EL-LENd Me A Hand!
[The Ellen Show recommends Sweet Freedom! Read this page to see how it all came about. And please send Ellen a note asking her if I can serve vegan, sugar-free treats on her show, too! (There's a cookbook waiting for you. . . ).]
Is it my second adolescence? Another midlife crisis? A sure sign I’ve finally gone bonkers? You decide! And please leave a comment with your best ploy for how to get me on the show where I’ll serve up VEGAN, SUGAR FREE homebaked goodies for Ellen and the gang**–I’m open to anything! (well, before the senility sets in, anyway).
[Elsie's definitely on board! (or is that a little board on Elsie?)]
One night when I was sixteen, I watched Marvin Hamlisch (composer of A Chorus Line, etc.) on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. The previous guest was Adrienne Barbeau, the buxom actress who played Bea Arthur’s daughter on the sitcom Maude. I was appalled as I witnessed Hamlisch, seated on the couch beside her, stammer and fidget (eyes flitting repeatedly toward her massive chest) while more or less grovelling for a date on air. Despite his musical genius, despite his fame and fortune and an upcoming gig at the Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, it was painfully apparent that Hamlish reverted to a tongue-tied nerd when faced with a beautiful woman who, clearly, barely registered his existence.
As soon as I got up off the sofa and turned off the television (no remotes in those days), I went to my typewriter and typed a letter to Marvin. It said:
Dear Marvin Hamlisch,
Someone with your reputation shouldn’t have to lower himself to ask Adrienne Barbeau for a date. Obviously, she doesn’t appreciate your genius. If you ever come to Montreal, I would go on a date with you any time.
Sincerely,
(Miss) Ricki Heller
I addressed it to “Marvin Hamlisch, c/o Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas, USA” and popped it in the mail.
The following week, I received a handwritten letter on Marvin’s personal stationery. It said:
Dear Ricki,
If I ever get to Montreal, you’re on.
Sincerely,
Marvin Hamlisch
Sometimes I think back on that letter and ask myself, “Wow, did I ever really have such audacity? Where did that starry-eyed insouciance go? And why didn’t Marvin ever call me for that date?”
Then I remember: oh, yeah. I was sixteen.
Well, dear readers, I’ve decided it’s time to dredge up my inner 16 year-old once again. And you can help!
Even at my advanced age, I’m still a pop culture groupie. I’ve been a fan of Ellen’s for as long as I can remember (almost as long as it’s been since I heard from Marvin). I love her even more now that she’s vegan and sugar-free–and I want to be on The Ellen Degeneres Show so I can bring her some amazing baked goods from my cookbook, Sweet Freedom!
And what’s more, I’ve vowed to give a FREE COPY of Sweet Freedom, the ebook (identical to the paper copy) to every single person who participates in this campaign! (And isn’t giving away free things very Ellen-like of me?) 
Am I a little bit crazy? You betcha!
[Here, Mum, you're going to need this for when you're on the show.]
As someone who’s followed a whole foods diet for over decade, I know first hand how much a healthy diet can affect your well-being (just look at the impact of the ACD on me over this past year!). Based on the cookbook’s reviews and all your fabulous feedback (thank you! thank you! My blog readers are the best!), I’m confident others will agree that treats from the book are both healthy AND delicious. What better venue to spread the word than The Ellen Show, especially since the show’s star herself has adopted–and now promotes–this same way of eating?
[Elsie's so into this, she's even asked me to change her name!]
Besides, I’d be a perfect guest for the show! We have so much in common, Ellen and I: She loves dogs; I love dogs. She eats a vegan diet; I eat a vegan diet. She’s sworn off sugar; I’ve sworn off sugar. She loves American Idol; I love American Idol. She’s gay; I’m—
Hmmm.
She loves dogs; I love dogs!
And you can help! On April 2, 2010, I tweeted for an entire day nonstop, with every single tweet that day directed to @TheEllenShow–with NO laptop, NO BlackBerry, NO pre-scheduled tweets–just me sitting at my desktop computer, typing away (with the occasional bathroom break)! The major blitz is over, but I’d like to keep the campaign going!
Ellen’s website says, “Ellen has never felt that any goal was too far out of reach. When she began campaigning to get on the cover of “O” Magazine, she vowed to never give up! Her persistence finally paid off. . . “ So, how inspiring is that??
Together we can make this happen! On April 15, 2010, my book was featured on the Ellen Show’s “Books Ellen Reads” page!! YES–the word is getting out, and Ellen is listening!! I couldn’t be more thrilled. But I still want to bring freshly baked goods to Ellen and her audience!
