It Doesn't Have to be that big a Leap

Photo Source

I have found a treasure this morning.  It came across my twitter feed. (http://twitter.com/ChubbyBunnysInk )  An amazing blogger Passive Voice, is a watchdog for the publishing industry.  He post regularly on updates and exciting news for writers and publishing.  This morning he published a post, Let's Get Digital, telling about an exciting project.  David Gaughran has published a book, Let's Get Digital: How to self publish. On his highly informative website he has linked a free download to the new book.      

What will Google+ mean for us?

Photo Source

There has been a ton of techno giddiness surrounding the yet to be released Google+. This is suppose to be the challenger to Facebook.  If you haven't seen it, it is just like Facebook but with better security, easier filtering devises, easier methods for sharing information, and more user friendly methods to connect and virtually "hangout" with friends.

There are some big questions that remain.  Such as how will companies...like indie publishers...be able to access possible clients. Facebook has corporate pages that companies can drive customers to and in return the customer gets discounts and the latest information. Currently there is no information on how if at all that will translate into their network.

All of the different means for collaboration in a centralized place make for some interesting possibilities for co-writing.  Before it was sitting next to one another, sending a manuscript back and forth, or Google docs.  Now there will be a several easily accessible possibilities.  For example there are mass hangouts (video conferences with up to 10 people in a group chat) capabilities where groups of people can join to write a single text.  Or even the use of huddles (the ability to group IM) in the production of a book.

New technology always excites me.  Pretty sure it all means that I must get the new Android Tablet.  It is a sign.

Get Out of the Way of Your Writing Flow

Photo Source

If you have been involved in any art then you  know all about the flow.  If you are new it is the magical minutes and if you are lucky, hours that the product is coming through you.  You are no longer there sweating out the prose.  Instead you are typing fast as you can. Doing your best to capture it as it pours out of you into an elegant prose. 

It is a truly exciting feeling.  Some might even say, erotic.  

It all starts with routine.  I know I say that a ton. If you use smells, like a certain perfume, or candle when you start writing then you mind will know it is time to go to flow.  However, you can use routine too.  Everyday at a certain time you get up you write.  You have lunch you write. Whatever routine you chose stick to it.  That will strengthen your connection to the almighty flow.  It is like any muscle the more it is used the more readily you can get into it.  

What process do you use to get into flow? 

Write, write and write some more

Photo Source

Writing is work.  Easy reading is really hard work. Check out my daily blog to see some of the things I do to stay in the zone. 

 What do you do to make writing a daily choice?

I have the secret...or do I

Photo Source

There are only 5 steps to becoming an incredible writer.  Can you believe it...just 5?  I know you don't buy it.  Check out this cheeky article by Robert Brockway. You will nod, laugh and scream "Amen!" 

How to Become an Author, in 5 Incredibly Difficult Steps?

Time to unveil it...

Photo Source

The publishing company now has a new logo!

  

Thanks to the artistic hand of Mike.  He is the genius in charge of the art on my cover for both my e-book and the hardcover.  His work is displayed on his site, Art and Illustrations of M. D. Jackson.

If you are looking for a logo, a blog header, or to have any of your art needs met he is the man.  Not only is he so easy to work with but his prices are extremely reasonable.

Have a look at some of the beauties he has done in the past.

The New Face of Interactive E-books

Photo Source

Touch Press has given us a glimpse of the book that the next generation will read.

It works as an itunes application that can be purchased and downloaded. The Waste Land application has the poem, the poem read by 40 different actors and speakers, and a dramatic film of the poem. There is also a section for those interested in a more educational experience.  One side of the screen is the poem and by holding your finger on a line the text notes will come up on the other side of the screen.  They explain the references and meaning behind the words.  The makers also have the actual poem written by his own typewriter and edited by he and his wife.

What are the implications of this type of e-book?

• Textbooks, already on the way out, may have this as the nail in their coffin.  The students will instead download the information on phones, and tablets.  There is greater ability to stay current and to dig deeper into a text.  That single app can teach the techniques in revision for English classes, the interconnection of literature and the dramatic speaking technique.  
• When someone purchases an e-book application what is it the customer wants that won't detract from the story?  
• I can see attaching the voice readers to it.  I have many friends that are huge fans of audio books and putting the two together seems a natural.  
• I am not sure everyone wants to see the scanned edits of every book they read. Nor do I think that the writers would all be willing to let those be released.
• The text explanation seems like the directors cut of story writing.  I like that.  It is a great way to share research and where ideas stem from.  It is a little like what J.K. Rowling is doing with her Pottermore website.  If you haven't heard...J.K. Rowling has announced the opening the of her own social network.  It will be Harry Potter everything with back stories, games, and challenges.  The most exciting part is her selection of e-books that will only be able to be purchased on her site. She has cut her publishers out of the loop and is working with Sony to put out this amazing technological wonder. 

What kinds of things do you think this type of application should be equipped to carry?