Jim Potter's Blog, page 8
April 6, 2023
Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Illustrations
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IllustrationsCopyright 2023 © by Jim Potter
To see a larger image of K-9 Kudzu, open the pdf link by clicking Kudzu Final Ball
As with any major project, the original plan and the finished work can vastly differ. Things evolve. I planned a primer picture book titled B is for Badge: The ABCs of Law Enforcement. Instead, I’m eagerly awaiting the publishing of an illustrated, upper grade-school book, K-9 Kudzu: Observations of a Working Dog Who Loves to Play.
The 6” by 9” perfect-bound book will consist of twenty-six chapters and be over 100 pages. Teachers can use it as a “Read Aloud” book.
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To see a larger image of K-9 Kudzu’s trade marked branding, open the pdf link by clicking Kudzu-Final-Logo-1
Gina Laiso, Integrita ProductionsToday, I’m sharing a creative, eye-catching, trade-marked illustration by Gina Laiso, Integrita Productions. We’ll use it in product branding and marketing. Notice, it’s not the book cover.
Before this image could be created, we had to decide on what K-9 Kudzu, a German shepherd, would look like. Kudzu began as a stationary, stoic image, but became a playful, fun-loving canine, who loves his blue ball. Gina took Kudzu’s figure, his toy, and the motto, and then combined them by placing “K-9” inside a sheriff’s star, while using the blue color scheme to help brand the entire production with a unique identity.
Who knows? The large letters spelling “K-9 KUDZU” may foretell a coloring book superhero who shows up on coffee mugs, coffee-tables, T-shirts, posters, and more.
After sending Gina my “final” draft of K-9 Kudzu, she created a storyboard and blocked out the book. This helped her make decisions about what illustrations to create, their sizes, and placement in the story. If an illustration is printed 2” by 2”, then there’s no need to have a great deal of detail in its original format. When it’s used on the book cover or a poster, that’s another story.
Click to open the link to Integrita Productions on Facebook http://facebook.com/IntegritaProductions
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Like I’ve said before, book publishing is not for the weak-hearted. I still marvel how patient I can be in my writing, yet, how impatient I can become in areas outside my control. It’s good practice for me to wait and to understand the difference.
It’s also easy for me to get ahead of myself. I can see the finished book in my hands, the delightful color illustrations brightening every page, posters displayed at bookstores and on social media platforms, all with K-9 Kudzu’s playful picture advertising his book about law enforcement.
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I have a friend, a former grade school librarian, who read a draft of K-9 Kudzu. She said she really enjoyed it and appreciated the right amount of humor from Kudzu, the book’s narrator. This educator has agreed to write a “blurb” (endorsement) for the back cover.
I have all kinds of plans, but I’m still searching for some organizations to help me publish K-9 Kudzu. Printing won’t be cheap. In printing, the two major factors that increase the cost are the number of pages and printing in color. When you add the illustrator’s fee, I expect the cost to easily triple the expense of my prior books.
It would be cheaper for me to draw my own illustrations, but my stick people all look alike, and the canines resemble insects.
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Until next time, happy writing,
The post Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Illustrations appeared first on Sandhenge Publications.
March 30, 2023
Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Scams
(To listen to the audio of this blog post, use the purple play button.)http://jimpotterauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Scams.mp3
ScamsCopyright 2023 © by Jim Potter
As an indie author, I take financial risks on purpose. But I’m always trying to avoid scams.
A half-century ago, when my grandmother walked out to the mailbox, she regularly returned with what she called “want-me” letters. They were letters from organizations wanting her money.
Grandma would read the hard luck stories and respond by sending them a dollar or whatever she could afford. No wonder her mailbox was always full of junk mail.
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Nowadays, we constantly receive phone calls and text from scammers, even though, to my knowledge, we haven’t given them a dime.
It’s easy for people to understand the risks of burglars, so locks and alarm systems are installed on the premises. People are aware of the need for computer security, but there’s no letup of unscrupulous actors prowling the internet in search of easy money. It makes me sick.
There’s an adage about cons that states, “If it’s sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” Yet, sometimes, we get desperate. When we’re in that vulnerable, emotional state, willing something to be true, we overlook clues that are called “red flags.”
I have a friend who has self-published her books. Early on, she was scammed over the phone by a person who promised to publish her literary work. As we talked, I learned that the company rep had cold-called my friend. She hadn’t called the company. That was a red flag.
It’s a shame but having a dream stolen away can make a person less trusting and more cynical.
My favorite place to print books is POD Print.My friend called me again when she was considering having her books reprinted. This time, she was investigating. After we talked, we agreed that we didn’t see any red flags at POD Print, a local printing business. Today, it continues to have an excellent reputation of high quality, fair pricing, and good communication.
Click here to visit POD Print https://podprint.com/
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Some things are hard to predict. I lost money when I made a legitimate down payment for my first book printing at Central Plains Book Manufacturing. I was cautious and decided I didn’t want to do business in some distant location, so I chose an establishment that I could visit, inspect, and meet people face-to-face. I thought I was safe.
Everything was on schedule until it wasn’t. First, my phone messages were ignored. Then, I learned the business was out of business. Overnight, it had gone bankrupt. The experience taught me that even when I’m careful, I can still lose money.
First time authors are often susceptible to advertisements about publishing package deals that may sound good but are highly overpriced with empty promises. Be careful. The people you speak to who you don’t know and you will never know, may not be looking out for your interests; they’re often only looking out for their own.
As with most scams, even legitimate businesses use pressure tactics to make sales. They want consumers to act immediately, before taking time to research a financial decision or to speak to a circle of trusted advisers—if any are available.
Unfortunately, many legitimate businesses today are using a business model that makes it nearly impossible to talk to an employee. I’m old-fashioned enough that if I can’t speak to an employee, I look for an alternative.
