Heads UP!

Just a little something something to keep you updated on my doings.
Coming soon…..are you ready for it? Here’s a hint:

Mind-Boggling

Boy oh boy, this sure has been one mind boggling day as I sit at my desk trying to figure this books stuff out. Being a self-publisher is not easy when it comes to the physical and technical side of books. I think that’s why I love being published traditionally; they handle all that techie stuff themselves and when the author is finish with all the editing, it is the publisher who present them with an excellent book after doing all the complicated footwork themselves.

I’ve been working all day on updating some old books that I done myself. Yes I am very proud of what I accomplished. Anyway, the updating included getting preview copies for both Createspace and Kindle Direct. That task may sound easy, but for me, it was not. My files that I used one place, wouldn’t work for the other. So, I had to download some applications so I could convert files. I managed to do that correctly, but somewhere along the line of converting, saving and then finding what I saved got all mixed up. At one point I save so much stuff, I was downloading a file for the wrong book and back I go to the beginning to straighten that mess out. I was ready to scream up in here. But did I stop and give up…..No sirree. I GOT IT DONE!

Now I have four updated books, three is in review and one went live today. I still have one more ole book to prepare. I am hoping with this last one, it will be smoother and less complicated so that I can sail through it like I know what I am doing. But thank goodness, when all is done, all five published books will be on Kindle Direct. Next task, figuring out how to get them listed at the iTunes store for people with iPads. I don’t think I was born to be a publisher, I was born to be a writer/author. But sometimes, you just gotta do what you got to do. Who knows, maybe one day I will become a publisher as well as an author….but first things first, work on my stuff before I try working on other people’s stuff; know what I am doing before I even think about taking that plunge. This might take sometime to even get there, regardless if the door is half way open. You know what they say……practice make perfect.

Okay, I am done…I feel exhausted, but yet accomplished on this Saturday evening….it’s dinner and Netflix time.

Just A Little Me Chat

Wow, here it is Wednesday, in the middle of the week. I start my day with my coffee and sitting down planning my day. I decided not to write, instead I was just going to jump right in and do housework, cleaning and washing clothes, dusting…that kind of stuff; because I knew if I sat down to work on my manuscript, nothing was going to get done, especially since I am working on the last chapter. So, I decided to let that work simmer for a day or two. When I worked on that project yesterday, I tell you, I was so wore out from plotting, thinking and writing I just needed to chill out because my entire body felt wiped out.

Anyway, I was late checking my email for today and when I finally made it through all of them, two particular ones stood out in my mind and made me a happy writer/author today. Talk about somebody being on cloud 9 (and that would be me), the email just made my day. Here I am not in my writing mode, but doing something else and I receive an author award from the best publisher on earth, New Line Press. I am thrilled beyond words. When things happen like this, it makes you proud to be an author and doing what you love to do best and that is write!  This award keeps me inspired to keep on doing what I am doing. However, the way I feel about writing and creating memorable books for the young to read, I’d continue my craft even if no one recognized me ever, because this is what I am meant to do. I love being a storyteller and I love the idea of leaving my mark on the world. With one book at a time, I believe I am doing just that….fulfilling my dreams and accomplishing my goals and being grateful to the persons helping me get there. People who believe in me and love what I do.

With the reward that I received today, I am grateful to New Line Press and Catherine Burr. I’ve learned a lot being a part of this team and I am still learning and experiencing from the best. I couldn’t have done it without you. So I thank you for taking me under your wings and helping me to fly with my craft.  Today, I salute You!