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Joined: Jan 2009
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explain photoshop for example as well as other "programs" for self-illustrations that might work out to be a children's book? Topic, "Christmas", Song, "It Was Santa."
I am sure that there are many here who could "see" one or more of their songs being story books for children and maybe a collection of children songs in one book?? I would imagine that with the tech, and the tech savvy, someone could even produce books online.
I see it as a possible way of also getting a "song" out there since the avenues are getting tougher, and tougher.
Interested??
Douglas
Last edited by Douglas Murphy; 12/10/16 01:24 PM.
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There's Jean Bullock's son who used to post his stuff here regularly.
Brian Austin Whitney Founder Just Plain Folks jpfolkspro@gmail.com Skype: Brian Austin Whitney Facebook: www.facebook.com/justplainfolks"Don't sit around and wait for success to come to you... it doesn't know the way." -Brian Austin Whitney "It's easier to be the bigger man when you actually are..." -Brian Austin Whitney "Sometimes all you have to do to inspire humans to greatness is to give them a reason and opportunity to do something great." -Brian Austin Whitney
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Me? Yes and no. Maybe? Depends on what you want. I used to be an editorial cartoonist, years ago. Last applied my "talent" to a music video. Here: https://youtu.be/ShwUFt8_UPcJoe
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I have some kids songs, not sure how many would suit for a Christmas book.
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My artwork never progressed beyond seventh grade.
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Thanks for dropping in guys. Jim,,,me too. Everett,,, Would need to find the illustrator first and Joe,,,looking/considering something a little more 'picture-bookis" Douglas
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Hi Doug:
Sorry I'm late. At one time, there were several folks at JPF with illustrator skills. You might consider another alternative in the form of photography and Photoshop. We have a few folks among us with real talent in those mediums.
Best of luck with your project.
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There is a whole resource out there on the internet.
You can search for images that can be freely licensed for commercial use under Creatice Commons licenses. Some want attribution but that is fine. Other images can be found that are public domain.
The biggest challenge will be a unified look, but you can do a lot with moving an image through Powerpoint for example.
If writing ever becomes work I think I'm going to have to stop
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Hi Douglas!
Good seeing you, I am doing something very similar! I have spent the last two years trying to get a children's picture book done.
I have songs and poems that I want to put into a book, but the journey is a strange one. It's as if folkd don't want to give out the information easily...LOL!
The first thing I learned is if you get a publisher (which is impossible for a first book) but if you get one, THEY choose your illustrator.
Once I found out that pretty much NO ONE gets a publisher or agent for a first book, I realized I had to self publish.
I then found an artist that creates art that would really go well with my story. Of course...artists cost MONEY.
Now that she is onboard, I have to find a printer. I just found one that a local artist uses, I haven't researched or contacted them yet to recommend them, but I feel like I'm starting to get closer, but the amount of learning is pretty high, you need to know how many pages (there is actually a set amount for self publishing).
After you get beyond this point, you need to raise the money. I am going to have to do a kickstarter that pays the artist and book printer. Another learning experience to run a successful kickstarter.
Of course the "What If's" are attacking me like...what if I don't raise the money or what if the book doesn't sell...
I am still knee deep into this process and still learning but I do know I'm looking at possibly $20,000 to do this.
I feel overwhelmed.
Not sure if this is helping in any way, but to answer your question....YES, I have the material to make seasonal and everyday children's stories and YES, I'm haunted by the passion to do so, but to get there is a struggle.
Tammy
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Tams, would a site like Lulu not be an option for you? https://www.lulu.comDonna
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Hi Tammy.
Thank you for the in depth heads up. [I know the journey is a long one as I tried years ago to go down the publishing route.] Self-publishing is definitely a solution but as you mentioned has a learning curve. About the number of pages I knew about that, about first time writers not getting published I didn't know.
Kickstarter is a very good tool if and as you said if, you can create a good sell.
I am going to send a message to a cousin of mine, a great cartoonist and illustrator, to see if he could draw up some ideas for the song I am considering. Tried him in the past but that never went anywhere.
Keep plugging away and like song writing I know it is a passion we must keep exploring.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Douglas
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CDs of recorded stories, story poems, and lyrics to be performed as spoken word are in high demand by storytelling groups and schools, as well as local libraries and non-profits for fund raising. Audiences are not difficult to gather in your own local area to build a demand. Spoken Word sessions at your local libraries with CD signing, at schools if you have material for children, and if you have background music or beats that accompany the storylines so much the better for the listening audience. I prepare the school audiences in advance by meeting with the faculty committee over assemblies. We have the kids make percussion instruments(plastic container drums and toilet roll shakers etc.) to play at the show. I ensure that there is kid time to play and dance to their own music to get the creativity flowing and ignite individual artistry for life. It is also a good idea to film a show and put it on Youtube for other school faculty (and other potential venues)to be able to view and see the benefits of your show. Each school has a committee for booking assembly activities and a budget for them. Your good reputation can precede you when other school faculty can get the word to view and then book your show at their school. This process helps you to create an audience/demographic/demand to show to potential publishers and producers. See http://www.brentlewis.com/ for my stories with music on CDs (Twinkleberry the Belly Dancing Chicken and Rhythm and Rhyme for kids) and Between the Stars and Warning from the caveman and the Poet for adults. Illustrations are expensive (Just the cover art for Twinkleberry and Warning was $2,000 each). I have another CD in the works with another producer where the artist is doing a total of 30 full page drawings for no money up front. She is taking a royalty based on sales. Yack Back!