I like it when editors offer free edits for the first chapter of a book and when they have set prices. That way I can judge their literary talent and make a better-informed economic decision.
It takes time and it takes patience but making a dream come true requires work. My grandmother called it “elbow grease.”
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At our house, we’re learning that what we thought was an innocent choice is beginning to look like a risky decision. A few years ago, we purchased Amazon Alexa. “She” is “a virtual assistant technology.”
The most common question we ask Alexa is weather-related. But lately, now that we’ve been programmed by “her,” this piece of AI (artificial intelligence) is becoming relentless in “her” marketing as she tries to sell us stuff.
Originally, we didn’t recognize that Alexa was comparable to a Greek wooden horse left at our doorstep. We welcomed “her” into our home like a trophy but gradually discovered that hidden inside “her” belly was a program giving Amazon a powerful advantage over us.
We’re trying to decide, Is Alexa looking out for us or for “her” programmers? Is “she” conducting legitimate business or is “she” running a scam that began with a Greek gift in war, and led to the city of Troy’s downfall?
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Until next time, happy writing,
The post Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Scams appeared first on Sandhenge Publications.
March 23, 2023
Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Technology
TechnologyCopyright 2023 © by Jim Potter
I remember in my youth, hitchhiking from Illinois to Central America. The unknown didn’t scare me. It was an adventure. I only knew a little Spanish (Por favor, dónde es la baño?), but I dived into a foreign culture.
Now I get anxious when a computer file won’t open, or when I can’t figure out why my weekly blog entry isn’t being forwarded to my Facebook page. And I’m still using Windows 10 because I want the techie problems to be corrected before I welcome Windows 11 into my life. Heck, by the time I download (or is that upload?) Windows 11, there will probably be a Windows 12. Or, I will have jumped out a window. Only kidding.
My anxiety over computer technology feels like I don’t know how to swim and I’m in the Amazon River with piranhas ready to rip off my skin down to my bones. I exaggerate.
I can’t blame anyone for my technological ignorance. We’re all different and we all have unique skills and talents. There are programmers and web designers who love what they do; they get excited about solving computer problems. I’d rather improve an essay I’ve written so I can publish the story in a blog post, create an audible file for my next podcast episode, or write another book.
[image error]Rosemary Miller, “The Tech Chick”My website designer, Rosemary Miller, “The Tech Chick,” excels at her work. She loves a problem. I’d just as soon avoid them, but they’re part of life and part of being an indie publisher.
When Rosemary and I speak, we use two different languages. She speaks in Tech Talk. That’s when I feel like I need to reach for a bilingual dictionary—or a language translator app—if I knew how to download it. Or is that upload? I’m dyslexic.
Beyond word processing, researching, creating blog posts with photos and audio files—I get overwhelmed trying to solve computer issues. But, it’s my choice. Every day, I turn the electronic baby on and give her hours of my attention, not devotion.
I always thought I was empathetic to foreigners who didn’t speak English, but with the computer age and my old age, I’m constantly reminded how much I don’t know.
Fortunately, Rosemary loves a challenge and enjoys helping people. She’s trying to teach me her language so we can improve our communication. That’s a worthy goal. Occasionally, I learn terminology. Until the other day, I was still referring to a new blog post as a new blog. “No, no,” she explained, “you only have one blog; each new essay you write becomes a new blog post.”
Have you heard? You now have access to my website audio files at Spotify and Apple Podcasts. In reference to podcasts, Rosemary informed me, “You only have one podcast. Each new essay that you’ve recorded is a new podcast episode, not a new podcast.”
I’m fortunate to have Rosemary as a website coach. She’s a friend and a personal lifeguard who routinely saves me when I’m drowning in, or on, the internet.
I must be one of Rosemary’s worst clients. The other day she said, “I think the problem could be solved if you cleared your browser.”
Browser . . . browser . . . I thought. I should know this, but what is a browser? Is that the same thing as when I google, searching for something? And where is my browser? Isn’t that the space at the top of my computer screen where I type in what I’m looking for?
“Jim,” said Rosemary, “your browser is used by your computer to search for websites.”
“Yeah,” I agreed.
“We may have fixed the problem,” said Rosemary, “but until you empty the browser cache, the computer will keep directing you to the old file, not the current one.”
“Okay,” I said reluctantly, anxious to solve the problem without taking the time to understand the reasoning. Again, I thought, Am I too old for this?
Now you know how my limited laptop computer skills can create anxiety in my life. My eight-year-old android phone and I have a similar dysfunctional relationship. I can’t get the email to work any longer because I must have changed my password or the phone’s no longer compatible. I’d ask for help, but I don’t know where to begin.
Maybe I’ll call Rosemary if she hasn’t blocked my number . . . yet.
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Until next time, happy writing,
My testimonial on Rosemary’s website:
“Fortunately for me I called Rosemary Miller, ‘The Tech Chick,’ when I wanted to create a professional and secure website. She has been a joy to work with through its development, launch, and tweaking. I’m so impressed with what she’s done to bring this website to life! In addition, the design and functionality of the site is an amazing accomplishment. Rosemary’s experience, creativity, drive to excel, and good humor makes her my number one choice in website design. If you want the best, most conscientious, professional person designing your website without breaking the bank, then contact Rosemary.”
Click here to visit Rosemary’s classy website – https://rosemarymiller.com/
The post Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Technology appeared first on Sandhenge Publications.
March 16, 2023
Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Author Talk
(To listen to the audio of this blog, click above on the white triangle to the far left.)
Early 1980s. Photo by John Moon.
In training.Author TalkCopyright 2023 © by Jim Potter
When a friend invited me to be a speaker at an upcoming AMBUCS (American Business Clubs) meeting, he suggested I talk about my law enforcement career. I preferred to talk about my writing. We agreed that I’d discuss my transition from being a deputy sheriff to a published author and how writing offense reports was instrumental in my literary productivity.