If you like my recipes and want to see me serve delicious, vegan and sugar free treats on The Ellen Show, you can help out by tweeting Ellen at @TheEllenShow, sending an email in support by clicking here, posting on Ellen’s Facebook page, posting a link to this page on your blog, or in emails to friends and family so they can play along, too! DDD reader Marie also pointed out this page on Ellen’s forums that asks you to recommend people for the show, so if you’re a member of the Ellen community, you can support the quest there, too.
You can also Stumble this post if you’re seeing this page on StumbleUpon, put it on Facebook, tell your local librarian, get a tattoo, or do anything else you can think of!
Don’t forget to hop back here to leave a comment telling me what you did (so I can send you a free copy of the book when I get onto the show)!
["I can help Mum, too! What? What do you mean, it's not as funny as Elsie Ellen's sign?"]
If I get invited on the show, every single commenter who participates in this blitz will win a FREE copy of Sweet Freedom, the ebook , which is identical to the paper copy!
And even if I don’t get asked to appear on the show, I’ll still choose 10 names at random on Sunday–three people will win hard copies of the book, and seven will win ebook. It’s my way of saying “thank you” for all your support! [Update: To see the list of the first 10 winners, check this post. And when I get asked on the show, everyone else gets one, too!]
I think it’s a win-win-win. If Ellen invites me to her show, she’ll have the opportunity to try some amazing, healthy baked goods. I’ll get to fulfill the dream of a starry-eyed teenager (and, more recently, a starry-eyed menopausal blogger). And you will get a FREE copy of my cookbook–everybody wins!
[But where's Mum?]
With your help, we can do this thing! Let’s show the world what “grassroots marketing” really means! Let’s prove to those aloof, impersonal corporations that even the little guy (okay, technically I’m not quite “little” yet–but 45 pounds is nothing to sneeze at) can drum up support for an independent project without a huge any marketing budget! Let’s help Ellen discover some truly delicious sweets to eat on her sugar cleanse–and share them with the world!
Just click here to send an email or tweet at @TheEllenShow.
“Mum, that’s a great idea! And we know The Ellen Show would be lucky to have you. But, um, we are your usual kitchen helpers, you know. . . so does that mean we get to be on TV, too?”
**Phase I achieved success on April 15, 2010! Just look who’s reading Sweet Freedom now! Whoo hoo!
I also posted a YouTube video asking Ellen if I can be on the show. To see the video (and a recipe for Coconut Macaroons from Sweet Freedom), click the below!
EEEEK! This is SO exciting! I know that you will be invited to come on the Ellen Show. You are so talented how could they not have you??? GOOD LUCK!
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Ricki Reply:
April 4th, 2010 at 3:18 pm
Voracious Vegan,
Don’t get too excited. . . yet. I’m still waiting to hear! (But if you send an email and/or tweet, maybe that will help. . . )
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You’re so funny! I love that you’re doing this, and I definitely think you should be on Ellen! Can I come in your suitcase? I’ll sit in the audience…
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Ricki Reply:
April 4th, 2010 at 3:17 pm
Iris,
(We’re allowed 2 checked bags, I hear. . . )
If you promise to tweet and/or send an email to Ellen, I promise to save a suitcase just for you.
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Yes, Ricki, this might just be crazy enough to work.
I hope you get to cook for Ellen!!
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Send goodies to the show? Overnighted? With a copy of the cookbook, perhaps.
I’d aim for a particular production assistant or something if I were to take that route. Someone who would appreciate being noticed and might have SOME input.
But if I ever run into Ellen or Portia in town, I’ll certainly talk you up like a(nother) crazy woman.
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I don’t know if I did this right, but I tweeted to Ellen here:
http://twitter.com/just_audrey/status/11624059942
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Yeah, what an amazing opportunity, I am fully in support!
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Can I tweet at Ellen without having a twitter account?
I would be so thrilled to see you on the show
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Alex,
You do have to be on twitter to tweet, but anyone can send an email to the show in support of this quest! Just click here to fill in the form.
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[...] you hear about Ricki’s quest to get on the Ellen Degeneres show? She’s having a blast doing everything she can to get Ellen’s attention. And, she [...]
OK, I’m in! Here’s the post I left at The Ellen Show (because I do not Twitter, ever, under any circumstances, even if it involves bamboo shoots and fingernails!):
Ellen, darling, you MUST have Ricki Heller of Diet, Dessert, and Dogs blog fame on your show for some viddle talk, or she will expire/explode/excommunicate and we will never hear from her again (and I need me some new recipes from time to time, so we don’t want that to happen!)
