“Frustration is the fuel that can lead to the development of an innovative and useful idea.” Marley Dias
We know we have to be strategic when we decide as INDIE authors what platforms we will sell our books on. Many use their own websites only. Worldwide distribution with the option of running our own author ads was our priority. We uploaded the digital book to KDP (Amazon) directly and the print version to IngramSpark. We can now use the Amazon advertising option and have worldwide distribution. It’s the best of both worlds!
The challenges we faced were with the print books and the wait times for support at IngramSpark, all due to user errors. My errors! I accidentally checked a field titled, “right to left content” which can only be rectified through an email for support. The solution was to duplicate the book, upload it again and delete the “first try”. Onward Bound! What I didn’t know is that once an IngramSpark representative deletes a book, it stays on your account for 180 days.
One problem solved. Another one was created because the book’s ISBN was locked in for 4 months. I logged on to my ISBN Canada account and asked for a new ISBN. It took less than a minute to do. Again, another email to IngramSpark support and a three-day wait to resolve. There were several other glitches and we worked through each one.
Back in February, I was more than excited to share that our team was getting ready to launch the first book of our children’s series, The Power of Thought. We all know as authors, that promoting our books before the launch is a must! We were so close. Not so much!
I published Steering Through It in 2019 through the expertise of a consulting company in Ontario, Trimatrix. For my second book Jackson, I chose Friesen Press out of British Columbia which is a cross between hybrid and traditional publishing. This time, my brilliant co-author Amber Raymond (also my niece) and I decided on the DIY (Do It Yourself) approach. I had been guiding aspiring authors for almost three years, after all, so what could go wrong?.
Full honesty and disclosure - the first book is exceptional and a truly collaborative venture between Amber, me, and our creative illustrator, Allysa Batin. But my previous books were fiction and non-fiction. None of us had any experience publishing a children’s book. From the beginning, I joined expert groups on social media platforms, followed YouTubers, and learned from the best. Nice try but…
The first book titled, I Have Choices/J’ai des choix had been written, edited, and illustrated. We purchased a template to use that met the criteria for IngramSpark uploads. We sought feedback from advanced readers and made changes based on their input. We were sailing along! Then, full stop. We were faced with one setback after another. Rather than cause ourselves incredible stress, we pushed back the launch date.
We know we have to be strategic when we decide as INDIE authors what platforms we will sell our books on. Many use their own websites only. Worldwide distribution with the option of running our own author ads was our priority. We uploaded the digital book to KDP (Amazon) and other platforms directly. We chose IngramSpark for the print versions for a number of reasons. We can now use the Amazon advertising option and have worldwide distribution. It’s the best of both worlds!
Meet Zirco, our main character.
The challenges we began to face were with the print books and the wait times for support at IngramSpark, all due to user errors. My errors! I accidentally checked a field titled, “right to left content” which can only be rectified through an email for support. The solution was to duplicate the book, upload it again and delete the “first try”. Onward Bound! What I didn’t know is that once an IngramSpark representative deletes a book, it stays on your account for 180 days.
One problem solved. Another one was created because the book’s ISBN was locked in for 4 months. I logged on to my ISBN Canada account and asked for a new ISBN. It took less than a minute to do. Again, another email to IngramSpark support and a three-day wait to resolve. There were several other glitches and we worked through each one. For someone with an A-type personality, Amber, a clinically practicing social worker, kept me grounded.
Just when you think you’ve reached the top of the mountain…
The supply shortage is everywhere. We are all dealing with it in some way. The cost to print a book has skyrocketed, as one would predict. Authors are waiting over three months to receive print orders. We always have the option of ordering digitally printed copies, but not for 1,000 books. Our solution? We ordered enough digitally printed copies to get us started until the large order arrives in June.
The frustrations not only caused us to hit the “pause” button more than once, but they also allowed time to make additional changes to the content/format. The final products are well worth the wait. We’re excited to beam children to the fictitious planet Tezra where every child can find their place as they learn to understand and manage their emotions in a fun and entertaining way. Finally!
WE'RE ON THE PLANET TEZRA HELPING CHILDREN LEARN TO MANAGE THEIR EMOTIONS ...
Each book introduces emotional vocabulary and includes a guide outlining the strategies children can use and adults can model. This series is particularly topical for parents/guardians who want to be proactive or are looking to teach their children how to cope with worry and anxiety. It is also an excellent resource for early years and primary educators and those who provide early intervention to children experiencing mental health challenges.
Ultimately, by developing our children’s book series, we are offering evidence-based approaches where children will learn to understand, handle and express their emotions appropriately while building social skills, empathy, self-awareness, and self-regulation.
… With The Power of Thought so They Can Problem Solve and Find Positive Solutions!
Last summer, while out for a walk, I called my niece, Amber Raymond on a whim. “Hi hon. How would you like to write a children’s book series with me?” Imagine hearing that question! My niece was just about to graduate with her Master of Social Work and as a life-long educator, I thought we’d make a great team. She didn’t hesitate and in no time, we were brainstorming all possibilities. Our goal from the beginning, without question, was to give children the tools they need to problem solve and find positive solutions for everyday situations in life. We both have countless professional and personal experiences which makes this such passionate work for us. Amber did a full Literature Review (posted on the webpage) and our goal was validated.
Ultimately, by developing our children’s book series titled The Power of Thought, we are offering evidence-based approaches where children will learn to understand, handle and express their emotions appropriately while building social skills, empathy, self-awareness, and self-regulation.
