SUPPORT LOCAL AUTHORS
- By James DeHaven
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- 19 Mar, 2019
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Local Authors & Self-Publishing
I just received a social media ad from a fellow local author
( CJ Zahner - https://www.amazon.com/CJ-Zahner/e/B07G9KLT5L/
) with Laura Weber, Rebecca Knightlinger at a local bookstore – PRESSED BOOKS & GIFTS
- ( https://www.pressedbooks.com/
1535 W 8th St, Erie, PA 16505) Please visit there this Thursday 5/21 - 5-6 pm, to meet and support these three female local authors.
This blog is about supporting Local Authors and the Local bookstores that support us by having our books for sale in their store. Especially for Self-Published authors
Some stores either will not accept Self-Published
authors or make the contract so unfriendly as to not make the association worth
the authors time. Not sure why this is,
as Self-Publishing is going through a boom at present and even some established
“Brick and Mortar” authors are now turning to or supplementing their work via
this method. Did you know that the recent movie "The Martian" by Andy Weir was a self-published novel at first?
This is because they have more control over their work. For others (like me) we also cannot afford the thousands of dollars for professional editing, cover, and marketing costs associated with publishing a book through “traditional” methods. Meaning, send your manuscript out and wait for rejection letters while your book sits in the computer.
I present a “Writing & Self-Publishing Workshop” at our local Erie County Library, which I have done for the past five-six years. There are so many people who have a story to tell and are very good writers. They just need a vehicle (Self-Publishing) to get their story out. We have had success with at least four new writers that I know have self-published their books. We need to support their efforts. How do you support them? Glad you asked.
- Purchase their books
- Attend their "Meet the Author" and Book signings.
- Post positive reviews of their works via Amazon / Kindle reviews - VERY IMPORTANT!
- Send support emails and messages to your favorite author.
Combining the process of 1.
Writing
your book and 2.
Publishing
your book, then 3. Marketing
your book(s), is an ongoing labor of love and perseverance. In most cases, it takes more work to Edit, Proof, and Market a book than it takes to write it.
So, I
would like to mention the following bookstores because they have agreed to
accept not only my books, but those of some other fellow local authors as well. There are quite a few of us in Erie, PA.
Pressed Books / & Gifts & Romolo’s Chocolates on W. 8th St. / Light in the Woods on Rt 99 Edinboro. / Hofmann’s 26th & Parade. Please visit and support these stores and the local authors on special shelves they have set up just for local authors. We are easy to find!
In addition to” LOCAL” stores, I think I am safe to say that each LOCAL AUTHOR also has their own WEBSITE and or FACEBOOK page. You can gain a great deal of information about the author and a particular book by visiting their sites and pages. You will find that most authors books are also available via the internet on sites such as Lulu / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kindle / I-Books / Kobo and numerous other sites where, with a couple clicks of your mouse, you can purchase a soft/hard or e-book copy.
I declare the 1st day of Spring as “Support your Local Authors Day.”
For the main characters, I decided to use my little great niece who has an artistic interest - for now. And a young Marine veteran at our Church. He and my father and uncle, are Marine veterans, and the real Bill in the book is true. He is a real purple-heart Navy Medic hero. Well, I think anyone who serves is a hero. Most writing classes always say, 'Write what you know.' So it was fun to use facts and surround them with a love story and pay tribute to veterans.
I put a saying on one page and a picture opposite of them. Not necessarily related to the saying, but some do work that way. My surprise was using a matte finish for the cover. (I have always used glossy, so far.) Well, when I showed the proof to two of my super fans, they fell in love with the feel of the cover. It is unique, and I get a lot of comments on the cover as much as the content. I am told it is a good reference book to look at from time to time when one needs a pick-me-up.
I am so appreciative of Pressed Books for sponsoring these events to everyone who takes the time to attend the events and for all those who purchase my books in-store or online.
I cannot tell you how grateful I am for each purchase, each review, and every comment from each of you.
You will never find that in anything I write. Thank you all - you mean a great deal to me!
