If you would like to continue to Follow my ramblings and rants, you will find me at http://klparry.wordpress.com .
Thank you and PEACE OUT,
K.L. Parry
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Last Post Here
For some reason I had thought it a good idea to start several Blogs. Trying to figure out which site would suit me best, I began posting to all three. But I've come to realize that it's too much for me to keep up with. So for those of you that are FOLLOWING ME here, I am sorry but this will be my last post to this site.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
The Return of Me
Monday, January 24, 2011
The Photo Shoot
It's 7:30 Saturday morning, the sky is a beautiful blue, the temprature will be up to 75 and I am ready to go. Call time for hair and makeup is 9:00 am.
I give credit for this brilliant idea to my wonderful friend, actor, screenwriter, director, editor and an all around good guy, Christian Badami. After reading my novel he jumped on the band wagon to help me promote "The Pirate's Daughter And A King's Ransom. His family having been heavily involved in the advertizing biz, he had some ideas on how to attract attention to my book. One of these was to create an ad / web page that would really grab people. Something along the lines of a movie poster. So with that in mind, I began to contact friends and acquaintances that I thought might be able to help me.
In keeping with the theme of my story, I asked my good friend Gwen Krueger if we might use her backyard as our location. With its tropical setting and waterfall, it was the perfect place to stage our shoot. She agreed. YEAH!
Now to find a photographer. I called my BFF who dropped the name of a mutual friend, Janis Harner. Another YES!
But I still needed two young models to portray the heroine of my book, Blue and her friend / nemeses, Rebbecca. Another call to the BFF and she reminded me that Gwen had two granddaughters, Kayla and Ashley. A few phone calls later and the girls were on board. Tickled that everything was coming along so smoothly, I was again sidelined when my oldest son, while in Mammoth snowboarding, was airlifted to Huntington Memorial Hospital. Fluid had collected around his heart, threatening him with heart failure.The doctors believing it to be a residual effect from the heart injury he received from a motorcycle accident in October, preformed a surgery that allowed the fluid to drain. As we all had hoped and prayed most of the fluid was removed. My son was released 6 days later and I was back on track with two days to finish my preparations for the shoot.
But wait! What about hair and makeup for our models? How could I forget? Fortunately another friend and very close acquaintance of our shoot director, Christian, was persuaded to lend a hand. Thank you Kati Roberts.
The crew at work on Ashley.
Here is Kati working on Kayla's makeup while Christian does his thing.
Both still recovering from colds, Kayla and Ashley were wonderful in delivering great expressions and following Christian's instructions, never complaining about the cold water they were sitting in.
My heart felt thanks to Gwen, Christian, Janis, Kati, Kayla and Ashley for your time, talent and particularly, on our model’s part, your suffering.
~K.L. Parry~
my book “The Pirate’s Daughter And A King’s Ransom” AT www.klparry.com
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Marooned
I’m Back…. and let me start by saying that the Holidays were modest but wonderful. My oldest sons is recovering well from his near fatal motorcycle accident on October 1st, although he has been hospitalized twice due to complications arising from his injuries. Considering the alternatives, I can not complain about his progress. But it has sidelined me. There is nothing more important to me than my boys.
So in between all that, I have been researching, talking to people and experimenting with advertizing my novel on Facebook.
Now, I’m feeling a bit like a marooned sailor. It seems the business of literature turns a cold shoulder to those who don’t adhere to their rules. Even with some book reviewers, it is not a matter of merit or talent but rather that your name be on a list. A list kept by mainstream publishers of their clients. But I shan’t be daunted, for long. And truthfully, I haven’t even submitted my book for any reviews as of yet. I have first to get past the challenge of purchasing a few to give out to reviewers. A financial feat for me at the moment.
