Self-Publishing a Children’s Book
February 25, 2009 at 3:40 am | In Kids, Writing & Illustrating, Writing and self-publishing | 1 CommentAre we there yet?
Oh yes we are finally there!
Check out these slides of Mummy, Let’s Go! in print!!!
August 1st, 2008
Self-Publishing Chaos
Well… It has been a very long couple of months. My website has crashed miserably and is now just floating on back ups. I can’t touch it and apparently neither can the tech support team who are meant to be helping. So lots of dilemas later including rather expensive internet accounts later I am off to see a web developer. However, lots of valuable lessons learned through my own ventures and the new site will be up at the end of July and still should be running to all the usual links.
So far I have learned:
1. Do not use a template to create a website unless the website is extremely simple. The template I used was on an out-dated program where only parts of the program were purchased by a bigger company. So…when I reached a dead end with the functions in creating a site, it was more often than not that I was informed that I was at the limit of the program and that if the parts that I needed existed they had not been purchased.
2. Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security by thinking that large web hosting companies are more reliable, up-to-date or user friendly just because they’re big.
3. When all else fails it’s okay to shed a few tears.
4. Technical help by phone is most difficult to come by. Some help has been brilliant but at other times I was left out on a limb by myself.
5. Best do the job right and get a web savvy web developer to put a site together from the bottom up. Especially if you are technologically challenged…I count myself in that category.
The book publishing has come a long way though and after a few initial set backs I have viewed several proofs and I believe that the last has been finalised!!! So I am planning the first print run very early in August. Didn’t realise how much to-ing and fro-ing there was to be done to polish a children’s book.
It is still very exciting and although my enthusiasm has waned here and there knowing that I am on the home stretch is rather exciting.
July 3rd, 2008
Oh Dear!
This month has been full of surprises. The best surprise is that the proof has been edited and I have viewed the proofs! There were lots of tidy ups including checking the bleed lines were correct and that the text has been well placed plus the usual punctuation corrections and checking that the pages are in the correct order. They will be ready to print hopefully at the end of the month, which will make, the long awaited, release date for Mummy, Let’s Go! the 8th of August, 2008!!! It will be published in hard cover and will be available for $16.95 (plus $6.65 p&h in Aust.) I am hoping to convince the printer to permit my to watch the first book being printed and maybe take some photos for the website. We’ll see how it goes…However in the mean time the website has crashed and burned miserably so that is beyond repair. My apologies to all who have visited during this month and waded through the very fractured site. I appreciate your patience. So now, I’m off to a web developer to get the site back up and running in the three weeks before the book is published…got to love a tight, pending deadline.
June 2nd, 2008
Waiting, waiting, waiting…
It has been a rather disappointing month in that the proof for Mummy, Let’s Go! is still not complete. Very frustrating indeed! However, it has given me more time to start the revisions and editing of The Guide, which will compliment the children’s book with lots of great ideas and practical suggestions for families in crisis.
The paintings have been out at Jimboomba Library and will be moved to Logan Central Library near the council chambers tomorrow.
I’m also delighted to have added some more exhibitions to this year’s schedule and early next year. Details have been posted on the Tickets Please page. I am thankful to all the art gallery and library staff who have been so very supportive and encouraging with their feedback and of course all the people who have been to view the paintings with plenty of enthusiastic feedback.
There have been a few more modifications to the layout of the website as you can see and some new pages have been added into the Little Ones section. Check out the Mummy, Let’s Go! Train Cake…great for children’s parties and learn how to draw a lorikeet while you are there!
May 1st, 2008
Well this month has been slow going. I had anticipated that when the printer informed me that it would take roughly 18 hours to create a template of the book, that graphic designers would be working long hours…with lots of overtime and it would be complete within two days, ready for my approval. Needless to say, it is not the case. However, the scans and manuscript have been sent away to the printer and I did that roughly two weeks ago…I am still hanging in anticipation for the proof.
I believe that the next step will be to create the plates, once the proof is finalised, and then we can print away!!!
The teaching notes were finalised early on in the month and are posted on the Little Ones page. The paintings have also been on exhibit in the Jimboomba Library since mid April and will remain on display until the end of May. They will then be moved to the Logan Central Library in the Logan City Council building for the month of June.
