DKblog » ChitChat http://www.dkgraham.com/blog glass, greyhounds, graphics… & whatever crumbs fall from my grey matter Wed, 02 Nov 2011 23:30:00 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.3 My Interview on The Eclectic Reader http://www.dkgraham.com/blog/2011/08/my-interview-on-the-eclectic-reader/ http://www.dkgraham.com/blog/2011/08/my-interview-on-the-eclectic-reader/#comments Fri, 12 Aug 2011 15:06:54 +0000 Kirstan http://www.dkgraham.com/blog/?p=485 I recently had the pleasure of being interviewed over on The Eclectic Reader. Here is the transcript, but if you check it out over on the site you can enter to win a free copy of I see… Savannah too!

1.  Tell us a little about yourself?
I am a full time mom, part time author, graphic designer, and artist. Wait. That’s too many hours a day right? Ok. Well, I’m a lot of different things depending on the time of day, but one thing I’m not is bored. I went to school for an A.A.S. in graphic design and worked in the corrugated packaging business for nearly a decade. While doing fifty-plus hour work weeks I managed to squeeze in a full load of college credits to earn my B.A. in Arts & Letters. Being a mom is definitely the hardest and most important job I’ve ever had and deciding to leave my 9-9 to raise my little one was by far my best decision. I love spending time teaching her about her world and sitting back letting her teach me all the things I’d forgotten. Our favorite past time is reading together.

2.  Can you tell us your inspiration for your I See Animals series?
My daughter and I devour books, and when we aren’t doing that we are usually at the zoo. I had always wanted to write a book, but never knew what or how to start so that dream just stewed in my brain popping up now and then but never taking shape. Back in January I was diagnosed with Melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer, and after treatment resolved to stop waiting for “someday” and start making my dreams happen today. I was very unsettled by the idea of not being here to see my little girl grow up, but more so by the thought that she was so young she may not remember our time together. That’s when I came up with the I see… Animals series. For me it was a therapeutic way to deal with some painful fears while creating something my daughter would always have. They are a distillation of our favorite things, animals, adventure, and time together, which other parents can also enjoy with their kids.
3. What do you think makes your stories different or unique to others in the market?
As I’ve mentioned, we read a lot in our house, and I haven’t seen anything like my books. There are seek and find types of things out there, but very often they are flap based and don’t lead the child to guess but rather focus on the surprise of the reveal. My books are designed to encourage the child to take part in the adventure by guessing and building that guess through a series of clues. I also created the books as a way to engage parents using smart phones and e-readers to share those devices with their children in a safe and fun way. The ebook revolution is really taking off but there still aren’t many ebooks specifically designed for children. The ones out there tend to be print books just reformatted, where as mine are specifically created for digital devices.
4.  Do you have a favorite book from childhood?
Many! The first book I could read on my own was Danny and the Dinosaur, which I still have, so that will always hold a special place in my heart. My very favorite though is really a series. I adore the Serendipity books by Stephen Cosgrove and Robin James, especially Flutterby and Morgan Morning.
5. What are you reading now?
I’m eagerly awaiting the new Terry Goodkind book, The Omen Machine, which comes out very soon. In the meantime I’m rereading the Dark Jewels Trilogy by Anne Bishop, my other favorite author.
6.  Describe yourself in three words.
Grateful. Geeky. Go-Getter.
7.  If you could be dropped into any book as a character who would you be and why?
I would be Kahlan Amnell from the Sword of Truth Series. She consistently overcomes tragedy through courage, intellect and unerring sense of reason.
8.  What has been your experience to publication … challenges??
Being a graphic designer certainly made formatting and publishing my own books easier. I have self-published both I see… Savannah and I see… Serengeti through Smashwords, Barnes and Noble, and Amazon. For me, marketing is the biggest challenge. Once the books were done the real work began with getting the word out. My books are steadily gaining momentum though so I feel like my efforts are making an impact.
9. What’s next on the table for Kirstan Graham?
I’m already planning my next book in the I see… Animals series which will feature Dinosaurs. I’m hoping to have it out before Thanksgiving. To make it fun for my readers I’m holding a little contest over on my blog to pick the Dino to be featured on the cover. The winning suggestion will not only be featured but that child (or parent acting for their child) will be mentioned in the dedication as well as win a copy of all of my ebooks. The full contest information, and how to enter, is on my site http://www.dkgraham.com/blog/2011/08/i-see-jurassic-contest-see-your-childs-favorite-dinosaur-in-my-next-book/
10. How do you connect with your readers?
I think readers are key to any books success. I try to make myself very available through social media and the web. Primarily I run my own site, http://www.dkgraham.com/, where readers can get the latest news from my blog and email or follow me. I’m also known to post lots of freebies like mini-books and coloring pages that parents can download and enjoy with their own little ones. Or color themselves. There’s no shame in enjoying a good crayon session!
]]> http://www.dkgraham.com/blog/2011/08/my-interview-on-the-eclectic-reader/feed/ 0 Authors Against DRM! – DRM Free is not a “Steal Me” Sign http://www.dkgraham.com/blog/2011/07/authors-against-drm-drm-free-is-not-a-steal-me-sign/ http://www.dkgraham.com/blog/2011/07/authors-against-drm-drm-free-is-not-a-steal-me-sign/#comments Fri, 22 Jul 2011 23:10:39 +0000 Kirstan http://www.dkgraham.com/blog/?p=465 Authors Against DRM

