Reflecting on My Learning
As a result of this learning blog, I learned a few things about self-publishing.
1) Writing a story is the easiest part.
2) This is a costly endeavor if one isn't familiar with formatting text and pictures.
3) There are many options when using a self-publishing website, such as CreateSpace. They have many tutorial videos and a self-guided system that helps one go through the publishing process step-by-step. Ultimately, it is still challenging for a novice.
4) You need a professional illustrator when writing a children's book.
5) You must purchase a copyright for your text and an ISBN, unless you choose a publishing site that offers a free ISBN option.
6) Having guidance from someone who has been through this process before is priceless.
What I Learned About Myself
This process is not as simple as I first thought. You can start with an idea and realize you need additional support along the way. Sometimes it costs to get that help. I also realized I needed to change my original plan because I didn't have professional illustrations readily available for a children's book. Changing the purpose of my writing was a way to problem solve. My final work is not yet done, however, I have reconnected with a woman who heads the Motown Writer's Group. She is willing to help me get through the formatting issues so that I won't have to pay CreateSpace for those services. Sometimes we have to change our deadlines, but that's ok as long as we continue to move forward.
The idea of sharing stories still excites me. As I stated early on, I love sharing good books. When a story evolves from the interest of a child, it's more believable to other students. Getting kids excited about reading is pivotal in their lives. I can still share my stories, whether they are currently professionally published or not.
Applying learning theory from the texts from class made this project more interesting. It provided a review of the material and a practical way to make connections with my current learning, a desire, and the process is still underway.
Learning Theories
The type of learning associated with this project is Active Learning. I was involved in writing , problem-solving, and discussion with an author who has self-published books and works with local writers to assist them with the process as well. There wasn't an instructor directly in front of me, and I was able to engage in the learning process without being restricted by a traditional educational setting. I did retain the information I learned because it is important to me and has purpose, personally.
Once I sit with Ms. Hubbard to iron out the formatting issues with the interior and cover of my book, ZPD will also be established. Working with a professional in order to establish and refine a learning task makes the goal easier.
My schema for the publishing process has increased. I know more now than I did 8 weeks ago. I even feel comfortable with sharing the beginning steps of publishing with others who are aware of my goal and are interested in my progress toward publishing.
The expectancy-value theory has continued to keep me moving toward my goal. I expect that my decisions are leading to choices that will produce the outcome I desire. Without expectation, dreams can easily fall flat and never be realized.
We read that it takes 10,000 + hours to become an expert at something. I have not come close to that number, but over the course of time, I will add more hours of knowledge and expand my novice status to one who knows a lot more about the self-publishing business.
I look forward to learning more and applying my learning to the skills I obtain.
