Hey, guys, our operative phrase is “at last.”
It took more than five years to actually launch Grampy and His Fairyzona Playmates, a kids’ fantasy book that I co-wrote with my granddaughter, Hannah Schifrin, when she was eight and I was 78 — a mere 70-year difference if you weren’t doing the math.
The book was midwifed by BAIPA stalwart Ruth Schwartz, who saved me the agony of dealing with all the technical details and procedures I abhor, with formatting assist by another BAIPA regular, Lorna Johnson.
Happily, my new website — woodyweingarten.com — took only a fifth as long to get online. John Byrne Barry, BAIPA member No. 3, held my hand throughout the process as he designed the glorious thing, utilizing to best advantage the book’s colorful illustrations by Joe Marciniak, the only non-BAIPA guy on the team (if you don’t count Hannah, that is).
For those who didn’t bother to read my eblast, the four-part book is about a sorcerer, two fairies, spells, unicorns and a magic carpet. Among its highlights are an eight-year-old fairy winning her division of the Unicorn Racing Championships, baby chicks singing jazz instead of cheeping, a wizard making robot movie characters less scary, and two girls wanting to stop thunder-and-lightning storms, floods, earthquakes and tornadoes all over the planet.
The book, aimed at kids 6 to 8, was fun to write with an ultra-sharp girl with a well-honed sense of humor. I believe it’s a fun-read, too.
Author
One of my favorite things about BAIPA is its culture of generosity, the willingness — even eagerness — to share what we have each learned in the process of bringing stories to life. We provide educational programs, networking, marketing opportunities, encouragement, and information on industry vendors and services. And lots of one-on-one advice and mentoring.
We welcome all who have an interest in making connections within the world of independent publishing and learning more about how to publish and sell their work successfully. Together we are raising the standard of independent publishing and helping our members thrive.
Do join us!
—Becky Parker Geist, BAIPA Board of Directors, President
Quick Resources
Current BAIPA members do not need to register for our monthly meetings. The night before the meetings, they will receive the Zoom info. For workshop registration, members can buy a member ticket and will receive the Zoom info the night before the meetings, as well as in the confirmation email.