What I have also discovered is this; Firstly Blurb.com, whom I have published my novel through, was the right choice for me. Mainly because it was free. For those that know me I am always in a state of having just enough to pay my bills with little if anything left over. Also my reasons for not soliciting a traditional publishing firm have been reaffirmed as I did further investigating. When I discovered that an unknown author can only expect 8 to 10% royalties on the wholesale price of their book, (as little as 10 to 20 cents per book), I just about fell out of my chair. It seems near to criminal that a publisher will take such a large percentage leaving the creator with a pittance for his or her labors. I found that many authors, (seeming to me to be the majority of them), can’t make a living at their craft even though they have multiple books sold and currently selling in the market place. That is just plain wrong. Yes, writing should be done for the sake of writing. And if it’s good and it sells, the author should benefit as well as the publisher.
Well, enough of my preaching.
So I have decided to make do with what I have. Fortunately I know some wonderfully talented, creative and generous people. My friend Nick, free of charge, created a web site for me and has shown me how to manage it. I am still a bit lame with that but he is great at helping me tweak things. Then there is Tammy, one of my editors and a pro proof reader who is polishing up a media release that will be sent out to solicit reviews and interviews. Christian, a well-spring of information, has given me a lot of great ideas to make my web site better and create an actual ad page for the Book that he says will really POP! Janice, an up and coming professional photographer and Kati whose many talents include applying theatrical makeup are all lending their expertise to help me create a killer ad page for “The Pirate’s Daughter And A King’s Ransom”.
We have set the photo shoot for Saturday, using another friend’s two darling granddaughters as models portraying the pirate’s daughter, Blue Pergamum and her friend/nemesis Rebbecca. I am, dare I say it, giddy with excitement! Hee, heee heeee!
I’ll let you know how it goes.
Oh! And I am in charge of craft services. Drinks, goodies and a Costco pizza.
~K.L. Parry~
Be sure to check out a 20 page preview of “The Pirate’s Daughter And A King’s Ransom” at www.klparry.com
Friday, December 3, 2010
A little bit about me
Well, I hope it is obvious, (or maybe not) that I am an aspiring novelist. Since I am writing this after the fact that I have already self published my first novel, I will fill you in on how this came about.
I began this journey about 8 or so years ago. My youngest sister and I were sharing a house together and we were just not getting along. (In both of our defence, two very independent women under one roof is never a good idea and we are the best of friends under any other circumstance.) However, being desperately unhappy in that situation, I found myself looking for outlets for my frustration. Since I couldn’t afford to return to my first love, painting, I chose to seek out my second which was writing. Thus was born “The Adventures of Bonny Blue and Rebbecca Wolf” which I later renamed, ”The Pirate’s Daughter And A King’s Ransom”.
When I began my first blog here on Blogger, I believed I was near to completing my book. I wanted to document in someway my journey and possibly solicit help in getting my work published. But…, as I began to let others read my manuscript, I discovered there was still a lot of work to be done on it before I could even think of getting it to print. My technical skills, for one, were sorely lacking. I have learned a lot along the way ; semi colons,( did I use it properly?), where to put the comma in dialogue and those three dots (…), I still can’t keep the name for them in my head. Unfortunately my spelling hasn’t improved much but if I get close enough there is spell check. I’ve even used google to find the spelling of a word and of course I have a Webster’s Dictionary from 1990 that I picked up from a thrift shop. I’ve learned things about writing, publishing and myself, particularly when I lost my biggest supporter to a sudden heart attack. I had relied on my friend Andy for his driving encouragement and it was a brutal blow to find that I would have to go the rest of the way without him. But, for what was taken from me, another came in his stead. A published writer himself, this new friend offered a helping hand, for which I am eternally grateful.
I still have much to figure out. But I do hope you will stay with me a while longer if for no other reason than to see how it all works out.
-K.L. Parry -
GO TO www.klparry.com or Blurb.com and check out “The Pirate’s Daughter And A King’s Ransom” a novel by K.L.Parry. A fictional, high seas tale of adventure. Suitable for readers of all ages. Order your copy now to ensure delivery by Christmas.
