My Book is published April 2023

 

I've made notes, letters, stories, anecdotes, pictures and various stuff for at least twenty-five years. This collection has appeared on paper, on pixels, on screens and things for a long time. About two months ago I Googled 'How to self-publish a book.' The lead sponsor was Amazon.com and my click followed a casual read of the advertised material. Someone from California followed my submission with a telephone call in a matter of minutes.

Trevor James inquired and promised my needs would be met in every way, and that his team would take care of my manuscript including: spelling and grammar, formatting and proof reading, designing the cover (and keep designing it until I was happy), eight months of marketing, making it one hundred percent ready for Print On Demand (POD) in an Ebook, Audiobook, Paperback and Hardcover version. And it would be sold and delivered to buyers by various Amazon outlets around the world. On the strength of Trevor's promises which appeared in writing in another instant click we were in business.

And then the work began. Their Amazon connection is called Basecamp. Every communication I send can go to 12 of their team members at once, and all of them can and do send communications to me. Their worksite is a thing of beauty and I learned how to use it in a few days. But first I needed to know how to save my stuff on to a PDF and then forward it to them. Every morning I receive a recap of all two-way discussions and emails from the previous day's activity. Every file stays front and centre of my account on their worksite. They have not missed a beat since we began the work.

My book is published and you'll enjoy the read if you go to Amazon.ca or Amazon.com and search Gary L. McDonald or 2nd Place Finishes and Bad Knees and place your order because it has been written below:

Here’s the book review:

2nd Place Finishes and Bad Knees is a reflective collection of mini stories that give readers a glimpse into the life of author Gary L. McDonald. The book offers a heartfelt, authentic, and inspiring account of the author’s experiences as a young man, including his failures, successes, and life lessons learned along the way. McDonald’s eloquent storytelling breathes life into the characters and events that molded his path, spanning from his early days to his later years.

The stories within the book offer a genuine and captivating glimpse into the author’s world, and the narrative draws readers in with its insightful reflections on life. The author’s writing is impressive, presenting a honest prose that elevates the reading experience. McDonald’s memoir encourages perseverance, self-reflection, and the appreciation of life’s pleasures, without relying on overly sentimental language. This autobiography transcends one man’s life, becoming a reflection of the human experience as a whole. It’s one of those books that can’t be kept down. 

One of the book’s strengths is that it presents the author’s life lessons in a way that is both accessible and inspiring. Readers will find themselves reflecting on their own experiences and considering how the lessons they have learned can be applied to their lives. This book has the potential to motivate and encourage readers to take a fresh look at their own lives and make positive changes. Throughout the book, McDonald explores the themes of good and bad decision-making, and the lessons that can be learned from both. He offers insights into the joys and regrets that come with growing older, and the importance of leaving a legacy beyond mere financial success. McDonald’s writing is honest and engaging, and his stories are infused with a sense of nostalgia and wisdom that will leave readers feeling inspired and uplifted.

In addition to that, the author has artfully infused the book with wit and humour, which strikes a balance with the serious nature of an autobiography. The humorous anecdotes and stories add levity to the narrative, making the book an enjoyable and entertaining one. 

As we progress through the book, there are several instances that are bound to bring a smile to your face. These small moments, such as the author’s admission that the story he is about to reveal is not his greatest sales experience, but one he is itching to share, add a touch of humour to the text and pique the reader’s interest. Similarly, when the secretary, Miss Wood, asks what she should do, and he replies with “Just be yourself,” it is a beautiful moment that resonates with readers and adds a kick to the story. Such instances are scattered throughout the book, demonstrating the author’s impressive writing style.

The author’s vivid descriptions and ability to bring scenes to life make it feel like the reader is experiencing the events themselves, a hallmark of great writing. Furthermore, the book covers all aspects of the author’s life, from his early biography, school, printing career to his retirement and travels with Terryl. The final chapter is dedicated to the author’s children and grandchildren, and the story ends on an emotional note, having taken the reader from 1941 Curzon Street to High Street East in Mississauga South, today.

The author sets the stage by acknowledging that memory loss is a common experience, making this memoir his legacy and the story of his life’s beauty. The book is filled with insights and lessons, making it a valuable read for people of all ages. With the proper marketing strategies, this book has the potential to become a best-selling autobiography. Given that the potential is limitless, only the right approach is needed. Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed reading 2nd Place Finishes and Bad Knees, and we are confident that other readers will too.

Warm Regards from our Critical Panel who encourage those interested to visit amazon.ca or amazon.com and search Gary L McDonald or 2nd Place Finishes and Bad Knees and purchase an ebook, paperback or hardcover.