The Perfect Gift for a Man » The Authors

Perfect Inspiration

Gavin Heaton — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 22:50:01 +0000

Last night, with thanks to the Social Media Club, Sydney, Mark Pollard held a conversation with some of the contributors to The Perfect Gift for a Man. Joining Mark on-stage were Annik Skelton, Jeremy Lebard, Stephen Collins and Eduardo Chavez (representing Blurb). There were some great moments – with Mark asking questions about why people contributed to the book – and wondering whether any of them had second thoughts after sending their chapters through for publishing. Both Jeremy and Stephen admitted to second thoughts – but feeling that “getting the story out” was also cathartic.

Members of the audience got into the swing of things, asking questions and commenting via Twitter. Gavin Costello asked whether there was a central place that captured all the blog posts that were written in support of #Manweek – not just those that were forwarded to us for publication in the book. And while we have a number of examples in the sidebar, a more comprehensive list can be found below. Oh, and if I have missed any posts, please leave a comment and I will add yours in too.

Gavin Costello – Damn the 80s
Alan Jones – The Errol Flynn Skill Set
Matt Moore – Gay, Bodies, Being a Dad, Having a Dad
Stan Johnson – Advertising as a Career
Luke Harvey-Palmer – Father and Son Day
Jye Smith – Return to Colombia
Matt Hazel – Dealing with Bullies
Benjamin Law – Sounds Like Gay Spirit
Gavin Bollard – Fighting the Stereotypical Aussie Male

Gavin Heaton and Steve Crombie Interviewed on Mornings with Kerrie-Anne

Gavin Heaton — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:44:12 +0000

Yesterday, Steve Crombie and I (Gavin Heaton) went to the Channel Nine studios in Sydney to discuss the book with Kerrie-Anne Kennerley. We talked about how the book came about, some of the stories that touched us, and Steve spoke a little about his personal journey. The video is below.

But there was one thing that we were not able to adequately get across – and that was how great it is to be able to get a REAL book into the hands of others. We have been able to turn what started out as a series of blog posts into a real, professionally produced, high quality coffee table style book. It is something that can be ordered online, wrapped and given as a gift – precisely what we wanted. And you can do it too. With your family photos, your autobiography – or even that novel that you have hidden in the bottom drawer. Check out Blurb.com – it’s easier than you can imagine.

The Perfect Gift for a Man book – interview on Mornings With Kerri-Anne from Tony Hollingsworth on Vimeo.

Words, Feelings and Thoughts from our Authors

Gavin Heaton — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 06:46:46 +0000

The Perfect Gift for a Man could not be what it is without the contributions from our authors. Each person brought their own unique perspective, thoughts and creativity. They bared their souls, shared their burdens and told their darkest secrets.

But it is the spirit in which these stories have been told that is exciting. The very fact that these men (and women) have been able to share intimate and personal experiences is a breakthrough. We want young men to read, to see and to hear these stories – but perhaps, most importantly, we’d like young men to FEEL them.

So in this spirit, I asked our authors to share their hopes FOR the book and for the books readers. You can view these brief, 12 second clips right here.

And please, buy this book for the men in your life. All profits go to the Inspire Foundation. We think it is the perfect gift for a man.