I began this journey about 8 or so years ago. My youngest sister and I were sharing a house together and we were just not getting along. (In both of our defence, two very independent women under one roof is never a good idea and we are the best of friends under any other circumstance.) However, being desperately unhappy in that situation, I found myself looking for outlets for my frustration. Since I couldn’t afford to return to my first love, painting, I chose to seek out my second which was writing. Thus was born “The Adventures of Bonny Blue and Rebbecca Wolf” which I later renamed, ”The Pirate’s Daughter And A King’s Ransom”.
When I began my first blog here on Blogger, I believed I was near to completing my book. I wanted to document in someway my journey and possibly solicit help in getting my work published. But…, as I began to let others read my manuscript, I discovered there was still a lot of work to be done on it before I could even think of getting it to print. My technical skills, for one, were sorely lacking. I have learned a lot along the way ; semi colons,( did I use it properly?), where to put the comma in dialogue and those three dots (…), I still can’t keep the name for them in my head. Unfortunately my spelling hasn’t improved much but if I get close enough there is spell check. I’ve even used google to find the spelling of a word and of course I have a Webster’s Dictionary from 1990 that I picked up from a thrift shop. I’ve learned things about writing, publishing and myself, particularly when I lost my biggest supporter to a sudden heart attack. I had relied on my friend Andy for his driving encouragement and it was a brutal blow to find that I would have to go the rest of the way without him. But, for what was taken from me, another came in his stead. A published writer himself, this new friend offered a helping hand, for which I am eternally grateful.
I still have much to figure out. But I do hope you will stay with me a while longer if for no other reason than to see how it all works out.
-K.L. Parry -
GO TO www.klparry.com or Blurb.com and check out “The Pirate’s Daughter And A King’s Ransom” a novel by K.L.Parry. A fictional, high seas tale of adventure. Suitable for readers of all ages. Order your copy now to ensure delivery by Christmas.
This is the Plan
Whew!! Busy couple of weeks with the holiday season beginning. Now that I have Thanksgiving under my belt I can focus on promoting the novel, at least for the next couple of weeks.
When I last checked, I had sold 25 copies of “The Pirate’s Daughter And A King’s Ransom, which is spelled incorrectly on the back of the book. (Shaking head in disbelief.) “Oh, well,” she says with a sigh. Will correct it in the next edition. I think I have pestered to death all my friends on Facebook so it’s time to look into other avenues for sales.
So, this is my plan. (At least for now.)
#1. Get everyone who bought a book to actually read it.
Believe it or not, most of my very wonderful friends have not yet found the time to read their books. PLEASE READ THEM! Then tell all your friends about it, providing you liked my book. If you didn’t, I’m sorry but no refunds.
Once I have made some seed money, on to the next phase.
#2. Find another publisher who will print in bulk.
At a lower wholesale cost than I’m getting from Blurb, I’ll be able then to buy, say 100 copies to give away to distributors, book clubs and the likes.
#3.
I know, it’s blank. I haven’t gotten that far in my thought processes.
But I do have a start and that’s the most important thing. So, wish me luck, read your books!
- K.L. Parry -
Also I have begun another blog on Word Press, “Gird Your Loins, The Holidays Are Here”. A light-hearted blog to get you in the spirit and help keep you there.
GO TO www.klparry.com or Blurb.com and check out “The Pirate’s Daughter And A King’s Ransom” a novel by K.L.Parry. A fictional, high seas tale of adventure. Suitable for readers of all ages. Order your copy now to ensure delivery by Christmas.
When I last checked, I had sold 25 copies of “The Pirate’s Daughter And A King’s Ransom, which is spelled incorrectly on the back of the book. (Shaking head in disbelief.) “Oh, well,” she says with a sigh. Will correct it in the next edition. I think I have pestered to death all my friends on Facebook so it’s time to look into other avenues for sales.
So, this is my plan. (At least for now.)