Well, the first one - 'Mystery' (for short) is another love story. Nothing unique there. However, the real-life story of how we met both the couples (real first names used in the story) in this town over 3 years and then discovered how we all knew each other, is Very unique. And that is woven into a love story in which a relative (female) and a family friend (male) are the main characters used in this story. As well, the locations are real. Indian Rocks Beach, FL and Erie, PA, and Galena, IL. Our great niece (currently 4 years old) was used in the story and the fiction part is imagining her growing up using her current interest in art. The other theme is the use of military veterans' experiences. One from our friends (used in the story) and a current young man whom we know and who supplied the current experience of a Marine Veteran in today's conflict. So, yes...unique. And a very heartwarming story, I am told by my top fan.
The cover was also generated by A.I. via my son, from a mural found in the Post Office of that town.
The cover 'feel' came out rather uniquely comforting as well. As comforting as a cover feel can be. My top fan just likes to hug it. Yes - you read that correctly...she loves to HUG it and feel it. So - unique? I believe they are. And, I hope you feel the same way when you own them.
These are good books and are written to warm your heart and soul. I really hope they do.
Always try to be positive, and if you find it a difficult day...pick up either of these books and hopefully, they will help you to regain your peaceful and positive outlook.
This newest release has been years in the making. I was asked some time ago and by many people who follow my writing and background regarding my back surgeries, as to when I was going to write about my experiences and how I made it through 25 years of pain and suffering.
It was difficult. As with anyone who goes through a trying experience, let alone 8 back surgeries, the mind tends to block certain memories and feelings. Thus, forcing a recall of the events over 25 years was not easy. Yet, as I did try to recall them, some were funny. And some were tough. But, mostly I remembered the love of my wife in her caregiving and family with their calls and cards which kept coming through each surgery and recovery. And then social media lent itself to many friends and followers of my writing to always provide encouragement and prayers through each difficult time.
That became more of the recollection than the trauma. Yet, I did recall certain events that were hard, so that people (readers) going through their own difficult times could relate and learn how I handle it so that they too could understand a way to get through their own difficult times.
I called it ‘my story’ and hope that each person, experiencing their own story would find some comfort and means to get through theirs as well.
Yes, it is religious-based. It has to be. As humans, I find more and more that people attempt to rely on their own knowledge to understand or handle their rough periods. Man’s wisdom is limited and based on the here and now for the most part. At least, that is what most seek, an immediate answer or fix to bring them back to where they were before. That just isn’t feasible in most cases.
As society turns away further from religion and God’s wisdom, more suffer with anxiety and depression because they do not get immediate answers, or answers they want in their way. They can’t seem to handle their outcome or current situation in a positive manner and with hope.
So, the intent of this book was to offer a solution. A way in which I found that comforted me through all of the trauma I went through. Will it be the answer for everyone? Of course, I realize that it won’t because some people have drifted so far away from their spiritual essence concentrating only on the physical, that they are unknowledgeable about the power of their inner spirit and the love and healing that God can provide.
If this story, helps even one person, and believe me, I already know that it has, then this book/story has been successful. I hope it will be for you.
If you have not read 'Terragon - Stardate 2050' which was written 13 years ago thinking about my two great nephews - Gavin and Blake who were just born at that time, I think you should pick up a copy for your teens. I wondered what their future would be like. It started with one sentence -" What commander Gavin Blake was now seeing out his porthole window, had to reference to what he had studies at the Space Academy."
That sentence would not appear until 3/4's of the way through the finished story. That's how stories start my friends. A kernel of an idea. It was written with real science facts incorporated into the story to give is plausibility. "Fiction is a lie that gives the truth possibilities." It is written with hope and promise for a brighter future, where love and understanding will prevail over the absurdities of today's greed, hate, and prejudices.
Hope is always a great goal. I had one teen write to me about the book -"It can't end here, you must write a sequel."
I haven't yet, but who knows?...
2021 - I am so honored and pleasantly surprised by receiving notification of winning this award for my book -
' A Love Lost in Time.' It is so nice to be recognized for my writing after 12 years of attempting to put out good stories and poems.
When I was diagnosed as being permanently disabled 12 years ago, and taken out of work, I wondered what I would do. My mind was still active, but after 8 serious back surgeries, I was no longer able to walk, sit, or stand for any length of time.
But, my family and friends encouraged me to write. I had done poems and greeting cards for family, and they really encouraged me to write a book. So, I had to learn how to set up a laptop while reclined back in my recliner as I could not sit at a computer for any length of time. (still can't)
And then after I wrote the first one (Danielle's Christmas Wish) I didn't know how to produce it. Trying to find an agent or publisher was a daunting task. Eventually I turned to self-publishing and that avenue allowed me to produce my writing into actual books.
