I love the idea of chapbooks. Those small, cheap pamphlet-type books that are produced purely because the writer just wanted to get their work out there. Because they felt they had something important to say, or they wanted to express themselves through poetry or prose, or to record some part of their family’s history or values. Those writers very bravely put their work out for people to read without thinking (much!) of the bigger picture, of getting an agent or a publisher or what happens if people don’t like it.
There’s a whole lot of discussion at the minute around e-publishing and self-publishing and should you hold out for a deal or do you do it for the money or the recognition, or do you just want to say something. I think, personally, and I doubt I’m very original here, that this is the age of the ebook, and it’s the perfect medium for a chapbook. People have short time spans available in the pressures of the modern world – even people who don’t ‘work’ like me but care full time for children or other loved ones. At the same time the explosion of the kindle, smartphone and ever-cheaper ereaders means that there’s huge potential for buying cheap publications and carrying them round easily for those moments when you do have some precious leisure time to read. I know, for example, that there’s a massive market for iPhone reading apps, whether it’s the classics, the kindle app or iBooks; I’ve had my own little bit of success with Ether Books who produce specifically for the iPhone (branching into other smartphone operating systems later in the year – hint hint) and who published my short story a couple of weeks ago. Without knowing the specific numbers involved, I know it’s been popular because my story has been in the Bestseller list since it was published (ok, bragging over now).
That small success has given me a much-needed boost. Family upheaval lately has meant that my writing has very much taken a back seat and I’ve lost direction. The email from Ether gave me a proper kick up the behind and I’ve taken up my pen again. Well, pencil, actually, since I’ve rediscovered a love for working through ideas with pencil and notebook. That, combined with that admiration for chapbook writers I mentioned above, has led me to a little project of my own.
I proudly present my own e-chapbook, Some Life Somewhere. It’s a collection of seven short stories told through dialogue, and touching on the big questions – life, death and the tricky bits inbetween. I’ll be publishing it on kindle and through smashwords later this week, and I’ll put a link to the Amazon listing on here and my website and facebook page. My very talented husband has done my cover and I love it. I’m really excited about the whole thing -even if only my mum reads it, it’s me taking a big brave step and it’s what I need to do to pick my feet up and run along my own path as a writer.
29/03/2011 at 10:17 am Permalink
Well done and good luck. I really must get a kindle. I’m missing so many of my twitter friends’ work. I hope this is the first step of wonderful things to come for you. xx
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BeccaBrown Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 10:20 am
Thank you! I have to say, I recommend a kindle to anyone who loves reading. I take mine everywhere. You know, just in case there’s a spare five minutes to read…
Thanks so much for the kind comment!
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29/03/2011 at 10:25 am Permalink
Very best wishes on this, it’s a wonderful project
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BeccaBrown Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 10:26 am
Thank you! I feel very very nervous about it, in case people think I’m getting a bit big for my boots etc but I really felt like I needed to take a step out and be brave. Now, I need a drink…
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29/03/2011 at 10:32 am Permalink
This is great, good luck with it. And you’re not too big for your boots at all! I can imagine it’s quite scary for you, to put yourself out there and I’ve got nothing but admiration. You’re a great writer and hopefully the responses you get from something like this will build your confidence.
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BeccaBrown Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 10:57 am
Thanks Tracy what a lovely comment!
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29/03/2011 at 10:45 am Permalink
You should be doing this – you are a very talented writer who deserves a bigger audience. Looking forward to reading more from you.
The cover looks great too. Well done, Andrew!
I’ll be putting it on my kindle as soon as. I take my hat off to you.
Nx
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BeccaBrown Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 10:57 am
Aw thank you Nettie, you made me fill up again! Grr!
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29/03/2011 at 11:01 am Permalink
What a good idea! I really hope it goes well for you…I MUST get a kindle!
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BeccaBrown Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 1:09 pm
EVERYONE should get a kindle! Er, and not just for my book either!
Thanks x
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29/03/2011 at 11:42 am Permalink
Hi Becca
Well done for taking the big step. Love the cover. Have not yet acquired a Kindle but do have Kindle reader for PC so hope to avail myself.
AliB
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BeccaBrown Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 1:09 pm
Thank you that’s really kind!