It’s vital for speakers to know their audience. If I was presenting at an author’s club meeting, I could talk all day about my writing process, but the AMBUCS social meeting wasn’t a writer’s group or a book club.
I had 25 minutes to entertain an audience that didn’t assemble prior to sunrise every Friday just to hear a sales pitch. By the time I was introduced, they would have barely finished swallowing their ham and eggs.
Notice the “cherry light” which was an emergency flashing red light prior to the days of multicolored “light bars.” Photo by J. Alex Potter of rookie Reno County Deputy Sheriff Jim Potter in 1981.As I considered my presentation, I knew I had to narrow my topic from a 33-year career as a deputy sheriff (1981-2014) and my 20-years of serious writing.
I started with a question. “When you were a child, were you ever asked,” ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’”
Unlike some of my young friends, I never had an answer.
I told the AMBUCS that it was interesting for me to look back at my past and connect the dots that made me who and what I am today.
During my deputy sheriff’s career, children would ask me, “Did you always know you wanted to be a police officer?” Later, as a published author, people inquired, “Did you always want to be a writer?” My answer was “no” to both questions.
During my childhood, my favorite TV shows were westerns, especially, “The Lone Ranger” (1949-1957). This show began a theme of mine carried on throughout my life: help protect people who were being bullied, victimized, and traumatized. Eventually, becoming a VISTA volunteer, teaching at schools located in and out of prison, and working as a deputy sheriff and school resource officer, allowed me, in my own way, the opportunity to assist others.
Another favorite Saturday program of mine staring a super hero, was “Superman” (1952-1958). I never jumped off tall buildings or changed my clothes in a telephone booth, but the slogan of “fighting for truth, justice, and the American way,” influenced my law enforcement career choice. So did my father, Harold (“Hal”) Potter, a World War II veteran.
The spark that eventually led me to law enforcement was a part-time job I had while in college. I worked security in a large grocery store, catching shoplifters looking for five-finger discounts. For me, snaring culprits was exciting, rewarding, and addictive.
The biggest influence on my writing was college, especially graduate school and writing my thesis.
But every shift working as a deputy sheriff required me to interview people, research, and write reports. Unlike most writers, my daily output of accident and offense reports, had a hard deadline. I couldn’t go home until the paperwork was completed.
In my AMBUCS talk, I compared the early 1980s of law enforcement to the 2020s. When I left for work and said goodbye to Alex, my wife, I promised, “I’ll see you when I get home.” Those were the days before cell phones, so a telephone call to her to explain how an emergency was extending my work shift, wasn’t possible.
Law enforcement taught me the importance of careful observation, and it helped me to become a better writer. It also taught me about death. I worked one too many suicides and learned the monumental difference between working a fatality wreck where someone we didn’t know had died prior to our arrival vs. working a wreck where a person “expired” while we were attempting to help save his or her life. At least I have memories of saving lives, not just losing them.
After seven years of working the road, I felt like I could write a book about stress and anxiety, but I was too overworked to lift a pencil. Instead, due to the creation of a school resource officer position, I became reinvigorated and even more productive. Working in the schools with children, and focusing on education and prevention, was a breath of fresh air with no odors of death lingering on my clothes at the end of a work shift, requiring a long, hot, therapeutic shower.
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Published 2007. Cover design by George Foster.My law enforcement career enabled me to write my police memoir, Cop in the Classroom: Lessons I’ve Learned, Tales I’ve Told. Most of the chapter titles were provided by my students when they asked me questions.
“Have you ever shot someone?”“Have you ever arrested a drunk driver?”“Have you ever watched someone die?”“What’s the funniest thing that ever happened to you while working?”“Do you know my dad, he’s in jail?”*
Published 2017. Photograph & cover design by Gina Laiso, Integrita Publications.With five minutes remaining in my presentation, I recalled writing my novel, Taking Back the Bullet: Trajectories of Self Discovery. I explained that it was the book I was always looking for in the library but couldn’t find, so I wrote it. I shared with the AMBUCS that for the bank robbery scene I did a lot of research. While on duty, in uniform, every time I made a business transaction at my brick-and-mortar bank, I was plotting a shoot-out at their business. If the bank tellers would have ever imagined what I was thinking, they might have locked the door or called 911.
As my presentation wound down, I showed off the cover of my latest published book, a novella, titled Deputy Jennings Meets the Amish. I shared its synopsis and explained that my marketing included advertising in a weekly Plain People newspaper servicing Amish and Mennonite subscribers.
Published 2022. Photograph & cover design by Gina Laiso, Integrita Publications.Then, in conclusion, I told the still attentive audience about my next book, one geared for smart middle school readers. I introduced them to K-9 Kudzu, a German shepherd police dog, who is the narrator in K-9 Kudzu’s Guide to Law Enforcement: Observations of a Working Dog Who Loves to Play. I teased that the color-illustrated book would be available to purchase this summer.
I answered a few questions before the meeting closed, but the best comment I heard was while a retired funeral director was purchasing my novella.
He told me that his long career as a mortician may have never occurred if not for a classmate of his dying at age six. Attending the funeral gave direction to his life. He found a career helping people cope with death, not avoiding it.
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Until next time, happy writing,
Here’s a link to Integrita Productions –
Never miss a weekly blog. Sign up by clicking below to receive my weekly blog sent to your email address. https://jimpotterauthor.com/sign-up-for-jim-potters-blog-posts/Purchase one (or more) of my books directly from me at my website by clicking below. https://jimpotterauthor.com/jim-potter-author/
The post Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Author Talk appeared first on Sandhenge Publications.