Some may say, well, you are not healed completely. That may be so, but I am able to use the talent he gave me. I don't refer to my writing as a talent, just a hobby.
I have been often asked to write about my disability and how I survived all 25+ years with a positive attitude and outlook. That is hard. I started it about a year ago and here is the working title..."Hey...I'm Talking to You...God." And in doing some research, I found this passages...only a few are listed, there will be many more in the books forward. This will give you an idea.
"Who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:4
1.“…healing may be instantaneous, or it may be a process. That is up to me. Your part is to trust Me fully and to thank Me for the restoration that has begun.”
2. “…I rarely heal all the brokenness in a person’s life.” 1&2 from Jesus Always by Sarah Young.
That about sums it all up. And I am still thankful for as far as I have come and for the ability to keep writing. In my quiet times of meditation, he has led me, so some beautiful sayings and pictures, that I share on Facebook everyday. And the wonder of it is that I never really know what or when I will be inspired for a poem or a story. And the sayings and pictures I post, are not picked by me, but by his hand.
The most precious and rewarding accolades for me, are when someone lets me know, that my poem, or books, or picture has touched them when they needed it. That allows me to know, that I am his instrument. That people still acknowledge the good, and positives in life.
When we are bombarded by so much darkness and negativity in societies movies, songs, writings, etc. We all need an oasis of Love, Peace, Understanding, and Positivity. To be such a small part of that...I am honored. And I am thankful and pleased, to live up to my promise to him and to be grateful daily, for what little I am able to do.
Keep inspired my friends. Look for the good. It is out there. And may everyday, hold some good, some hope, and some beauty for your soul.
If you have not read "A Love Lost in Time" I encourage you to do so. So many friends and family put so much time into editing and offering suggestions, that I think it will be worth your time to read. It is my interpretation based on my studies and research over a lifetime. Do I know the answers...absolutely not...but I sense it was what he wanted me to write.
I wish you the very best of the Holidays (Thanksgiving & Christmas) so that your heart and soul are warmed and that by sharing (written or spoken) you continue traditions and memories that will be gifted to the next generation.
Writing the book is time consuming and arduous in itself. The many edits, and corrections, and re-wording etc.
Any writer, whether story or poems, knows this.
The next hurdle is publishing. And, if you are like me, the likelihood of obtaining a brick and mortar publisher to produce your book is like winning the lottery. It's luck and more work. If you want instant publishing, there are plenty of self-publishing outlets. However, they all want a piece of your savings. If you do not want to, or do not have the computer skills to do the template, page setting, cover graphics, etc yourself, then it is going to cost you a lot to have them do it for you. Can you say...$1000 for each task?
I took the path (12 years ago now) to do everything myself. So, the only cost to me, is the print cost to the author. That is usually around 4-6 dollars per book. It used to be not so bad a process. With just a little basic computer skill - i.e. copy, cut ,paste, and a little Word experience, you could do it.
Now - the self-publishing companies are run by the younger generation, whose skills are at a much higher level. They think Everyone can do this. Thus, they are using other companies or "apps" as they like to call them to create (covers esp) to format your document and covers. This requires an additional skill level. With each generation, the expectation is that you automatically know this stuff. I'd like to see the kids today, drive a stick shift!
Anyway, this self-publishing is a bit more tricky now.
Example. Your Word file (doc) may be done. And maybe you uploaded the 6x9 template (as an example) and have the interior spaced the way you like it. Now - you have to upload it to your printer (aka self-publisher). You are actually the publisher, so definition wise - you are sending your file to be printed. Ok, now you just cannot send them the WORD file anymore where they used to convert it to .pdf for you, and had built in software for the cover design, where you only had to add a picture, title, author, back story and it was sized and formatted for you. No, No, No. That was too easy. Now - they want YOU to convert your .doc file to either .pdf or an e-pub file if it will be an e-book. This necessitates, you going to a third party (app) to create and size your file and hope....that when you upload it all to the "print co." it will turn out. Hint - it never does. You will be caught in a loop of correct, re upload, correct, re-upload. This process can be more frustrating and take even longer than writing your book.