Artist Nina Paley created a set of DRM-Free logos at ReadersBillofRights.info

DRM, or Digital Rights Management, may seem like a good idea at first glance. It is an encryption process that makes files un-sharable, files like ebooks, music MP3s, and other multi-media. But does it stop Piracy of those files? Really?

I don’t believe it does. I believe pirates know how to strip, copy, and distribute pretty much any file type. What I do think it does is restrict the usability for honest users who have purchased their copy. Why punish your readers by making them unable to copy your work from device to device? I price my books very affordable, and in my opinion they are quality works. I believe and trust my readers will pay me accordingly. I for one have chosen to NOT encrypt any of my ebooks. Do I want them pirated? Of course not. Do I want them read and enjoyed? Yes!

]]> http://www.dkgraham.com/blog/2011/07/authors-against-drm-drm-free-is-not-a-steal-me-sign/feed/ 0 MaternaTEE Alien Baby Shirt starts Selling on Cafepress http://www.dkgraham.com/blog/2011/07/maternatee-alien-baby-shirt-starts-selling-on-cafepress/ http://www.dkgraham.com/blog/2011/07/maternatee-alien-baby-shirt-starts-selling-on-cafepress/#comments Wed, 06 Jul 2011 22:31:13 +0000 Kirstan http://www.dkgraham.com/blog/?p=430 MaternaTEE Alien Baby Shirt from Graham Cracker Critters

Because a Huge Baby Belly Deserves Some Awesome

Surprise! On a whim I logged into my Cafepress account, something I haven’t done since I illustrated the Alien in Photoshop for myself to sport on my awesome baby belly in 2009, and I see my favorite maternity shirt has all of a sudden started selling. In the last 90 days 13 people in the world have bought my Spaceballs/Alien inspired maternity shirt. That is cool beans!

I made some cutesy animal swag back in 2008 after a buddy of mine brought their brochure back from Mac World for me. Since then I have made a few items for myself, including a line of fun belly shirts I dubbed “MaternaTEEs“, but haven’t put much effort into driving traffic to the site to increase sales. Except for the tiny button on the side of my site of course. I guess Cafepress added this to their Marketplace offerings and all of a sudden people are finding it. And buying it. That explains why Google Analytics showed a +600% in traffic, which I couldn’t believe. I get a tiny cut, like $2.50 a shirt out of it, but the pride of knowing some awesome baby bellies are sporting my design is priceless.

]]> http://www.dkgraham.com/blog/2011/07/maternatee-alien-baby-shirt-starts-selling-on-cafepress/feed/ 2 The Omen Machine – Kahlan and Richard Return to Redeem the Sword of Truth after Pitiful TV Series http://www.dkgraham.com/blog/2011/06/the-omen-machine-kahlan-and-richard-return-to-redeem-the-sword-of-truth-after-pitiful-tv-series/ http://www.dkgraham.com/blog/2011/06/the-omen-machine-kahlan-and-richard-return-to-redeem-the-sword-of-truth-after-pitiful-tv-series/#comments Wed, 22 Jun 2011 20:33:20 +0000 Kirstan http://www.dkgraham.com/blog/?p=387

I love The Sword of Truth series by Terry Goodkind. Like, LOVE love. To me, it’s the best epic written since Tolkien laid down the law of high fantasy. I stood in line at Powells for 3 hours to meet him and get my books signed. I named my daughter, my most precious being, after his leading heroine. With each new book release Ive hunkered down in my cozy spot and read straight through over 1000 pages with little more than potty and snack breaks. So when I read on his site that Sam Raimi had optioned the rights to make a film version I just about screamed out loud – YES!!!!

