The Winger Bookstore Blog

Closing in on 1000...

2012-02-15T20:25:00.002-07:00

We're so pleased that we are rapidly approaching our 1000th sale of Two Shadows! After working with traditional publishers on our first 3 titles (guidebooks), this was our first venture into doing it all ourselves: writing, layout, copy editing (with professional help), proofreading (Diane also does this professionally), publicity -- the whole enchilada.

We are so grateful to our readers for their support, and especially to the 25 folks who took the time to write reviews on Amazon (and we'd love to hear from more of you!). The most satisfying thing, however, has been hearing from people who work with troubled youth professionally, and learning that a few of the young people who have read Two Shadows are showing positive signs of turning their lives around.

Thank you -- and Keep Climbing!

The Same Six Questions (almost)

2012-02-09T09:58:00.000-07:00

Recently we were interviewed by Scott Mulraney, who writes as Andy Rane, and discussed how we began writing nonfiction. His website features interviews, primarily with fiction authors, using The Same Six Questions for each author. Since some of the questions dealt with characters and -- of course -- made-up events, he modified the questions just a bit to have them fit our nonfiction genre.

Take a look: The Same Six Questions -- Charlie & Diane Winger

Got Amazon Prime? Borrow books for FREE!

2012-01-18T15:24:00.002-07:00

For those of you enrolled in Amazon Prime, we have some great news. You can now borrow Two Shadows and Because It's There for free on your Kindle!

We do hope you have the color Kindle Fire, however, if you plan to borrow Because It's There, since we'd hate to see you miss out on the full color of over 95 photographs in that book.

Win a free book!

2011-12-29T10:44:00.000-07:00

Charlie has been described as "a fixture" at the Ouray Ice Park because of all the ice climbing he does there each winter. So, let's have ourselves a little contest.

See if you can guess the number of days he'll go ice climbing (at Ouray Ice Park or anywhere) this climbing season. He's climbed twice so far this season (delayed start for him because we were in Hawaii for part of December). We'll keep track of his numbers, and announce a winner on April 1, 2012 (no, this is not a joke).

If more than one person guesses the correct number, we'll choose a winner by random drawing among the correct answers.

If no one guesses the correct number, we'll choose the person whose guess is closest to the correct number.

The winner gets their choice of a free copy of
Two Shadows - the inspirational story of one man's triumph over adversity
or
Because It's There - a photographic journey.

To enter, comment below with your guess. You must also share this using one of the social networks shown (e.g. +1 for Google, share on Facebook, tweet on Twitter, etc.)

Only one guess per person, please. All entries must be received by midnight (MST) December 31, 2011.

Good luck!

P.S. To add a comment, click on the "__ comments" link just below this sentence and above the share buttons.

Why Parents Still Want to Read Real Books, Not E-Books, to their Kids

2011-12-28T08:54:00.003-07:00

We don't write children's books, and have no children at home at this stage of our lives, but found this article from the New York Times of interest since childhood literacy and bonding between parent and child are issues that are very important to us.

What do you think will be the future of children's books? Can (or should) eReaders ever take the place of physical books when it comes to reading to children at bedtime?

We've been distressed to see young children engrossed in looking at smart phones or electronic hand-held games as they walk to school, eat at a restaurant, or even stroll through a zoo! They are more interested in watching what's on the screen than participating in the world around them. Of course, we see adults with that same behavior. Are our "virtual" worlds taking over our real-life experiences?

And, is there some irony in the fact that I'm sitting here at my computer typing these words rather than getting outside on this sunny winter day to enjoy some fresh air? Hmmm. Over and out!

As read in "The Watch" newspaper...

2011-12-01T11:41:00.001-07:00

Thanks to "The Watch" for this wonderful article and invitation to stop by to see us at this weekend's book signing event in Montrose CO.

"If you’d like to know what it’s like to be a world traveler, but you never seem to make off the couch, go get a copy of a new book, Because It’s There – A Photographic Journey, by Diane and Charlie Winger. It will not only look good on the coffee table, it portrays the wonders the two have seen over years of hiking, mountaineering, and writing guidebooks..."

Read more: Watch Newspapers - ‘Because It’s There’ Authors to Sign Books Saturday in Montrose

Addendum 12/3/11: Thanks to everyone who came by today -- it was fun visiting with everyone, and we really appreciate all the book purchases!

