An interesting ereadering site is reviewed here
http://www.computeractive.co.uk/ca/download-review/2171375/enjoy-ebooks-pc-mobile-devices-mobipocket-62
I knew about Mobipocket ebooks many years ago when I was first getting involved with self publishing. I think times may have moved on but maybe this format could be of use for viewing mobi ebooks on PCs and old style PDAs?
With the advent of Window 8 I think there are plenty of other ways to get ebooks onto Microsoft machines.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
An enjoyment of writing is best motivation
I have not included a link with this article but I would like to reflect on the changes in the creative industries and how writers should (perhaps) approach the challenges that are implied.
With indie writers now having a tangible prospect of making a living from their work it is important to stress that in the long term, for most authors, motivation has to be right.
Creative writing is a difficult business. Finding time (and energy) to get the 'black on white' is not trivial. That is the case for me as well as, I suspect, most others.
Some people will make a lot of money. Most will make a little. But that won't get the words out of 'your head' consistently enough and to a high enough degree of quality to make the whole thing sustainable. For most people.
I love stories. I always have done so. I started writing them around the age of 7. I would just like to take this opportunity to apologise to my teacher a the time, Mr Hanks, my spelling was (and still is) quite appalling and my handwriting remains almost beyond hope of resembling an intelligible form despite your best efforts....
But I write now for the same reasons I wrote my first stories 30 years ago. It is fun. It makes me happy and I enjoy the experience even more if others also have fun.
That provides me with my motivation.
I do not know if I will ever make a penny from my work. But that is not the point.
I would not worry whether the Agency Model of publishing is going to survive or not. If you just enjoy story telling and write to the highest standard you possibly can then you will be successful long term.
Ebook or physical. Stories are stories. Good work will stand out.
With indie writers now having a tangible prospect of making a living from their work it is important to stress that in the long term, for most authors, motivation has to be right.
Creative writing is a difficult business. Finding time (and energy) to get the 'black on white' is not trivial. That is the case for me as well as, I suspect, most others.
Some people will make a lot of money. Most will make a little. But that won't get the words out of 'your head' consistently enough and to a high enough degree of quality to make the whole thing sustainable. For most people.
I love stories. I always have done so. I started writing them around the age of 7. I would just like to take this opportunity to apologise to my teacher a the time, Mr Hanks, my spelling was (and still is) quite appalling and my handwriting remains almost beyond hope of resembling an intelligible form despite your best efforts....
But I write now for the same reasons I wrote my first stories 30 years ago. It is fun. It makes me happy and I enjoy the experience even more if others also have fun.
That provides me with my motivation.
I do not know if I will ever make a penny from my work. But that is not the point.
I would not worry whether the Agency Model of publishing is going to survive or not. If you just enjoy story telling and write to the highest standard you possibly can then you will be successful long term.
Ebook or physical. Stories are stories. Good work will stand out.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Kindle in decline?
A very good article about the future of the Kindle ereader.
Things are not as they seem at Amazon.
http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/is-the-amazon-kindle-in-trouble/
So kindles lose money and the content is the key to Amazon's profitability.
However with competition from Google and Microsoft / Barnes and Noble on the way it may be more difficult for Amazon to corner the market.
The other point raised is something I agree with strongly. e-ink is in decline. Why by an ereader when a Tablet PC (from Google, Samsung, Apple or Microsoft) is not much more expensive and has more functionality?
It is a shame, but its a sign of the times I am afraid.
Things are not as they seem at Amazon.
http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/is-the-amazon-kindle-in-trouble/
So kindles lose money and the content is the key to Amazon's profitability.
However with competition from Google and Microsoft / Barnes and Noble on the way it may be more difficult for Amazon to corner the market.
The other point raised is something I agree with strongly. e-ink is in decline. Why by an ereader when a Tablet PC (from Google, Samsung, Apple or Microsoft) is not much more expensive and has more functionality?
It is a shame, but its a sign of the times I am afraid.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Is Amazon on its way down?
A lot of people are hoping it is...
http://betanews.com/2012/05/02/why-are-amazon-kindles-vanishing-from-target/
So Target will soon be dropping the Kindle, but not the Nook...
Well in the UK Amazon is pretty strong. I personally do not like the way independent booksellers are being sneezed by the online stores. Ereaders come and ereaders go so. If the Nook arrives and beats up the Kindle then maybe, just maybe, the indies will find a way to make money. An all powerful Amazon will help no one.
So is this the trend? Retailers dropping Kindles from their offerings... Lets see.
http://betanews.com/2012/05/02/why-are-amazon-kindles-vanishing-from-target/
So Target will soon be dropping the Kindle, but not the Nook...
Well in the UK Amazon is pretty strong. I personally do not like the way independent booksellers are being sneezed by the online stores. Ereaders come and ereaders go so. If the Nook arrives and beats up the Kindle then maybe, just maybe, the indies will find a way to make money. An all powerful Amazon will help no one.
So is this the trend? Retailers dropping Kindles from their offerings... Lets see.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Microsoft buys into Nook
I knew it!
Well actually I did not know that Redmond would pump $300 Million into Barnes and Nobles ereader division but I did guess that Microsoft would do 'something significant' with ebooks in time for the launch of Windows 8
Have a look at this article to see what is happening
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/04/30/microsoft_pumps_cash_barnes_and_noble/
I think it is a really good move for both partners. I also think it will give Amazon and Apple much needed competition.
And that is good news for indie authors. A level playing field in the ebook marketplace will keep royalties high and the retailers keen to attract content providers. As a wannabe indie author that is pleasing to hear.
I just can not wait to get my mitts on a Windows 8 powered Nook ereader ... Can you?
Well actually I did not know that Redmond would pump $300 Million into Barnes and Nobles ereader division but I did guess that Microsoft would do 'something significant' with ebooks in time for the launch of Windows 8
Have a look at this article to see what is happening
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/04/30/microsoft_pumps_cash_barnes_and_noble/
I think it is a really good move for both partners. I also think it will give Amazon and Apple much needed competition.
And that is good news for indie authors. A level playing field in the ebook marketplace will keep royalties high and the retailers keen to attract content providers. As a wannabe indie author that is pleasing to hear.
I just can not wait to get my mitts on a Windows 8 powered Nook ereader ... Can you?
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