Monday, July 14, 2014

For the Love of the Publishing Game

Today, I taught several writing classes for children between the ages of 6 and 14.  I am used to discussing my author work with the little ones since I have a children’s picture book published under a pen name.  But speaking to the older kids was much different because there is a lot more concentration and depth given to all of the details and aspects of the writing and publishing process.

Throughout all of my classes, though, I used my picture book as a gateway to get their ideas flowing.  And then it got me thinking about the whole publishing industry and all of the research I had done before I decided to publish my children’s book.  The older kids were very interested in the publishing process as their eyes lit up with enthusiasm and excitement after I told them the rules have changed.  The industry itself has changed; therefore, anyone can publish a book without the hassle of dealing with rejection after rejection after rejection.
 
Before I even decided to publish, I knew I had my research cut out for me.  I took publishing seminars alongside various writing classes to perfect and craft my art.  I always knew I had a gift and couldn’t wait to share it with the world.  Don’t get me wrong; there had been times when I doubted myself as well as my gift, but deep down, I knew how writing affected my soul.  It was, and has always been, the driving force in my passions, motivation, and continuous quest for constant creativity. 
When I wake up, I think about writing and before I fall asleep, I meditate on it.  Even when I am dreaming, I am coming up with stories as the worlds that exist within my head taunt and poke at my dreams.  My writing moves me and at the same time, haunts the hell out of me. 
This is one of the main reasons I decided to self-publish my children’s book.  Levar Burton and Reading Rainbow flooded my thoughts with memories and musings I had as a child.  I remember how important it was for me to sit down in front of the television with my sister and watch Burton narrate stories so beautifully that we had no other choice but to literally “Take a look, it’s in a book.”
 

 

So when the kids asked me what inspired me to become an author, I told them this, “Writing lives inside of me and dwells at the canyons of my soul.”  Well, I didn’t quite word it that way.  I did, however, tell them that Reading Rainbow, playing endlessly outside with my sisters and friends, and the fact that I couldn’t breathe without it… well, these are all splendid reasons for anyone to want to inspire, move and motivate other people.
This is what outside used to look like when we were little.  Coincidentally, this is also what my children's book is about.

This is what outside looks more like today. 
 
So yes, I want to motivate others through my writing.  I want to write books so powerful that others will have no other choice but to fall at the depths of the feelings protruding from my written words.  And when I teach and present my writing and children’s book to our youth, I am constantly reminding and encouraging them to find their voice.   I want them to use their talent and unique styles to not only become success stories, but to have others gravitate toward their work.  Whether it’s music, acting, writing, illustrating, playing a sport… anything.  I stress to our kids to find something they are passionate about and craft that passion so well, others will bask and share the light that resonates from within them.  And of course, to not allow violent video games and the internet rot their brains.

You should have seen their faces when I told them the author of Eragon (Christopher Paolini) had his parents self-publish his final manuscript.  He also wrote this story at 15 years old; incredible!  It was later picked up by a bigger house but both Paolini and his parents believed in Eragon and they didn’t want anyone telling them differently.


I also told them that success stories like this don’t happen often but if they have a dream of becoming an author, they can make their dreams come true.  Ever since I was a child, I wanted to be an author.  And I’m lucky enough that I am able to do something I love.  I still have a day job because I can’t live off of my writing yet.  But until then, I will never stop writing nor will I ever stop visiting schools, libraries and bookstores to help spread word about my name as well as inspire our children.

Because I researched and began building a platform before my children’s book was released, I had landed myself in a pool of opportunities.  I visit schools all over New Jersey and it turns out I am actually GOOD at what I do.  Principals and teachers are constantly complementing me and passing my name around.  They love my children’s book, author presentations, and now, writing classes. 

I am not famous and by no means can I support myself from simply doing what I love to do.  But I’m working hard at it and slowly, more doors are opening.   And everything happened because I took a chance and chased after a dream; my way.  My pen name is my business now and I will do whatever it takes to plant seeds around all of the grounds I come across. 
 