Book Signing in Montrose, CO

2011-11-25T20:53:00.001-07:00

We hope you'll join us on Saturday, December 3, 2011 for a book signing at Hastings in Montrose, CO. We'll have all 5 of our titles on hand, and will be glad to talk about climbing, hiking, highpointing, mountain photography, and other favorite topics with you, as well as sign copies of our books (of course).

We'll be there from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., so stop on by and say hi!

"Because It's There" is almost here!

2011-11-08T18:45:00.002-07:00

We told you about our latest book -- Because It's There - a photographic journey -- in a recent post. We've been informed by the printers that the paperback version should arrive by November 21, 2011 -- plenty of time to get a copy for the holidays!

We are taking pre-orders at this time at The Winger Bookstore. We ship using Priority Mail, so you'll receive your book swiftly once our inventory arrives.

Back Cover

Meanwhile, if you have a Kindle (or better yet, a color Kindle Fire so you can enjoy over 90 photos in full color), Because It's There -
a photographic journey is available from Amazon at a special introductory price of just 99¢. Hurry -- this price may not last! (sorry, Amazon's sale is over)

11/25/11 UPDATE: The books are here and going fast. We have only 3 left in stock, but another big order will be arriving on Tuesday, 11/29. Order today!

Author Interview & book review

2011-11-04T15:26:00.002-06:00

Our thanks go out to Katie Levy at Adventure-Inspired for a thoughtful interview and a wonderful review of Two Shadows. They're giving away a free copy, so be sure to check that out on their website.

"Mo" ways to combat prostate cancer

2011-10-31T16:55:00.001-06:00

Mountaineer, guidebook author, and prostate cancer survivor Charlie Winger will donate again this year to Movember, a fundraising campaign raising awareness and funds for the number one cancer affecting men – prostate cancer. The donation will be based on sales of Winger’s autobiography, Two Shadows - The inspirational story of one man's triumph over adversity.

Winger was diagnosed with prostate cancer in May 2009, and subsequently underwent surgery to remove his prostate. All indications are that he is now cancer-free. He has been impressed with all the awareness campaigns and support for women and men diagnosed with breast cancer, and wanted to find a way to reach out to men with prostate cancer as well as to support organizations fighting this disease which will kill 32,000 men this year. Movember USA uses the moustache (called a “Mo” for short) as the “ribbon for men’s health,” and is partnering with the Prostate Cancer Foundation and LIVESTRONG to address this health issue.

During the first 2 weeks of November 2011, The Winger Bookstore will donate $5.00 per paperback copy sold and $1.00 per eBook copy sold to Movember. Two Shadows is available in paperback or e-book (Kindle) format from Amazon.com and other online booksellers, and in paperback directly from The Winger Bookstore.

Charlie & Diane Winger have also set up an individual donation page on the Movember website, http://mosista.co/WingerBookstore, where direct donations to Movember can be entered.

"Because It's There"

2011-10-27T11:08:00.000-06:00

We love adventures. We believe there isno better reason to move beyond a familiar horizon, explore what liesaround the next bend, and discover a world outside our previousexperience than “Because it’s there.”

Like George Mallory, who uttered thatfamous response when asked why he strove to be the first to climbMount Everest, we are also inspired by mountains.

We are pleased to bring you a spectacular collection of over 90 of our favorite photos from our travels on 5 continents. This paperback edition is in full color, and will be available within the next few weeks.

It is already available on Kindle, but will obviously only display in black and white unless you've somehow managed to snag a Kindle Fire before the official ship date.

Because It's There - A Photographic Journey

by Charlie & Diane Winger

The [publishing] times, they are a-changing

2011-10-20T12:54:00.004-06:00

Here's an interesting story on Amazon's expanding role in the publishing industry (from the New York Times):

Amazon Signs Up Authors, Writing Publishers Out of Deal

And another (from Business Insider) that explains that "Amazon's Kindle is no longer just a product: It's a whole ecosystem." The author offers an interesting exploration of how Amazon is positioning itself in the media world with Kindle:

How Amazon Makes Money From The Kindle

There's no question that we are seeing the beginning of a revolution in how authors, publishers, books, and other media are interacting, and the roles that we, as readers, will play.

