My day consisted
of editing, rewriting, and formatting. I turned Four Broads and an Irish Wake into a book. Well a self published
one. I am printing copies as my Christmas letter/gift for my family. After
printing and reviewing four copies that were called “FINAL,” I think it’s
done.
The last step was
to type: “Copyright © 2013 by Pamela Pimental. All rights reserved. Printed in
the United States of America. No part of
this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever…” As I typed I
realized that I had part of Loreena McKennitt’s Dante’s Prayer in the story. Not that this is going to be a best seller
or even circulated but if I am trying to protect my intellectual property
should I ask permission to use hers?
So I googled “Loreena
McKennitt” and “permission.” Her record company in Canada popped up along with
an email address for intellectual property. Let me say that again. In seconds I
had contact with an international star’s business manager. I find this exhilarating.
An age of instant information makes my heart sing.
Years ago, I wrote
a book Rosanne and Me. As a period piece
in the fifties, I scrounged around libraries and used book stores to find
prices, name brands, styles, and the like to keep the story authentic. It was a
monumental task. Now Google or Bing or Ask, information is yours.
Now I wait to see
how fast Ms. McKennitt’s business department returns emails. I bet it is faster
than snail mail or fax. Yes?