March 9, 2023
Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Reevaluating Schedule
https://jimpotterauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Reevaluating-Schedule.mp3(To listen to the audio of this blog, click above on the white triangle to the far left.)
Jim PotterReevaluating ScheduleCopyright 2023 © by Jim Potter
Gina Laiso
Hi Jim! Please do whatever you need to do, in whatever timeline is best for you. I am always willing to go with the flow. So let’s do a little projection on timeline… (Details not included in this blog post.) So, no apologies! I believe we have plenty of time to still be on track for June 1. Thanks!! Gina Here’s a link to Integrita Productions – http://www.facebook.com/IntegritaProductions * Gina, Awwwh! THANK YOU! Jim *
It’s really all going to be great, Jim. I’ll do my part to keep us on track for June 1st the best we can.
Yay!Here’s a link to Integrita Productions – http://www.facebook.com/IntegritaProductions
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Until next time, happy writing,
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The post Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Reevaluating Schedule appeared first on Sandhenge Publications.
March 2, 2023
Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Avoidance
https://jimpotterauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Avoidance.mp3(To listen to the audio of this blog, click above on the white triangle to the far left.)
AvoidanceCopyright 2023 © by Jim Potter
Last week I was calmly promoting and selling my Amish novella, Deputy Jennings Meets the Amish. I was marketing and editing my book-in-progress, K-9 Kudzu’s Guide to Law Enforcement. All was fine, normal, until I had a restless night.
It was 3 a.m. when an awe-inspiring literary idea materialized. Sleep deprived, I asked myself a few questions.
How could I be so brilliant in bed?Had my dreams triggered a spiritual sign?Was this new idea better than the three books I was already writing?Was it imaginative thinking, or was it avoidance?Gina LaisoOften, during the night, my ideas sound good, even great, but that’s before I consider the realities of my priorities. In this case, I asked myself if I had time to start a new book when I wasn’t done perfecting the draft copy that would soon be sent to my illustrator, Gina Laiso, Integrita Productions.
Here’s a link to Integrita Productions – http://www.facebook.com/IntegritaProductions
By morning, unfortunately, my idea had not diminished. Instead, I was developing a list of possible book titles! Yikes!
Like an alcoholic, I rationalized. I had plenty of time to complete my edit because Gina had barely begun developing the illustrations, most notably K-9 Kudzu, my German shepherd narrator. If Gina needed more time to work on illustrations, then I had extra time to play, I mean explore, my “creative thinking.”
Here’s my nocturnal idea. I started recalling a former student of “mine,” Calvin Lee Bontrager. He had attended Yoder Grade School in, you guessed it, Yoder, Kansas. Calvin was an inspiring person who always seemed to be smiling and never complaining, despite his long fight with leukemia.
After Calvin graduated from 8th grade, completing his formal education, he died too young at age 17 in 1997.
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I knew Calvin’s parents and his paternal grandfather, and now, 26 years after attending his funeral service, I wanted to say hello to Calvin’s spirit at his grave. I’d take a short road trip to Yoder.
Besides my personal connection, I reasoned that I’d use my cemetery visit to help develop future writing on the Old Order Amish, maybe a story for my Amish America guest blog, and the information could be useful in writing my sequel, Jesse Jennings Meets the Amish.
So, on a cold, windy, bitter day, I set out for the Old Order Amish cemetery east of Yoder.
Here’s a link to Amish America – https://amishamerica.com
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Amish America is the premier website and blog “about Amish culture, people, beliefs, communities, and much more.” amishamerica.com Deputy Jennings Meets the Amish (2022), novella by Jim PotterUpon my return home, Gina jolted me back to reality. She asked me to send her my latest draft of K-9 Kudzu’s Guide to Law Enforcement so she could begin plotting out a storyboard and blocking the chapters to help her plan illustrations.
A day later, Gina shared her draft of a blocked out, formatted chapter, and I saw our children’s book coming to life. It was exciting progress!
Thanks to Gina’s interruption . . . or intervention, I understood that beginning another book would wait. I had been side-tracked but not derailed. All I had needed was the jolt of a deadline. J. Alex Potter—my first reader and book editor—and I restarted our engines, determined to complete another edit.
If you’re a writer, this is a reminder that every nocturnal sensory sign you experience may not be a sign to a best seller. Instead, it may be avoidance.
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Until next time, happy writing,
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The post Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Avoidance appeared first on Sandhenge Publications.
February 23, 2023
Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Be Prepared
https://jimpotterauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Be-Prepared.mp3(To listen to the audio of this blog, click above on the white triangle to the far left.)
A portion of my Boy Scouts of America merit badge sash. As a scout, I learned the importance of the BSA motto, “Be Prepared.” To be a successful writer and publisher, being prepared is vital.“Be Prepared”Copyright 2023 © by Jim Potter
My weekly blog is like a journal. I’m sharing in real time what I’m working on with the expectation that it will be of benefit to authors who are anticipating publishing.
Some authors aren’t sure what to do prior to their final draft. Like I’ve said before, there’s an unlimited number of constructive things to work on as you prepare for your book release date. Use your time wisely. Remember, publishing doesn’t stand alone. You should be editing &/or marketing every day and that mean’s being prepared.
Here’s a look at my activity since my last post:
Beginning to inform local law enforcement of the upcoming book.Received a pre-order before offering pre-orders!Being ready to schedule future author talks.Continue interacting with my writer’s group, the Kansas Authors Club.Invited by Amish America to write a guest blog post.Wrote and posted a book review of an enjoyable read.Online chat with Danielle Ramirez of Quiet Storm Services.