The initial run of prints for theStrawberry Farm will be released this month and will be available through the eshop. These prints will be a limited release, signed and numbered, high quality prints of the original paintings from the children’s book, Mummy, Let’s Go!. You will be able to place orders for prints as of the 16th of May. The prints will be dispatched within three weeks of this date.
Please note that prints are temporarily unavailable – 03.08.08 April 4th, 2008
It’s been a terribly busy month with setting up the website. But, now it’s almost complete as you can see! The next step has been to create the teaching notes to compliment Mummy, Let’s Go!. Next, I needed toÊapproach Education Queensland for official permission to publish my teaching notes for Mummy, Let’s Go! which are based on their Essential Learnings due to be implemented in Queensland schools in 2009.
So the notes have been approved with a couple of formalities to finalise. Then they should be available at the start of next month so keep an eye out for them in the teaching notes page.
As the big day approaches I admit to being very excited! The first print run of Mummy, Let’s Go! will hopefully become available, in hardcover, at the end of the month.
I have just spoken to the printer who will be passing the manuscript and scans onto a graphic designer as soon as the CiP (Catalogue-in-Publishing) data arrives from the National Library of Australia – apparently next week. I have just completed the finer details of barcode and ISBN plus the final edit of so-many-edits I’ve lost count!
The very first exhibition of paintings at the Logan West Library has just ended and drew quite a bit of attention so… many thanks to everyone who managed to view the paintings and pick up a colouring sheet for the little ones. The paintings will decorate my studio now until the next exhibition in June at the Logan Central Library.
March 5th, 2008
Well…six of the illustrations have been framed in order to be ready for exhibition this month. I was also asked to put together an artist’s profile with my previous artistic exploits and a list of titles for each painting to complete the display.
The book Mummy, Let’s Go! is ready to be published and I am just waiting for the finances to beÊorganised and then it will be two weeks till publishing after that date. I have chosen to self-publish because I really wanted to maintain control of how the book will be distributed and I wanted to be very particular with the layout and content of the book. It’s become quite interesting!
My favourite step so far, has been having the illustrations professionally scanned on a metal drum roller to produce a very high resolution print – apparently very important for a good quality of printing. The proofs were all printed onto a large poster size sheet of photo paper for me to check over the colours. I just loved being able to see all the illustrations together and printed!
I believe that the printer will now take those scanned files and create four plates with different colours to print them. Negotiating with the printer and the photography studio has been a big learning curve for me. I knew absolutely nothing about either – now I know next to nothing and still have lots of questions! But there’s only one way to learn…
New Beginnings
February 29, 2008 at 2:55 am | In Christianity, Depression PND Grief | Leave a CommentTags: Butterfly, Depression, God, Nature
I am at a point now in life that I believe I am right on the pinnacle, of my God ordained transformation from a non-functioning mess into a fully functioning life that has the potential to be helpful to someone else.A new beginning…
I often notice that God reminds me of where I am on my journey, when momentous changes occur especially those of a spiritual nature, with some very poignant symbols in nature. This one is obviously the cocoon.
Why is it significant?
Well…obviously the transforming nature of a caterpillar into a butterfly is clear enough. Anyone who has been through depression will understand the correlation between a person being stuck in a dark, emotional and physical cave waiting for it to end and a little, chubby caterpillar that is motionless in a dark cocoon waiting for the light to dawn on a new era in life.
But, for me, I have never come across a cocoon. I have certainly never seen a caterpillar attach itself and hang suspended for a day, rigid and uncovered as the cocoon making process began. Yes, I know that nature shows have these things all the time, but this is MY butterfly! It came along and attached itself to the bottom of our BBQ table where I drink my morning cup of tea…everyday.
Liam, Callum and I all watched it as it hung, all plump, and green from its tail and then bent up its little head with little horn type things sticking out. A first for me and I wish I had taken a photo now. Anyway this is its very first day all wrapped up. We have moved it from its precarious spot because it was unsafe and have been watching it with anticipation each day. All that seems to be happening on the outside is the cocoon is becoming brown and more shell-like.