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Perry, Thank you so much for this, it is so well timed for me. My guitar teacher put music to one of my poems that I read and we thought about doing more of them because it seemed to go over very well. He is pretty busy and I have been on the fence on whether to continue on this journey or not. We had considered doing a poetry and music reading at the local library and I have been sitting here in total limbo. You must have read my energy and come to rescue me!! I appreciate everything you say here and I am taking it all in! Here is "The Moon Fell" if you are interested. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Br70Wk1kJ5QThanks Again! Tammy
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Great post Perry, welcome to JPF!
Brian Austin Whitney Founder Just Plain Folks jpfolkspro@gmail.com Skype: Brian Austin Whitney Facebook: www.facebook.com/justplainfolks"Don't sit around and wait for success to come to you... it doesn't know the way." -Brian Austin Whitney "It's easier to be the bigger man when you actually are..." -Brian Austin Whitney "Sometimes all you have to do to inspire humans to greatness is to give them a reason and opportunity to do something great." -Brian Austin Whitney
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Tammy,
The Moon Fell made my day. I am a Counseling Psychologist and (with your permission) would like to share this with the persons I am working with that are battling depression. It is so well written and has the perfect music/atmosphere support to carry the message. The artwork is splendid. All of the senses are treated to healing.
Keep the contributions coming.
Perry
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Hi Tammy...really nice poem. After decades of lyrics and poetry I decided to write a novel. Are you saying a book deal and an agent aren't in my future, haha? Aahh...Amazon Kindle, here I come again. I'd like an artist for a single cover illustration. An impressionistic lithograph of a man holding a waitress underneath a ceiling fan by a jukebox. Anyone who's interested is in for big money.
Last edited by couchgrouch; 01/11/17 09:25 PM.
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Not sure what you're looking for but I used to draw cartoons for the local printer here in my little town and also murals for the town museum. Maybe I could help. Maybe not.
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I am not quite sure where Photoshop fits with this but I am a photographer and I use Photoshop extensively as well as Lightroom. Let me know if I can answer any questions.
I know a couple of authors and my take is that getting a book published is about as likely as writing a hit song for Taylor Swift. But you can self-publish a handful of copies if you want. Like music, the trick is getting noticed.
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Interesting how the thread grew. Received some great input. Thanks you all.
Douglas
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Humm, If you are looking for a picture for the front of some project and you need something worked up you might either: Go to a local Arts and Crafts Store and buy a few supplies and draw it up yourself, keeping in mind the size of the drawing to fit if you shrink it to fit the final product.
Second you could find a local Art Student to work with.
Ray E. Strode
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Hi Vicarn...I'd like a cover for the book(which I suspect will be published on Kindle). The drawing would be a man holding a waitress on the floor of a diner as if dancing. But more holding. A jukebox behind them. Above the juke would be an urn flanked with matching vases housing silk roses. A celing fan above the dancers with Marvin the Martian on a blade. I'd like it to be impressionistic. Featureless faces, splotchy colors etc. It'll be awhile before I'm finished. The upside? Probably very little $$$.
Last edited by couchgrouch; 01/14/17 03:46 PM.
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So few people read any more. Maybe illustrations make people open a book, but most people don't even like possessing books because they take up room in their houses, unless you have your own library or den
Talking books are where it's at. Have to cater to the laziness in people and read the damn thing to them, so they can surf online, exercise, shower, or get dressed while listening, or listen as they fall asleep
I see that kids read fewer books even in grade school now, I also hear they no longer learn how to write script....
I wonder how they can sign their name to checks or anything that needs a signature?
Last edited by BenJones; 01/14/17 06:53 PM.
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Hi Doug, Tams and Perry:
Eons ago, JPF member Kaley Willow was a great children's book author and songwriter. I have not seen her post in years but suspect she may "lurk" from time to time. Brian may know how to reach her if you need fresh ideas from an experienced and exceptionally nice lady regarding this medium.
Before I forget, Perry... "Welcome to JPF." We are a mixed bag of talent and most of us share a love of music. Don't be a stranger.
I considered Children's Books and Songs but was sidetracked by a business career... and later, a desire to become a Songwriter.
Regards, ----Dave
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I worked up something on your request in the Broderbund Program like you want Couch. If you have a PrintMaster Program you probably can do it yourself.
I have a book I wrote and worked up some covers for it using my own pictures. Good luck.
Ray E. Strode
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Perry,
Thank you so much, it is wonderful to have someone see value in my art. I think it would be wonderful if it helps or soothes even one person, it is lovely to think it had a purpose! I am sending you a pm.
Tammy
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"If one man can do it, any man can do it. It is true. But the real question is, if one man did it, are you willing to do what it takes to do it as well?" –Brian Austin Whitney
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