K-9 Tanto with Reno County (KS) Deputy Sheriff Mikel BohringerThe last blog, “Being in the Moment,” included a photo of Deputy Mikel Bohringer and K-9 Tanto. It generated welcome activity, including a compliment from Reno County Sheriff Darrian Campbell about Bohringer and Tanto being great representatives of the department, and an at-a-boy to me for the article. It’s great to have the sheriff aware of my book because my goal is to generate local sales first and hopefully, use that as a blueprint for future sales outside the area. After all, K-9 Kudzu’s Guide to Law Enforcement could take place in Anywhere, USA.
I’ve learned to celebrate small successes. A police officer, who will remain unnamed for now, contacted me and told me he wanted five copies of K-9 Kudzu’s Guide to Law Enforcement. You may see this as barely worth celebrating, but to me, it’s a big deal. Pre-orders don’t usually happen prior to a book being completed and advertised. Currently, I don’t know the book’s dimensions, number of pages, or pricing. Pre-orders are way down the road, but it feels good to have someone interested enough to verbally commit.
Another person contacted me and inquired if I’d be interested in being a guest speaker to a law enforcement related organization, either at one of their monthly meetings or at their annual convention. This is another sign of future possibilities. I’ve learned through experience that it’s much better to promote myself at an organized event than to try and create an event from scratch. One time, I had a book signing where only three people showed up.
When I’m given the choice between being a speaker promoting my books or a salesperson sitting at a lonely vendor table, I jump at the speaking opportunity. Being a speaker gives more credibility to me and my work. It might sound conceited, but I love talking about my books; they’re like children, only they’re literary offspring.
As an author, you need to be prepared for any reasonable request. Being prepared means having support materials at your fingertips, even if it’s only a business card or a website address.
The person who told me her organization might be interested in me speaking at a meeting or convention, asked me to send her contact information, an author bio, and a synopsis of the children’s book.
After personalizing my material, I sent her the documents via email. Now, she’ll have an opportunity to examine the files and forward them to the state organization.
www.kansasauthors.orgSaturday, the Kansas Authors Club had its monthly meeting in person and on Zoom. Author Cheryl Unruh gave an excellent presentation on writing memoir. If you’re a writer or author, I hope you’ll find a group of people who are friendly, informative, and supportive to you on your literary journey.
After the state meeting, we broke into smaller groups by district. That’s when two of our District 6 members shared their writing. Tammy read an essay from her book in progress, and Ginger read two of her new poems. Two members told me to put them on my pre-order book list. I’m up to seven books now. Wowie! Start the presses!
Amish America is the premier website and blog “about Amish culture, people, beliefs, communities, and much more.” https://amishamerica.com Deputy Jennings Meets the Amish (2022) is a novella by Jim Potter. Since I started advertising in an Amish-Mennonite subscription newspaper, The Budget, I’ve fulfilled book orders from 16 states. Today, I sent my first book to North Carolina (Hamptonville).Have you ever heard of the website and blog, Amish America? It’s the best website about the Amish in the world and it has thousands of subscribers. The founder, Erick Wesner, invited me to be a guest blogger. He’s giving me the freedom to choose my topic, but it will probably revolve around my interaction with the Old Order Amish in the Yoder, Kansas, area. I can only imagine how the guest blog could help in marketing Deputy Jennings Meets the Amish (2022), and eventually, my unfinished sequel, Jesse Jennings Meets the Amish. Erik’s a friendly, talented, balanced, and successful influencer. Check out his blogs at https://amishamerica.com
What the River Knows (2015) by Katherine Pritchett.You might think that a serious writer doesn’t have time to read. That’s wrong. To improve your writing, read and write. I recently completed an outstanding novel titled, What the River Knows (2015) by Katherine Pritchett. It’s my kind of book, a murder mystery that shows a lot of police procedure.
The following link will take you to Amazon.com so you can learn more about Pritchett’s book &/or purchase it.Upon completing the novel, I wrote and posted a book review on Amazon and Goodreads. I wasn’t asked to do this by the author. I did it because I wanted to publicly thank her and to show support for her writing talent.
Look ahead. Someday you may want book reviews or an endorsement (a “blurb”) from your peers. Wouldn’t it be nice to already be in the habit of supporting other writers who might, in turn, help you? Why should an author take time to read and review your book if you aren’t willing to do the same? Don’t be a book review vampire who only takes. Learn to give. It’s called reciprocity.
Quiet Storm Services is a hybrid publishing company founded by Danielle Ramirez. www.quietstormservices.comA few days ago, I was interviewed live on a Facebook chat by Danielle Ramirez, founder of Quiet Storm Services, a hybrid publishing company. She gave me the opportunity to promote my novella, Deputy Jennings Meets the Amish. I also gave writing tips to those listeners who just needed a little boost to get their writing moving forward.
I also gave advice on how to eat an elephant. (See link below.)
Until next time, happy writing,
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The post Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Be Prepared appeared first on Sandhenge Publications.
February 16, 2023
Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Being in the Moment
https://jimpotterauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Being-in-the-Moment.mp3(To listen to the audio of this blog, click above on the white triangle to the far left.)Being in the Moment
K-9 Tanto, Belgian Malinois Crimefighters K-9 Tanto, Belgian Malinois; and Mikel Bohringer, Reno County Sheriff’s DeputyCopyright 2023 © by Jim Potter
Here’s a quick review about this series of weekly blog posts on publishing my color-illustrated children’s book in six months. It’s a progress report. From my first post in January 2023, I’ve shared my goal: publish K-9 Kudzu’s Guide to Law Enforcement by June 1st. If I make this deadline, I’ll complete the series during the month of June by reporting about ongoing marketing and my pursuit for book sales.
Click to read Introduction to K-9 Kudzu’s Guide to Law Enforcement by Kudzu
Being in the Moment
Chapter titles in K-9 Kudzu’s Guide to Law EnforcementSome things can’t be rushed. A book is one. Drafts are rough until they’re right. They need to be edited over time. They need time to breathe. With time you can make corrections and with time you also have the opportunity for detailed discoveries that will enrich the read. I’ve said it before, it’s a process.