Stay tuned!

Two Shadows at Banff Festival

2011-09-27T18:40:00.001-06:00

Two Shadows will be on display in the Reading Room at this year's Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival in early November.

Does it have a shot at winning one of the book awards? We'll know in about a month. Keep your fingers crossed!

Online Bookstore facelift

2011-09-27T10:04:00.003-06:00

Diane has been in ultra-geek mode recently, creating a whole new look for The Winger Bookstore. Check back regularly, since we'll be expanding our offerings and will be adding more features soon.

wingerbookstore.com

E-books and the Future of "Real" Books

2011-09-24T12:32:00.000-06:00

Now that we've played around with a Kindle, we're becoming more convinced that traditional books will continue to lose market share. We read recently that Amazon is selling more Kindle downloads than hardback books now.

Still, books with photography in general and color in particular (for the time being -- we assume Kindle will offer a color version someday to compete with Nook) will certainly have more appeal in their traditional mode.

What are your thoughts? Will physical books still be published very much 5 years from now? 10?

A Rare Find

2011-09-17T15:19:00.002-06:00

Discovered: After many years of being out of print, we located one (and only one) NEW copy of Highpoint Adventures, 2nd. ed. (the large book).

It can be yours -- autographed, of course. See The Winger Bookstore for details.

News we love to hear

2011-06-11T14:36:00.000-06:00

We received a note from someone who works as a counselor for a Youth Corrections agency:

"I had a kid buy your book...he brought [it in] today and had literally changed completely in last few months. He now has home visits and [is] goal oriented. He was amazed with your autobiography."

Life is full of surprises...

2011-04-27T19:31:00.001-06:00

"So that’s how the story ends, no runs,no hits but plenty of errors on my part."

-- Charlie Winger, in Two Shadows

But the story never really ends, does it? Stay tuned for what may be big news ... or may just fizzle out. Let's just say that a surprising letter arrived in the mail, and we're planning a short but very important trip in early June.

Fundraising for Big City Mountaineers

2011-03-21T10:04:00.005-06:00

From now through ~~April 1, 2011 (no foolin')~~ April 10 (we've extended this!), The Winger Bookstore will donate $5 per paperback and 50¢ per Kindle book sold of Two Shadows to Big City Mountaineers.

Big City Mountaineers mentors under-resourced urban teens through transformative outdoor experiences to enrich lives, broaden horizons and instill critical life skills.

Two Shadows tells the true story of author Charlie Winger:

From the darkness of a six foot by eight foot cell in solitary confinement to the top of the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere, this is the captivating story of one man's struggle to recover from a troubled past.

If only Charlie had been given the opportunity to participate in a program like this one as a teen! What a difference it can make in a young person's life to have caring mentors and a life-changing experience that encourages self-reliance as well as cooperation, responsibility, and a sense of community.

Books purchased through The Winger Bookstore, as well as paperbacks & eBooks purchased through Amazon.com will qualify for this donation.

Kindle sale extended

2011-03-15T20:45:00.000-06:00

Thanks to the outstanding response to the $2.99 sale price for Two Shadows for Kindle, we are extending the sale.

We appreciate all our readers!

Special Kindle Price - in honor of World Book Day

2011-02-22T07:46:00.005-07:00

We're having a special Kindle sale for Two Shadows - the inspirational story of one man's triumph over adversity.

From now through World Book Day -- March 3, 2011 -- we've reduced the price of the Kindle version of Two Shadows to only $2.99.

Travels with Charlie - slideshow in Montrose CO

2011-02-12T14:50:00.004-07:00

Mountaineer and adventure author Charlie Winger will take us on a visual journey to mountains all over the world, including Alaska, South America, Western Europe, Nepal, and Russia, as well as climbing adventures in the Western U.S. including, of course, right here in Colorado.

Besides being a prolific climber, Winger is also known for his knack for story-telling, so an exciting and entertaining evening can be expected.

Date: Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Time: 7:00 PM

Location: Montrose Regional Library meeting room - Montrose CO

Free and open to the public

The return of "Highpoint Adventures"

2011-01-28T13:45:00.003-07:00

The 2nd edition of Highpoint Adventures - the COMPLETE guide to the 50 state highpoints is now available as a Google eBook!

