I'm an author
My family is having a big reunion in Nebraska this 4th of July. It should be a blast, particularly since fireworks are legal there. The last time we had one of these we bought about $100 worth of fireworks, wanting to have enough to share, and 5-10 other people did the same or brought more; we prearranged the place for setting them off, not who was bringing what. Anyway it was like a pro show without choreography; 2-4 mortars being set off at a time every minute or 2 for hours plus multitudes of small fireworks. This year a repeat is planed.
Anyway about a month back I went to a Heritage Maker party. They showed how you can make online scrapbooks and publish them. About a day later it occurred to me that this wasn't just another was to scrap book, but a way to actually publish a book. The books I published could be of value to more than just myself as long as everyone was willing to pay the inflated cost per copy for small run publishing. In other words I could write a book and get it published for myself then get more copies printed if I found more people who were willing to pay what I was to have the book; no searching for a publisher, no hassle, I can write books and have then on my bookshelf in 2 weeks in a library binding.
Since then I have spent much free time creating a book of family history for the reunion. I have searched the internet for genealogy data, I have scanned old photos, and I have put it together into a small book. The book only measures 5" by 5", and is 21 pages long plus covers and a sort of bonus page where a barcode and logo will be printed in the corner. But it is done; I made a book! And as if that wasn't cool enough people want to buy it! Granted the people who want it are all related to me, but I don't even know a quarter of my second cousins so it is likely some of the copies I sell will be to people I would not recognize if I rode a bus with them; how cool is that? I'm an author and people actually want to pay $25 for a book I wrote. I will be bringing the copies people order with me to the reunion for delivery.
I actually wrote a book! This is such a self-esteem boost you would not believe! I am incredibly proud right now.
Oh a bonus feature of Heritage Makers is that I can share the book I wrote with all of you; just Click Here. I know my great-grandparents probably don't interest you much, but you can take a look if you like.
Anyway about a month back I went to a Heritage Maker party. They showed how you can make online scrapbooks and publish them. About a day later it occurred to me that this wasn't just another was to scrap book, but a way to actually publish a book. The books I published could be of value to more than just myself as long as everyone was willing to pay the inflated cost per copy for small run publishing. In other words I could write a book and get it published for myself then get more copies printed if I found more people who were willing to pay what I was to have the book; no searching for a publisher, no hassle, I can write books and have then on my bookshelf in 2 weeks in a library binding.
Since then I have spent much free time creating a book of family history for the reunion. I have searched the internet for genealogy data, I have scanned old photos, and I have put it together into a small book. The book only measures 5" by 5", and is 21 pages long plus covers and a sort of bonus page where a barcode and logo will be printed in the corner. But it is done; I made a book! And as if that wasn't cool enough people want to buy it! Granted the people who want it are all related to me, but I don't even know a quarter of my second cousins so it is likely some of the copies I sell will be to people I would not recognize if I rode a bus with them; how cool is that? I'm an author and people actually want to pay $25 for a book I wrote. I will be bringing the copies people order with me to the reunion for delivery.
I actually wrote a book! This is such a self-esteem boost you would not believe! I am incredibly proud right now.
Oh a bonus feature of Heritage Makers is that I can share the book I wrote with all of you; just Click Here. I know my great-grandparents probably don't interest you much, but you can take a look if you like.