Then it turned into a mini-series instead. Hmmm… OK, still cool I guess.

Then I saw it.

I cried.

Why Sam Raimi? Why? How could you sell out and reduce one of the greatest epics ever written to a WB-tween-night-line-up-quality joke? Now people ask me “Oh, is your daughter named after that chick from the TV show?” And, on top of that, the Google statistics on my baby blog show “Kahlan Boobs” in the top five search queries people use and find my site. Are you FRACKIN kidding me? Mr. Raimi, if you hadn’t also directed some of my favorite movies I’d beat you with a stupid stick.

Out of utter despair, I refused to even pick up Goodkinds last book, a totally different story called The Law of Nines. I haven’t been able to reread any of the SOT books lately either, something I like to do every so often. I kind of gave up on Goodkind.

Now, out of nowhere, I just now found out about The Omen Machine. I guess I really did tune out on Terry, because I’m usually the first to start salivating on his release dates and pre-orders. The Sword of Truth is over, but Kahlan and Richard, are BACK? THANK you Terry Goodkind for coming to your senses. I’m pre-ordering this bad boy NOW. Then adding it to my Goodreads, and my iCalendar, and reserving some babysitters for August 16th. Mr. Goodkind, I only hope it’s everything I’ve come to expect from you, or I may need more Kleenex…

]]> http://www.dkgraham.com/blog/2011/06/the-omen-machine-kahlan-and-richard-return-to-redeem-the-sword-of-truth-after-pitiful-tv-series/feed/ 0 FREE Review Copy of my new Children’s eBook — I see… Savannah! http://www.dkgraham.com/blog/2011/06/free-review-copy-of-my-new-childrens-ebook-%e2%80%94-i-see-savannah/ http://www.dkgraham.com/blog/2011/06/free-review-copy-of-my-new-childrens-ebook-%e2%80%94-i-see-savannah/#comments Fri, 10 Jun 2011 21:18:59 +0000 Kirstan http://www.dkgraham.com/blog/?p=367 I see...

I see... BLOGGERS!

Have a blog? Want a FREE review copy of my new Children’s ebook: I see…Savannah?

Bloggers are the new reporters. There is nothing happening worth knowing if no one blogs it. I get that. So to help spread the word about my book I will give any blogger willing to write an honest review, either on their blog or Smashwords.com, a coupon to download I see… Savannah FREE.

Interested? Just leave a comment here (be sure to leave your blog URL so I can email you the code) or email me directly (handy link on the right of the main site)

Thanks in advance, and power to the bloggers!!

P.S I’m going to try to reply to everyone interested by next week. If, by some marketing miracle, the response is overwhelming it may take longer. This giveaway will only take place over the next few days, I don’t foresee having to limit the freebies but like I said, a miracle may happen and thousands may respond. But likely, you’ll get your copy next week.

]]> http://www.dkgraham.com/blog/2011/06/free-review-copy-of-my-new-childrens-ebook-%e2%80%94-i-see-savannah/feed/ 4 I see… My Book on Smashwords! http://www.dkgraham.com/blog/2011/06/i-see-my-book-on-smashwords/ http://www.dkgraham.com/blog/2011/06/i-see-my-book-on-smashwords/#comments Tue, 07 Jun 2011 20:52:14 +0000 Kirstan http://www.dkgraham.com/blog/?p=355

Just a quick update… My new Children’s ebook, I see… Savannah, is available now on Smashwords! I’ll be diving into self marketing next and have many more links as well as a press release soon. The book will also be distributed to Apple’s iBookstore, Amazon Kindle, and Barnes & Noble’s Nook in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!