As in today’s photo!
Sadly, I admit to not knowing how long it takes for the transformation to take place. It’s been two years for me…I really hope that MY butterfly does not take so long.
So now I watch in anticipation realising it will take a couple of weeks and I really don’t want to know exactly how long it will take. This is my first time watching this miracle and I would like to pretend that I am discovering something for the very first time.
I do hope I am discovering a butterfly and not a moth! Either way the change is remarkable and I plan to cherish it. Waiting for the surprise unveiling…
For more thoughts about depression go to the Mummy, Let’s Go! website.
Is being a single mum a breeze?
February 7, 2008 at 3:22 am | In Divorce & Parenting, Life, Motherhood | 6 CommentsTags: Divorce, Family, Life, parenting, Single Mum
I understand that this is opening a can of worms but I have recently had an onslaught of people who have shared their views which suggest that being a single mum is really no different to being married with children, especially if the children are little and hubby is off working long hours… I never seem to find the right words in these moments but it does take me back to a time before I had my own children where I rather ignorantly assumed that being a single mum is a breeze. Life certainly has a way of teaching me a few home truths!
I am fortunate enough to have two close friends whose husbands work away from home for weeks at a time. They often are quite encouraging and have allowed me insights that help me realize that I am not off skew to suggest that being on your own with children is remarkably different from having an often absent husband.
I am not completely oblivious to the plight of married stay-at-home mums– I was once once of those too! But my circumstances are very different now and have been for the last two years since I was about seven months pregnant with my second little man.
For me the marked differences include all the little things that I took for granted when I was married…Yes! I admit it! Its in the knowledge that even if a husband may not be the most willing helper with the children he takes on other responsibilities that free mum up to address the needs of the children. Having someone else to shadow on weekends or afternoons keeps children busy for chunks of time if Dad doesn’t mind and an occasional bed time story or bath by Dad is almost as good as a day at the spa for mum.
For me, I find the financial pressures and managing the household and the children challenging. Juggling dinner, bath and bed routines plus all night time disruptions, with compounded sleep deprivation, is an artform. Packing everyone up for an outing with only one pair of hands is like wrestling with crocodiles and I usually forget something. Sole responsibility for discipline, not even a back-up threat of; wait till your father gets home, proves to be emotionally quite draining. Running errands is a challenge too. Can’t just make a phonecall if we run out of milk…won’t mention how many times we have just done without.
Shared responsibilty always lightens the load no matter which way the responsibility is shared. Knowing that you’re not the only one making decisions lifts the burden as does having someone else can answer the phone when you’re up to your elbows in a dirty nappy. They can put the bin out, clean out the shed, mow the grass, feed the dog, clean the gutters, complain about toys on the floor, referee at the dinner table or lock the house up for the night before everyone is tucked into bed. Even someone who can hold an adult conversation at the end of the day is reprieve providing an emotional break that makes life easier.
I feel like a little tree frog just clinging on inside the storm water pipe when the rains begin. Each morning I throw my webbed feet out as I get out of bed, clinging to the walls I try to stick my tongue out and rustle up some flies for breakfast and the day begins. All mental, physical, emotional and spiritual faculties need to be engaged. The storm rushes on in. I love the storms and I’m still clinging on…maybe even making a bit of progress in my fight with nature’s forces and of course the constant gravity of emotional and financial pressures–they are just always there.
Then lo-and-behold some rather large and opinionated bullfrog comes croaking down with the last shower to tell me that its really not that hard and I am just making it look more difficult than it is. Afterall isn’t that just a EVERY frog’s (mother’s) lot?
I don’t think so! Its cold, damp and lonely with a lot of hard work for the most of it. But I do like the part that frogs are able to enjoy these circumstances. So I adapt–I remind myself that I am doing really well in a tough situation and remember how far I have come…then instead of trying to help the bullfrogs understand, I avoid the bullfrogs at all costs!
I certainly don’t begrudge my life…I rather love it but it is still presents as quite a challenge on the best of days.
Worship is WARFARE on depression!!
