Author's First Year - The highs and lows of my first year as a published author in Australia

Happy Birthday Polly's Little Kite

Last year, on the 7^th of January 2014, my first children’s picture book “Polly’s Little Kite” was published. It was an exciting and surreal time as I ventured into new uncharted waters and the year unravelled in ways that other writers and hopeful authors may be interested in.

I wasn’t sure of what to make of the new status of “published author”. Did it mean I would be rich and have thousands of dollars rolling in due to monumental sales? Would people stop me in the street and take selfie photos of themselves with me at their side? Would I be contacted by a shoe company and do commercials slam dunking books into basketball hoops? I didn’t know what to expect, however, I did know this opportunity was a once in a lifetime event and therefore decided to do whatever I could to help the book on its way.

The book was published and printed in America by New York publisher New City Press and whilst the publisher has a network around the world, it is limited in Australia. My relationship with the people at New City Press had grown during the planning and editing phase of the book, and they decided to send me a few boxes of books and leave it in my hands to see what I could do in my homeland. Given my limited experience and knowledge, this was a wonderful gesture of goodwill and trust from them towards me. This relationship has continued to grow throughout the year and has been a great personal blessing to me.

As soon as I received the book, I began the process of promotion and developing additional material to compliment the book. This required me to set up a website, create activity packs, make designs for kites, develop lessons for teachers etc. I also created YouTubes and songs for story presentations. As I delved into these creative projects, I sent sample books to bookshops around Australia, entered the book into a (US) competition, contacted libraries, sent it to be considered in the Premiers Reading Challenge etc. etc. This took a lot of time effort and yes...money.... and the responses were mostly negative or unbelievably slow. I was really shocked at the negativity of the Australian market.

It was quite disheartening and if it weren't for the story reading presentations I did at schools, churches and a library I may have completely lost faith in the project. The presentations and story readings gave me direct feedback from people who experienced the book first hand, and the encouragement and enthusiasm (mainly from kids) was a HUGE motivator. I also loved the awesome kite creations, pictures drawn for me, smiles and conversations. It re-enforced my belief that I should continue doing what I was doing even though i wasn't earning any money, and the doors of the Australian commercial market seemed closed to me.

There are many other things I could say about this year but to make it easy for everyone, I have summarised things into a list… the disappointments and the highlights. 

The Disappointments.

- When the Premiers Reading Challenge rejected my book for their reading list stating the “lack of evidence of quality design” and concerns about the “exclusivity of the language” as reasons. (that one hurt)

- When my local library denied me the opportunity to present the story at their library stating the Christian content might offend some people. (that one hurt too)

- When I didn’t score a mention in the Moonbeam Awards which I submitted at a price. :-((

- The slow response of bookshops around Australia to stock my book. Even now, there is not one bookshop in Australia that actually stocks my books. They are only available online.

- Writing to a number of Christian/Catholic schools with a loan sample book, with not one of them wanting to buy the book I sent them. In the end I just donated the books to the schools. :-?

- The struggles I had in setting up my website was also a lowlight (although getting help from my friend to set up the PayPal feature was a highlight… thanks Cypherbyte). 

The Highlights.

-The wonderful relationship I have developed with my Publisher.

- Receiving the books for the first time and seeing the story in print.

- Meeting other incredibly gifted authors and the ongoing friendships we have.

- Being approached by Inform’d Newpaper to have a promo/activity in the kids section.

- Speaking at the Salvation Army Home League ladies meeting. What a privilege and honour.

- Presenting the story (at Burnside Library with my Dad and Auntie)

- Presenting the story at a few schools, kids clubs and churches. (incredible experiences) 

- The radio interview with PBA-FM was an absolute thrill to be a part of.

- The Kids… they are AWESOME. Their enthusiasm and joy and seeing their response to the story is what it is all about.

- Seeing my own kids develop a love of art and books and being with them in the journey.

- The hope that these books will help children on a pathway towards the beauty and logic of the Christian Faith.

 

Conclusion. 

As you can see, it hasn't been plain sailing and a golden road this year and I have still not received any financial return yet for all these efforts (my first commission payment will be later this year). Yes... that's correct... I have done all this on zero income. However some wonderful things have happened, and it has challenged me personally in a positive way. 