#1. Get everyone who bought a book to actually read it.
Believe it or not, most of my very wonderful friends have not yet found the time to read their books. PLEASE READ THEM! Then tell all your friends about it, providing you liked my book. If you didn’t, I’m sorry but no refunds.
Once I have made some seed money, on to the next phase.
#2. Find another publisher who will print in bulk.
At a lower wholesale cost than I’m getting from Blurb, I’ll be able then to buy, say 100 copies to give away to distributors, book clubs and the likes.
#3.
I know, it’s blank. I haven’t gotten that far in my thought processes.
But I do have a start and that’s the most important thing. So, wish me luck, read your books!
- K.L. Parry -
Also I have begun another blog on Word Press, “Gird Your Loins, The Holidays Are Here”. A light-hearted blog to get you in the spirit and help keep you there.
GO TO www.klparry.com or Blurb.com and check out “The Pirate’s Daughter And A King’s Ransom” a novel by K.L.Parry. A fictional, high seas tale of adventure. Suitable for readers of all ages. Order your copy now to ensure delivery by Christmas.
PUBLISHED!
(First posted Nov.5, 2010 at WordPress)
Wow! A lot has happened since my last post, 3 months ago. Did you miss me? Well let me begin with this; I did all the changes to bring my manuscript into past tense along with another complete edit. What an ordeal! It was worth it though. I chose Blurb.com using their Booksmart program to publish. It was free which was right down my alley, since I, like so many others, find myself extremely financially challenged these days. However, it took me over a month to set up the novel. One, because I set up each page individually, cutting and pasting images and text and numbering the pages manually, but the main reason that publishing was held up involved my oldest son. He was in a very serious motorcycle accident. Of course I dropped everything, as any parent would, to see to his care. I thank God he chose not to take my son that day and I thank God that my son will make a full recovery. And…, I thank God that after two long years and endless hours in front of the computer and the complete collapse of my social life, that I now have a published work of literature. Yeah!!!!! On to the next phase… marketing. Look out boys, here I come! -K.L. Parry -
Oh! Did I forget to mention the name of my novel? “The Pirate’s Daughter and A King’s Ransom” You should be able to find it in the Blurb Bookstore under Novels, Fiction. If you have any trouble let me know.
I’m so excited…I just can’t hide it…
GO TO www.klparry.com or Blurb.com and check out “The Pirate’s Daughter And A King’s Ransom” a novel by K.L.Parry. A fictional, high seas tale of adventure. Suitable for readers of all ages. Order your copy now to ensure delivery by Christmas.
Wow! A lot has happened since my last post, 3 months ago. Did you miss me? Well let me begin with this; I did all the changes to bring my manuscript into past tense along with another complete edit. What an ordeal! It was worth it though. I chose Blurb.com using their Booksmart program to publish. It was free which was right down my alley, since I, like so many others, find myself extremely financially challenged these days. However, it took me over a month to set up the novel. One, because I set up each page individually, cutting and pasting images and text and numbering the pages manually, but the main reason that publishing was held up involved my oldest son. He was in a very serious motorcycle accident. Of course I dropped everything, as any parent would, to see to his care. I thank God he chose not to take my son that day and I thank God that my son will make a full recovery. And…, I thank God that after two long years and endless hours in front of the computer and the complete collapse of my social life, that I now have a published work of literature. Yeah!!!!! On to the next phase… marketing. Look out boys, here I come! -K.L. Parry -
Oh! Did I forget to mention the name of my novel? “The Pirate’s Daughter and A King’s Ransom” You should be able to find it in the Blurb Bookstore under Novels, Fiction. If you have any trouble let me know.
I’m so excited…I just can’t hide it…
GO TO www.klparry.com or Blurb.com and check out “The Pirate’s Daughter And A King’s Ransom” a novel by K.L.Parry. A fictional, high seas tale of adventure. Suitable for readers of all ages. Order your copy now to ensure delivery by Christmas.
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