Each book is different. The children's books are quicker to write than books for adults and teenagers. I do everything myself, so the process is a lot quicker. I can finish a children’s book in a few days from the writing to the design and then I also self-publish. I don’t use a publisher.
I use Canva to create the layout, design, and various sources for graphics. Sometimes I have to do research to write my books and I use grammar sites to edit my work. I publish through KDP. Youth and adult books can take me months to a year to write.
One of your upcoming books is about an eaglet. That grabbed my attention as I’ve been watching an eagle’s nest in a nature preserve near our house. What made you choose that topic?
Eagles are fascinating. I enjoy watching them especially when they soar. I heard about eagles having to pull their feathers and sharpen their talons. They soar rather than fly and have sharp vision. As a Christian, eagles are symbolic of the gift of prophecy. My sister got me interested in watching videos of eagles. I have been watching different eagle families raise their eaglets. They change over days, weeks, months, and years until they reach adulthood.
You are an indie author. Other than writing, what other parts of the process do you personally do? What do you hire others to do?
As an indie author, I have a tight budget, so I don’t have as much freedom to hire somebody to do work for me. There are free resources that I can use, so I don’t really need to hire others. For one book, I hired a publisher to redesign it, but most of it was my own work. It was too expensive, so I chose not to continue to use one. I hired a few illustrators to design book covers before I found out I can design them in Canva.
One of your upcoming books is about an eaglet. That grabbed my attention as I’ve been watching an eagle’s nest in a nature preserve near our house. What made you choose that topic?
Eagles are fascinating. I enjoy watching them especially when they soar. I heard about eagles having to pull their feathers and sharpen their talons. They soar rather than fly and have sharp vision. As a Christian, eagles are symbolic of the gift of prophecy. My sister got me interested in watching videos of eagles. I have been watching different eagle families raise their eaglets. They change over days, weeks, months, and years until they reach adulthood.
As an indie author, I have a tight budget, so I don’t have as much freedom to hire somebody to do work for me. There are free resources that I can use, so I don’t really need to hire others. For one book, I hired a publisher to redesign it, but most of it was my own work. It was too expensive, so I chose not to continue to use one. I hired a few illustrators to design book covers before I found out I can design them in Canva.
I've used my own photos for certain books.. My sister also did illustrations for a few of my books. Most of the time I use graphics available on various sites including Canva. I've illustrated some of my books. I did most of the artwork for my first collection of puzzle books.
I've tried to do audiobook recording, which I found is not that simple, so I only did a few. You need to get the audio perfect for Audible to accept the files. That took me a lot of time, so I decided I did enough. I use Grammarly and ProWritingAid to edit my books. I've hired a few marketers to promote my books, but I've learned to sell more by self-promoting.
What do you know now about publishing you wished you had known sooner?
I would have liked to have known I could use Canva to produce my books with Grammarly and ProWritingAid to edit them. I started with a small local print shop to print and sell my books before I realized I had made a mistake. I could have learned more about book design and layouts.
I would have liked to have known I could use Canva to produce my books with Grammarly and ProWritingAid to edit them. I started with a small local print shop to print and sell my books before I realized I had made a mistake. I could have learned more about book design and layouts.
I also learned that Barnes and Noble is great as an additional publisher, but it turned out that IngramSpark is better. I use Amazon mostly due to its benefits.
What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
Brainstorm and research. Use Canva, ProWritingAid or Grammarly, and if you don’t have the budget for an illustrator Canva and free image sites will work as long as they can match with your book’s topic. I chose to use photos more than illustrations for that reason. I use Freepik, Pexels, Pixabay, and Unsplash.
Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
You need inspiration to write. When I write faith books, I am inspired and I spend time to receive the ideas. I spend time in the scriptures, prayer, and singing. You may need to go and enjoy nature or focus on topics that you are passionate and knowledgeable about.
You need inspiration to write. When I write faith books, I am inspired and I spend time to receive the ideas. I spend time in the scriptures, prayer, and singing. You may need to go and enjoy nature or focus on topics that you are passionate and knowledgeable about.
What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?
My next book for release this year is Proverbs 31 Woman. Proverbs 31 Woman is excellent in everything! The book will teach children how to be a woman of excellence as a mother and a wife. They will learn how to become a God-fearing woman. This book includes activities to help children to practice what they learn.
That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about Chelsea's books, here are some links to get you started.
https://chelseak532002550.wordpress.com/
https://chelseak532002550.wordpress.com/
And here's a tip for my readers...Get some of her books for free by using this link.
https://chelseak532002550.wordpress.com/books-for-sharing/
https://chelseak532002550.wordpress.com/books-for-sharing/
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