This is my last regular post for 2020. Next week I will do the “Books That Changed Me, ” and I might still do a challenge or two.
Also, this week I will have three guests visiting my blog. Don’t miss sharing their good news.
I finally got out my print copy of Dolphin’s Cave. This was my first attempt at formatting a book for eBook and Print. I’ve had some experience with using Kindle Create for my short stories. Smashwords requires a bit more work. However, I made my first TOC, which was easy for Amazon’s copy, but not Smashwords. I finally gave up on including one on Smashwords.
Then I began the process of the print book. I printed out Amazon’s instructions. I read through the 16 pages and went through each step. I put a check by each one I did. This was a bit time-consuming. I learned a few things, including what a Drop Cap was. I wished I had that information when I did the eBooks, but now I know.
My brain was exhausted when I finally hit the last step, ready to upload to Amazon. Whew! During the preview, I found it had margin issues. So back I went to fix those…then I uploaded again. This one passed and then went into review.
It made its way onto Amazon and I was happy with the results. I’ll have to see how it goes with Ingram Sparks soon. Only one mishap that I couldn’t figure out how to fix. I won’t share what it was, but it will grace my print copies. I’m calling it my “Wizard of Oz” moment when the TV goes from black and white to color.
So after heavy editing Dolphin’s Cave in October, NaNoWriMo in November, and then going right into the final edit and formatting for Dolphin’s Cave…I needed a break. The sun broke through after some much-needed rain. Well, really sprinkles, but we’ll take it.
These pictures are from this break on a hike near Nevada City, CA with my husband and our dog, Sara.
I felt a calm wash over me, being part of nature’s beauty. You might recognize the spot, I’ve posts pictures from there before, but this day held some healing magic.
Note: The top picture of the waterfall and rocks is exactly as I took it. The river and puddle was golden with the trees reflected in the puddle. I know the fairies had to be close by.
Embrace your inner child! Happy Holidays! D. L. Finn
Lovely photos, Denise. I’m reading Dolphin’s Cave and enjoying it. I’m amazed you formatted and uploaded it all on your own. Congratulations! Happy Holidays and big hugs! ✨🎄✨
Thanks, Gwen:)I’m so happy to hear that. I’m surprised I did it too. It is a lot of work and I hsve so much to learn.
Happy Holiday and lots of hugs to you xo
I do all my own formatting so I understand your pain. Congratulations.
It’s a lot to learn, but glad I did it:)
😁
Lovely photos, Denise. I agree, there’s magic in the woods 🙂
Not sure if you have an Apple computer, but Vellum is a wonderful program for formatting ebook and print. Glad you were able to figure it out.
Thanks, Jacquie. I’ve heard a lot if good things about Vellum, but don’t have a Mac. Maybe someday it will be available to everyone, but I did figure most of it out. Xo
I am loving Dolphin!
Yay! Thanks Sandra.
I am loving Dolphin!
Formatting is my nemesis, Denise. I absolutely hate it and I am proud of you for sticking with it and figuring it all out! Now you can teach me. 🙂 What a beautiful hike! Nature soothes like nothing else. I can almost hear the trickling of the brook over the rocks. Thank you for sharing and congrats on Dolphin Cave!
Thanks, Jan. Formatting was something I avoided for a long time. At one point before I figured out I made a simple mistake calling my formatter, but I didn’t give into it…lol.
Yes, nature has an amazingly healing effect. Hugs xo
You’ve been a busy lady! Hope you enjoy your break. Formatting is a pain, but it seems like you found your way through.
I’d rather be busy than than not, but sometimes a break is needed. Formatting requires a lot of concentration, like editing so back to back really gives the brain a work out.
Sounds like you needed that hike after all that work! Well done on getting the book out yourself, Denise, and best of luck with it. Hugs xx 🙂
Thanks, Harmony 🙂 Yes much needed and appreciated! Sending hugs back. Xo
Congratulations on conquering the formatting beast!
And the photos are lovely.
That is a good description “Formatting Beast.” Thanks, Staci 🙂 xo
NOTHING compares to the calm and peace from a good hike with a loving husband and dog! I love the Sierras. Congrats on the formatting – doing so gives me huge headaches.
You are so right:) It’s very healing. Thank you, Pamela. And it did seem to be headache inducing at times…lol.
Every walk goes better with a dog!
Isn’t that the truth, Jacqui:)
I understand exactly all you have to do for formatting, Denise. My table of contents listed the names of each poem and the page numbers. I had my Word Doc open on two views, one with the table of contents and the other the interior. I learned about the margins before started the formatting. Anyways, I still had a lot to learn on the way.
Congratulations on the successful uploading of the print book. When it went through the review successfully, you could order the proofread copies and read it again before hitting the ‘publish’ button.
That would be alot of work with poetry, Miriam. Making all the headings and everything. I did the margins as suggested but it wasn’t wide enough, so I increased that. Good idea to have your doc open in two views. It is a lot to learn along the way, but nice to accomplish too. Thank you! I almost ordered the proofread copy but decided it was better to have it out before Christmas. There’s so much more to writing than just writing isn’t there? xo
It’s a good idea to have your book out before Christmas, Denise. KDP let me know some typos after their review so I corrected them and uploaded again.
I wish my children’s book would be out before Christmas book, but I have no control of the timing of the illustrator. He’s done with the revisions I suggested. Even after he completed, I still have to send it out for formatting because I don’t know how to format the two-page spread illustration. That’s okay, I’m glad finally there’s an illustrator I like and can work with.
Congratulations on your book again, Denise. <3
Congratulations on getting Dolphin’s Cove finished, Denise. The last editing and formatting is always a killer for me too. Your photographs are amazing, a magical place.
Thanks, Robbie. It really is a beautiful spot we’ve been going to for years.