authors

Seeing It in Print – One Step Closer – I’m a Work in Progress

Posted by Barbara Techel

Today I completed yet another full edit of my manuscript,Through Frankie’s Eyes. At the end of January my editor,Yvonne  left me with the task of editing the majority of my manuscript with suggestions/comments she made on a portion of it. Because I have a limited budget to work with and Yvonne believes in helping authors be better writer’s, I had a lot of work ahead of me.

My initial reaction was that I didn’t want to do it. I felt defeated when she suggested I go through the rest of the manuscript and make improvements based on her suggestions. But after sitting with it a day, I realized I was too anxious to move through the process. I was frustrated it was going to now take longer. Once I made peace with that, I dove right back into it – little by little – each day. As I got into it I felt embarrassed for things I should have caught the first time around – but no use in beating myself up for that now – no time for it. I’m a work in progress.

Today after finishing up with the last edits to the last chapter, I felt elated – I did it!  Anxious for step two of my editing process I drove to the printers and had the manuscript printed out. I had to pay extra to have it done right away, but I didn’t care. I was ready. When the gentleman handed my printed manuscript to me, I got goosebumps.

I made my way out to the car where Frankie was waiting in her doggie car seat. I skimmed through my manuscript and seeing it all in print made me realize that I had now actually written a whole book – tears filled my eyes. I looked at Frankie and patted her on the head – this manuscript I held in my hands is all because of her – my dog on wheels who led the way to me finding my authenticity.

Tomorrow I’m looking forward to taking my printed manuscript along with a red pen and heading to a new coffee shop nearby to start a line by line edit for any other changes I need to make – of which I am sure there will be more. But I can accept that every change I make is another step closer to being a better writer. I’m willing and ready. I’m a work in progress and I love it.

Every Woman Needs a Little Space of Her Own

Posted by Barbara Techel

A few years ago after completing my first chidren’s book I decided I needed a writing studio. It would turn out to not only be my area to write, it is a place I love to read, create, and sometimes just be. I really think it is so important for a woman to have a little space of her own… even if that space is just small corner in a room somewhere.

It’s been about 3 years since my husband built my 10 x 12 room for me which is off one corner of our deck. I’ve changed it around a few times, but could never come up with too many ways in which to arrange because of the size…. and all the things I have in this compact space!

Of course my favorite thing about my studio is that little Frankie always hangs out with me!


Recently my dear friend has been pondering starting a business of her own. One where she will go into people’s homes and help them make the best use of their space, as well as use what they currently have to create a whole new look. I love the idea!  So to get her started I asked her to come and re-do my studio.

Wait till you see what she did!  I adore it!

 

BEFORE

 

 

 

 

AFTER

 

 

 

 

 

Authors and Technology- The Future is Now Blog Talk Radio

Posted by Barbara Techel

Join me Monday, August 1st, 2011 as Dr. Barbara Holstein interviews about my success in sharing my books and message of hope with classrooms across the US and Canada via Skype.

This show invites experts intechnology to discuss the future, which is happening now.  In this show

Barbara Techel, award-winning author of the Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog book series will be sharing how she has used technology such as Skype, and how you can too!. She has shared her story of hope and inspiration about her dachshund, Frankie, who is in a wheelchair, with thousands of children and adults since 2007. To date they have made over 300 appearances in Wisconsin and many more via Skype to classrooms across the US and Canada. Barbara is also a speaker and publisher. Barbara and Frankie are avid volunteers as a therapy dog team. They routinely visit a local hospice community, hospital and senior assisted living facility, where they “walk their talk” about the inspirational nature of perseverance in the face of challenge.

Remember, authors will be virtually entering schools, libraries, book clubs, businesses, etc. beyond our wildest dreams.  They will be using Skype and other means to reach people around the world, including e-books, webinars, teleclasses and processes that have yet to materialize. 

Authors need to be ready, as the future is now.  Please join us