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My writing of service and how-to journalism has always been guided by the belief
that given the reasons why, folks are more likely to do the job right than if
simply told how to go about some esoteric task. Knowledge converts the drudgery
of work into understanding. Understanding puts you in control, which is where
you should be as the owner/operator of your very own water and sewage system. So
Cottage Water Systems is not just a how-to book, it's also a "why?" book.
I also believe that no matter who the reader--from novice to expert--that
person should enjoy the read and learn something. "How-to" books are about work;
reading the book shouldn't be. So while ensuring that my writing is jam-packed
with good information and tricks of the appropriate trades, I also manage to
squeeze in liberal doses of humour to help make the process of acquiring new
knowledge more palatable. I mean, how can anyone discuss the workings of septic
tanks--especially its "scum" and "sludge"--without drawing obvious analogies to
politicians, particularly if it helps you, the reader, to better understand the
process?
Respect for the environment, too, is another theme that runs through my
service journalism. Not the trade-car-for-bicycle-and-
eat-only-lettuce-fertilized-with-natural-gnats'-poo sort of radical stuff, but
most definitely there are ways any member of humanity can minimize his or her
impact on earth while still maintaining a lifestyle compatible with comfort and
convenience. Cottage Water Systems shows a rural resident the many ways this can
be accomplished with water systems.
Speaking of rural, if I have any regrets
about Cottage Water Systems, it is perhaps with the title. It's too
limiting, for while this book touches on areas of seasonal dwellings
never covered before in book format, it also covers nearly all
aspects of rural water systems, whether permanent home or a
seldom-used rustic vacation dwelling. Aside from this one caveat, I
am very proud of this work, and am confident you will enjoy reading
it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Let me know, either way, via
Amazon.com.
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