Mommy-Girl Coffee

Shame, shame, shame. This is the cat that had us on a scavenger hunt this morning, looking for her kitties that she had hidden away. Coffee doesn’t know it, but the things that she does and the reactions from we pet grandparents is going to make me write another story about this cat who got it’s new home with us. Coffee is throwing ideas out there and they are landing in my head. So don’t be surprised if something starts brewing. 🙂 Hey, something already did. We are about to play…Name that Kitty Game. And how did you like the mini story this morning?

Like I said earlier, Coffee is a new mommy with 4 kittens. We don’t know what sex they are yet because we haven’t handled them. They are a week old today and their eyes are still closed. I will be so glad when they wake up, get frisky and GET A NAME.

                                              NAME THAT CAT

As soon as they open their eyes and start running around looking all cute, we will have to give them names. So here’s what I would like for you to do. Throw me out some cute names for male and female kittens. Join in the fun of naming these itty bitty kitties for Coffee and Me. Later, I will let you know which names we keep & who thought of it.  Now doesn’t this sound like fun? You get to participate in naming these cats. So get ready, I want to see some unique cute names.

Here’s An Update for You

  Just keeping you informed on how this iTunes thing is going. I started off this morning getting situated with Atlantis Word Processor….again. Getting all reacquainted with it . I had this program before, but somehow lost it between new computers. But it is back with me again, and I am glad. Want to know why? This word processor allows me to save my documents as epub files. This is what I was trying to make yesterday, which is a requirement for electronic books for Apple iTunes. So I got busy and did the first book for iTunes, “The Magic of Soda Pop.” My word document converted over to an epub file. I took that file through the Epup Validator, that they recommended to see if there were errors. Halleluiah, there were none! the file is good to go. Bless my heart. I am grinning over here and clapping my hands for what I think is success.

So now, everything is uploaded and it seems to be in good standings, because the last message I received from the distributor talking about errors was yesterday, 4-20-15. But as of today, and if I understand what is really going on, the book will be distributed to iTunes within 24 hours or less, because beside the title it is noted “Ready for Distribution” in red letters and on the iTunes title page and my publisher page.  Now that sounds good enough doesn’t it? Sounds like a done deal. By this time tomorrow, Soda Pop should have galloped on over to the iTunes store. However, I am keeping my fingers crossed because I don’t want no more issues popping up at the last minute. If this goes well, I can proceed to the next book. It should go much better since I can now make my epub files without a hassle, thanks to the Atlantis Word Processor.

Like I said before, this is a learning process for me. This also goes to show that there is more to writing and becoming an author than what you think, especially when you are an indie like me…….WORD UP!

Keeping My Fingers Crossed

Okay, here’s an update on my iTunes journey and my book travels. I spent all afternoon studying and figuring this and that all out. I even managed to change the sizes of 6 books in my attempt of getting them ready for the iTunes journey. This means I have 8 more to change.

I managed, after a few stumbling blocks to get one book ready for the Apple store, which is being distributed through allromance/omnilit. My new 1400 wide x2100 tall cover image submitted along with the epub file. I had to convert the pdf file for that. I ended up downloading Calibre to my computer, thinking that’s how I will do my file conversions. However, that was a tad bit confusing. So I ended up using an online-file converter site, which proved to be easier. At least the file seems to working.

Anyway, I went ahead and uploaded these two new files to my Omnilit book page, and lo and behold, right by my title that I was working on it says……ready for distribution to iTunes. Before, that iTunes category had nothing in it. It even gives the date that the book is showing as ready for distribution, which is today, April 20th. So far, so good wouldn’t you say?

Well, not so fast, because it will take 24 hours or so for the book to hop on over to iTunes, after they review everything, so I am keeping my fingers crossed that they give me the green light. If they do……I will proceed to the next title and get it ready.

So, how do you like this update, are you following and keeping up with me.

See what you have to do when you become a digital author?

I Love Offering Free Books & Getting Reviews!

  Yes I really do love book reviews! But guess what, they are so hard to come by. All an author can do is just hope and pray that once a reader finish reading a book, they will leave a review of it…especially if they like it. But sometimes, we authors have to take the good with the bad, the bitter with the sweet and keep on going on when and if that happens.