I was nervous today.  I honestly couldn’t tell you why.  I guess, deep down, I am still a bit self-conscious and critical about my work.  But when you find something you are good at and there are people around you telling you how grateful they are and how much you made their day, then you are definitely doing something more compelling than what most people can only dream about.  Try not to be too hard on yourself and keep doing what you do best… which is simply being the one and only, magnificent you, my fellow friends and authors!

Have you ever self-published a book?  If so, how has your experience been?  Would you ever self-publish a book if you haven’t already?  Do you get nervous speaking in front big audiences?
 
 

35 comments:

  1. Awesome! I love working with kids, and sharing your passion and lighting their fires, nothing better. I haven't self-published, but as I understand, some small pubs can be reasonably similar. You have to do a great deal more promotional work. I'm looking forward to the day when I can spare time to get out and do some of the cool stuff you're doing.

    ReplyDelete
  2. You will love it, Crystal! And I'm sure the kids would be very excited to spend time with you because your writing is beautiful.
    There is a lot of work that goes into promoting and marketing with self-publishing. This is a huge con but I knew this going into the industry. Now, I'm so used to it that it's pretty much like a 3rd job to me!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're so sweet, Gina. Tammy Therault teaches writing at her local school on a volunteer basis and I can't help thinking what a blast that would be. One day, right?

      Delete
  3. Gina, it sounds like you are really getting out there and making a name for yourself as an author, so kudos to you! I self published my first novel and I am so glad that I did because the response so far has been overwhelmingly positive. But I never would have known that had I not published independently! I hope that your brand continues to grow with every book that you write and publish. Fingers crossed! And I used to get nervous speaking in front of an audience until I realized that no one is listening anyway, lol.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Quanie. I am really trying! I honestly believe one of the best ways to promote ourselves is through word of mouth. I've made so many great connections from teachers, principals, parents and children who believe in my children's book its message.
      I went over the different genres in writing and brought up "It Ain't Easy Being Jazzy" to the older kids=) I told them how funny your book was and how much I enjoyed reading it! Now hopefully, they took notes and will pass it along to their parents!

      Delete
  4. First, I'm in total agreement with Snoopy. Surely that publisher made a mistake and Snoopy will correct the error.

    Second, like you, I love working with young kids. I taught at the high school and then university level, but now I'm eager to do workshops with young readers. They teach me so much.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Poor Snoopy! lol

      You are absolutely right about how much children teach us. I have learned a great deal about myself because of the sneak peeks I've taken into their creativity and levels of thinking. Whenever I leave an author visit, or in this morning's case, a classroom, my heart is filled with an impeccable amount of gratitude. As much as I would love to become a bestselling author, making someone's day by spending time with them can be even more rewarding=)

      Delete
    2. Isn't that true? Such synergy in those times with kids, especially ones who love reading and want to write.

      Delete
    3. Yes! I love when the kids who are really into reading and writing get excited and can't seem to stop raising their hands=) There is definitely a certain energy about them as their eyes light up with this glow resonating from inside.

      Delete
  5. Two novels, one novella, and two short stories. Plus the story in the IWM anthology that came out today.
    And I work in schools with kids. Mostly middle school.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is wonderful, Andrew! I hope you find working with kids as rewarding as I do=) The ideas they come up with when you spark their imaginations can really tickle one's heart!

      Delete
  6. I self-published two picture books because my sister is an artist and we wanted to work together. I also self-published Campus Crush under the pen name Ashelyn Drake to establish myself as a romance author. Most of my books are traditionally published, but I enjoy being a hybrid author.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How cool, Kelly! My sister also did the illustrations for my children's book=)

      Delete
  7. Sounds like you are a wonderful inspirational writing teacher. And what an uplifting experience that must be! I congratulate you on your progress in your writing career and I can tell you have it in you to eventually write full time. I do have a manuscript - a collection of poetic meditations that I need to finish editing and then I plan to attempt to self-publish it. I have read some books and articles on the process but I know I still have some learning to do. I may look into finding out if there is workshop on self-publishing in my area because I could probably use some group motivation.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awe, thank you Carol. It would be a dream come true if I could write fulltime and visit even more schools. The kids are my motivation and with every presentation or workshop, my heart is reminded about the purpose of my endeavors.
      If there is a self-publishing seminar or workshop, I highly suggest taking it. This is what helped sharpen my skills before I decided to self-publish my children's book.

