Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Rockin' Around..... The Ups, Downs and In Betweens of 2018

      My author pals and I are remembering the happy moments as well as the challenges we have faced this past year in our blog hop: The Ups, Downs and In- Betweens on the 2018 Writing Road.” Check out my blog, then visit the other #Gr8Blogs linked at the end of the post for more shared recollections and lessons learned along the way.

Christmas is almost here!!  I do believe as we get older, time goes by faster. Do you agree?  Some days can go by slow but time goes by fast.  Another year is about to begin and I can't help but look back at 2018.  Being a self-published author means I do it all: the creating, formatting, marketing etc and I love the freedom it gives me but it is hard. Sometimes I wonder if it is worth it, but seeing my published work always fills me with pride, so I brush off the negative thoughts and keep going. 

     Into the Ocean is my latest book, which I published last fall. In 2018, my goal was to get my ebooks into paperback and I have accomplished that except for one book, Bullies? No Worries! which proved to be a challenge due to having to reformat the entire thing to fit the required format.  I admit, I've been procrastinating on this but I am halfway there! This summer I did manage to give my website a whole new look. Check it out here:  www.authorrebeccalyndsey.weebly.com





One thing I am proud of this year are my read-aloud preview videos. My goal here was to just give the readers a glimpse into the book but not read the entire story.  I used Powerpoint to create them but am interested in learning new programs to make my videos stand out more.



For December ALL of my e-books will be on sale!!! You can even get them autographed through www.authorgraph.com or to make it easier, use the widget found on my website.  Want to hold the book in your hand or something to wrap? You can also buy my books in paperback.
So what do I have planned for 2019?  The summer months are my time to switch into author mode and I plan on getting my fourth book in paperback and when that is done, I may try to write another book!  Inspiration hasn't hit me yet but I'm thinking I may do another chapter book.  Are there any topics you haven't seen in children's books but would like to?  You can always hit the comments or find me on fb. I also plan on making an awesome read-aloud video for Into the Ocean. I possibly may find a way to turn my Green Screen skills into some amazing book marketing ideas.

Maybe one year I will be able to focus all my energy on being an author and illustrator.  That is my long-term goal!  Will I accomplish it? Maybe, maybe not but I'm still putting it on my wish list.  Hopefully Santa found me on his good girl list this year and will work some of his magic on my career. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and
a wonderful new year! 
Happy holidays everyone!

Thanks for stopping by! How was your year? Want to share your accomplishments/challenges?  Please share in the comment section.
For more inspirational recollections and lessons learned, visit more #Gr8blogs below.
And if you blog and want to join us on this hop, just add the family-friendly link to your blog post in the comment section.

11 comments:

  1. Hi Rebecca, you've done a great job with the read-a-aloud preview videos. I think I may have been inspired to give it a go myself one of these days when I can find the time. As you say, the years fly by way to fast. Congratulations on another fabulous year, wishing you all the best for 2019.

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    1. Thank you Sandra. The videos are not hard, just time consuming. I'll help you out in anyway you need. Best of luck to you for 2019 as well!

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  2. Wow, what a productive year! Love that you even found time while teaching to tackle technology with your impressive read-aloud preview videos. Wishing you all the best in 2019 as you continue your journey!

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  3. Hi Rebecca, can I tell you how impressed I am that you can continue your thoughts on writing, illustrating, and marketing while still teaching? Whew, you need to pat yourself on the back for hanging in there.
    I can't wait to see what comes next. All your stories are delightful and I know readers are enriched after reading them.
    Your paintings are always so impressive as well.
    Wishing you a wonderful holiday day season and the best for 2019 Rebecca!
    Rosie

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    1. Thank you for all the kind words, Rosie. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and an amazing 2019!

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  4. Love the video! You've inspired me. I've been thinking of doing reading videos for awhile. You rocked it on PowerPoint! Happy Holidays!

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    1. Auden, the videos are not hard, just time consuming. Let me know if you need any help! Merry Christmas!

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  5. You have been busy! The new website looks fab and loving the videos! It can be incredibly difficult juggling everything and pursuing a career in the creative world but you seem to be doing a grand job. The key is persistence, and belief in yourself no matter how hard it gets. Wishing you an amazing 2019.

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    1. I really try to stay positive but it can really be a downer sometimes. Wishing you all the best for 2019 with all your amazing artwork!

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  7. I love your videos! Gave me a some ideas 💡 there. This is my first time as a self published author, and I can relate to those feelings you shared. Is it worth it? Like you, I then see my books in the flesh and think, yes it is! Keep up the great work, cannot wait to see what you do in 2019.

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