Watching a Dream Become Reality
Over three years ago I made the decision to write children's story books based on my grandchildren. There were two reasons for this:
1. I wanted to create something very special for each of them.
2. I have always loved to write and felt this would be a great way to start.
The ideas for the stories and writing them was the easiest part of this journey. From there it has been a struggle to see things come together.
My first obstacle was finding an illustrator who would portray these stories as I saw them, and also one I could afford. Along the way I talked with several, and most were good, but did not quite create what I envisioned. Several were also out of reach financially ($5,000-$10,000 per book). Then a very good friend introduced me to an illustrator, Elizabeth Moisan. Her illustrations were exactly what I had been looking for - something that reminded me of children's books from years ago. What she has helped me create has even gone beyond what I had imagined.
The second part of my journey was an education as I looked into publishers. There are a large majority that won't even accept unsolicited manuscripts, and trying to find a literary agent to help in this effort is no easy task. There are many companies/people out there who can help you get published, however the cost can be prohibitive. After looking at my options, and my budget, I decided to go the self publish route, which has worked well for me.
Last year the first book, Anthony's Amazing Adventures and Incredible Discoveries in the Backyard, was published:
http://www.amazon.com/Anthonys-Adventures-Incredible-Discoveries-Backyard/dp/1502598566/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1436100236&sr=1-2&pebp=1436100482803&perid=0JPWHY52PJQ867YWN5PB
And recently my second book, Emily the Princess Who Loves to Dance was also published:
http://www.amazon.com/Emily-Princess-Who-Loves-Dance/dp/1514358832/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1436100236&sr=1-1&pebp=1436100367831&perid=0JPWHY52PJQ867YWN5PB
By the end of 2015: Natalie and Bella Go Exploring will be available.
As each book is completed, that grandchild is presented with a copy. What a joy it is to see their face light up when they see their book. Emily will be receiving her book soon.
Promoting the books has not been easy, but I have visited a couple local libraries and they added my first book to their children's section. During this process I was very fortunate to have the local library invite me in for a book reading and signing, which was great fun! I will bring the second book around soon and hope it will be added.
At the end of this month I will be taking another step in this journey, and will be exhibiting and selling my two books at the New England Author's Expo and Sale in Danvers, MA. I'm not sure where this event may take me, but just having the opportunity to share with other authors, illustrators, artists and publishers is very exciting.
I will dream of big things happening with my writing, and enjoy wherever this journey may take me.
1. I wanted to create something very special for each of them.
2. I have always loved to write and felt this would be a great way to start.
The ideas for the stories and writing them was the easiest part of this journey. From there it has been a struggle to see things come together.
My first obstacle was finding an illustrator who would portray these stories as I saw them, and also one I could afford. Along the way I talked with several, and most were good, but did not quite create what I envisioned. Several were also out of reach financially ($5,000-$10,000 per book). Then a very good friend introduced me to an illustrator, Elizabeth Moisan. Her illustrations were exactly what I had been looking for - something that reminded me of children's books from years ago. What she has helped me create has even gone beyond what I had imagined.
The second part of my journey was an education as I looked into publishers. There are a large majority that won't even accept unsolicited manuscripts, and trying to find a literary agent to help in this effort is no easy task. There are many companies/people out there who can help you get published, however the cost can be prohibitive. After looking at my options, and my budget, I decided to go the self publish route, which has worked well for me.
Last year the first book, Anthony's Amazing Adventures and Incredible Discoveries in the Backyard, was published:
http://www.amazon.com/Anthonys-Adventures-Incredible-Discoveries-Backyard/dp/1502598566/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1436100236&sr=1-2&pebp=1436100482803&perid=0JPWHY52PJQ867YWN5PB
And recently my second book, Emily the Princess Who Loves to Dance was also published:
http://www.amazon.com/Emily-Princess-Who-Loves-Dance/dp/1514358832/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1436100236&sr=1-1&pebp=1436100367831&perid=0JPWHY52PJQ867YWN5PB
By the end of 2015: Natalie and Bella Go Exploring will be available.
As each book is completed, that grandchild is presented with a copy. What a joy it is to see their face light up when they see their book. Emily will be receiving her book soon.
Promoting the books has not been easy, but I have visited a couple local libraries and they added my first book to their children's section. During this process I was very fortunate to have the local library invite me in for a book reading and signing, which was great fun! I will bring the second book around soon and hope it will be added.
At the end of this month I will be taking another step in this journey, and will be exhibiting and selling my two books at the New England Author's Expo and Sale in Danvers, MA. I'm not sure where this event may take me, but just having the opportunity to share with other authors, illustrators, artists and publishers is very exciting.
I will dream of big things happening with my writing, and enjoy wherever this journey may take me.
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