Category Archives: Books/Magazines

Intro to Self-Publishing – Publishers Panel at Central Public Library

idearabbit-vpl-selfpublish

I’ve been interested in writing since I was in junior high school, even though my grammar and vocabulary isn’t that great. I’ve always wanted to write a novel based on my grandmother’s life during WWII. I have another one which is already in the works. But with no educational background in writing, I have been searching for some night time classes I could take to improve my writing. Unfortunately, I was sick off and on this fall, and missed the courses. Other classes held at other locations were cancelled due to insufficient enrollment. I hope I will be able to enroll one in the spring.

I’m always keen to learn more about the industry. Writing doesn’t just mean you write and sell it. There are many things to consider from whether you are going to self-publish or go with a traditional publisher. Are you going to get your book printed or distributed as a ebook, or both? How do I find an editor? What’s a book coach? Where do I get my cover design done? And so on…

So I was really excited to see that a free event was happening at the Central Library on self publishing on Nov 16, 2013. Several professional self-publishers shared  knowledge, tips and  experiences of self-publishing within the book industry.

The panel included:

  • Brad Stokes and Matt Begg, Publishing Consultants from FriesenPress
  • Michelle A. Demers, Writer, Editor and Independent Publishing Consultant
  • Jo Blackmore, Publisher from Granville Island Publishing
  • Patty Osborne of Vancouver Desktop Publishing Centre
  • Naomi Pauls, Writer, Editor and Independent Publishing Consultant
  • Carol Sill, Personal Book Coach from Alpha Glyph Publications
  • Kathrin Lake, Executive Director of Vancouver School of Writing

I learned quite a lot. I’m so glad I went. I also took my friend who was just starting to take introductory courses to become an editor, so I think she was happy she tagged along too.

I had just taken Kathrin’s one evening workshop on ebook a few days before, so I already knew her. She remembered me too. It’s good to make connections if you’re interested in entering an industry different from your own. You can learn a lot from the experts. Her ebook session, as well as her presentation at the library was very motivational for me.

Kathrin Lake website

Michelle A. Demers seemed to be very informative and detail-oriented. She caught my attention when she mentioned about authors needing to know about copyrights trademarks, laws and the proper way of setting up a book.

Once the discussions were done and the speakers went back to their own booths that were set up throughout the room, I approached her to see if she had the ‘The Global indie Author’ book that contained all the information that she had mentioned earlier. She didn’t have any more copies, but she was very nice in telling me that the library did carry them. My friend and I thought it was very generous of her to offer the book for ‘free’ when she could have made another sale to me by saying I could order it from Amazon or something.

Since the presentation was at the library, it was convenient to borrow the book. I’ve since started reading it and have learned a lot. The book is great! A must have for any author. It’s packed with a  wealth of information, and although you may find the information online or in other books, this book contains it all in one.

It’s so good I’m thinking of getting an ebook version, though without a tablet, it will have to be read on a computer which isn’t too convenient. (yes I know, as a wanna-be writer I can’t believe I am still without a tablet! It will be my Xmas gift to myself this year though LOL)

She writes it in a tone where it’s like she’s directly talking to you without sounding like a textbook, so it’s not boring. She keeps you engaged and interested, and I find myself reading quickly through like novel.

Michelle. A. Demers website

There is an Introduction to Self-Publishing: Author Panel taking place on Dec 7 at the Central Library. Check their website for more info.

Venus on Fire Mars on Ice – Book

Venus on Fire Mars on Ice: Hormonal Balance – The Key to Life, Love and Energy
by John Gray, Ph.D.

Ever wonder why he acts the way he does? Or why she behaves this way and that? Because as author John Gray puts it, we’re from different planets! But this doesn’t mean that we can’t find long-lasting happiness with the opposite sex. Gray is known for his famous book, Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus. However, I prefer this new book of his. It explains the reasons why we behave and think differently from a biochemical perspective.

I found it quite a fascinating read without getting too complicated as if you were reading a medical book. Even if you’re single, there’s a lot that you can learn about how your body works, especially on how it deals with stress – which in this day and age, it’s pretty hard to avoid any stressful situations. So whether you’re single, looking for a partner, or in a relationship, this will help you better understand and improve your relationship with one another and yourself!! I recommended this book!

Happy Reading!

Oneness with All Life – Book

Oneness with All Life
by Eckhart Tolle
★☆☆☆☆

After reading The Power of Now and A New Earth, this book was a disappointment.

His other books have been all about your inner true self. This book contradicts his teachings by making it all fancy on the outside, with not much content inside.

It tries to sell by saying that it has the most important selections from A New Earth, trying to attract more customers with a hardcover, gold decorations, a red ribbon bookmark, coloured and illustrated pages. It seems that Tolle’s ego has lost control.

Any graphic designer would get excited about a book that’s specially made, but this book is far from making any designer jump for joy. If it was handcrafted with care and detail, using a traditional press where the text embossed the paper, used textured paper, more time and effort spent on the drawings, then I can appreciate the beauty. However, the paper used in this book is nothing to woo about. The illustrations are not interesting. It just seems like a cheaply made book, manufactured like any other book in mass production.

However, you don’t have to be a graphic designer to notice these things. And by focusing on the package, we’re already at lost of the true teachings of Tolle. As I mentioned, the ‘quotes’ or ‘selections’ are directly from A New Earth and so, it’s not a book to be read in a linear order or sequence. You can just open up to any page, read it, ponder and save the rest for another day. Kind of like a fortune cookie per day. However, I found them to be a bit choppy, and the full explanations that was done in A New Earth was done so much better, especially since it’s a complex idea to grasp at times.

I was originally going to buy it, but decided to just borrow it from the public library to save $, and I’m glad that I did!