Thanks,
Carolyn
Leave emails too, Twitternuts!
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Carolyn,
And yes, Tweeters, feel free to email as well! (I can’t very well call my supporters “nuts,” can I?) 
I love that you posted your email in the comment! Thanks for the peek (and please, everyone else, feel free to share, too!). Thank you so much!
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That’s a great dream and I think it will come true. I tweeted for you. It’s gonna happen.
emily
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So I’m finally getting around to commenting. Been loving your twitter campaign, you’re so amazing! I’d love to see you on the show and I certainly hope they notice all your efforts over at The Ellen Show very soon!!!
~Aubree Cherie
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I tweeted this, I do hope you get on the show, that would be the COOLEST!
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Ricki, Keep following your Dreams!
Why not?
Ellen, watch out!
Good Luck.
Cindy
p.s. If you need my help on the set, let me know and I will clear my calendar.
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[...] BTW – Ellen DeGeneres has gone vegan and sugar-free and Ricki wants to be the expert that is invited to appear on The Ellen Show and cook for Ellen. Ricki needs support for her ‘Quest for Ellen’. Please read about it and then link to Ellen’s page and compose a request citing Ricki as just the expert she needs! Click right here ->EL-LENd Me A Hand! Thanks! [...]
Get a publicist or third party to contact them — they probably don’t pay much attention to their twitter; it’s always better coming from someone other than you, unless you’re already close friends/have connection — at least thats what my PR gal tells me!
[Reply]
Ricki Reply:
April 9th, 2010 at 9:02 am
Happy Herbivore,
I appreciate the advice–but unfortunately, I have neither a publicist nor media contact, so I am “relying on the kindness of strangers”–AND all my blog readers and twitter readers! Since mine is a self-published cookbook, there’s no publishing company behind me to provide a marketing budget, or to get in touch with TV shows, radio, stores, or even amazon and spread the word. (Every single book sold so far was the result of me or the word of mouth from my amazing readers!) I realize the tweets are probably not generated by Ellen herself, but hey, I’m having fun (and hope you all are, too!)
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Ricki, you truly are an inspiration and I really hope you get to be a guest on Ellen’s show!
I’m not sure how to make sure you get noticed, but it must be effective to have all of your twitter followers and blog readers write to Ellen. Do you have any followers who are followed by @TheEllenShow? I remember getting an e-mail a few months back saying she was following me, and I was in awe. Anyway, an @ reply is an @ reply, so it doesn’t make a difference if she follows the people who are encouraging her to contact you… but she might be more likely to see the tweet.
I wish you the best of luck, though, and may we all resurrect the positive aspects of our inner 16-year-olds
(not the lazy, hang-out-at-McDonald’s aspects–those can stay in the past).
All the best
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I wrote, I included a photo of myself, and my website and I appealed to her on behalf of all vegans and soon to become vegans. Oh, and I am sharing this on FB and retweeting like there is no tomorrow.
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Hi Ricki,
I tweeted the following:
@TheEllenShow have Ricki Heller author of Sweet Freedom on your show to serve up her goodies to you and your audience – yummy!
I couldn’t find your twitter account info to reference!
Hope this works, I would love to see you get on her show!
Best of Luck!
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oh my goodness Ricki! I didn’t see this post before, those pictures are so cute and made me laugh – something that really helps start the day on a good foot
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This is so awesome Ricki…I really hope you get on!
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Ricki, I have been a huge fan of your site for a while now and am hoping to get your cookbook once I can afford to buy a new cookbook! I am a huge Ellen fan and always contact her show so I will absolutely take this on for you and send a ton of emails! I think you are great and I know Ellen would love your recipes (and dogs) too!
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Best of luck. I’ll do my part with an email and tweet. Positive energy coming your way!
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Awesome job with the video !!! The Girls are a shoe in for a best supporting actresses award! Keep up the great work!
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I love the video! So cute!
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There is a forum on the Ellen “Community” pages, suggesting to Ellen she have Ricki on the show…sign in and cast your vote to get Ricki on her show! There’s strength in numbers! We can’t keep on good thing (Ricki’s great sweets) all to ourselves..Spead the word!
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GO AND PUT IN YOUR VOTE! Get Ricki and her sweets (that includes Elsie)on Ellen’s show! Tell others! http://community.ellentv.com/forum/topics/ricki-hellergreat-book-great
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I just found your blog and I love it. It would be AWESOME if you got on Ellen. I love her!
I’m going to email her right now.
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Oh, except I can’t, because I’m under 18.
I posted on her facebook wall instead: Have Ricki Heller of the Diet, Dessert, and Dogs blog on your show! It’d be really awesome, plus you’d get free food.