About Smashwords

Founded in 2008, Smashwords operates the world’s leading ebook publishing and distribution platform serving authors, publishers, readers and retailers.
Smashwords makes it free and easy for the world’s authors and publishers to instantly publish and distribute their books as multi-format ebooks. Smashwords puts authors and publishers in full control over the pricing, sampling and distribution of their works. Authors and publishers receive up to 85 percent of the net proceeds from sales of their works. Smashwords has distribution relationships with leading online retailers such as Apple, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Sony and Diesel eBooks, and leading mobile e-reading apps including Aldiko, Stanza, Kobo, FBReader and Word-Player, spanning all major mobile platforms including Android, Blackberry and iPhone. Privately held Smashwords is based in Los Gatos, California, and can be reached on the web at http://www.smashwords.com/. Visit the official Smashwords blog at http://blog.smashwords.com/

]]> http://www.dkgraham.com/blog/2011/06/i-see-my-book-on-smashwords/feed/ 0 Americas Test Kitchen comes to Powells http://www.dkgraham.com/blog/2010/10/americas-test-kitchen-comes-to-powells/ http://www.dkgraham.com/blog/2010/10/americas-test-kitchen-comes-to-powells/#comments Tue, 12 Oct 2010 17:42:16 +0000 Kirstan http://www.dkgraham.com/blog/2010/10/americas-test-kitchen-comes-to-powells/ Jack Bishop from Americas Test Kitchen will be at Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Mall, Beaverton, October 26th 7:00pm!

What better way to showcase our glass than by serving fantastic food…

Americas Test Kitchen has recently become one of our favorite shows. We picked up their Cooking for Two 2009 magazine and started trying some recipes out of routine meal boredom. We soon discovered that we’d finally found a source for great food, our kind of food, and sought more from the local library. Once we discovered the DVD of season 6, we were hooked and have been feverishly cooking our way through season after season. Americas Test Kitchen not only chooses recipes that are fun to cook, delicious to consume and tests the crud out of them, they give you tips and explain the WHYs of what works and tests best.

Jack Bishop heads up the tastings segments and will be talking about the new Healthy Family Cook Book coming out. If you like cooking check out the show, if you like meeting people from TV check out Jack at Powell’s!

]]> http://www.dkgraham.com/blog/2010/10/americas-test-kitchen-comes-to-powells/feed/ 0 Share the Love! Giveaway http://www.dkgraham.com/blog/2010/01/share-the-love-giveaway/ http://www.dkgraham.com/blog/2010/01/share-the-love-giveaway/#comments Sat, 23 Jan 2010 17:46:56 +0000 Kirstan http://www.dkgraham.com/blog/2010/01/share-the-love-giveaway/ Congratulations! Kelby Carr (@typeamom) of TypeAMom.net has won our giveaway… stay tuned for future contests!

Hey there! Are you on Facebook? Now, so are we! Come “fan” our DKGraham page and I will enter you in a drawing for one of my handmade glass pendants.

*Update* I will be including all my new February Twitter Followers (@DKGrahamNW) in the drawing too! If your on both, you get two entries!!

I’ll announce the lucky winner all over the blogOSphere March 1st so don’t procrastinate too long ;)

]]> http://www.dkgraham.com/blog/2010/01/share-the-love-giveaway/feed/ 0 Scooby Doo where r u? http://www.dkgraham.com/blog/2009/10/scooby-doo-where-r-u/ http://www.dkgraham.com/blog/2009/10/scooby-doo-where-r-u/#comments Sat, 03 Oct 2009 16:47:16 +0000 Kirstan http://www.dkgraham.com/blog/2009/10/03/scooby-doo-where-r-u/ Wondering where I’ve been lately? Well my focus for the past year has been on our expected bundle so life the universe and everything are over on the baby blog page … Once life settles down glass, design and killing time on this page will resume ;)

]]> http://www.dkgraham.com/blog/2009/10/scooby-doo-where-r-u/feed/ 0 Buy my SWAG… http://www.dkgraham.com/blog/2008/08/buy-my-swag%e2%80%a6/ http://www.dkgraham.com/blog/2008/08/buy-my-swag%e2%80%a6/#comments Tue, 19 Aug 2008 03:30:52 +0000 Kirstan http://dkgraham.com/blog/?p=75 Buy my personal creations… cmon who doesnt love SWAG!

Buy my personal creations… c'mon who doesn't love SWAG!

What is SWAG? Well it’s a number of things, the most fun being the free give-away type you get at events and such. However, MY swag is just my personal critters on stuff for your body covering enjoyment. No it’s not free, but it is fun. A little side project I started a while back on Cafepress.com, it was sadly abandoned when I went back to schooI, but now I have recently revamped it a bit and have plans to add more critters and different lines of wear. If you like my style check back soon… oh yeah, and BUY MY SWAG!

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