I just put 3 of my children’s books on sale and the price tag is “Free” for a limited amount of time. Since the books are free, I am hoping that purchasers will leave a little review of what they have read.

I don’t think that is asking too much, do you? What can it hurt? The eBook titles that I am offering from now until March 1, 2015 are…….TOTALLY FREE.  I like free, don’t you? Fill up your Kindle bookshelf for the kiddies. The sale is taking place now!

  

2014 in review, Well I sure do like this!

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2014 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

A San Francisco cable car holds 60 people. This blog was viewed about 1,600 times in 2014. If it were a cable car, it would take about 27 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

Back in the Swing of Things

Needless to say, I am smiling from ear to ear on this Sunday morning, all because I am back in business once again. Wanna know why? Guess I will tell you anyway. Yesterday, I went out and got a new desktop computer to work on since my old one went stir crazy. And the best part of it all…I got my files back that I thought I lost forever…whew! Now that was scary. Needless to say, I will not be making that mistake ever again…save, save, save I tell you. Now all of my files are tucked away on my handy thumb drive that my son gave me. I even emailed files to myself for extra backup. So right now, I am sitting here cool as a cucumber and feeling good once again. I can get creative again!

The last few days I was in a panic and lost not having my own computer to work on. I was on my son’s laptop just to keep up with emails, Facebook and Twitter and trying to blog using my tablet.  My son really came to my rescue because he hooked me up with what I needed to get. I now have more memory and space than I’ve ever had. This Dell computer is fast too. When I walked into that computer store, “Retro PC,” I was like a kid in a candy store. I wanted everything! LOL. But I had to be realistic. Where would I put 100 or more computers on my desk? I wouldn’t have room for my cup of coffee.

So today, I will continue dabbing into my creativity with the new children books that I am working on. I will be transferring handwritten content into Microsoft word, (I did find a way to write). Actually, when my old computer went stir crazy, I began working on two stories to fill in the gap of not typing, one for young readers and the other for preteens. Both in draft form. I told someone once that I could only work on one story at a time….I was so wrong. Never say never. I learned that about myself through all this  computer conniption.

Needless to say, I am one happy writer on this fine breezy Sunday morning. It’s cold outside too, glad I am inside where it is nice and warm and I am on a computer that works.

Doing My Thing Still

Well, as you can still see, I am still finding a way to write a little bit even though my computer is gone. Thank goodness I am not trying to one finger type on my tablet like I did yesterday when I wanted to write. No today, I just went ahead and put WordPress on my son’s laptop….he won’t mind because I have the greatest son in this whole wide world. He knows what I do. To tell you the truth, I just go out of my mind when I can’t write and post.

This morning I got up with thoughts stirring all around in my head about the book I am working on, which is still sitting on the old hard drive collecting dust on my broke down computer. (The thing refuses to come on) Anyway, the writing bug struck me over my morning coffee, so what do I do, pull out my favorite yellow writing tablet and then I got busy….handwriting instead of typing. Well, (sounding like Samantha on Bewitched) I gotta do what I gotta do, even though I plan to get a new computer this weekend. Considering that I didn’t want to wait any longer to write something, I decided to just go ahead and hand write it out. I have a continuing draft to deal with when I get  another computer up and running. I am prepared for the transfer of files so I will be moving right along, without missing a beat or a step. With this draft, I made it to chapter 2, so I am feeling accomplished on this Halloween day with no files and no computer. Perhaps I need a backup typewriter for days like this….it’s just a thought.

But guess what, while looking through my yellow writing tablet of drafts, notes and what-nots, I found another story just sitting there waiting for me to come back to it….so I gave it a little attention too. I added more content to that storyline as well, bringing it to a chapter 2. I never thought I would ever work on two stories at one time….but I did. So I say….NEVER SAY NEVER!!!! You are bound to prove yourself wrong….I just did.

The two stories that I am working on are for teens and preteens. That’s all I am going to say about them….I’m going to make you sweat and wonder what kind of story lines are inside the pages of the books. I will say this…..the reader will keep turning the pages.

Now I can relax and stop worrying so much, even if it is just for a day or two. I can concentrate on other things, like dishes in my sink. Now doesn’t that sound entertaining?

I love writing and creating books for children, preteens and teens. That’s what I am all about. Even if and when I have to go clear around the block to get to where I am going with it. Loving what you do lets you climb mountains and over hurdles.

