(To listen to the audio of this blog, click above on the white triangle to the far left.) Draft Status Copyright 2023 © by Jim Potter This is my update, a progress report, the nuts and bolts of the draft copy of my children’s book. Another blog may cover the importance of an author taking time between edits, giving the manuscript time to breath, and the writer an opportunity for rest, reflection, perspective, and fun. There’re a few holes that I need to fill to improve K-9 … [Read more...] about Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Draft Status
Jim Potter
Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Choosing a Title
Choosing a Title Copyright 2023 © by Jim Potter Your book is copyrighted, your title is not. Did you know that upon writing your book, it’s copyrighted, but its title is never protected? Other authors can use it again and again. I enjoy brainstorming titles for my books. I’m big on alliteration and I often use subtitles to help describe the book. While writing a draft of a book, an author may change the title several times. It’s understandable because it’s incredibly important. You … [Read more...] about Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Choosing a Title
Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Multitasking
Multitasking Copyright 2023 by Jim Potter We live in the country. We have a pond—sometimes with water—but my life as an author isn’t even close to Henry David Thoreau’s at Walden Pond. I’m not on a writer’s retreat with minimal interruptions; I’m on the internet and have a phone. I’m pretty much a cave dweller except for trips to town to mail books from the PO and to pick up groceries. Being retired, you’d think I’d have more time to write. My business book time is divided into three … [Read more...] about Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Multitasking
Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Networking
Networking Copyright 2023 by Jim Potter Preparing to publish my book requires a lot of multi-tasking and networking. It’s a process and I can’t do it alone. I’ll bet you’ve heard the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” In publishing—whether traditional or indie—it takes a network to birth a book. At its most basic level, networking is when a group of people support and encourage one another to achieve a goal. For writers, it might begin with purchasing a book, giving a “like” on … [Read more...] about Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Networking
Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Introduction
Introduction Copyright 2023 by Jim Potter It’s a new year, and I’m excited to be on a path to my first children’s book. I expect it to be printed in June 2023. Six months to go and every day is busy. Editing. Meeting with illustrators. Getting a range of cost estimates for printing even though I’m unsure of the book’s size. Looking for grants or other financial support since it’s an educational book. Before I share about the present activities, let me tell you about the past. The idea for … [Read more...] about Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Introduction
Charles Collins: First Reno County Sheriff
Charles Collins: First Reno County Sheriff September 1, 2022 Sheriff Campbell, I’m sending you two photo files. Both are of Charles Collins who was the first sheriff of Reno County, KS. One is a scan from the original photo. The second is a restored image due to some photo damage. This photo of Collins took me 40 years to locate. Jody Johnson Buck, Kit Carson, Colorado, shared some family photos with me. Like her great-great grandfather Charles Collins, she and her family are still … [Read more...] about Charles Collins: First Reno County Sheriff
Author Jim Potter interviewed by Author Bill Bush
Author Jim Potter Interviewed by Author Bill Bush Author Bill Bush, prolific writer, interviewed me in August for his website. He posted it on September 1, 2022. The post was so well-received, I asked Bill if I could add it to my website. He agreed. Bill and I have been friends ever since I attended one of his book signings in Newton, Kansas. He's friendly, helpful, open, and talented.</p If you like great writing, especially sci-fi, I encourage you to read one of his many books. His … [Read more...] about Author Jim Potter interviewed by Author Bill Bush
Indie Book Publishing – Q & A
Indie Book Publishing - Q & A Message sent by Michael: “Hi Jim, I was wondering if I could chat with you over the phone sometime in the next few days. I have some questions about publishing. I'm working on getting an ISBN, copyright, etc., but I'm not sure how to go about it.” My reply: “CONGRATS on your big progress! I didn't think you'd get back to writing your books until your baby grandchildren were graduated from college.” * A friend, let’s call him Michael, contacted me with some … [Read more...] about Indie Book Publishing – Q & A
Book Marketing “Deputy Jennings Meets the Amish”
Book Marketing Deputy Jennings Meets the Amish (a novella) Published authors will tell you that writing their book was the beginning, not the end of the journey. That’s certainly true for me. I still have a lot to learn about book marketing. I was so naive in 2007 when I published my first book, Cop in the Classroom: Lessons I’ve Learned, Tales I’ve Told. It’s an exaggeration to say that I was expecting Oprah Winfrey to call me, but I was at least hoping to hear from more friends. I … [Read more...] about Book Marketing “Deputy Jennings Meets the Amish”
Medical Support of the Fifth Division in World War II-Part 4
Medical Support of the Fifth Division in World War II (Part 4, Conclusion) By Harold L. Potter (1998); Presented to the Sojourners group, near Hot Springs, Arkansas. Edited and audio recording by Jim Potter Lt. Harold L. Potter Army Medical Service Corps officer insignia lapel pin End of Part 3: While we were located on Oppenheim, I was part of a little incident which I will relate to you. Part 4: It so happened that we had a new medical officer join our company on that day. His … [Read more...] about Medical Support of the Fifth Division in World War II-Part 4