      Delete
  8. What a fantastic day you had! You go, girl! And I did not know Paolini was 15 and self published eDragon. Yup, I've self pubbed and talking in front of people would not be my first choice:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Sandra! I love sharing stories like Paolini's because a lot of these kids have it in them but just need the motivation. School can be a bit confined at times so I stress how important it is to write freely at home. And read, read, read!
      I didn't think I would be able to speak in front of people. However, once I'm up there, it's almost as if God touches my heart and words and takes care of all of the rest=)

      Delete
  9. I have never published a book at all but I give authors a lot of credit. It must take a lot of time and patience.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, it sure does, Lady Lilith... sometimes even years and years and years! But I will never give up... it's just not an option.

      Delete
  10. As you know, I haven't self published a book. I hope to in the future though. And I've never had to speak in front of an audience, so I guess I don't really offer much to this conversation. It sounds like your classes went very well, as I knew they would. And you did everything right to get where you are today. God bless!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Chrys! You know who to ask for advice if and when you decide to self-publish=)

      Delete
  11. Hi, Gina:

    Congrats on all that you are doing. The children with whom you speak are so lucky to learn from you. You have such warmth and charm, and those who know you are lucky to be blessed with that in their lives. Keep up the great work!

    Kim

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awe, thanks Kim! You are too kind, truly! And I am blessed to have a sweet friend like you as well as a remarkable author to look up to=)

      Delete
  12. Gina, I always enjoy reading all the comments from your followers. It makes me happy & proud to have a daughter that touches so many lives. Every parent wants their children to be happy & you are a parent's dream come true. Love, Mommy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mommy, you always give me the kindest regards... thank you so much! I can't tell you how much it means to me that you are still here, by my side, walking down this path as I continue to embrace the opportunities ahead. It wouldn't be the same without you and I thank God every day you are with me... and Mommom too! Love you both!!

      Delete
  13. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Happy Tuesday, Gina. Love the Snoopy cartoon.

    ReplyDelete
  15. PS If you're wondering about the removed comment by author, I had a typo:(

    ReplyDelete
  16. No worries, my lovely friend=) Happy Tuesday & Wednesday to you! I couldn't resist the Snoopy cartoon!

    ReplyDelete
  17. I wish I could learn from you how to teach classes about writing! I'm definitely not a teacher, but as authors, we're often called upon to speak about our area of expertise. I think people think it's just a skill we all should have, but I definitely admire anyone who has a talent for teaching and public speaking.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I think when we are passionate about something, people tend to gravitate toward our gifts. Stephanie, your writing is really good so I wouldn't worry so much about the speaking in public part. People want to hear about how we come up with ideas so they can conjure their own creativity.
    When your ready, you will know. I would suggest starting small, like intimate classrooms just to get your toes wet. It's nice to write but it's even more rewarding when you actually have kids looking up to you for inspiration and advice=)
    And if you ever need a boost in confidence, I am always here to help! It can be nerve-racking but once you conquer public speaking a few times, it becomes natural.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I rarely get nervous speaking in small audiences. I'm nervous in front of big ones before I ease into the presentation.

    I never watched Reading Rainbow, but reading was a big part of my childhood and the writing bug hit me early.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I'm glad to hear you had an itch for writing at an early age. Reading helps us discover our talents even more since we fall in love with the worlds created before us. I remember how enchanting the narrator's voice was when he would read certain picture books. Such a nice memory... Reading Rainbow=)
    I speak in front of bigger audiences for my assemblies. At first, I was nervous but now, I'm used to it=) If you ever have the chance to speak about writing and you haven't already done so, Medeia, I suggest you do it. It can be quite motivating when we share our gifts with other people.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Thank you, Sandra! It was, indeed=)

    ReplyDelete