Making eBooks

I'm currently in the process of attempting to convert my children's books into eBooks.
I say attempting because this is a stressful experience, so far. It was easy using Book Wright to create a layout for my books, then even easier to have them exported into my Blurb account, and getting them ready for sale and distribution was the easy-peasy-ist thing I've done in my life.
This isn't easy. This is awful.

I'm having to get an Adobe ID to sort out my own PDFs of my OWN work, as well as trying to not lose any resolution on my images and text whist creating a layout. Why is this so difficult?
I've also decided to use Amazon KDP for this - as I found going through Blurb to be less than helpful in regards to creating an eBook - so far it looks promising, although there is next to no progress on my behalf... But I will get there - there will be at least ONE eBook under my name by the end of the week.

When I do manage to get into the swing of things, I'll be putting online versions of my work online - this is due to the fact, readers within the Twittersphere seem to request more recommendations of what they should read next on their Kindles. People prefer books at the touch of a button, and that's cool. Plus, the pricing of eBooks are a lot cheaper than that of paper copies - so hopefully it'll reach more people who prefer digi-books?
We'll see how I get on in next weeks episode of: Indie Author Tackles Technology.

In the near future, if you see an eBook of mine knocking about on Amazon, smile and know that I've finally cracked it. Oh, and download the book..

#ThrowBOOK Intro.

I'm not at all encouraging people to throw literature.
Do not be rough with the books.

I am creating a throwback feature to go back to the books I have published and discuss my writing process - my favourite artwork from the book - and where to buy it, etc.
I've chosen to post '#Throwbooks', as success is not something that is instant, it can happen years later, for example, I'd created books years ago, but they are coming onto people's radars now. I don't know why the sudden surge of popularity, but I'm definitely pleased it is happening. It's not a race.

The posts will be spread out to ensure I'm not overwhelming my blog readers with self promotion. This is merely an introduction to what I will be writing about in the near future - it'll also help readers find books I haven't managed to promote as much as I'd like to.

I'm looking forward to going through my old books and picking and choosing my favourite parts. It is also a chance to see my writing strengths and what I need to work on for the books I'll be writing in the future.

So, keep your eyes peeled on the blog for '#ThrowBOOK'!

Is There Any Point In Reading To Your Newborn?

Newborns are only able to see in high contrast for a while, they don't know what's going on around them, and their eye muscles are not strong enough to focus yet. So is there any point of introducing literature to them? Because in reality, the first few weeks they only feed, toilet and sleep...

My daughter was three days old when she had her first story time. The book was a contrast picture book and 8 pages long. She's too young to even know what a book is, nevermind what the storyline was, but she was happy to sit with her father and watch him turn the pages as he read aloud. She was comfortable, she was interested, she was content.
She has since had several story times, with board books, paperbacks and even the newspaper. It doesn't matter what you read to them, as long as you're reading aloud and showing them where the story is coming from.

The benefits of reading to little ones consist of: allowing them to learn your voice, exposing them to new vocabulary, bonding over a relaxing activity, teaching them that books are an enjoyable experience, and showing them worlds they don't have around them. Children can sense the excitement in your voice as you read - especially if you put on funny voices for dialogue.

These days reading aloud is something that is being actively promoted - if children see grown ups doing it, they'll think it's just what we do - and therefore they will not feel put out when having to speak or read to an audience themselves. It's a skill even adults often struggle with.

Read aloud and proud!

You're their favourite person in the world and you're sparking an interest in reading. Reading with your littlie is a safe, comfortable activity, one that newborns can get involved with - because let's face it, they can't do much else and reading is a skill they'll have to tackle when they're older.
I've worked with young children, and they love story time. All they have to do is sit and listen, and they're imagination does the hard work. If it's escapism for adults, it's the same for little ones.

So yes, reading to a newborn is a must!

Are Beta Readers Important?

I only recently started using beta readers - I have also had people read the book once released for some feedback and for them to do a possible review for me on Amazon. Beta readers get their hands on your work before it goes too far, they give their honest opinion on your writing, and they help with any plot holes, grammar issues or tell you if the story is interesting or not.

So, are beta readers important?
.. They're more like ALPHA READERS, am I right? - The response I've had from people interested in my writing projects before they are available for the world to see, is incredible. It's very scary letting someone see your work before you even feel it's nearly finished - but it is productive, especially since beta readers will be critical of your work and not just sugar coat things - they want you to have good quality work out there.

I will be contacting more beta readers in the future when I finally finish my novel - I will hopefully do this for my children's books too - obviously limiting how many you need, as if you let anyone read your work, you won't get any sold. I will also be continuing to send out a PDF copy of my books to select people in order to gain more reviews online. Get yourself some betas!

My Book Aims

I genuinely didn't expect to have more books than Don't Eat Charlie Cheese.
I was 22 years old when I crafted the Charlie Cheese character, I was working in a pre-school, didn't know exactly what I wanted to do with my life, but I thrived making up rhymes and funny characters with the children and my co-worker (now best friend!). On my break, I used to make notes on scraps of paper or tissues I'd find in my pockets. It was exciting and sparked my interest in writing.

I would never think that 5 years later I'd have two more Charlie Cheese books, a memoirs comedy book, a poetry book and a new children's book.

It's such a wild achievement, and it's incredible to see my hard work being enjoyed by others. I am delighted I found such enjoyment with making stories, and decided that this is the future I'd see myself being happy having.
I believe I've done incredibly well in regards to getting my writing career off to a running start, although I hate feeling like I'm boasting or showing off, I do feel proud about this. I'd like to set myself new aims when it comes to books - rather than writing challenges.

My book aims are:

- Release 10 books by the time I'm 30. (Borderline impossible, but let's give it a go!)
AND
- Finish my novel. I don't have a deadline for this, but I'll be happy when it's complete.

The Macroodelzig - Out Now!

The book is finally out in the world, and I cannot be happier! I've spent a lot of time and energy getting feedback, making promotional posts, and attempting to advertise the book as much as possible this month.

The Macroodelzig is only available from two websites at the moment, but I will make a seperate post of all of the online bookstores in the near future.

Please follow the hashtag, #TheMacroodelzig, on social media and give some feedback on Amazon as and when you can - that would be amazing!

Where to grab the book early:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Possible Audiobook ?

I've been contemplating making an audio book for my Charlie Cheese Books..
Mainly because I'll find it hilarious that a slice of brie has a strong Yorkshire accent!

When working with littlies, we had the odd CD with audiobooks on, I think it was a few books by Julia Donaldson, and the children loved them - because they had freedom to act out the story along with the narrator - plus it introduced literature to busy bodies who don't like sitting to read.

It's definitely on the cards for the near future.
I've read my books aloud millions of times, but everyone hates the sound of their own voice, so who knows.. I'm going to record myself reading in the next few weeks, to see if it's something that can be completed soon, or if it's a project to come back to down the line.

I am excited to find the voice of Charlie and Mouse, though!