Kindle Vs. Book

With all the recent uproar in the publishing world concerning the change from physical books to e-books, it's enough to scare a writer and librarian, which I am both. This major change threatens both of my passions. However, after watching a little series on Youtube known as "The Book Vs. the Kindle" I feel slightly better that physical books will never completely go away. For example, childrens' picture books can't really translate to the Kindle with all the colorful illustrations and large words. With a Kindle you can't swap books with your friends or get a copy from the library. You also can't find those hidden treasures in a used book store with a Kindle. And forget about taking the Kindle on vacation; if you're going anywhere with a beach you'll have to be extremely careful not to get water on your Kindle or leave it in the sun too long...something you don't have to worry about with cheap paperbacks that are meant to go on vacations. You also can't get those precious author signed copies of your favorite books with a Kindle. The Kindle is a good idea in theory, but will it last or is it merely a trend?

The changing face of publication

Almost every day I read news of the changing face of publication via literary agents' blogs and newspapers and it scares me and excites me. On one hand, it may be easier for new voices to break into the market with the surge towards electronic books. On the other hand it might be harder; with more people trying to find an easy way to publish their writing how will you get noticed? If e-books are cheaper to produce, will there be more of them out there and therefore more writers in the way of you finding readers? I don't know, and nobody else seems to know yet either, not even the big wigs of the publishing world. The publishing world as we know it is on the brink of change and it's all happening so fast. I just hope there's room for me when I finally have my manuscript finished. Here are just a few of the changes that have taken place in the past year:

• E-book sales are on the rise as sales of Kindles and other electronic reading devices increase
• The bad economy effects the publishing world with a decrease in overall books sold, therefore a decrease in books published, which means publishers are tightening their belts and taking less chances on first time authors
• Some publishers are no longer offering ARC's (advanced reading copies) to authors, a powerful tool in gaining positive books reviews before publication to boost reader awareness of their book
• Several magazines and newspapers have ceased publication 

It's a scary time for authors right now, especially new ones like me who haven't even gotten a foot in the door yet. It all makes me wonder if I will still get my chance. But when it comes down to it, I love writing with all my heart, and I will keep writing no matter what. So what if there's more competition, there's always been competition. The world will always need literary agents and publishers to be the gatekeepers and help people find the cream of the crop to read, even if everyone can self publish an e-book. I am determined to be a childrens' author and no amount of competition or change is going to bring me down. 

Ten random things

Ok, so I stole this from Leah's blog, I shamelessly admit it. This post has nothing to do with writing, but I'm random like that. You'll learn this soon enough if you stick around. Here goes...
1) Favorite Jim Henson Creation: Jen, a Gelfling in "The Dark Crystal" movie. Yeah, dark fantasy is how I roll.

2) Nail polish color: Sometimes neon blue, sometimes black with pink sparkles...the funny part is when I paint them really crazy colors men notice and comment more than women do.

3) Hair style: Shoulder length, straight and boring.

4) Favorite Music Video: "Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga. It's so strange and alluring I can't look away....

5) Currently Researching: Outer space...spaceships, planets, etc. Ok, this one actually does have to do with writing.

6) Current Cellphone Ring: Some upbeat tune known as "Da Club."

7) Comedy or Horror: Both!

8) Favorite TV Show: Since I don't have cable and watch only DVDs: Big Love, Dexter, Lost, True Blood, The Office, Beverly Hills 90210, One Tree Hill, Firefly, The Tudors.
 
9) Bed Sheet Color: Gray. Boring, right? I know. I'm on the search for Harry Potter sheets as we speak, though I'd settle for Lord of the Rings too.

10) Tattoos: I used to want one until I realized everyone has a tattoo and I'd be more of an individual not having one. I'll stick with piercings, because at least you can take them out.