This edition has been out of print and unavailable since 2007. With Google's new project to allow even out-of-print books to come to life again as electronic books, Highpoint Adventures has now been scanned and published online, and is available for purchase through Google Books.

Click here to learn more about the devices supported, and how Google eBooks work.

"Two Shadows" e-edition in additional formats

2011-01-19T16:25:00.000-07:00

Two Shadows is now available from Google eBooks for numerous additional readers (it was already available as a Kindle eBook):

Two Shadows from Google eBookstore

Enjoy!

From "The [Publisher's] Notebook"

2011-01-05T08:50:00.002-07:00

Stephen Woody, Publisher of the Daily Press, had this to say in his "Notebook" column today:

Recommended reading ...

Over the Christmas holiday, among other books, I read local author Charlie Winger’s ‘Two Shadows – The Inspirational Story of One Man’s Triumph Over Adversity.’ Charlie’s a storyteller, for sure. He grew up in a tough atmosphere, did some prison time, but turned his life around and had a successful career in information technology. Much of Winger’s book is devoted to climbing. He was in the news a year ago when he suffered a debilitating fall at the Ouray Ice Park. Charlie, 73, indomitable as ever, has resumed climbing.

Author to donate to Movember to benefit Prostate Cancer Foundation and LIVESTRONG

2010-11-19T15:14:00.000-07:00

Mountaineer, guidebook author, and prostate cancer survivor Charlie Winger announced on November 18, 2010 that he will make a donation to Movember, a fundraising campaign raising awareness and funds for the number one cancer affecting men – prostate cancer. The donation will be based on sales of Winger’s autobiography, Two Shadows - The inspirational story of one man's triumph over adversity.

Winger was diagnosed with prostate cancer in May 2009, and subsequently underwent surgery to remove his prostate. All indications are that he is now cancer-free. He has been impressed with all the awareness campaigns and support for women and men diagnosed with breast cancer, and wanted to find a way to reach out to men with prostate cancer as well as to support organizations fighting this disease which will kill 32,000 men this year. Movember USA uses the moustache (called a “mo” for short) as the “ribbon for men’s health,” and is partnering with the Prostate Cancer Foundation and LIVESTRONG to address this health issue.

From now through November 30, 2010, The Winger Bookstore will donate $5.00 per paperback copy sold and $1.00 per Kindle copy sold to Movember. Two Shadows is available in paperback or e-book (Kindle) format from Amazon.com and other online booksellers, and in paperback directly from The Winger Bookstore.

Charlie & Diane Winger have also set up an individual donation page on the Movember website, http://us.movember.com/mospace/1281804/, where direct donations to Movember can be entered.

Look Inside! feature now available at Amazon.com

2010-11-15T10:23:00.003-07:00

Want to get a better idea of what Two Shadows is really like? Amazon has now implemented their "Look Inside!" feature for Two Shadows so readers can see a sampling of pages.

http://www.amazon.com/Two-Shadows-inspirational-triumph-adversity/dp/1453786783

You can also use their "Search" feature to read samples about certain topics, such as "Denali", "prison cell", or "The Beast."

Psychologist recommends new autobiography for “every kid who is incarcerated”

2010-10-28T13:02:00.000-06:00

Clinical psychologistworking with young offenders praises the new book, Two Shadows –The inspirational story of one man’s triumph over adversity, byCharlie Winger.

Dr.Jean Trousdale, PhD, a consulting psychologist for CommunityWorks, anoutpatient Behavioral and Mental Health Clinic in Norman, Oklahoma,lauds a new autobiography by guidebook author Charlie Winger,stating, “I wish every kid who is incarcerated could read thebook.”

Dr.Trousdale describes herself as a mountaineer who was familiar withWinger’s other books related to mountaineering and climbing. Shewas surprised when she read Winger’s newest release, anautobiography titled TwoShadows – The inspirational story of one man’s triumph overadversity,because she hadn’t been aware of his troubled past. He reacted to achildhood of neglect, abandonment, and abuse with anti-socialbehavior and criminal acts which landed him in detention centers andeventually, in 1955, in prison at the age of 18. Winger earned hishigh school diploma and began taking college courses whileincarcerated, and discovered an aptitude and interest in informationtechnology. Once released in 1961, he began a successful computerprogramming and consulting career, developed a passion for mountainclimbing, and has lived a productive and adventurous life.

