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

Blue Collar Prayers. (Part 2) by Brian Maunder

Blue Collar Prayers. (Part 2)

I wrote these 10 prayers about 8 years ago whilst working in a sheet metal factory with a bunch or awesome guys making doorframes. I scribbled them onto little pieces of oil stained paper as the thoughts worked through my heart and mind.  Peace.  

Prayers 1-5 are in the previous Blog.

6.

Father I thank you that you are big enough to take squarely the hard knocks of life. Like when people insult you and take you for granted, or want things from you that you know you cannot give. I pray Lord that today, I can be like you in this regard and if it gets difficult, help me face things squarely. May the struggles of life not negatively influence my heart, my actions, my drive or my passion, but may they spur me on to new levels of adoration of Your greatness.

Father, there are all sorts of people to deal with today, with all sorts of attitudes. Some may rub me up the wrong way. The work culture itself may seem a million miles away from your glory and appear to slam the door on your goodness. It all may seem a bit tough at times. However…Here in this factory, this is where I am and this is where You are, and this is where we all belong for now.  My workmates and me, we are all in it together and I’m so glad that by your example, you showed that it’s your intention to hang out with people like us.  Lord it’s your good intention for us to know the reality of your presence in the work environment. Raw humanity and truthfulness, jokes and friendly banter, does not scare you off or catch you by surprise. 

You’ve seen and heard it all before and you enjoy real people being themselves.  You understand the conflict that a human heart must sometimes endure as it deals with human limitations in real life work. You understand that this stress can overwhelm us at times. Lord, thankyou for loving us though it all. Fill us with understanding to realise that whereas human power has limitation, your power doesn’t. May we overcome in your name. Amen.  

7.

Father, thankyou that you are always with us, and that your presence permeates creation in every way.  Thankyou Lord, that you made me, dust as I am, to live to have my own identity; and you have surrendered your power enough for me to make my own choices and understand the power of these choices. Help me to remember that as I interact with others… that we are all created by you.  May even those people who turn away from you, remind me about how great you are. You allow us all free will and the opportunity to choose, and have made yourself vulnerable to be rejected and hurt by us. It is amazing that you care and respect us so much Lord.

With this in mind Lord, I pray that you teach me to choose wisely in the decisions and actions I make today. I pray that my choices do not work against the natural order of things but work in line with your will. Amen        

How did a LifeFM sticker end up on this machine? I don't know.  

8.

Father I thankyou for the example of your son. I’m so glad that he is one of us, one who knows what it is to use his hands to earn a living. I’m so glad that he provided for his family by the sweat of his brow and through his job. His example showed that ordinary work and the jobs that need to be done go hand in hand with your plan for us, which is constant friendship, reliance and companionship with you in every day things. This is the good life, what it’s all about Lord. Those moments in our day when we are content with who we are and what we are doing because we love you and knowing that you are working in us and through us. Co-workers with you Lord, the divine carpenter. Knowing you are with us fills us with joy Lord. May we have many moments like these today Father, and may we use our job, as an anvil to shape our character into Your likeness.

9.

Lord, your faithfulness to us had created another beautiful sunrise and we thankyou Father that you have given us another day.  Lord, we acknowledge the poverty of our fallen nature that is so weak that even those seemingly good aspirations and intentions that we can perceive in our sin weary state, even these things seem way beyond us, beyond our abilities. Father, we need your help, your goodness and purity to permeate our lives and actions to make up for our shortcomings.  Help us Lord in our strivings and bless our work. Help us achieve your purposes in our lives. Amen.

10.

Lord, even though life can seem secure and I feel in control of things, for me to think that I am independent and in no need of you reveals the pitiful state of my human nature. Pride can so easily blind me to your reality. There’s no doubt that you created the universe and all in it, and to think that I am something when I’m not is just foolishness. My time here on earth in only a blink of an eye compared to your eternity, yet I am so thankful that you have let me experience this moment. Help me Lord to experience time here, not in pride, but in adoration of you. Father help me this day to be a person who follows the way of the rest of creation, not in rebellion of your laws, but operating within them. This is your good will Lord, as it is the way that works best. Empower me to do it today. Amen. 

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

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