Learning how

When I started my writing journey some years ago, I had no idea the process would take so long. My investment of time has run more than five years. At every stage, I thought I was close or closer to an end point. This is still as true as ever.

Throughout the summer, I was preparing two books for publication--a book of poetry and a novel. I was in design mode, learning the process, choosing and learning software, creating book covers, and laying out text. I did my own text design and layout using MS Word. To design my own covers, I used GIMP. To learn how to do these tasks, I followed the directions on Amazon, and to learn the GIMP software, I watched training videos on YouTube.

Learning the process, and then finding and learning the software took me weeks!!! And I thought writing a book was the hard part. Ha!

I am happy to say I am putting finishing touches on The Tale of Indigo, a mythic creation poem about climate change. And I am nearly ready to publish my novel, Ardis A Life on Water. The last piece I need is an illustration for the front cover, which will be created in November by a local artist and friend.

This month, October, I will do some advance preparations for marketing and PR, including some blogging like this to share my experiences through social media.

My target release dates in the new year will come fast and furiously. At all times since making the decision to establish Cavalarico Books Ltd., I have had more than a few balls in the air at any given time, which can be hectic, but I wouldn't trade this experience for anything.

I feel like I am in a good spot. I am 100 per cent in charge of all creative and business decisions. I write all the copy; I do all the marketing and promotions; I design and build my website and collateral; I produce all the product, i.e. books . . . except for the art (illustration/painting/drawing).

Meanwhile, my current writing project is set on the Bahia coast of Brazil, where I have much to research for my story.

Please join me on my journey--sign up to receive my email updates that I aim to deliver once every two weeks.

Tim