounds like a book i'd enjoy, thanks
(Julie Barett 12:12pm May 19, 2011)
I am going to Amazon today!
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 12:18pm May 19, 2011)
Kudos to you for touching such a controversial subject. We have all been touched by DV one way or another and it is always a difficult one to address. If you give even one person the strength to stand up and seek protection in a violent situation it's a success in my book. Good luck and happy writing!
(Tracie Travis 12:36pm May 19, 2011)
Thank you for having the courage to tell your story! I think it's true that we all know women who have experienced domestic abuse. Letting them know they are not alone is a powerful thing!
(Marguerite Guinn 12:44pm May 19, 2011)
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR PASSIONATE DETERMINATION TO HELP OTHERS IN PAIN..I WOULD LOVE TO WIN IT!
(Silvana Moscato 12:45pm May 19, 2011)
Good luck with the book. I think the personal nature of the story will hopefully help a lot of women in similar situations.
(Pam Howell 12:47pm May 19, 2011)
Hi Tara and Tim!
I was here earlier, but the post today touched me and I needed to step away. Thank you for taking the reader's question so seriously and continuing to think about it. I would imagine that the reader was satisfied with the response you provided, maybe still thinking about it and, like you, not really knowing how you could possible know. Lots of speculation. On behalf of those who aren't ready to walk through the door just yet, but now may be more aware that it can be done, that there is hope, that there are resources - thank you for taking the journey.
Hope all is well and no more trips to the ER!
(Karen Cherubino 1:05pm May 19, 2011)
By speaking out, time after time, you are making a difference. You may not see it today or tomorrow but your words and those of Tim's are taking hold in the minds of people. You both are planting seeds and the results will astound and humble you. Keep doing what your doing.
(Maude Allen 1:20pm May 19, 2011)
Thank you for sharing this with all of us!
(Colleen Conklin 1:37pm May 19, 2011)
Tara, I agree with the poster near the top, I am just amazed that you're not all
articled and talked out but yet you keep on surprising us by coming up with
fresh articles everyday. I guess that's part of what makes you such a great
author. Thank you for keeping the fire burning
Deb
(Debbie Haupt 2:23pm May 19, 2011)
Wow Tara, you hit on some hard topics. Why does a person put up with being abused? Why did they not scream their anger at being mistreated to the police, family, friends and anyone else who could help. Why the low self esteem that comes with abuse and fear to leave it? You put it all together in this book and it will help many. Thank you.
(Rosemary Simm 3:10pm May 19, 2011)
I love positive books, the real world is violent enought leave me reading something nice.
(MaryEllen Hanneman 3:12pm May 19, 2011)
This sounds like a very good book, I can't wait to read it.
(Wilma Frana 4:17pm May 19, 2011)
I would love to give your book to my daughter who is currently separated from her husband for the same reason - nothing too horrible yet but more than enough amd his anger issues have progressed. She still thinks he is her friend! It really does help to know that others have the same problems and how there is hope for the future. Thank you!
(Jeanne Sheats 4:19pm May 19, 2011)
IT HAPPENED ON MAPLE STREET is already on my list. An important read.
(Mary Preston 4:38pm May 19, 2011)
I think domestic violence is an important social issue and the more
exposure it gets the better.
(Mona Garg 5:12pm May 19, 2011)
I am so thankful and blessed to have never been in a violent relationship. I can't imagine.
(Billie Deese 5:24pm May 19, 2011)
I love the mission that you and Tim are on and all I can say is keep up the good work both of you. Looking forward to reading It Happened On Maple Street, sounds like such a good read!
(Shirley Younger 5:24pm May 19, 2011)
Jeanne,
Your daughter sounds like me - the book starts out when I was young. When I was first being violated I, too, believed he was my friend. He told me many many times that no one else would love me. Or love me like he did. That's how they control. If your daughter does read the book, she'll get that message loud and clear. I will keep both of you in my heart and pray for the best for her.
Karen,
The question is deep inside of me, too. I think it was put there to keep up my strength! To continue the push.
Kaelee,
We found that if we just sit down and talk to you all, rather than trying to find something to write about, there's always something more to say!
Peggy,
Thank you for your words! I hope you find the book.
Tammy,
Your hope is ours. And I, too, cry for the children. I can hear their cries. That cry will never stop for me as it is personal to me as well.
Michelle D,
This book was written for you. I hope if you do read it you will at least find some measure of understanding which might be able to bring some peace.
Leisa,
I was there. Your same age. I am so glad to hear that you got out - though I know that the demons dont ever go completely away I hope you have found love and happiness.
Maude and all,
THANK YOU so much for the encouragment and well wishes. Tim and I are going through every single comment together, just didn't want to clog this post with a bunch of replies saying thank you. We mean them to each and every one of you.
Deb H.,
We look for you everyday! I hope our paths cross in the physical world someday!
Mary and everyone who's said they are getting the book, PLEASE let us know, and more importantly let others know, what you think of it so we can keep this chain going.
Rosemary,
It sounds like you've already read the book!
All,
We'll be back later tonight. Going in to a booksigning right now!
(Tara Taylor Quinn 6:15pm May 19, 2011)
Would love to read this book, my mother was a very violent person to us kids.
(Frances Namuth 6:16pm May 19, 2011)
I am so looking forward to reading this book, it has hooked me already. It is so important that we really look at domestic violence and I'm so glad the laws have changed. I'm in my 60s and I remember when they did nothing for the women but told the men to leave, big help right?
(Joyce Bruner 6:18pm May 19, 2011)
Kudos to writing on a sensitive subject. This is a topic that must be addressed and a section of society that we must not ignore.
(Edwina Cowgill 6:36pm May 19, 2011)
I'm glad to see this topic addressed. It takes guts and sensitivity to write about it. Good for you.
(Pamela Stewart 6:39pm May 19, 2011)
Looks like a great read!!! Pat Braden
(Patricia Braden 8:19pm May 19, 2011)
I have recommended this book for my book club - I can't wait to read this - It touches close to my own personal story. Great job for getting out there and sharing yours, helping others.
(Carla Carlson 9:09pm May 19, 2011)
It's so important to get this subject out there for discussion with the hope that it will help anyone in the situation.
(Diane Sallans 9:44pm May 19, 2011)
I'm not commenting to win, but I want you and Tim to know that any method to bring mor light to this topic is important. Anything that helps just one person to understanding the complex issues is helpful. If it only helps one or two, it is worth it. Seeing it in a 'different' way may make is more visible to some. Thank you for your courage in taking your past and making it something that may help one or two see the truth about their lives. Not everyone has the ability and the wherewithall to be able to do this task. You and Time are to be commended. Thanks again for those who may be unable to say this to you.
(Cate Sparks 9:58pm May 19, 2011)
Enjoyed reading your blog. This is a subject so many women try to keep hidden.
(Sheila True 10:45pm May 19, 2011)
I hope this helps a lot of women!
(Robin Daily 11:26pm May 19, 2011)
I would love to read your book,thank you for sharing it with us. I was in a abusive relationship for 7 years,I still don't understand why I stayed that long.
(Linda Hall 11:31pm May 19, 2011)
Registered users may leave comments.
Log in or register now!
| 
© 2003-2024 off-the-edge.net
all rights reserved Privacy Policy