The now:
As a HS
dropout I feel sorta odd publishing my 13th book. Of course without
Sherry's support and good 'proofers' it would never have been accomplished.
For a few years of my life I was a ‘Teller of Stories’. I used magic, ventriloquism and largely Chalk art.
Sherry and I traveled from Cuba to Canada entertaining kids in churches, BSA
functions and youth camps. An unlearned person can 'survive' telling stories
using, ‘quotes’ or colloquial language. Facial expressions and body language
can say a thousand words.
(Grandsons Corey & Ben with my favorite hand puppet 'George.' Part of the nightly entertainment on camping trips)
(Grandsons Corey & Ben with my favorite hand puppet 'George.' Part of the nightly entertainment on camping trips)
Once I
lost my hearing I thought it would be simple to put stories on paper. I received
a GIANT awakening. My command of the English language was non-existent. I have started at the bottom many times, so I could relate. I
was starting at the bottom to ‘learn more English.’
Years ago if a person had a story to tell, they
contacted a publisher with a ‘manuscript’. About 99% were returned with a nice
or terse refusal. If the person was still determined, there was the ‘Vanity
Press.’ It was expensive. The printer
would produce the book (for $ up front). The author bought their books then sold them. Most lost a lot of money.
Bookstores
are dwindling. The majority of books are purchased on line.
Today, not even the top authors have thousands of books
on shelves in warehouses. The modern ‘print on demand’ printers, using a
digital source, can print, cut and bind a paperback book in 4 minutes (or less).
SMILING, I bought one of my e-books today. I
learned something about Amazon. I had to list my latest e-book for $2.99. It contains
TOO many pictures, color and B/W to be listed at $.99. The paperback will have all B/W
pictures But, but the e-book shows color, I’m happy.
Nite Shipslog
PS: Once the paper-book is on Amazon it will sell for
$8.75. The e-book is 2.99. Both are the minimum they will allow me to charge. If any of our extended family wants the
book, I suggest the e-book first, to see if you want the paperback. Finally, anyone following the Shipslog has probably seen and read most of this book, It is 410 pages.
Trucks of Art:
Sunbeam Truck (Valdese methinks)
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8 comments:
Congratulations,Jack. I did publish the one book and Amazon did it. It was quite reasonable and could be printed on demand. I sold a few hundred copies of it-which I understand is good for an unknown author. I have another book "in my head" and wish I knew how to find a publisher that would lead me down the path.
I bet you were a fantastic storyteller when you were doing that for the kids. Most kids love stories and a good story-teller makes the tale come alive. When I was a kid there were felt-boards used in Sunday School to tell Bible stories. A good 'teller'could make the Bible a living thing.
Just told my hubby that if ever get the chance to travel we need to look you two up wherever you have make camp and stop and meet you. I hope that happens. xo Diana
Wish you and I could sit down and swap stories! That what I write, love writing.
I really have no aspirations to publish. Maybe my kids will look at all my work and realize how brilliant it is. Anyway, keep going.
I'm soooooo happy for the two of you! Way to go!
Congrats Jack! I am so proud of you and I know Sherry is too. I just do not know how you do it. I think you are very talented and smart.
I will probaby buy the ebook. I hope you sell a lot of them.
Nite
Lisa
Congrats Jack! Looks great! I see myself getting the E-book in a month or two when I catch up on what I have on my tablet to read. Since I read when I'm exercising on the treadmill, the e-books seem to work out the best. Since 13 may be considered an unlucky number, me is thinking you need to write one more to even it out a bit!
betty
Congratulations! That is a huge achievement.! I couldn't imagine writing down the story of my life, but I'm sure you've done a great job. Your memory seems to be much better than mine is for sure ! I read on my kindle these days and am one of the ones, that prefers it to a real book. My library keeps growing but it's now in the Kindle reader. Good thing too as I have a lot less room here than I used too.
Love and hugs from Ohio!
'ma'
First, and most important, CONGRATULATIONS! Every time I read you published another book, I'm immediately so proud to know a real author. I'm tickled pink! I had written many journals while raising our family, and then notebooks like the goings on at the cabin, from laying the first log and to this day. I enjoy writing but am not so good at it. My Dad wrote two books of his growing up, but never got to the part of raising his huge family. I guess we were just too much for him :O LOL. Being there in person was good enough~! Keep up the awesome work. We know from the stories shared with us personally and our grandlove, Sy, that you are a treasure trove of imagination based on your lives. We love you guys.
loven'hugs from up north where we have another 5 inches or so of snow that's still piling up. Tomorrow, we plow and shovel again. It's ok. We choose to live in our little piece of heaven.
Awesome news, congratulations!!!
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