MOM

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Pilot Tails.

Michael Badger sent me an email about a "kickstarter" campaign to help launch his book, Pilot Tails. This came through at a time I was babysitting my grandkids and thought, how fun this book would be to read to them. I asked him to tell me more about the inspiration behind his story, and a little about Kickstarter.

This is what Michael had to say: 

"My original inspiration for the book came from a much simpler book I wrote for my then girl friend as a way to propose. I had purchased a Vermont Teddy Bear dressed as a pilot and planned on taking him with me as I flew to different locations during my flight training. I planned on taking photos of the bear hold the engagement right she was to get. Unfortunately I didn't think of this until I was nearly finished with training so I had to come up with another idea. Being very good with computer graphics software I set about illustrating a book that told the story of a young air mail pilot who had to make a special delivery to Alabama. That story and the end result you can see HERE.

The new book has taken on a life of its own with the encouragement of my friends and family. With the help of a good friend who is also an illustrator we set out to take my original idea and really breath life into it.


The book will be printed my a small company in California called Cross Blue.

The book will be available from my web site http://www.pilottails.com and by other online vendors such as Sporty's etc if everything goes through.

What is Kickstarter?

Kickstarter is a new and very powerful crowd source funding website. The concept is that people can launch a project that is near and dear to them in hopes that others will support it. Due to the high cost of these types of projects its a great way for those with the passion and drive turn their dreams into reality.

Because our projects rely on support form the community we offer rewards based on their contribution levels. People can donate as much or as little as they want. These rewards range from personally signed art work and the books themselves. These rewards are listed on the right side of our kickstarter campaign.


I have been in and around aviation my whole life but it wasn't until two years ago that I finally got my license. I figured if she was getting a ring, I was finally going to get my wings. I now fly as often as possible and plan on continuing on with my instrument and eventually commercial."


Thank you Michael for sharing your journey with us, and I wish you and your book the best of luck. Please leave Michael a comment and let him know what you think.

Enjoy the Journey!
XO Karlene 

10 comments:

  1. This is definitely a great story and a great book. One never knows where ideas will pop up or how a flight plan could change the direction of an idea.

    Michael, I am glad that you finally obtained your license. I wish you much success in obtaining your instrument and commercial - it won't be long!

    Stay focused as this post has proven you already are. Best of luck with this book, your flying career, and all future endeavors!

    Have a great day everyone!

    Jeremy

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    1. Thank you so much for the comment Jeremy. We must all stay focused and we can accomplish anything! The sky is not the limit.

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  2. What a cool idea! I know that I would've absolutely loved this book as a kid.

    Cool that people are doing more with flight for kids now. This book and Disney's new movie "Planes" (a play on "Cars") will both do well for sure! I have a few young cousins that will love this book :)

    Thanks for sharing!
    -Swayne Martin

    My flight blog: What a cool idea! I know that I would've absolutely loved this book as a kid.

    Cool that people are doing more with flight for kids now. This book and Disney's new movie "Planes" (a play on "Cars") will both do well for sure! I have a few young cousins that will love this book :)

    Thanks for sharing!
    -Swayne Martin

    My flight blog: http://tinyurl.com/cpmmggz

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    1. Swayne, I would have read these to my grandkids too! Thanks so much for your comment!!!

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    2. Haha sorry about the messed up comment... I copied and pasted somehow..

      Thanks!

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    3. Some things are worth saying twice! Not a problem.

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  3. His books look adorable! I love the illustrations in the post. And what a unique way to propose. Someone with that kind of imagination is bound to make a fantastic writer!

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    1. Thanks for your comment Heather. They are adorable, and I know you're right!

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  4. After contributing to this kickstarter campaign, i never received the promised merchandise. Nor heard any explanation as to why the project abruptly ended. Very sad conclusion to such a promising idea.

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    1. You know, I have not either. I actually forgot about this. Clicked on the link and it's great photos. That was 3 years ago! Okay... I'm emailing him now. Thank you for the heads up!

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Thank you for your comment! If your comment doesn't appear immediately, it will after I land. Enjoy the journey!