Possibly Published Again

OK, so after I ask where all the good Disney sites have gone, I disappear for a little while.

I had no intention on going anywhere but when I have the choice between sleep and posting here, sleep is almost always going to win. And the more I have to make that choice, the more I consider letting the site sleep with the fishes, as it were.

But one of the reasons I have such a hard time letting go is because of the cool chance encounters keeping this site up and running sometimes brings. Tonight I got an email from someone who had previously published an academic book about Disney and wanted to use one of my pictures in the paperback version of the book he's preparing to release. It's a non-profit venture so I'm not making anything off of it but it is still cool to be asked and have my work included in their particular work of love.

I haven't really kept a full list of places where I've had my writing or photography published or where I've served as a source for an article but it is getting to be fairly lengthy. I've had photos printed in my friend Steve DeGaetano's book about the Ward Kimball engine, as well as in several of his train-themed articles on MiceAge.com. I was interviewed and had a quote published in Pat Williams' book How to Be Like Walt. I was a subject of a story that ran in "Cool 'n Smart" magazine, which included a couple of my pictures. My report on Roger Broggie's Main Street Window ceremony got published as the front-page story of the Carolwood Chronicle. I was asked to write a series of articles about Walt Disney for LaughingPlace.com. Burnsland.com has run various articles and posted photos that I've taken. As well as the miscellaneous writing and photos that have appeared in various newsletters.

I've served as the editor in chief of my college newspaper and magazine, and I actually earn my living writing press releases and other collateral pieces for clients at a public relations agency, but it is still thrilling when someone wants to include my work in something they are publishing. I guess that's the thrill I still get whenever I'm able to publish something here on StartedByAMouse.com. I may never be famous because of my writing or photography but I enjoy being able to share my knowledge, artistry and interest in Disney with like-minded individuals. And I'm happy to still have a venue such as this to do it.

Matt