A Better World

The anthology book of which I am a contributing author, A Cup of Comfort for a Better World, releases this week! Cup of Comfort is an inspiring collection of 49 stories that celebrate the generosity of human spirit, through original, true tales that feature examples of people whose good deeds make life a little bit easier–children on the other side of the globe, next-door neighbors in a bind, or a friend staying brave in the face of illness.

My story, You Bought Me Sleep, is the opening chapter of the book – and was the Grand Prize winner in editor Colleen Sell’s contest for contributing authors! You can read my chapter here – but why not do yourself a favor and buy the book, then pass it around. The other stories are equally amazing and inspiring tales that will make you feel better about the world we live in.

Written by men and women, young and old, this collection is not only a touching tribute to those who see our world as a work in progress–but also an inspiration for anyone who wants to make a difference.

Book brings $10K donation

For today’s Good News Wednesday, I would like to share some amazing news! Caroline Boudreaux of the Miracle Foundation recently informed me that a reader of The Weight of Silence has just made a $10,000 donation!

The unnamed donor had learned of the Miracle Foundation through a 3-page feature article about the book in India Abroad Magazine, and subsequently decided to endow the foundation with a $10,000 donation. This is incredible, and I could not be happier. This bequest will fund an entire cottage at the new children’s home being built in India; it will house 10 children and their housemother for their entire childhood – and then it will house 10 more children!

Nothing brings me greater joy than knowing that my voice for these children is being heard – and nothing humbles me more than learning of the goodness of others in being so generous. Thank you!

In other news, tonight I was the guest on Om Times Magazine’s radio show, talking about the book, issues affecting the children of India, nonprofit work and spirituality. Go to the site to listen to the interview!

Book Signing at BookWoman & other Events

Just because the initial book launch and Virtual Tour for The Weight of Silence are over, doesn’t mean I’m not still scheduled for more cool in-person events, feature reviews and radio shows. Here’s a little update on a few exciting things coming up in the next week!

BookWoman Book Store Signing – Tuesday, July 21 at 7 pm
Come to the awesome BookWoman store, where I’ll be speaking briefly about the book, showing a short photo slideshow presentation of these beautiful kids, and signing books. If you’ve never been to BookWoman, it’s a really cool independent, women-powered book store in North Central Austin. Stop by at 5501 N. Lamar – hope to see you there!
Click here for a Map – Click here to order The Weight of Silence from BookWoman

But – before the BookWoman signing there are a couple more interesting events I hope you’ll check out!

Creative Soul Radio Show – Saturday, July 18
Join Shelley and host John Williams on the blog talk radio show, discussing the book’s subject and my journeys in India. Listen online.

Austin American-Statesman Feature Story – Sunday, July 19
Read the books section on Sunday to check out a feature article about me and the book, by Jeff Salamon! Jeff is the Statesman’s books editor and writer, which is somewhat ironic, given that he is a self-described “slow reader.” As The Reader, Jeff will blather on about virtually anything that contains words — books, magazines, newspapers, websites, comic books, fortune cookie fortunes, etc. — as well as provide running updates on local and national literary events. Read the article.

And last but not least – on Tuesday July 21, before the BookWoman signing, tune into KOOP Radio 91.7 fm Austin at noon for a 30-minute show called Idea Lounge. Host Khotan Harmon will interview me, in one of her series of in-depth interviews that explore ideas, beliefs, strategies, skills, and resources that help shape a fulfilled life.
At noon, tune into 91.7 fm on your local radio, or go to www.koop.org and click “Listen Now.”

Thanks for following along on the exciting events surrounding The Weight of Silence publication. And, if you’ve read the book, I hope you’ll consider writing a review on Amazon.com.

Namaste,

Voluntary Traveler Q&A with Shelley – Sat. May 16th!

The Invisible Children of India, Q&A Discussion with Shelley Seale

Read the Q&A discussion transcript

Saturday May 16th
10:00am – 4:00pm

The Voluntary Traveler Book Project is proudly presenting an online discussion with Shelley Seale, author of the upcoming book, ‘The Weight of Silence: Invisible Children of India’ (June 15, 2009). Shelley is an active freelance writer, avid vagabond and serial volunteer. Please feel free to drop by the group early, read Shelley’s bio and post your questions, thoughts and ideas.

This is a special chance for our group to gather personal insight from an expert in a topic much in today’s headlines – think Slumdog Millionaire. Please make her feel welcome and make the most out of this special occasion.

About The Weight of Silence: Invisible Children of India:

Amidst the growing prosperity of India, there is an entire generation of parentless children growing up. They are everywhere. They fill the streets, the railway stations, the shanty villages. Some scrounge through trash for newspapers, rags or anything they can sell at traffic intersections. Others, often as young as two or three years old, beg. Many are homeless, overflowing orphanages and other institutional homes to live on the streets. The Weight of Silence: Invisible Children of India is a non-fiction narrative by Shelley Seale that gives a strong and hopeful voice to its most vulnerable citizens.

About The Voluntary Traveler:

The Voluntary Traveler is a travel anthology penned by writers from all over the world. Focused on inspiring volunteer vacations and/or encouraging adventure-minded people to see volunteer work as a part of ones longer journey, the book will also include a volunteer guide section, listing charities needing volunteer assistance, plus organizations that coordinate service orientated travel.

The Voluntary Traveler is being published by Dog’s Eye View Media. The book’s creator and content editor, author Nola Lee Kelsey, has a goal of producing a title that helps people see the best aspects of making a positive impact through “voluntourism” and dispels the perception of volunteer vacations as a sacrifice. We focus on the good, the amusing, the mind-expanding and the adventurous facets of this type of travel.