I just wanted to drop in a personal note on the blog if you will indulge me.
The last couple of weeks have been a busy time at the Blackwell house and there have been a lot of things going on! A while back, I introduced you to the real Team Eric, my family. Many of you got a chance to read about my two sons’ efforts to help others who have autism. While I have always been behind them and supported their efforts, that is about to go to a whole new level.
Yesterday, I signed a book deal with the major Autism / Asperger Syndrome book publisher to author a book that will serve as a simple and practical guide for Dad’s of kids “on the Spectrum”. I have published essays and whitepapers in the past, but have never authored a book. This is a challenge like none I have ever faced before, but I would not have it any other way. It is going to be fun.
Rest assured that this will not affect anything more than slightly altering the frequency of my posts…and then not for long. You can read into that that the Realtor.com stuff is coming. (grin) I care too much for this industry to do anything less. This is just a personal side-trip to support my boys and family in their efforts…and hopefully brighten the world a bit in the process. And I wanted to share in the excitement (read: terror) of the moment with you. (grin)
Have a great day!
Greg Swann says:
Congrats on the book deal! My take, for what it’s worth, the bigger a project is, the more beneficial it is to get things as close as possible to right the first time, as against cleaning up afterward. That can make the first draft seem terribly slow, but the revision cycle will be much faster. You owe me two cents.
August 5, 2008 — 8:11 am
Sean Purcell says:
Eric,
What an amazing adventure. I have always found great wisdom in Daniel Burnham’s quote: “Make no small plans.” Sounds as if you are a believer too.
Working with your boys on a project you care about… I can imagine no greater journey.
August 5, 2008 — 9:23 am
Eric Blackwell says:
@Greg- Thank you sir. Your two cents (while worth a lot more) is in the mail! I do appreciate any advice on this new (ad)venture.
@Sean- EXACTLY. And yes, I am a beleiver. Gonna be fun!
August 5, 2008 — 10:12 am
Judy Orr says:
Congrats, Eric. That is so exciting and for such a good cause. I remember buying an easy-to-read book about ADHD. It really helped me to better understand my son’s life.
August 5, 2008 — 11:58 am
Eric Blackwell says:
Thanks Judy. If I can help one family…then this will be totally worthwhile.
August 5, 2008 — 12:08 pm
Eric Bramlett says:
Congrats Eric! Quite an accomplishment to get a book deal before your first book is written!
August 5, 2008 — 12:23 pm
Sue says:
Congratulations Eric! I remember your post regarding your family and found that quite amazing. This is getting even more exciting. I particularly love that its all focused on helping others. Thats what its all about!
August 5, 2008 — 1:52 pm
Eric Blackwell says:
Thanks Eric and Sue;
@Eric- yes. The fact that it is non-fiction (grin) helps with that a lot. If I was writing a novel, you would need Geno Petro level talent (not kidding one bit…).
@Sue- The helping others part is what makes it worthwhile. Some studies have shown that the divorce rate among parents of kids with autism is just south of 90%. Like I said, the goal is helping one at a time. This is only paying back kindnesses shown to our family by others and trying to prime the pump for parents yet to be.
Hope things are great for you in NJ…
August 5, 2008 — 2:04 pm
Teri Lussier says:
Eric-
How wonderful for you, but what a gift to families who are learning to adjust to the unique world of kids “on the spectrum”. I can’t imagine a better choice for the author of such a book.
August 5, 2008 — 2:25 pm
Eric Blackwell says:
@Teri-
(aw shucks) Thanks.
Eric
August 5, 2008 — 4:51 pm
Nicki says:
Wow, this sounds like a great opportunity, and a book I look forward to being able to read. Congratulations!
August 5, 2008 — 7:26 pm
Mike Taylor says:
Congrats Eric, it looks like sleep is no longer an option for you.
August 6, 2008 — 4:14 am
Eric Blackwell says:
@Mike – sleep and bio breaks are both optional (to a point) if the alternative use of time is appealing enough!- hehe
August 6, 2008 — 4:36 am
Holli Boyd says:
As a mom of aspergers daughter I am looking forward to what you have to say!
August 6, 2008 — 8:49 am
Eric Blackwell says:
Thanks Holli! Good to meet you!
Best;
Eric
August 6, 2008 — 9:01 am
Geno Petro says:
Good for you and yours. Destiny is in full force and you get to have a say in it. Bravo!
August 6, 2008 — 2:24 pm
Benjamin Dona says:
Congratulations Eric! It’s always great to see good things happen to really nice people. I know you’ll do a bang up job with the book.
August 6, 2008 — 4:23 pm
Louis Cammarosano says:
Congrats Eric.
Good Luck with the book
August 6, 2008 — 7:39 pm
Malok says:
Congratulations, Eric! I’m certain your book will help a great deal more than just 1 family. Your passion, knowledge and interest will certainly be a big aid for others.
August 9, 2008 — 5:27 am
Paul Francis, CRS says:
Eric,
Congrats on this.. I’ve always respected your contributions to REW.. But I certainly respect you more as a person with this accomplishment.
Next time you are in Vegas.. Dinner is on me. (Of course.. I’ve always respected you as a great person — I just never would have bought you or your family dinner before :))
August 19, 2008 — 12:46 am
Eric Blackwell says:
Paul- thanks…as well, next time you are in Louisville, look me up! My treat.
I am just an average guy…with some exceptional kids. (grin)…and an exceptional wife. This book is me just trying to keep up with them.
Best;
Eric
August 19, 2008 — 3:53 am