We are the After Hour Authors
February 17th meeting
Due to my absence in January, we briefly discussed the topics from that meeting so I could get caught up. We mainly spoke about the need for a press release and whether or not the need for flashy, colourful and commercial-like ad-pieces are necessary to make a statement about the book itself when sending your press release to newspaper personnel. I would suggest a little research into where you want to send the release for guidelines.
The topic of e-readers was brought up. There are too many choices for modern consumers and requires some scouting to get the option for your needs. What works in Canada is a major for us as the big names like Amazon Kindle are having issues getting service above the US border. The topic has escalated into an all-out price war between manufacturers over the retail cost of books sold through their respective devices. With an average price trying to be set at $9.99, this may be good news to the reader but how does that pan out for the authors who make their commission off retail cover price?
With a slight lean towards the efficiency of MAC computers, MAC also released an e-reader device, giving consumers the option of an e-reader and tablet PC in one bundle. I would think this unit would be worth looking into but being a MAC, I would only hesitate at the price tag...
I will try to assemble a computer basics course for AHA members. We may be able to use the library for the class as they have a projector. Anyone with a laptop of their own would be welcome to bring along.
Shirley is attending a carving course at Sylvan's Kasota(?) campground from March 5-7. Contact Shirley for further details.
When discussing the rules of grammer, Shirley mentioned a particular book, Eat, Shoots and Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation by Lynne Truss. Wikipedia remarks about the book: Her goal is to remind readers of the importance of punctuation in the English language by mixing humour and instruction. Her book can be found just about anywhere and her website is here: http://www.lynnetruss.com/pages/content/index.asp?PageID=8 if you would like to know more. Chapters may have a copy, I will look for one next time I'm in Red Deer.
We are going to keep homework assignments geared to filling up the Collective Works book until we have enough to constitute a substantial book for ourselves. Keep writing and sending in your work so we can build some pages! A sample of the book will be available for the Studio Tour for anyone looking to send in some extra stories.
Rogue Genres is about ready to hit a few stands. I am looking at a couple of revisions and I have to buy some ink for my printer.
Homework for March is to edit another's work from February, and to write a short story using an AHA member as your main character. You can use other members as supporting characters but keep to one as a main character. Have fun - I know I will!
Next meeting is March 17th and Timmy's is March 5th.
