Now About That Book

book-frontAfter I formally announced the book last week and launched the contest (winners will be announced below, but bear with me a few moments first) only then did I realize I didn’t actually say anything about the book itself. While I’m happy you enjoy my writing and trust Roni’s judgment, I feel I owe you at least a little more explanation.

First and foremost, it’s not a “diet book.” It’s not an if-I-can-do-it-anyone-can-do-it weight loss plan for the masses. It’s my story and (most likely) your story too (if you’re anything like me and Roni). Since publishing, I’ve found the book’s biggest obstacle is convincing people it’s not a diet book. (Which, now that I think about it, would have been a better title.) My website disclaimer also applies to the book:

All content is the opinion of the author. This site book is primarily for entertainment purposes only. Nothing here should be construed as sound medical advice. Charlie Hills is not actually an expert at anything. Please ignore him.

Sure, it gets informative from time to time. And perhaps even thought-provoking, if I’m not careful. But it’s really meant to be a light, fun, laugh-along-with-yourself read. Something I think this industry needs. Just like my blog, it will not make you go out and lose weight. But you may think about losing weight in an ever so slightly different manner. Maybe even up to three hours after finishing the book.

So hopefully that helps a little. More reviews can be found here and here.

And Now For the Winners!

I regret that the butterflies escaped and I had to resort to random.org to select the winning comments. Once I removed my sisters and Tom Rooney from the running, I was still left with a good sized batch of contestants. Thank you all for taking the time to comment. It does mean a lot to me.

The first winner is Comment #18 Tammy who bravely came out of lurkdom just for a chance to win. It paid off, Tammy!

And our second winner is #34 txdona who said she was feelin’ lucky. And yes, it’s a complete coincidence she lives in my home town. Me saving money on postage is serendipity.

Please contact me by the end of the week so I can get your address details. Just use the “Ask Charlie” form, found on the right.

And Now For Everyone Else

Hopefully if you wanted the book last week you might still want it this week. If so, you may purchase the book from any of these fine establishments. Remember, too, the holidays are upon us. The book makes a great gift!



25 Responses to “Now About That Book”

Biz said
on
November 19, 2008 at 5:47 am

What, you took me out of the running? Ha! I thought I might donate two of the books you gave me to my local library – what do you think?

Helen said
on
November 19, 2008 at 6:47 am

Well, I guess the book stays on my Christmas wish list Charlie!

Charlie said
on
November 19, 2008 at 7:48 am

And it’s on my Christmas wish list that someone buys it for you! 🙂

As a side note: your comment, Helen, is Comment #1000. (That would, of course, be even more impressive if 50% of them weren’t spam. Hrmph!)

Tammy said
on
November 19, 2008 at 8:45 am

Yay!! I never win anything!!

Thanx!

Tom Rooney said
on
November 19, 2008 at 8:52 am

Thank-you Charlie from preventing my head from exploding. I migh have to buy this for my kids as they need to fill their heads since they have so much room available.

Shelley said
on
November 19, 2008 at 9:29 am

Ah, nuts! ::adds book to Amazon wish list::

Charlie said
on
November 19, 2008 at 9:33 am

Tammy: Now you can’t say “I never win anything” anymore. Sorry!

Tom: Well, like I said, it’s purely for entertainment purposes. So it’s quite possible to read and not have it take up any space at all.

Megan said
on
November 19, 2008 at 9:43 am

Congrats to the winners! I think I may just have to pick up a copy of this and share it with some of my friends!

Jill said
on
November 19, 2008 at 9:58 am

Dang it!! My “books to buy” list just got a little longer. *sigh*

Kyddryn said
on
November 19, 2008 at 10:23 am

Adding it to the ever-growing list of books to purchase…

At this rate, I’ll be reading until I’m one-hundred-two years old!

Shade and Sweetwater,
K

txdona said
on
November 19, 2008 at 12:50 pm

WOW! That just totally made my day! 🙂 I cant stop smiling! If only I wouldve bought a lottery ticket on that day I was feeling so lucky! 🙂 Thank you so much Charlie! I’m thrilled to have won and I cant wait to read your book! 🙂 Have a great day!