Author Winona Rasheed in the house!

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My Amazon Author Profile

I just checked and found out that the new book, “My Happy New Home,” is appearing on Amazon as of today. This happened quicker than I expected it to. Both print and ebook are ready for purchase. I am so thrilled and excited. The book is just a click away. You can’t beat that speed.
So let the fireworks go off because this children’s book has arrived! I guess it’s time to put my thinking cap on and start a new writing/book project. I have so many ideas swimming around in my head. It’s never a dull moment in my author world. The ideas keep me energized and on my toes as a serious and dedicated writer.

E-book Sells and More

Well this is good news, it is looking like people are really enjoying the reading option of e-books on Kindles; after all in today’s modern society of technology and electronic gadgets, you no longer have to lug around an arm load of physical books when you get in a reading mood. It’s so convenient when you are away from home to just pull out your reading device because all of your books are stored there, taking the strain off your shoulders and back from carrying books here and there; for instance, like when you go on vacation, or when you are riding on a plane or on a train, or if you are just relaxing at the beach or the side of a pool. You have to admit, those electronic reading devices come in handy.

After checking my books stats today and I am happy to say, that two of my books are still holding their own in the e-book world on Amazon dot com. People are buying the e-book versions of “A New Home for Her Cubs,” and “Broken Voices.” One book is ranking at 43, while the other is 87 on the best seller list in different categories. Can you guess which one is #43? Anyway, out of 11 books published, 2 best sellers isn’t bad. I am not complaining. As a matter of fact, I have a smile on my face. So to all of those reading folks keeping these two books listed on the 100 best seller list, I say thank you. I am full of gratitude. I write the story, but it is the readers who make the books stand out.

Now, with all that being said, there’s one more thing you can do. It’s not hard and will only take a few minutes of your time; and this is something that every author needs to happen when readers engage themselves in the author’s books. We need reviews. I need reviews of what you read. It doesn’t have to be long, you aren’t writing an essay. Just something simply that says what you feel about the book. If you enjoyed it or not, good or bad. However, remember constructive criticism goes a long way. You never want to bash an author, so be nice with your words. So please, take a moment and go to the Amazon page where the book title and cover are showing and leave a review, not just for me, but for others to read and decide if they want to read the book too. If you do that, I will dance on table tops for you….well maybe not. But I will say THANK YOU with a humbled heart.

Visit my new website: http://www.wbrasheed.com

What’s Happening FRIDAY?

You know, when I am in this little blog space, I usually talk about my books, or author stuff. Today is no different, I am about to give an update.

It’s alway good for an author to keep up with their publishing adventures. Don’t just let the books sit there and you don’t do anything after they are published. That is a big no no. I’ve posted, promoted, blogged, and tweeted so much, it makes me wonder if readers get sick of it. Oh well, if they do, there’s nothing I can do about that kind of attitude.

Update #1 A New Home for Her Cubs (kindle edition) is still on the top best seller list. Coming in at 81. This to me shows that this book must be a great read and readers are enjoying it, because the number changes daily.

Update #2 With the release of Bittersweet Dayz, it’s not only selling on Amazon, but it just went live in the iTunes store as well today. I know a couple of people who were waiting for it to come to Apple iTunes. Their wish was granted today. As a matter of fact, this book and Broken Voices both are in 51 countries where the iTunes store is popular and on demand for those readers who love electronic reads.

Update #3 Visit me anytime on my website. New things are always popping up there.
http://born2write.weebly.com

Update #4 I found a new place for authors to hang out and promote their books. This looks very promising and hopeful. Therefore, I registered, listed my latest book and set up an author profile. I am waiting to see how many readers I draw in. You know me…the more the merrier. The website might interest you too.

Author Of The Month: Sharon K. Middleton

Well, that’s enough updating for today. I just wanted to blog a little bit and share with you what I am doing today. Tomorrow is D day for me…I go to the dentist…Let’s just say I am trying to be brave and not think about it. Yes, I have a deep phobia for some reason. When this is all over, I should create a children’s book about going to the dentist, or maybe not. I hate rats too, that doesn’t mean I can write about them, too darn creepy for my blood and in my mindset, the dentist rates right up there with the rodents.

Talk at ya later. I hope you got a giggle from this.