During this past week, chapter by chapter, I’ve been editing my book, trying to get the best balance between the narrator’s voice and the educational presentation. I’ve deduced that I need to enrich K-9 Kudzu’s voice by increasing his personal stories.
There’s a saying that when you ask a question, be sure to listen for the answer. Signs are everywhere.
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My 2007 police memoir – Cop in the Classroom: Lessons I’ve Learned, Tales I’ve Told.One new idea for my story occurred a few days ago during a conversation I had with Andrew, a fire fighter friend. When I realized that narrator K-9 Kudzu needed to be more personal and multi-dimensional, I considered Kudzu’s social like. I thought to myself: ‘What if Kudzu had a Dalmatian girlfriend?’
I asked Andrew if fire stations still had Dalmatians as mascots. He told me that yes, his station had a Dalmatian who was a mascot and a source of comfort and morale to the live-in, rotating, work crews.
This idea of expanding Kudzu’s circle of canine acquaintances got its start from this single conversation. I was relaxed, in the moment. With no pressure or impending deadline, it happened spontaneously.
Literary characters need names and so did this Dalmatian. Andrew told me that his fire station’s canine didn’t have a real name, but everyone referred to the dog as “Firepup”©. That name is copyrighted by the National Fire Safety Council.
I wasn’t enamored with the name Firepup©, and I didn’t want to use someone’s copyrighted material in my book. That’s when Alex and I started thinking of a different name for our fictional four-legged character who would be written into K-9 Kudzu’s Guide to Law Enforcement.
Ash, Ashes, Ashley, Blaze, Cinder, Cinder Cindy, Cinderella, Ember, Flint, Molly, Siren, Smokey, and Sparky didn’t sound right until we agreed on Sparkle.
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Deputy Jennings Meets the Amish (2022) by Jim Potter. This week’s book orders have been sent to Amish-Mennonite communities in Millersburg, OH; Lewisburg, PA; Arthur, IL; Norwood, MO; Winchester, TN; Topeka, IN; and to Newaygo and Mio in MI.Yesterday, while mailing Amish book orders at the post office, I ran into Deputy Mikel Bohringer, K-9 officer for the Reno County Sheriff’s Office. It was another sign.
After greeting Mikel, I couldn’t help it, I asked the question he hears constantly: “Where’s your dog?”
“In the car,” Bohringer answered politely.
I got excited and started telling Bohringer about my children’s book. He asked me when it would be available. I told him I was aiming at May or June.
I asked Mikel if he had time to pose for a photo with his police K-9, Tanto, and explained that with his permission, or Sheriff Campbell’s, I’d share the photo and mention the K-9 team of crime fighters in my weekly blog.
He agreed.
Outside, Bohringer introduced me to his 4-year-old Belgian Malinois. It was a quick, friendly greeting as Tanto pushed his long snout into my open hand, no doubt checking my scent.
I took photos of Deputy Bohringer and Tanto and got a look at the kennel insert in the county patrol car, including how Tanto’s door release button worked. I also asked about the personal donation routed though the non-profit, Cause for Paws, that made the K-9 car possible.
Mikel answered my questions, including this one: “Nowadays, is law enforcement less likely to train their canines to be aggressive?”
Bohringer explained that the earlier “find and bite” training has been largely replaced with “bark and hold.” Today, K-9s are more likely to find the suspect and then bark, not bite.
Tanto’s trained to be a full patrol animal. That means he’s trained to work narcotics, tracking, evidence search, and building clearing.
The fear of criminals, that Tanto might bite them, makes him a perfect partner in a dangerous profession. The police canine carefully observes detained suspects until two-legged, armed deputies arrive at the scene as additional backup.
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I’ll be interviewed on Facebook live this Sunday, February 19 at 11:30 a.m. by Danielle Ramirez. She’s the founder of Quiet Storm Services, a hybrid publishing company. I’ll be talking about my novella, Deputy Jennings Meets the Amish, and answering questions on writing and publishing. Upon completion of the interview, we’ll post the video on Facebook for viewers who miss the broadcast. www.quietstormservices.comIn an earlier blog, I told the reader that publishing and marketing go together. An author shouldn’t wait until the book is printed to begin marketing.
With that advice in mind, I made my marketing pitch to Deputy Bohringer. “This is my first children’s book. It won’t be cheap. The expenses are much higher than a typical book because I’m paying an illustrator and I’m having it printed in color. It’s not an 8-page, stapled coloring book. While I continue editing and the illustrator is developing visuals, I’m looking for a grant, organization, or business to help publish the book.”
Then I painted a picture for Deputy Bohringer. “Once I have the books in hand, I can see you with a supply of them in your car for those times when you want to give a child a special gift, maybe during or after a traumatic event or at a public safety school visit.
“I’ll approach FOP (Fraternal Order of Police) lodges to see if they’re interested in purchasing books at my wholesale price so they can donate books to children.”
Deputy Bohringer and I exchanged business cards. He asked me to keep him informed of the book’s progress.
I eagerly replied: “You bet I will. Count on it! Thanks again!”
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The following link is for the Facebook Live interview on Sunday, February 19 @ 11:30 a.m. by Danielle Ramirez of Quiet Storm Services
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Until next time, happy writing,
The post Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Being in the Moment appeared first on Sandhenge Publications.
February 9, 2023
Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Editing is Listening
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Editing is ListeningCopyright 2023 © by Jim Potter
There’s editing while writing a personal draft copy of your book and there’s editing after you’ve shared your early literary work with others.
I’ve limited showing my full book’s draft copy to three people: J. Alex Potter, my first reader; Gina Laiso, the book’s illustrator; and Joelle René, a writer-artist friend. But I’ve discussed the book with others. My most recent blog post gave a detailed update of my progress, including a look at the book’s introduction by K-9 Kudzu and most of chapter one, “A is for Accident.”
