If you go to lulu.com and you search for The Adventures Of Granny Destross And CeeCee you will find my book. I’ve gone the print on demand route and I’ve done it as simply as possible. No flash, no illustration, just the story folks. If the story can’t stand on its own merit, then all the pretty toons in the world won’t save it. Waaaay back in the day before marketing, fancy schmancy art covers and Disney, there was simply, the book. Usually in navy blue or red hardcover with the title, author’s name and publisher’s name. I’ve decided to go against the herd/trend/status quo once more in my life and even though it has been a colossal mistake in the past, this time I feel it’s the right move. I’ve opted for the no frills, simple is best, straight up unfettered story telling. My aim is the give some wee youngins a good tale to read and enjoy. Okay, that’s it. I’ve done my level best and it’s out there for others. Be good to yourselves as always fellow scribes and send the good zen vibe to each other.
Publication News
Just a quick post to let you know how the publication process is going for my book. Basically, it’s not. I’ve determined that it’s best for me to take my book to another publisher. Engen books is a small publisher in St. John’s and at the time I felt it would be a good fit for my story. I wanted to do something charitable with the book, but I don’t feel there is enough experience or desire on the part of this publisher. I have had concerns about the lack of editorial ability and professionalism and sadly, my concerns were well founded. I promised I would keep you all up to snuff on each phase and sadly, this is sometimes part of the process as well. On the path to publication there are many twists and turns in the road but it’s the ability to dust yourself off and carry on that matters the most. I’m dusted and done with this particular event and moving toward another opportunity. The book itself: The Adventures Of Granny Destross and CeeCee, will find it’s way into the hands of children, if I have to print it, carry it and place it there myself. Such is my faith in it’s value. I began writing it in a domestic violence shelter to calm my daughter. I would cuddle her and each night the story would have a new chapter. I would write it in the day and read it at night. Some of you know this. I began to take it seriously when I entered it in the Writing For Children short story contest at The Writer’s Union Of Canada. The critique they sent me was encouraging and I made it to the second round. Afterward, I fiddled and tinkered with it until I eventually held a completed manuscript in my hands, fully edited and clean. I’m always working on other things, including the very bad verse I subject you lovely people to on a regular basis 
but this is my baby. This is the one I love the most, because of it’s birthplace and because it can do some good. Like all writers, I have a rich fantasy life and in my favourite daydream, I see a child sitting in a shelter, afraid and lonely, full of confusion and apprehension. This child finally spots the book shelf in the corner and their curiosity overwhelms them. They amble over, pull out a book and begin to read. As their eyes dance across the page, they are transported from that shelter, away from the bruises and terror. They go to a world where everything is an adventure, the good guys win and no one is ever hurt. When they finish it, they wish they could read it again because the escape and distraction were healing. In my daydream, they are reading my book. Know what? That’s why I write and I bet deep down inside, this is why you keep writing too.
So, if you see me on the street corner hawking my book, say hello and buy a copy. Mark Twain started that way and if it’s good enough for him, it’s more than good enough for me. Have a good weekend and remember, send out the good vibes to your fellow scribes.
Publishers, Fantasy Stories And Children
Yesterday, I met with the gentleman who is going to publish my Children’s Fantasy Story. We had coffee and chatted about the book, the business of publishing and marketing. He liked my story and is as enthusiastic as I am to place it in those wee hands I’ve mentioned more than a time or two. The publisher is a small independent, located in St. John’s Newfoundland: engenbooks.com
Matt Ledrew, the owner, is dynamic and full of passion for his work. He is also a writer and I think this was essentially why we had a meeting of minds regarding the material and how to care for it. Our perspectives on children’s charities being involved with the sale of this story also dovetailed nicely. As some of you know, the purpose and origin of the story were about pain and healing, and although it’s been through a few incarnations, the core of the tale is the same and the motivation still pure.
Another brilliant detail I should mention, is the illustration of the work. Matt is also an artist and will bring my characters to life. How brilliant is that? :) I’m completely impressed with the entire situation and even though I may have to wait a bit before the ball gets rolling down the alley, it’s gives me time to jot down some ideas regarding the marketing etc. Here are some scary things to ponder for any introverted writer: Book signings, book readings, conventions, podcasts, book trailers, web site creation, charitable event book readings, readings in schools, hospitals, shelters etc. Because this is a small publisher, I will have to pull my weight in order to get the word out there and sell this story. Hmm, kind of like the old days, when Mark Twain used to stand on the corner and hawk his stories and book himself into halls to give readings. Can anyone say PERFORMANCE ANXIETY? ;) I can, and I’ve got it in spades, but what’s life without some nerve jarring terror? Be good to yourselves this weekend and please send the good vibe to your fellow scribes.