December 16, 2007 at 12:49 am | In Christianity, Depression PND Grief, Life | 2 CommentsTags: Christianity, Depression PND Grief, PND, Victory
Anyone who has known depression knows it has a pungent stench that repels others; it is often reminiscent of the hairy unwashed and defeated battle-weary soldiers of days gone by. In the same token anyone who has known the aromatic fragrance of overcoming depression knows the attraction of a sweet smelling life of victory; a life where each day is flooded with life’s little blessings that are a clear reminder and an affronting broadcast of victory.
It reminds me of that waft of perfume as I broach the outer perimeter of DJs and I am assaulted by the adhoc combination of perfumes sprayed frivilously throughout the cosmetics department. The fragrance differs each time I visit, yet it is unmistakable. To me, it is opulent and luxurious…now that I am dressed for the occasion and feeling good about life. However, in the not too distant past there would have been a time where, dishevelled and in my pyjamas, had I been placed in that environment those same smells would have declared defeat in my life. An offensive stench curling up my nostrils; uninvited and unwanted. They would have reinforced the hopelessness of my situation.
A couple of nights ago I had a dream, and although I won’t share all of it I was struck by a point where I was sitting with a Bible in my hands and it was open to a page that had a cross reference to a scripture. Printed on the page of my Bible in my dream was 2 Corinthians 2:15. It was The Message Bible…I laugh at it being so specific! This is the scripture:
…in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognised by those on the way to salvation- an aroma redolent with life. But those on the way to destruction treat us more like the stench from a rotting corpse.
It speaks of the way that returning soldiers would parade throughout the city with incense burning and the fragrance that declared victory for some was the very same fragrance that declared defeat for others in the crowds…depending on where their allegiances lay. It would cause some people to run out into the light to shout and celebrate and then others it would cause to cower and retreat to darker and safer places because the same fragrance became a stench of defeat to them.
It is the same for my perfume experiences; it has declared defeat in the past, causing me to run home to safer less exposed places and now it declares victory where I give a little cheer deep inside knowing how far I have come. That little unspoken cheer is worship to my Saviour who has brought me through some very dark times to stand in the light and opulence..of Djs…no less! And obviously on a more serious note…into the light of a full and satisfying life.
The Bible verse has inturn spurred the aspiration in me to have a life that declares victory. A fragrance that comes from having a personal relationship with my God that draws people in rather than the stench of defeat that chases them away. That beautiful aroma that wafts out the shop doors and is carried on the breeze of tomorrow’s hope.
What are the characteristics of such a life? Certainly not perfectionism! I am so far away from that mark and always will humbly remain there but my heart is true to my love for a Soveriegn and Mighty God. With that comes personal integrity and compassion for others who are hurting. I also know that whenever I find myself counting life’s blessings and being truly thankful to the God who sends them, my life is lived out in worship of Him.
That worshipful life of being thankful and caring for others is warfare in itself and that has an aroma all of it’s own. It’s a victorious battlecry that shouts I will live a life gravitating outwards towards others and supporting them rather than navel gazing my own troubles and becoming so inwardly focused that I cannot face life.
After all isn’t that what makes people contagious…a certain selflessness that says I care about you just a little bit more than I care about myself?
For more thoughts about depression go to the Mummy, Let’s Go!
A Happy Home Sanctuary
October 4, 2007 at 9:51 pm | In Depression PND Grief, House | Leave a CommentTags: Depression PND Grief, environment, Family, House, Life, Motherhood, PND
One of the biggest depression triggers for me has been my environment. I still find that having a clean clutter free home provides that safe place away from the world to recharge. It is restful and relaxing. Those elements have often meant the difference between a peaceful mental outlook and a confused, disturbed and frustrated one.
Looking at mess, tripping over clutter and feeling clastrophobic in a dark and dingy environment certainly does not create the feelings of warmth and nurturing I needed to heal. I am even more aware of the ‘feel’ of spaces outside my home now. I really do lean towards wide open spaces, quiet and clean tidy places. I also avoid the really sterile places too.
My home is very ordinary and quite pokey but some of the things that have changed it’s ‘feel’ include:
- Bright splashes of colour in artwork on the walls.
- One or two practical wipe down pieces of children’s furniture-they’re bright and functional.