SO… Happy Birthday Polly’s Little Kite… One year old today. You have blessed many people and taken me on a thrilling journey.

And a BIG THANKYOU to New City Press and all my friends and family, church brothers and sisters and all the awesome kids who participated and read the story. 

Also a Humongous Hug to all the people who left comments on Facebook and wrote Reviews for the story. Your feedback was incredibly refreshing and sent rays of sunshine beaming through the year. . .


And please don't forget to download the FREE eBook available in a few weeks. Polly's Little Bear.  


For updates, funny things and info please like the facebook page.


Peace and God Bless

Brian Maunder.

Website: brianmaunder.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PollysLittleKite

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/book/show/20862325-polly-s-little-kite

Review: www.goodbookreviews.org.uk

Little Kite's Dark Night. By Brian Maunder 2014

Hi Peeps.

I wrote this short story to be read to older students (years 3-7) to challenge them with ideas introduced from the book "Polly's Little Kite". It links an important christian event into the story in a subtle way that expands the children's picture book allegory even further. 

As I am more "an ideas man" than a literary guy, I would value any comments or ideas from people who have a greater grasp of English and the rules that apply. Please if you see any mistakes or problems with the text, leave a comment. 

Little Kite's Dark Night.

by Brian Maunder 2014

Little Kite was so, so scared.

He listened. It was quiet.

His ears strained to hear the sound that woke him from his tormented sleep.

Trees around him clicked. Their branches scratched and scraped as the silent breeze forced life into their black ghostly forms.

At night, when all you can see are shadows and the silence creeps in on darkness, you become distinctly aware of how alone you are. Alone, in the silent dark world.

Little Kite listened, but all he could hear were the echoes of his broken heart.

Thoughts of his former life filled his mind. Beautiful memories of a time long ago mocked his aching soul. He would never be a part of that world again. He lost it all when he lost Polly. Lost it all. He reached with desperation into the cruel dream, but each time he touched her hand, the apparition vanished and his heart broke again.

The string that bound Little Kite and Polly together used to be so strong. What happened to it? That wonderful connection. That bond of love. It was his lifeline. When the string was strong he used to fly and zoom, rise and soar like an angel.

What caused the string to break? Was it neglect? Maybe he didn’t care enough. Was it anger or resentment? Fear? Whatever the reason, it didn’t matter now. The string was broken and she was gone. All he had now was his aloneness and this night.

A steady wind blew through the darkness causing Little Kite's tattered fabric to sway as he dangled in the tree. The moon hid behind clouds, sometimes courageously peeping out and dispersing glowing light onto the strong cross which held Little Kite together. A night owl turned his head.

There’s that sound again. The sound that woke him. 

Little Kite’s ears searched  the broken silence. Yes. He could hear it now.

A strange wailing sound, floated like a whisper on the dance of the breese. At first, Little Kite wasn't sure if it was all in his mind. Maybe his heart was amplifying his dreams and memories into a pseudo reality. But the more he listened the more he knew it was real. Sometimes louder, sometimes softer but it was definitely not his imagination. It was the beautiful sound of a voice singing. And it wasn’t just anyone’s voice. It was Polly’s voice. He was sure of it. His lovely Polly singing a sweet, sweet melody. Never before had he heard such a beautiful sound.

"How strange", Little Kite thought. "Why would she be singing now? At night? What was so special about this dark evening that would cause her to sing?"

The words of her distant song filled his brokenness as he dangled from the tree.

Silent night. Holy night.

All is calm. All is bright.

Little Kite's eyes filled with tears as his heart surrendered to the beauty of the sound. A wave of emotion flooded his soul with the realisation that a new future was possible. A new wonderful future. He had hope. He had glorious, wonderful, empowering hope. This precious night. This beautiful night had given him hope.

Brian Maunder is the author-illustrator of
the children's picture book "Polly's Little Kite".

Website: brianmaunder.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PollysLittleKite

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/book/show/20862325-polly-s-little-kite
Review: www.goodbookreviews.org.uk