Ego wall. Glory wall. Wall of fame. A “Me” wall.
If you haven’t seen one in person, it’s likely you’ve seen an example in a television show or a movie. An ego wall is a place where people flaunt their “connections” by displaying photos of themselves with famous people such as politicians, actors, singers, or athletes. It might include degrees and awards designed to impress people.
I don’t have a glory wall yet, but I’m putting one together. And it’s not what you might think.
Publishing my first illustrated children’s book this past September was a momentous occasion for me. I recommend a grand learning adventure such as this for everyone. Oh, and may you be as blessed as I’ve been to have helping angels alongside.
People have asked me why I wrote Scooter Takes a Walk, the story of Scooter the dog who has the opportunity to take a walk by herself down Main St. of her hometown. HINT: It’s not for the money. Unless you’re already famous, it’s all but impossible to become a New York Times bestselling author of a children’s book.
I had six reasons for writing the book.
First, the book remembers Scooter, a real and much-loved dog who belonged to my daughter and her husband. Since Scooter died in 2016, my illustrator Loralyn Noragong painstakingly poured over dozens of Scooter’s photos to capture her authentic look.
Next, I adore the town I live in and wanted to boost tourism in Warrenton, VA.
Third, small local businesses hold a special place in my heart. By highlighting some of the real people and real places in town, I can bring them new customers.
Another reason was to bolster support for my local, independent bookstore. As of today Scooter Takes a Walk is available locally in Warrenton, VA, at Old Town Open Book, and at Teachables, an independently owned educational supply store in Bristow, VA. Personally, I sell the book at events, and on my site https://scooter-takes-a-walk.square.site/, I can personalize it and ship anywhere in the US. As of today, Old Town Open Book has sold nearly 250 copies of my book!
The fifth reason was the inclusion of likenesses of twelve children who died as young adults including my own son Tim (found on the center of the Boy Scout parade page). The mothers of these children are friends of mine. I wanted to honor the lives of their sons and daughters and remind all who love them that these children are part of the story of life and will not be forgotten.
And finally, I wrote this book because I love children and have long understood how vitally important reading books is for a child’s language and communication development. The minimum goal is to hear 1000 books before a child begins kindergarten.
So what will my glory wall encompass?
PHOTOS: People have been so kind to share photos and videos of reading my book to their children or grandchildren. Look at the capture of a child’s delight as this photo of my friend Ken reading about Scooter to his grandson shows.
TEXTS, EMAILS, HANDWRITTEN NOTES and VOICEMAIL: I have received the loveliest and most meaningful notes of appreciation for my book. A mother-to-be who received a copy as a gift said, “This is our baby’s first book!” And one friend shared the excited enthusiasm of her young niece on voicemail who received a personally inscribed book from me. “You know the author?! How did that happen?!”
ARTICLES: Warrenton Lifestyle, a community monthly magazine, publicized my book in their October issue. I’ve had dozens of people remark to me at local bookselling events, “I read that article about you!” Some customers have included a photocopy of the article as they’ve given my book as a gift.
MEMORIES THAT I’VE CAPTURED: The day I spent at St. James’ Episcopal School reading individually to seven classes still fills my heart with joy. The younger children found delight in the story on its own while the fourth and fifth graders asked intriguing questions about the writing, illustrating, and publishing processes.
So yes, that’s the glory wall I’m building — brick by brick of love and gratitude for everyone who has found Scooter Takes a Walk as enchanting as I’d hoped you would.
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1000 Books before kindergarten
About the book and the illustrator
Warrenton Lifestyle October 2021 issue. My article begins on page 12
Hi Norma, Ruth (Morris) here from Seward. Congratulations on your book! How exciting. Blessings to you in this new year!
Hi Ruth! How lovely to hear from you. And thanks very much. It’s been an adventure! I’m always excited to see where God leads me next.
My office ego wall went to the basement in a nice big plastic bag when I left my job last year. Even the laundry room would not do. A large picture of my beloved dog Chase was far better for it… “Ego wall,” I like this term.
A photo of Chase is perfect–because it reminds you of his amazing personality and the love between you.
Just placed my order for your book. Congratulations on being a published children’s book author!! My toddler son loves books… On pace to shatter that goal of 1,000 books by kindergarten. Your posts are always thought provoking and are very much appreciated.
Bill, thanks so much for sharing the photo of your little guy enjoying Scooter. I forwarded your email to my illustrator Loralyn, and she found joy in his delight as well.
Just plain and simple—-you are AMAZING!!!!!!!!
Everyone has been so grateful for the books I have gifted to family and friends. You have been sooooo wonderful to sign each of them and also put a little message<3<3<3
What a gracious intent to help small businesses and encourage people to visit our sweet town<3<3<3
There was so much thought and planning and communication to our town merchants, Warrentonians, accuracy of store fronts buildings and people, and especially your illustrator!!!!!
KUDOS FOR A FABULOUS AND SUCCESSFUL LABOR OF LOVE<3<3<3
Thank you, Judy. I do believe you hold the record for the highest number of Scooter Takes a Walk books purchased at The Open Book! I love you right back!
I read your book to my young , out-of-town grandchildren at bedtime. Then we retrace Scooter’s steps by taking a walk up and down Main Street. Of course we visit shops along the way to buy a souvenir or two, and end with fresh baked cookies for a welcomed snack.
I would say your objectives are successfully achieved and enjoyed by all!
Thanks, Sylvia! I’ve had over a dozen book purchasers tell me they use my book the same way! One told me that their child got upset because I moved a few places from town to Main Street.