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29/03/2011 at 11:48 am Permalink
Hi Becca, well done, that is so exciting!! I will be adding to my Kindle app on my iPod then won’t I. Three cheers.
For what it’s worth, I love your writing. Keep up the good work xx
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BeccaBrown Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 1:10 pm
Thank you, I really appreciate your support. You’ve been cheering me on since I first dared call myself a writer!
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29/03/2011 at 12:02 pm Permalink
I’m so happy to see you putting your work out there, Becca. You’re a fantastic writer and people will love your work. It’s making me (and you know how technophobic I am!) want to go out and buy one of those e-reader thingies! Cover is fab too (well done Andrew). Good on you. Maria x
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BeccaBrown Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 1:11 pm
Thanks Maria! I really appreciate all your help & support
Ooh, and you should TOTALLY go and get an e-reader (my kindle is fab!) because it’s just amazing. So there 
Thanks!
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29/03/2011 at 1:23 pm Permalink
This is fab, I am so happy for you. And it rocks, I know.
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BeccaBrown Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 1:29 pm
Thanks Catt!
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29/03/2011 at 4:23 pm Permalink
This collection will be a much sought after item once The Brownster is on the bestsellers list with her novels. So grab your copy today, and remember where her journey to literary success began…
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BeccaBrown Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 7:02 pm
Aw that is so lovely! Thank you, you say the nicest things
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29/03/2011 at 4:26 pm Permalink
Yay! Very well done to you. Will be downloading this to the PC-Being-A-Kindle later on and am really looking forward to reading it.
)
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BeccaBrown Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 7:02 pm
Thank you lovely! I’ll be sure to tweet the link as soon as it’s available
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29/03/2011 at 7:11 pm Permalink
Hey Rebecca, Well done! What a great idea – and it is a great cover!
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BeccaBrown Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 9:25 pm
Thank you! I’m very nervous but we’ll see what happens
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29/03/2011 at 9:30 pm Permalink
Great idea Rebecca, and best of luck with it! (The cover looks fab, BTW – needless to say!) I think you’re doing the right thing: taking advantage of the options that are out there for writers now that can run parallel to their “real” writing dreams, e.g. traditional publication. Hope it goes well for you!
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BeccaBrown Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 9:33 pm
Thank you! Of course, I got a LOT of help from reading certain blogs… Seriously, it was you who inspired me to take the plunge. So if I’m not a millionaire by the weekend, I know who to blame.
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29/03/2011 at 11:44 pm Permalink
It’s a beautiful cover and a great idea. Go for it! You definitely should put your writing out there for others to read and enjoy. You’re an excellent writer, Becca. Have a little faith in yourself and your ability. Happy to see you taking this leap and it’ll be on my Kindle for sure. Good luck!
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BeccaBrown Reply:
March 30th, 2011 at 12:30 pm
Thanks Kath, and for your help! I really appreciate all the support
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30/03/2011 at 10:28 am Permalink
Congratulations on your big step – I hope it leads to even brighter and better things! Have faith in yourself
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BeccaBrown Reply:
March 30th, 2011 at 12:29 pm
Thank you, and thanks for reading!
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30/03/2011 at 11:28 am Permalink
Very best of luck! I am tempted to have a go myself…
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BeccaBrown Reply:
March 30th, 2011 at 12:29 pm
Oh do! It’s very exciting! Thanks for commenting!
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01/04/2011 at 2:33 am Permalink
Congrats Becca!
I was thinking the same thing a little on my blog, about how the epub movement is mirroring the Chapbooks renaissance. Back then, it was the printing press that revolutionized (and popularized) writing and printing books. I wonder if the ebook will have the same impact?
I also believe that the medium is going to change as books move from print to digital. There are so many more things you can do with a “book” that it is inevitable, I think. Hyperlinks, video and images, maybe even websites built right in… In 20 years, our concept of “book” will be completely different.
Anyway, congrats again on your own Chapbook venture — very exciting!
~Graham
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BeccaBrown Reply:
April 1st, 2011 at 9:08 am
Thanks very much! It’s an exciting time, definitely!
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02/04/2011 at 10:55 am Permalink
Thanks for telling me how to download your book. Well done, Becca you portray life as it is from the ordinary person not as some ficticious being made up in someone’s mind. Can’t wait for the next. Go girl, keep writing with your own style of warmth & humour.
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