Kindle and Lulu still offer their services and "free" uploading within their software, and they are the least cost, if you do it all yourself. I still recommend them, just know, that times have changed, the younger crowd is in charge, and it will be more difficult for (us).
However, practice makes perfect, and if you can find a combination of your "Print Co" aka Lulu or Kindle direct, AND - you use a third party (like Canva) and teach yourself how to use them (there are tutorials on youtube) then you can still "self-publish" at minimal cost.
This newest book of Poems, had been an exercise in this new learning curve. I did it, but it took a lot of concentration, time, and nerves.
I hope this review, does not scare you away from self-publishing, but educates you on the new methods and skills that you must learn so that you can publish your work without having to spend big $ or wait for a brick and mortar publishing to accept your work.
Good luck, and keep writing friends. And, if you know or have a young person in your life - be friendly to them! You are going to need them - eventually.
We have some in my hometown of Erie, Pa. One in particular I find very supportive of Local authors. Pressed Books, Coffee & Gifts located at 1535 W. 6th St. in Erie. Since opening her new store several years ago, she has been very conducive to accepting local and indie publishers. In fact, she has set aside a whole shelf / area in her store just for Local Authors. This isn't always the case. One store in fact set her fees and conditions that made it impossible to achieve any profit, if your book was even accepted (if you were an indie author).
Pressed, on the other hand, has had Book Signings, and featured author of the month at her store for local authors. In fact, I am writing about this today, because I am the featured author for June this year. And I have had a successful book signing at her beautiful store before.
What I want you to take away from this blog, is to support these local bookstores in your community. They are a local business trying to survive in a tough market. So before you look for 'free' downloads or inexpensive e-books, consider the time and effort and expense of time and money, that the author spends on creating and marketing a new book. As well, the costs associated with paperback and hardcover books for an locally owned bookstore.
I would encourage you to experience the full senses allure of walking into a bookstore. Like this one, Pressed, she offers a coffee shop and a gift shop. There are also love seats in the book area, a separate children's section geared just for the kids, and related other gifts appropriate for book lovers. The sight, smell, sound, and overall sensory experience is quite pleasant and rewarding. It can be a great gathering place for individuals or book clubs.
Next time you need a birthday, anniversary, Christmas, or remembrance gift, make sure you consider a book. It really is the gift that keeps on giving, all year long.
I wish you all the best in your endeavors. If writing were easy, everyone would be doing it. But i think the pleasantness and feelings of accomplishment when you are writing and especially when you finish, is the reward.
This is a good example of self-publishing, where you can create almost instant books or writings and have them in hand in a matter of weeks.
This Holiday season, many find themselves still caught in the pandemic's grip of having to distance themselves from loved ones. It should not be considered a political football, but rather a world wide crisis that all are involved in to do the right things to help each other, worldwide.
So, while you are at home why not put your creative skills to the task and create art, poems, stories, music, plays...anything that is of interest to you. Try to share them with others by way of the internet via electronic files so that others may enjoy your work. Look what some of the entertainers are doing to entertain people and to keep their craft alive and working.
Since, I write, I will suggest that you finally get that story out of the computer and finish it as a file that you can upload to a self-publisher. Just like the one I pictured here.
At a self-publishing class I taught a few years back, a grandmother approached me with two family stories she wanted to write and turn into books. With a little 'techno' assistance from her family, she was able to accomplish this task and produced two books for her family one Christmas. She was in her 80's, so I know YOU can do the same.
You have the time now that you are home more this year. A lot of people that attended my Writing & Self-Publishing class often said that it was the lack of time that kept them from completing their stories. You should have the time now.
Keep your mind active and sharp and get that book out. There are so many more self-publishers now than there were years ago and a great deal of them are free. That is, the only charge to you is for the print cost. As an example, the book pictured in this article cost about $3.00 to print (self-publish) and about $1.80 to ship for just one. That's a pretty cheap, but very personal gift you can create for children, grandchildren, or others.
I would encourage you to keep writing during this pandemic. It is a great stress reliever as well as a mind sharpener.
The book shown here, contained personal pictures of the youngsters during Christmas and included their siblings, cousins, Aunts, Uncles, etc. into a unique story littered with cartoonish figures. It was a big hit. YOU can do the same.
Ok, fellow authors...now its time to get that story out. Good writing! and Happy Holidays, however you celebrate them.