My cave is an ideal place to enjoy writing. It’s usually a near solitary adventure. However, once I have a draft of a book, it’s invaluable to receive feedback from writers I respect.
In sharing this week’s progress on Kudzu’s Guide to Law Enforcement: Observations from a Working Dog Who Loves to Play, the book continues to evolve due to seven people and a dog.
Here’s a shout out to the most recent encouragers:
Joelle RenéMiriam Iwashige J. Alex PotterNancy Julien Kopp Ginger Zyskowski Karis EnsGina Laiso RockyJoelle, writer-artist, suggested I show Kudzu using his sensory abilities throughout the book, including his instinctive investigative skills sniffing along a trail, and his playful moments—like chasing a squirrel—showing he’s still a dog.
Miriam’s latest published essay, “Mint Tea Powers Pedalers,” is in 105 Meadowlark Reader: A Kansas Journal of Creative Nonfiction (Issue #4: Fall 2022). Edited by Cheryl Unruh. Cover photo by Dave Leiker. To purchase 105 Meadowlark Reader, see http://www.meadowlarkbookstore.comMiriam, writer-blogger, encouraged me to continue my educational approach of including an extensive list of vocabulary words that could cause the smartest middle school student to reach for a dictionary or google the word. Miriam said: “I’m impressed with how much information you’re packing into this story. That list of other ‘A’ words would have delighted my 12-year-old self and added a great deal of value to the book.”
“Sid, Rhonda, and the Boys,” by J. Alex Potter, painted porcelain, 20″ x 12″ x12″.Alex, artist-sculptor, reinforced Miriam’s opinion that children like to learn things above their grade level. That’s why Alex suggested the appendix include the phonetic police alphabet and a list of law enforcement ten-codes.
The encouragement from Miriam and Alex modeled my instincts. Don’t dumb things down. Instead, write a great book and don’t worry about its reading level.
(To read the story of “Sid, Rhonda, and The Boys,” click here SID)
Nancy Julien Kopp, writer-blogger, offered a spot-on tip for editing K-9 Kudzu’s Guide to Law Enforcement. She wrote:
“I’m enjoying following your creation of a children’s book. I have one small suggestion. In the Q and A section where the question is asked if the dog has ever bitten anyone. He mentions that he has bitten Tom several times when playing ball, and that it was an accident. I wonder if using the word ‘nip’ would make the children realize it is just a little bite, not a full bite. Some kids are really afraid of dogs. Just a thought I had as I read.”
I immediately agreed with Nancy’s concern about children’s (anyone’s) fear of dogs. Now, Kudzu will not bite or nip Tom or anyone else. Instead, I’m addressing the fact that people fear dogs and I’ve added another word to my vocabulary lists. In the chapter “C is for Car,” between the words certificate and chase, you’ll find cynophobia. Yeah, I know, it’s not a middle school word.
The following is a Facebook link to an essay written by Nancy titled “Musing on Editing Your Writing.” https://www.facebook.com/NancyJulienKopp/posts/5129504207134530
In A Word, written by Ginger Zyskowsky, illustrated by Hannah Weaver, to be published by August 2023. If you’re interested in directly purchasing Ginger’s poetry books, paintings, scarves, & music compositions, click on the following link to enter her website store. https://gingerz.worksGinger Zyskowski is a poet-painter-percussionist who’s getting closer to publishing an exciting book (structured in alphabetical order) that’s “not just a children’s book.” Titled, In A Word, “it’s a mix of stories and poems and illustrations” for any age. Ginger and I were talking about the process of writing a book when she asked, “Do you ever get the book you planned?” I laughed and answered. “Not me. It’s always evolving.”
That’s what’s happening right now with K-9 Kudzu. Positive people are giving me important feedback well beyond a Facebook “like.” It’s constructive criticism–people suggesting how my work can be improved. They’re encouragers, extremely important on a long journey. If they were being negative, I’d ignore them or throw them overboard.
Note: Listening doesn’t mean agreeing. If I made every recommended change, it wouldn’t be my book. Plus, I’d be like Rocky, running around in circles chasing his tail.
A Girl and Her Cat (2022), written and illustrated by Karis Ens. Karis’ books, scrunchies, & other fabric creations, may be purchased directly at the website Time-Honored Productions beginning on page 4. Click the following link. https://timehonoredproductions.com/shopKaris Ens, author of children’s books, and so much more, commented: “I like it that you blog about your writing progress. Keep up the great work!” Karis’s book, A Girl and Her Cat, was a book I studied when I was deciding about whether to print K-9 Kudzu in black and white or in color since it has illustrations.
Rocky 
Braven (2022) written by Kim Martin; illustrated by Gina Laiso, Integrita Productions. http://www.facebook.com/IntegritaProductionsGina Laiso, book designer, cover artist, formatter, and illustrator, encouraged us when we created a new title, despite its length. Best of all, Gina shared some photos and videos of canine Rocky, her Rhodesian Ridgeback/Boxer mix.
Rocky reminds me to find the time to have fun. In the following video, he’s ready to play. Watch his tail vibrating and his whole body inviting Gina to chase him. He shouts: “Play tag with me, Gina!”
https://jimpotterauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Rocky-playing-in-snow-1.mp4Video by Gina Laiso.
Until next time, happy writing,
The post Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Editing is Listening appeared first on Sandhenge Publications.
February 2, 2023
Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Draft Status
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Draft Status
Copyright 2023 © by Jim Potter
This is my update, a progress report, the nuts and bolts of the draft copy of my children’s book. Another blog may cover the importance of an author taking time between edits, giving the manuscript time to breath, and the writer an opportunity for rest, reflection, perspective, and fun.
