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My other major frightening experience in Alaska is complex and verges on the unbelievable, so not suitable for a forum or PM. I’ve voraciously read biographies and memoirs my whole life, especially of explorers, but none of them ever described an experience like what I went through. It must have happened to someone, since it’s hard to do something truly unique in this world, but they didn’t report it.
Since I have a low-key personality and look like a retired English professor, even my friends have a hard time reconciling my almost ludicrously adventuresome life experiences with my present self. They often make the obvious “Indiana Jones” analogy, but I point out that I can't use a bullwhip and never found a crystal skull! But, I did have the wildest life I know of or even ever read about. People who’ve had lives like mine usually don't last too long, and the ones that survive can’t write. Several people I know have been killed or crippled up in the Arctic wilderness but Fate had different plans for me, even though I was almost killed at least four times. The fact that I could lead such a life in the pursuit of scientific discovery was my boyhood dream. So, it definitely pays to dream!
I published my first book last summer and entered a Book of the Year contest at a writer friend’s advice, but sort of forgot about the contest. The contest is put on by Foreward Reviews magazine, which is devoted to independent publishing, and there are several contest categories. I just heard that I’m one of five Finalists for Book of the Year in the Adventure & Recreation category! The awards are called INDIES since Foreword Magazine is devoted to books from independent publishers. Can hardly wait until the middle of June to see if I win an INDIE!
Lou
it was hard to find on Amazon, but I just purchased the kindle edition
Congratulations Lou! How cool is that to be able to not only live the adventures, but to have the ability to write about it. I have a friend that has written several books, he always lets me proof them for him and give feedback. It's an interesting process to go from written word, to published book. Things happen for a reason, hope you win the INDIE!
I’m happy to say that this story has taken yet another turn. I just learned that I’m a Finalist in a SECOND book contest, which I also signed up for last summer but also barely remember entering. This contest is put on by National Indie Excellence Awards. In the same email I learned that I’m a Finalist (one of six) but that I’m not the Winner….they kindled my hopes and extinguished them at the same time! But, I’m still very delighted at this new success. At the least, this shows the my first Finalist ranking was not a fluke, since completely different judges are in the two contests.
I’m happy to say that this story has taken yet another turn. I just learned that I’m a Finalist in a SECOND book contest, which I also signed up for last summer but also barely remember entering. This contest is put on by National Indie Excellence Awards. In the same email I learned that I’m a Finalist (one of six) but that I’m not the Winner….they kindled my hopes and extinguished them at the same time! But, I’m still very delighted at this new success. At the least, this shows the my first Finalist ranking was not a fluke, since completely different judges are in the two contests.
I would like to put up another graphic in this post, but I want to clear it with a MODERATOR first. I can't find out how to contact moderators, so will the moderator for this thread please contact me and I’ll send the graphic to you first. Thanks.
It's a great combination of science, adventure, spirituality, and personal growth through life experiences.
This is a man who has truly lived his childhood dream, and done so on the strength of his own efforts while dealing with hardship, adversity, and dangerous situations.
I doubt many of us - myself included - have done as much and as well.
Lou - you have my respect!
Last edited by tuxnharley; 06-05-2018 at 10:00 PM.
Reason: Clarification
05-21-2018, 07:38 PM
