From Possibilities to Reality: Save Your Small Town

6-6-2024

Publishing update

Writing a book is more than a notion in itself. Choosing a publisher is another gigantic task!

I’ve been working with a designer, Mars Manderico. He’s the brother of a good friend, and I’m over the moon with his illustrations. He’s also formatting the book. Mars and I have been looking at publishers for the last several months. It’s important to me that we control as much of the process as possible and make the book available everywhere. So many of the publishers want to do all the design work – cover and interior – and Mars has been hired already to do that work.

Several publishers meet my requirements but are unable to publish the book as soon as I want. For my next book, I’m sure to go with one of them.

I worked with Crowdfund Better (https://www.crowdfundbetter.com/) to learn the art of asking for your help in making the book available. It’s a serious endeavor, and I’m thrilled I learned how to do this. It made perfect sense to go with The Local Crowd Cooperative for the actual crowdfunding. As of today, I’m 18% towards my goal! Many hugs and thanks go to you for your support.

I’ve chosen Lulu as my publisher. Their instructions, formatting information, publishing support, and immediate availability weighed heavily into this decision. I’ll keep you updated on the process!

On another note, Mars added the image of a young man in a wheelchair in the cover art at my request. He’s Nick, the son of a dear friend. Nick passed away in a tragic circumstance, and I wanted to tell his story of being part of the community. Nick had cerebral palsy and was unable to speak, walk, or do anything on his own. I got to spend time with Nick because his parents are friends of mine. Maureen and Don knew the value of making sure everyone in the community had the opportunity to contribute and be involved locally. I learned from Nick the joy of music he experienced and the power of a smile. I saw love from his family exhibited every day.

No one person is more valuable than another. We all matter. Nick taught me that. It’s the differences that make us stronger and bring us together. Love really is the answer.

6-12-24

Check out the design formatting …

The book is really a workbook with stories, ideas, suggestions, idea friendly steps and more. Here’s just one story!

6-18-24

Take a look at a couple of pages and share the campaign with your rural friends

This book is being turned into a work of art by the designer Mars Manderico. He’s a small business owner in the suburbs of Chicago. Mars was a referral from a long time friend, and I’m thrilled with his work! Here’s a couple of pages for you to check out! (Do they appear blurry? They might – because they are not the final product, but just an image for you to see the progress.

And while you’re here – would you share this campaign with your rural friends? Thanks!

7-10-2024

Moving, the Book and Life

Just when you think things are going smoothly, a strong wind blows. I moved just down the road in June because my old building had mold. There was too much mold, and it was affecting my health. Not being able to breathe and lacking energy has put me behind in marketing, publishing, and sharing stories! Not to fear though! The new place is excellent. Shirley loves it, and we are happy to be back in the saddle.

The book is now 160 pages! I can’t wait for you to see it and put it to work.

Editing is always fun; finding ways to tell a story so you are inspired to take action is just one of my goals. Reaching out to organizations, chambers, Main Street folks, businesses and others is a big goal too. It’s why I extended the crowdsourcing effort, so that more people can take advantage!

I’m just over a third of the way to my goal, which has been made possible because of you! I’m very thankful for you and can hardly wait to hear more about how you like the book, and the ways you are using it.

Here’s a sneak peek of just one page in the Youth section. Feel free to share this update with your coworkers, associates, friends, and family!

Again, thank you.

7-26-24

PayPal, Coffee and Calendars

Are you outside the United States, Canada, and Mexico yet would you like a workbook too? NO PROBLEM! There are two other ways to participate.

Choose a level and make your payment via Venmo using my business name @BUILDINGP   . If you prefer PayPal, you can use deb@debworks.com. If you have another payment method in mind, feel free to email deb@buildingpossibility.com. We’re here to make it convenient for you.

The levels are:

• $10 Supporter – you get a Facebook shoutout
• $35 The Workbook
• $125 Book Club Buy
• $400 Coaching and Books
• $750 Insider Membership and Books
• $3000 Webinar and books
• $8250 Live 3-day visit and books

One story is in the book Coffee and Calendars, which is about connecting with your peers. Becky and I had a Zoom call with Jeff Siegler recently. We talked about ideas, projects, events coming up, and ways to partner. That’s what you can do locally, too!

8-12-24

76% and Coffee and Calendars

Whoo hoo! You guys are just the best. We are almost there, with only three days left to hit our goal. Thank you for your support and for continuing to share this with your people. I am so excited to see these stories get shared in more small towns. Now for a small gift – a story from the book!

8-15-24

Thank you – books going out soon!

Hello,

Hey there, rural champions!

Wow, what a journey this has been! Today marks the final day of our crowdfunding campaign for “From Possibilities to Reality: Save Your Small Town,” and I’m absolutely thrilled by the incredible support you’ve shown. Your enthusiasm for revitalizing our small towns and rural communities has been nothing short of amazing.

First off, a huge thank you to each and every one of you who’ve contributed, shared, and cheered us on. You’re the real heroes of this story, and I couldn’t have done it without you. Whether you snagged a copy of the book, joined a book club package, or even just gave us a shout-out on social media, you’ve played a crucial role in bringing this project to life.

Now, let me share a quick story. Just last month, I was in Alpine, Texas, speaking at the West Texas Rural Philanthropy Event. The energy and ideas I encountered there reminded me exactly why we’re doing this. Our rural areas are brimming with potential, and this book is all about unlocking it.

As we wrap up this crowdfunding chapter, I want you to know that this is just the beginning. “From Possibilities to Reality: Save Your Small Town, isn’t just a book—it’s a toolkit for change, a roadmap for revitalization, and most importantly, a celebration of what makes our small towns special.

So, what’s next? Well, the book is at the printer as we speak! And we’ll be full steam ahead to get it into your hands. I can’t wait for you to dive in and start applying these ideas in your own communities.

Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You’ve not only supported a book, but you’ve invested in the future of rural America. Let’s keep this momentum going and show the world what our small towns can do!

Here’s to building possibilities together!

Deb

Also, remember to check out www.saveyour.town for more resources and ideas on keeping the rural revival going strong. Let’s turn those possibilities into realities!

8-16-24

And just like that it\’s over

We did it! Thanks to you, we reached 100% in our crowdfunding. The books will be sent out next week by ground shipping. The estimated delivery time is between 8 and 15 days (so they tell me).

There are a few steps you can take while waiting for your book.

1. If you aren’t getting our newsletters, go here to sign up – that is at SaveYour.Town and they come weekly.
2. Look around at your small town, and see what is one small step you can take today. Pick up some garbage, say hello to your neighbors, talk to your friend about your big idea — those are just a few ideas.
3. Take a look at our 2024 Focus for the Year – maybe there’s something you’d like to bring us in for!

If you’ve got a question, just shoot me an email at deb@buildingpossibility.com

With much gratitude,

Deb

August 21,2024

Books are being shipped

Hi all,

For those of you who ordered books as part of a reward — they are in the mail! Look for them next week.

Do you know someone who would like to get their own book? Send them to this link: https://buildingpossibility.com/buythebook/ 

Thank you all for your support!

Deb