The Real Life of “Selfies” (Self-Publishers)—Five BAIPA Members, from First-timers to Pros—Tell Their Stories.
That’s what you have to look forward to at the next BAIPA meeting on June 13.
To register for the program, visit JuneBAIPAreg. To order lunch, visit JuneLunch.
There will be a blog post about each of the speakers prior to the event. And now, meet Karin Fisher-Golton.
Karin Fisher-Golton is an author who writes picture books, early readers, children’s poetry, and children’s nonfiction. She has loved creative writing longer than she can remember and, according to her mom, was typing stories before she could write with a pencil.
“My mother, an avid reader herself, was inspired to teach me to read when I was 15 months old. She used Glenn Doman’s method, which involved flash cards and enthusiastic cheering by the adult. I’m a person who notices a lot visually—probably part of why I love picture books and why this method was successful for me,” said Karin.
Earlier in her life she completed a teaching credential program and has worked with children in preschools, elementary schools and other lively places. “I chose to put my energy towards being a children’s book author 17 years ago because it involved writing, I could learn about many topics and I could touch people’s hearts—both those of children and of the adults who share books with them,” she explained.
Here is a list of her books:
- My Amazing Day: A Celebration of Wonder and Gratitude (2013, Pacific Dogwood Press)—A board book that celebrates the wonders in everyday life and helps start habits of gratitude.
- Crow, Cat, and Beyond—A Barton Reading and Spelling System stand-alone book (2010, Bright Solutions for Dyslexia). A collection of Aesop’s fables, retold in a limited vocabulary.
- The Moth—A Barton Reading and Spelling System Stand-alone book (2004, Bright Solutions for Dyslexia). The Vietnamese folktale, “The Fly” retold in a limited vocabulary.
- Fish, Fox, and Then Some—A Barton Reading and Spelling System stand-alone book (2003, Bright Solutions for Dyslexia). A collection of Aesop’s fables, retold in a limited vocabulary.
- Pig, Pig, and Pig—A Barton Reading and Spelling System stand-alone book (2003, Bright Solutions for Dyslexia). “The Three Little Pigs” retold in a limited vocabulary.
Friends and family have been supportive in many ways: they have been sounding boards, backers in a Kickstarter campaign, and helped market the book in a variety of ways. “There have been times in this process when I have been hugely busy. In particular, my husband and parents have helped me in numerous ways, and my son has been very patient,” Karin added.
What has Karin liked most about marketing her books?
“I’ve loved learning more about how books actually get into people’s hands, especially by getting to know booksellers and shop owners. Also I love that I get to talk about the book’s topic – gratitude — and interact with people who are excited about that topic.”
What advice does Karin offer first time writers and publishers?
“Write a great book about something you are passionate about. Learn your craft through classes, study, critique groups, and/or reading excellent books in your genre. If you don’t have people in your life who can give you expert, professional feedback, hire an editor. You’ll want to be passionate about your topic because you will be putting a lot of time and energy into the book, and you will want to enjoy having a multitude of conversations about its topic.”