Dr.Trousdale was inspired to obtain permission to send a copy of TwoShadowsto a young man she counseled while he was at a juvenile detentioncenter, and who is now incarcerated in an adult facility. LikeWinger, this young man has continued his education even while inprison, and she hopes that “in passing ‘Two Shadows’ along Imight be able to inspire a young man I came to know quite well.”

“Itis exciting to read a true story like this, to know it is possible toclimb from depths to heights,” Trousdale concluded.

TwoShadowsis available as a Kindle e-book from Amazon.com, and in paperbackfrom Amazon.com and other major booksellers.

Raising funds for Greg Mortenson's Central Asia Institute

2010-10-22T08:54:00.001-06:00

We have been supporters of Greg Mortenson's efforts to build schools in remote regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan ever since we went to hear him speak in the late 1990s -- long before his bestsellers Three Cups of Tea and Stones into Schools came to be.

So, here's the deal. For every purchase of a paperback copy of Two Shadows from now until October 31, Charlie & Diane will donate $5 to Central Asia Institute. For every purchase of the e-edition (Kindle) of Two Shadows during that period, we will donate $1 to CAI.

Links:
Paperback edition on Amazon
Kindle edition on Amazon

Less than 3 weeks - over 100 copies shipped (and/or downloaded)

2010-10-15T14:03:00.001-06:00

Thanks to all for the great early response to the release of Two Shadows. It hasn't been quite 3 weeks since the book was released, and already over 100 copies have made their way to readers.

Thanks, too, for the emails and phone calls and the positive feedback. Please consider posting your comments in the form of a review on Amazon so others can know what you thought of this remarkable story.

Ouray bookstore now carrying "Two Shadows"

2010-10-10T17:13:00.001-06:00

Thanks to Buckskin Booksellers in beautiful Ouray for stocking Two Shadows. We love small, locally-owned bookstores.

And what a location -- the spectacular Beaumont Hotel!

LibraryThing - a great way to find new books to read

2010-10-07T11:43:00.000-06:00

We recently discovered LibraryThing, which sort of combines a social network with amazon book recommendations, ratings, and reviews, but without selling anything. Set up a free account, and begin adding books you like into your virtual library. While you're at it, you can write reviews, give ratings to your selected books, and enter tags.

Once you've entered some of your favorite books, take a look at your personalized home page. There will be automatically-generated recommendations as well as recommendations from other users based on the books you've put in your "library." Click on a book title to read what others have to say about it, or to learn why it was recommended.

You can connect to others with similar reading tastes with Friend lists, get involved in discussions about books on the Forums, and more.

So, if you enjoy reading as much as we do, this is certainly worth checking out!

Keeping the local post office busy!

2010-10-05T14:00:00.001-06:00

After making several trips to the post office over the past few days, we've discovered that we can sign up for free pick-up of our packages! We're very excited.

Thanks to all the people who've ordered Two Shadows already! Your response to the book has kept us very busy, but in a really good way. And you're helping to keep people employed as well (no postal layoffs in our little town!)

New title: Two Shadows

2010-09-28T19:25:00.000-06:00

We're pleased to announce the release of a new book by Charlie Winger:

Two Shadows - The inspirational story of one man's triumph over adversity
(Table of Contents)
This autobiographical book is filled with Charlie's adventures during 35 years of mountaineering, climbing rock & ice, and world travel. People who have met Charlie, attended one of his slideshows, or read his guidebooks will recognize his knack for telling stories. Some are hair-raising, some are a little crazy, and some will have you laughing out loud.

But Two Shadows is about more than climbing. It is the story of a boy who grew up under very bad circumstances and who made many bad choices in life -- and how he "was able to so completely turn his life around, from someone who was headed on a downward spiral from which no good outcome could be expected, to the positive role model he is today..."