Good luck!!
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[...] by Ricki’s Ellen Show Headquarters for more information. And do watch the video, it’s hilarious. Possibly related posts: [...]
I couldn’t post on Ellen’s wall (thanks to Facebook glitches) but i did post the following in the discussion forum under “Would be Great Appearance”
It would be great to get author Ricki Heller on the Ellen Show. She has authoried the book “Sweet Freedom”. This cookbook would be amazing for so many people. Imagine all the sweet wonderful treats that must be will-powered away if you can’t eat sugar, wheat, eggs or dairy. This book gives you the recipes.
Here is a link to the author’s website http://www.dietdessertndogs.com/
————–
I would really like to receive a copy of your book as my husband has been diagnosed diabetic and my brother is as well. Denying sweet deserts just isn’t fair. Unfortunately I would not be able to buy your book right now as unemployment and bills stacking up prevent me.
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Hi There Ricki,
I’ve emailed the Ellen site and requested a “Guest Spot” on her show for you, re your sugar-free vegan recipes!
Good Luck. Looking forward to receiving the e-book, as I’m sure you’ll eventually be there, on my TV, in living colour!!!
Rose
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you should send Ellen copies of your book for her audience [ ie] the olympic tickets, earring glasses , tube socks etc . you have to give a few to get more . it is called self promotion you will get the benefit of hours of commercial without the cost . you should send to Gail King [ Oprah ] too Helen’s friend get it. also DR OZ promote , promote , you have to give a lot to get more good luck.
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Just tweeted and FB and sent Ellen a email, nagging her to let you be on the show. I mean, why wouldn’t she?? Your awesome!
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Sent a tweet to our Girl Ellen saying you are a Hoot and you MUST be on the show. Love your sense of humor in your youtube, and even more so your writing style. So glad I found you!
Was a veggie when I was 16-25, and then lost my way. Now 54 Vegan for just over 2 weeks now and having a good time with it. I have fibromyalgia and was just diag Diabetic ( My husband is Diabetic and insulin dependent), read Dr. Neal Barnard after seeing him on PBS. I was a B&B Innkeeper for 20 yrs and a Private Chef, who had taken a few independent cooking courses in Natural food cooking; so I think it’s helped me to adapt this time faster. I guess when the time is right, it’s right. Looking forward to trying your recipes and reading you and SEEING YOU ON ELLEN!
Fondly, Jeanie
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Shared a request via twitter….hope it helps!
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Popping in (again) to say THANK YOU to all who’ve sent emails, tweets, etc. to The Ellen Show. I know we’ll get there if enough requests are sent to Ellen–why WOULDN’T she want to try some amazng, vegan, sugar-free treats–exactly the kind of foods she’s trying to eat?? The show is now on summer hiatus, but let’s blitz them with messages for the fall!
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Hi Ricki,
I’m a fellow CSNN grad and although we haven’t met, we have a few common friends. I have tried several of your recipes and acheived great results. I love your enthusiusm and the effort you are making to get on Ellen. I submitted a suggestion on the Ellen website today to support having you on the show. I know with all of the positive affirmations the RHN community is sending you, it will only be a matter of time before we are watching you on tv.
Blessings,
Nancy.
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Hi Ricki,
I just posted my suggestion on Ellen’s website, all the very best to you! I am so excited for you, I can feel the energy that will send you straight to Los Angeles!!!
Everyone should have as much enthusiasm as you, it was fun just being a tiny part of it. GOOD LUCK!!!
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Hi Ricki,
I just stumbled on your blog yesterday and I’m so glad I did. I think you’d be fantastic on The Ellen Show, and sent an email to the show in the hopes you’ll be featured in the fall. With your energy and enthusiasm, I’d say you were tailor made for it – good luck!
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Hi Ricki,
I just found your blog and absolutely love it! I’m on an anti-candida diet now and I think these sweet treats and savory recipies are going to save me. Just emailed the ellen show as well! Good luck to you and hope you get it!
Jasmine
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I just found your blog, and it is awesome. I am trying to eat more healthfully and organically and am so excited about your recipes. They look fabulous. I emailed the Ellen Show and wish you all the best. Good luck!!
Tia
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[...] help Ricki get on the Ellen Show, as Ellen has already featured her book on her show’s Web site. I think Ricki’s a [...]
I sent the Ellen show an e-mail telling the staff how much I love you and Ellen and why you’d be the perfect guest. I hope another little message counts.
Good luck!!!!!
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Ricki,
I emailed Ellen to recommend she have you on her show. I hope you make it there! Good luck!
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