- Mirrors to throw the light around. They lean on the top of shelves and hang on walls.
- Pets! One dog and two cats. They are affectionate and cuddlyand relaxed. Especially those lazy cats! They are quite therapuetic for all of us. The fur does bother me a bit so our dog has a very short coat and all three pets live outside –and they have baths too.
- Gardens. Mine are simple and drought tollerant with a few flowering plants that provide an odd posy of cut flowers that we can pick and bring inside to brighten things up. I also planted a hedge of Callistemons along the driveway about a year ago to attrack the lorikeets. The way the house is positioned means that we can see Rainbow Lorikeets morning and afternoon from each window all along one side of our house. When they are not there we can still enjoy the bright red bottle-brush flowers. An added bonus is that I never water them and they still look great!
- I also have a couple of outdoor spots that I love with chairs to enjoy the gardens.
- Photos of us enjoying life that are framed and hanging. We see what we look like smiling and they are a constant reminder that everyday is not a bad one! I found with this one that what I removed was just as important as what I kept. I put all photos of anyone no longer living away. If they didn’t get tossed altogether they were put into albums otherwise they were just a constant reminder of loss and death.
- Music…my stereo is always on. Through the night too! If I wake I hear soothing and relaxing music. During the day I listen to 96.5 FM a family radio station or CDs that are positive in their content and tune. A definate fan of Casting Crowns and Good Charlotte at the moment.
- Open windows and curtains pulled right back to allow as much light in as possible. Fresh air and sunlight…
- Lots of lighter colours. In furniture, linen and curtains. Soft, neutral colours that are inviting to touch. Tactile accesories help too. Bowls of shells and candles are a favourite for me.
- My boys are both learning that some very noisy and busy activities are done OUTSIDE! And that quieter voices and activities are for indoors. I still struggle with lots of noise and activity when I am feeling a little more stressed than usual and being able to tell them that their chosen activity is too noisy or messy and would be better done outside is great. On the same note…with the warmer weather we love eating outdoors. They have a table and chairs outside which I love because we can just wipe it down and the dog licks up all the dropped food off the grass. Saves cleaning food off the walls and tiles and furniture inside…maybe I should consider the dog for that job too? Then again maybe not!
- Clean floors make a big difference. Not having things stick to my feet as I walk through the house is lovely. I do say that however, as I sit in my studio looking at the floor covered in chicken biscuit crumbs that Callum just up-ended on the floor! Little cherub.
- Good books to read. I have them lying around so that I can just pick one up and read from where I last left off. It’s just as easy to put them down too. Of course the reading is light and positive. Plenty of self-help books too.
- A bowl of fruit- I feel healthier eating fruit to snack on, the boys can help themselves to a healthy snack and it looks great. More colour!
- A functional cleaning area in the house with a cleaning caddy and everything that I need on hand to clean up things as they get messy and in the same token there are plenty of bins so that rubbish is disposed of immediately.
- I also love to change all my linen regularly. I love fresh clean towels and sheets…and the wonders of fabric softener!
Peaceful journey
Flavia
For more thoughts about depression go to the Mummy, Let’s Go!
Waiting on a promise
September 20, 2007 at 12:23 am | In Christianity, Depression PND Grief, Life, Motherhood | Leave a CommentSometimes when you see the light at the end of the tunnel the biggest challenge is to hold onto the promise of a life and a better future when the physical reality of everyday life hasn’t changed in the slightest.
On the other side of my struggles I can now look back and see the massive changes in me. Personal changes in character and personality as well as emotional and spiritual maturity. It is such a privilege to be able to see them at the end but to be able to see them during the trial is really something special.
To keep a great attitude and focus on the learning that is taking place as opposed to the trauma is the point where I have shifted from the overcome to the overcomer. My trials to this point are the preparation that is necessary for me to be ready for what the future holds.
It takes a keen awareness to notice the growth in a baby–especially your own, because you see them day in and day out. Others perceive the changes so much more quickly and can identify the rapid growth. It has been the same for me, I have often needed others to point out the rapid growth because I catch myself striving towards the light when most days I am actually basking in it!