"Although this is an autobiography, the story Charlie tells in this book could be considered as an allegory for whatever personal summits we are attempting to scale. The mental fortitude, perseverance, and bonds of friendship needed to scale the peaks described here are no different than the qualities needed to excel in life in general. It is on the mountain that a person’s true nature is laid bare. It has been said that character is revealed not by one’s successes, but by how one responds to failure. Charlie shares with us both his successes and failures, and it is apparent that neither has done anything to diminish his indomitable spirit. It is this same spirit that has allowed him to “bounce back” (sorry Charlie) from the illness and fall that would have ended most other climbers’ careers."

(from the Introduction by Dave Cooper)

We're waiting for our initial inventory to arrive, and expect to start shipping around Oct. 15, 2010 from The Winger Bookstore (autographed copies)

Copies are available NOW from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1453786783

For those who use Kindle, the book will be available for downloading very soon at Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0044KM0GO

Two Shadows - Contents

2010-09-28T19:24:00.000-06:00

What's inside the autobiography, Two Shadows? We're glad you asked...

Acknowledgments

Forward

Introduction

In the Beginning

Chapter 1 The Windy City

Life in the Trenches

Chapter 2 This Land of Oz

Now You See Me, Now You Don’t

Chapter 3 Crossbars Hotel

On the Inside Looking Out

Chapter 4 Free at Last

Return to Oz

Chapter 5 Second Chances

Transformation and New Beginnings

Climbing Adventures

Chapter 6 Special Relationships

Climbing Partners

Chapter 7 Ecuador - Climbs in the Andes

Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, & Tungurahua

Chapter 8 Denali – The Great One

West Rib & West Buttress

Chapter 9 Argentina - Chile

Aconcagua

Chapter 10 Africa

Mt. Kilimanjaro & Mt. Kenya

Chapter 11 USSR - Russia - Climbs in the Pamirs

Peak Communism & Mt. Elbrus

Chapter 12 India

Trisul

Chapter 13 Nepal - Climbs in the Himalaya

Annapurna Sanctuary, Fluted Peak, Gokyo Ri

Chapter 14 Peru - Climbs in the Cordillera Blanca

Pisco, Chopicalqui, Huascarán Sur

Chapter 15 Bolivia - Climbs in the Cordillera Real

Huayna Potosi, Illimani, & Condoriri

Chapter 16 European Blitz - Climbs in the Alps

Matterhorn, Mount Blanc, Grossglockner

Chapter 17 Scandinavia

Land of the Midnight Sun

Chapter 18 El Picacho del Diablo

A Devil of a Peak

Chapter 19 High Mountains & Slot Canyons

Boundary Peak & The Subway

Chapter 20 One Last Time (The Finale)

Ama Dablam & Ishinca

Chapter 21 Here, There & Everywhere

A Collection of Vignettes

Reality Check

Chapter 22 The Old One-Two Punch

The Big “C” and Falling is a Catchy Term

Chapter 23 Pardon Me?

Resolution & Rehabilitation

e-books and the future of "real" books

2010-09-24T12:32:00.003-06:00

Now that we've played around with a Kindle, we're becoming more convinced that traditional books will continue to lose market share. We read recently that Amazon is selling more Kindle downloads than hardback books now.

Still, books with photography in general and color (for the time being) in particular will certainly have more appeal in their traditional mode.

What are your thoughts? Will physical books still be published very much 5 years from now? 10?

Trad Guide to Joshua Tree gets high marks

2010-09-20T12:20:00.002-06:00

‎5 star ratings from 6 reviewers on Rockclimbing.com:

The TRAD Guide to Joshua Tree : Rock Climbing Gear : Rockclimbing.com

www.rockclimbing.com

The TRAD Guide to Joshua Tree - Rockclimbing.com has insightful user reviews for rock climbing equipment and gear, including clothing, shoes, rope, harnesses and more

Out of print, but still accessible!

2010-07-21T12:10:00.007-06:00

Our book, Highpoint Adventures, has been out of print for some time now, and copies are becoming very difficult to find. However, do not despair! We just signed an agreement with Trails.com so you can download individual chapters (states) of the book. So, if you haven't been able to find a copy of the physical book, but are heading off on a Highpointing trip, you have another option.

Also, copies of the first edition of Highpoint Adventures (the little green book) may be purchased through The Winger Bookstore. The books are brand new, and we'll even autograph your copy.

Happy Highpointing!