Tuscanystone said
on
November 19, 2008 at 5:48 pm

Hey Charlie,

I just ordered your book from Amazon.co.uk! Great that they stock it eh! I shall spread the word in London (if it’s any good, that is!! ;o)

Tusc :o)

Vicki said
on
November 19, 2008 at 6:48 pm

Congrats Tammy and txdona !!!

I’m going to check out buying one now.

Charlie said
on
November 19, 2008 at 7:17 pm

Jill: You know, if you buy it, the list of books-to-buy actually gets shorter!

Tusc: Woot! And for less than eight quid. Let me know how long it takes to get there. I’m curious.

All: I just realized in two posts I never actually said how much it costs. It’s $11.66 at Amazon.

If you buy from me direct, it’s $15 (via PayPal) per signed/dedicated copy. That also includes shipping to the US. Discounts available for multiple copies. Offer even valid in Wisconsin.

Tuscanystone said
on
November 19, 2008 at 7:32 pm

Hey Charlie, Are you saying they dont stock it in the UK then? lol I went with free postage so that’s about 4 days, so they say ;o) I’ll let you know for sure tho.

I bought one of Obama’s books too!

Jeez, I’m going American crazy!!! lol

Tusc ;o)

PS Very sad I didnt get a signed copy :o(

PPS Books are really very cheap, arn’t they? I hope you get more than the retailer ! ;o)

Tuscanystone said
on
November 19, 2008 at 7:35 pm

or the publisher ………..

or the printer……..

Sheesh! Is there anything left for you?

:o)

Charlie said
on
November 19, 2008 at 7:44 pm

Short answer? No. Here’s a chart I made last year:

Of course, that’s an ideal situation. My actual take runs more like negative 300 percent per book. It’s going to be a long time (likely never ever ever) before this thing even comes remotely close to breaking even.

Tuscanystone said
on
November 19, 2008 at 7:53 pm

I’m very sad about that too! Jee, I would have posted you the ‘less than 8quid’ if I’d have known!

But one assumes you start to make money after a certain amount are sold. Like 3 million? lol

Come on, JK Rowling is a millionairress, you can be too!

I’m on a mission to make you a millionnairess now…………..I mean a millionaire, silly!

tusc ;o)

Charlie said
on
November 19, 2008 at 8:30 pm

Hopefully long before three million. Right now, just getting the first three sold is proving to be challenge enough.

Tuscanystone said
on
November 20, 2008 at 6:53 am

Three?? oh Lord! LOL!

Listen people, lets go on a mission to make Charlie a millionnaire! Or at least break even!!

So instead of putting his book on your wish list, just BUY the Goddamn thing!! As our crazyarse baffoon of a London mayor said recently “a credit cruch is a time to splurge” The economy will never get back on its feet if everyone stops spending their pounds/dollars, especially on the little things!

come on, it’s only 8quid/12dollars! You too could take Charlie (‘s book) to bed with you every night!

:o)

Charlie said
on
November 20, 2008 at 6:38 pm

Megan may be president of my fan club, but you, Tusc, are definitely the captain of the cheer squad.

Glad to have you aboard. 🙂

Hide Those Cookies said
on
November 21, 2008 at 7:09 am

If your book is anything like your blog, I’m sure I’ll absolutely bust a gut. Then I won’t be able to eat for a while. So you’re book will help me lose weight! See?

Tuscanystone said
on
November 23, 2008 at 7:20 am

Hey Charlie

Your book arrived yesterday!!

I’m looking forward to reading it later…..

Captain :o)

Michelle said
on
November 24, 2008 at 7:31 am

Charlie-
Finished your book last night and was laughing the whole way through. Thanks for the honest, no nonsense story of your life and dieting. I especially laughed at the Halloween Onion Ring story…my husband said he loves Funions when I told him the story.
I appreciate the reminders that DIETS are about us and not the actual plan we are using. It’s up to each of us to decide to lose weight and keep it off, not some magical plan.

Charlie said
on
November 24, 2008 at 7:39 am

Tusc: Awesome. Only four days. I had no idea one of the books would have been on your side of the pond.

Michelle: Glad you liked it! See, everybody? It’s not such a bad idea to get one. 🙂