There’re a few holes that I need to fill to improve K-9 Kudzu’s Guide to Law Enforcement: Observations from a Working Dog Who Loves to Play. Here’s my report on the current draft—what I have, what I need, and what’s next.
In discussing a draft copy of this book, I’m talking about the interior, not the covers. In my experience, the front cover is one of the last steps before publishing. I’ve got ideas for the cover, but they will wait, except that right now I’m considering who I want to invite to give “blurbs” (endorsements) for the back cover.
Copyright page: My draft of the copyright page won’t change much. Of course, I’ve got to be sure I’m using the correct, last updated title! I already have International Standard Book Numbers (ISBN), one for the printed book and one for the e-book. I’ll request the Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN) once I know the number of pages, but that’s way down the road. The illustrations, formatting, and personal preference will determine the number of pages and the dimensions of the book.
Acknowledgement: This page is the last interior page I’ll write. It’s a thank you page.
Dedication: I’ve written my dedication and so has K-9 Kudzu. I’m going to invite Gina Laiso, the book’s illustrator, to make a dedication. We’ll see. No hurry on this.
Introduction: This is a crucial page, written by K-9 Kudzu. I’m pleased with Kudzu’s written voice. Here’s a preview.
My name is Kudzu. I’m a German shepherd dog who works in law enforcement as part of a team. My partner’s name is Deputy Tom Jennings.
I’m also called a canine. That’s spelled c-a-n-i-n-e. When I’m working with Tom, I’m known as a ‘K-9,’ but that’s with the letter ‘K’ followed by the number ‘9.’
Tom takes his work too seriously. I’m always trying to get him to play with me.
My most fun activity is playing with my blue ball.
Since I’ve been working as a K-9 for 24 years—that’s 2 years in people time—I’ve learned a lot about the way police officers do their jobs.
Today I’m going to share with you some of the vocabulary words I’ve learned while helping police officers.
I’ll introduce the words to you in alphabetical order.
Have fun learning.
Kudzu
Contents: This is the table of contents. There’s a chapter title for each vocabulary word I’ve selected. The chapters are listed in alphabetical order. For example, A is for Accident, B is for Badge, C is for Car, etc. The correct page numbers won’t be listed until I receive a formatted draft of the book.
Chapters: All 26 chapters are written, but I’m constantly editing them. The information is good, but I’m still deciding on its length and how much to incorporate K-9 Kudzu’s stories. There’s also a section in every chapter titled, “Kudzu’s Questions and Comments.”
Here’s a partial preview of the first chapter, “A is for Accident.” There are no illustrations yet since they’re still under development.
A a“A” is for Accident“One time, Tom left me locked in our car for hours all by myself. Eventually, I needed to pee. When Tom didn’t return, I had an accident. It wasn’t planned. I didn’t do it on purpose. It was an accident.
“I’ve been with Deputy Jennings when he’s worked car accidents. In the summer, the asphalt on the highways can get so hot it feels like my feet are on fire. In the winter, I’m glad to be wearing my heavy coat.
“After an accident, Tom always asks the driver, ‘What happened?’ I’ve heard a lot of answers. Sometimes the driver blames another driver. Other times people admit to falling asleep or texting on their phone.
“I’ve also heard people blame dogs for running out into the road. I don’t take it personally. I know some dogs who don’t have a lick of common sense.
“When Deputy Jennings and I get sent to an accident by a dispatcher, the 911 employee identifies the type of wreck we’re going to by using a language called ‘ten-code’. A ‘10-48’ is an injury accident; a ‘10-47’ is a non-injury accident. Once I was on a ‘10-40.’ That’s a fatality wreck. Someone had died. Everyone was sad, including me.”
“Another common word used in law enforcement that begins with the letter ‘a,’ is arrest.
“I was with Tom one night when he worked a non-injury car accident where the driver was intoxicated. Intoxicated means the person is drunk. People who are drunk don’t think clearly or have full control of their body.
“Tom arrested the driver for DUI, which means Driving Under the Influence of alcohol or drugs. Tom told the dispatcher that he was ‘10-15 one time.’ That meant Tom had one person under arrest. When Tom or any K-9 officer makes an arrest while they have their dog with them, they call for backup. That way, an officer without a K-9 in their patrol car, can transport the person to jail.
Each letter’s chapter displays a list of words used in police work, including a few of Kudzu’s favorite words.“I remember the man Tom arrested slurring his words as he said: ‘I’m too drunk to drive; just take me home.’”
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Q&A: At the end of the book, narrator K-9 Kudzu answers pre-publication questions from his early readers. Here’s a sample.
Q: “What are your favorite movies with canines?”
Kudzu: I haven’t found the perfect K-9 movie yet, but at Thanksgiving, while Tom watches football on TV, Jesse and I enjoy seeing canines at the National Dog Show. They aren’t just good-looking dogs, they’re talented, especially in herding, sporting, and working.”
Q: “Have you ever been shot?”
Kudzu: “In the chapter on letter ‘v’ I told the readers that I’ve been shot several times in the neck, but not by bullets. Instead, veterinarians have given me vaccine shots. I’ve also been shot during training by plastic bullets that are called simulated rounds. They hurt, but just for a second.”
Q: “While on your police job, have you ever bitten anyone?”
Kudzu: “No, the sheriff doesn’t have any of us K-9s trained to be aggressive. Instead, we detect drugs, search, and track. However, I’ve bitten Tom on many occasions when we’ve been playing with my ball. When I bite Tom, it’s not on purpose. It’s an accident.”
Appendix: I’m planning on having two pages in the appendix. One is the phonetic police alphabet, the other a list of police ten-codes used during police radio transmissions. Before including the appendix pages, I’m attempting to learn if they’re copyrighted, and if so, how I can get permission to use them.
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Until next time, happy writing,
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