The peace and calm, of standing in the light, I have amidst my circumstances, facing divorce and moving house, is dramatically different from a year ago when similar circumstances would have had me in an absolute tither, swamped with prolific planning for my future. A very dark place indeed.
It’s also a point in my life where I know I need to hang on to the wonderful things that God has promised me and not settle for less than His best for me. His best is a peaceful spiritual life and of course …all the other blessings that He has revealed in our quiet times together. But I need to be careful not to overstep His timing or try to manipulate life or people to bring those promises about. Just trust that He will do it and for each opportunity that arises that is not totally in line with His promises I must walk away.
It’s not that I can’t walk in that level of blessing–He will permit that but its not His best…His perfect will for my life. And that is what I want.
It’s like offering a child a bowl of ice-cream with sprinkles, chocolate topping and a few choc dots too. Then telling them that they can have the ice-cream now or wait until we drive to the shops to get the sprinkles, topping and choc dots. The ice-cream is great on its own but with all the trimmings..? I know which promise I will want to hang in there for. I just look at it that God is now organising all the trimmings. Looking at the big picture. My childish notions of wanting everything now will have to go! I will wait. In the mean time I will pray that He makes my stomach …and my character more able to fit in all the trimmings.
The most important promise is a closer relationship with Him. It’s personal and liberating. He will keep his word. Not only will he never abandon me but He will keep coming closer to me. He will walk the long and often lonely journey with me.
Are you waiting on a promise too? Hang on tight and keep your attitude right. He’ll help you if you ask. I am constantly asking for an extra portion of Grace to do just that. He always gives me the comfort and reassurance I need.
Peaceful journey
Flavia
Gloomy day ideas with little ones
September 6, 2007 at 9:33 am | In Kids, Motherhood | Leave a CommentTags: Illustrating Children's Books, Kids
My Mummy is crying and she’s in bed. I want her to play trains with me instead. She’s tired and she can’t whistle “choo wooo.” What can I do? I’m feeling sad too. I eat ice-cream with sprinkles.In my pyjamas I’m snug…
From the children’s book, Mummy, Let’s Go!
On those gloomy, wet and cold days at home with the little ones what are your favourite things to do? The things that keep them entertained for more than five minutes at a stretch and the mess is kept to a minimum. Things that you enjoy too…inexpensive rainy day treats!
To beat the frustration and I guess depressing thoughts of a gloomy day at home, today. We painted–well that got really messy and by the time I started cleaning I noticed it was spreading faster than I was able to control the mess.
Oh dear! those obsessive compulsive nigglings were surfacing. Just as I cleaned one spot, then I’d realised I needed to confiscate the paint brushes and plates. Then to my dismay it would spread even faster because…lo and behold four little hands are capable of spreading paint so much faster than two holding a paint brush each. A warm bath was then in order. Always lovely in the cool rainy weather. Followed by we made soup and my Nonna’s fried pizza bread (plain pizza dough rolled flat then shallow fried in olive oil then salted and cut into triangles) and some soup. A snuggly midday nap and yes the afternoon dwindles away with smudges of paint still lurking. I am okay with it too! But I’ll definately clean it tomorrow even in spite of all those peculiar people who like the term ‘neat freak’.
I don’t know why being tidy holds such scorn. It’s uplifting to enter my home when to some extent it is clean and it’s relaxing just by being clean–not sterile, just tidy. Even more so because there have been so many times when cleaning was just impossible so on the other side of depression I count it quite a privilege to have a clean home. Something that I am quite grateful for. What do you think?
Some of my favourite rainy day things to do with my boys are; making popcorn, dancing to some music, drawing with crayons, playdough, doing a puzzle together, read-along books in bed, playing bocce/ marbles, baking pancakes or biscuits to have with hot chocolate, making an obstacle course in the loungeroom, and bringing our Staffy Bella in…if she’s clean!
My all time favourite: buying a bulk pack of AA batteries and replacing all the batteries in those power draining toys- hours of fun!!
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Flavia GUARINO
Mummy of two little men,
Liam (4) and Callum (1);
Primary Teacher majoring in
Early Childhood Education;
and now...
Author and illustrator and blogger.
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