A month into selling Banjo’s Dream and it has been a joy. The children’s book has sold differently thank my short-story book, Fried Chicken & Wine — which was a surprise runaway hit. Banjo’s Dream is a steady seller — one that when parents do buy it for their kids, they report back how much their children love it. I’ve had a half-dozen people in the past couple of weeks tell me that their kids want to read it every night. That makes me proud. And I had a parent come back and buy more for presents. That makes me smile. I know Banjo’s positive message is getting through to them.
Banjo was a dog who represented possibilities. He was a little brown dog who had a huge will to live. He overcame so many odds and he taught me that if I could believe it I can do it. I believed in him. And I believe in his book.
So I go out in stores and sign books. I do my 30-second elevator pitch to parents who wonder if they book is right for their kids. I greet fans of mine and Banjo’s with joy and sign books for them. I drive the highways and byways of Mississippi as I work to pay off my investment.
I’ve learned a lot from this book. It was a huge financial risk that I’m working hard to make pay off. I call it my MBA — I’ve gotten a solid business education from it. It’s about taking a calculated risk and making it work. It’s about using my talent in a good way to help others.
Soon, I will be visiting schools to talk about Banjo’s Dream. I want to teach kid’s about the power of dreaming and doing. I want them to be able to reach their goals like I have.
Banjo would approve of that.
That’s awesome :)