Enter Allysa Batin, our talented illustrator. Allysa is a recent graduate of Kennedy Collegiate and is currently attending the University of Windsor. Amber and I were immediately captivated by her creativity and imagination.
With three minds collaborating, our wondrous planet Tezra and the main characters emerged. It has been such fun seeing our vision come to life, in ways we couldn’t even imagine when Amber and I spoke on the phone almost a year ago. How do children learn to manage their emotions when they feel angry, worried, disappointed, surprised, lonely, or happy? Each book is fun, introduces emotional vocabulary, and includes a guide outlining the strategies children can use and adults can model. We’re publishing in both the French and English languages.
Our exceptionally talented illustrator, Allysa Batin created this caricature sketch of our team.
Meet Zirco!
Zirco and their friends Nyx, Carnuli, Epido, and Lazu, are all children who live on the planet Tezra. Their forms are quite different from humans as they are not identifiable by gender and they hover rather than walk. What is most unique is that the children cannot hide their emotions because they haven’t learned to control them yet. As beings, when their emotions change, they glow in the colour of how they are feeling. Trine and Opal are the guiding adult figures in the book, and are mysterious themselves!
We all feel many emotions and that’s OK! We can help children to see when each character’s feelings are changing by the look on their faces, by body language, or the words they are using. Maybe children can start to tell by the colour of the glow that surrounds our characters. “I Have Choices” is the first book in our series. It introduces emotional vocabulary and includes a guide outlining the strategies children can use and adults can model. Zirco learns to make choices and turn scary thoughts into happy ones.
Do you see a common theme in the names we chose? Like you, every crystal is unique. Some look like simple rocks, and others look like they're from another planet. No matter their appearance, they all make you feel a sense of wonder when you see the way they shine. Working with crystals can help you transform into the most powerful version of yourself by guiding you to see how incredible you truly are. What crystal do you think Zirco is named after?
Meet Zirco, the main character of the children’s book Series, The Power of Thought
This series is particularly topical for parents/guardians who want to be proactive or are looking to teach their children how to cope with worry and anxiety. It is also an excellent resource for early years and primary educators who teach these skills and those who provide preventative or early intervention to children who may experience mental health challenges. Our full Literature Review is posted on my website.
Our exceptionally talented illustrator, Allysa created the caricature sketches of our team. We thought we’d make things fun and invite you to enter a draw. Allysa will do a caricature sketch of the winner and at the same time, we’ll keep you posted on when our first book, I Have Choices will be launched in the coming weeks.
Thank You!
A shout out to fellow educators Karen Nagy-Tompkins and Megan Simon-Beaudoin for introducing Amber and me to Allysa, an up-and-coming freelance illustrator!
Have You Considered Gifting an Inscribed Book For the Holidays? It's Easier Than You Might Think!
With the holiday season upon us, it’s the perfect time of year to gift a book to a friend, family member or colleague. As an author, I’m thrilled to offer inscribed copies of both of my published books. Jackson is a #1 Amazon Best-Seller and Steering Through It is a multiple award-winner!
If you would prefer to gift an audiobook or ebook, it’s easy to do! Go to Amazon.ca (or the country you live in) and find the book. Click “give as a gift”. You can choose to e-mail the e-book with a future delivery date, or print out a voucher (which you might love to place in a holiday greeting card.
With the holiday season upon us, it’s the perfect time of year to gift a book to a friend, family member or colleague. As an author, I’m thrilled to offer inscribed copies of both of my published books. Jackson is a #1 Amazon Best-Seller and Steering Through It is a multiple award-winner!
You are invited to place your order and I’ll be happy to ship the book (books) directly to you. If you prefer ebook or audiobook formats, please jump to the bottom of this blog post.
“With unwavering empathy, Jackson is a bold and unforgettable story of a family navigating through the terrifying waters of mental illness. While there is no simple fix with a kiss to the forehead, will Jackson learn to hear the chatter in his head and know what to do about it? Will love and hope prevail?“An important book for anyone going through challenging times with a teenager.”
“A must-read, especially for parents, teachers, and social workers.”
“I have been on both sides of this story so it really resonated with me. I have no doubt that there are many people who might recognize at least some part of themselves in Jackson or his parents or even his friends.”
“A life-threatening illness crushes the world around you and around those you love. How do we cope with diagnosis physically, emotionally, and spiritually? How do we move on? What are the most helpful ways to support others in crisis? In the end, what does it all mean?“
“A beautiful memoir that will make you want to laugh and cry. Very well written – I read it all at once, couldn’t put it down. Highly recommend EVERYONE read this book!” … “I found a tremendous amount of hope and inspiration in the author’s voice, and admire the author’s instinct to blend the narrative with inner thought. Well done."
"I could really picture myself in her shoes and it was riveting and brought me to tears. She and her family handled what happened next with humanness and grace.”
BONUS - TEN inscribed paperbacks of Jackson are also being given away on Goodreads.
Enter here to win!
Both books are also available in ebook and audiobook formats. See below!
If you would prefer to gift an audiobook or ebook, it’s easy to do! Go to Amazon.ca (or the country you live in) and find the book. Click “give as a gift”. You can choose to e-mail the e-book with a future delivery date, or print out a voucher (which you might love to place in a holiday greeting card. Here are the links:
Jackson… Demons and Desperation/Love and Hope
All the best of health and happiness to you and yours!
How Are You Today?
When is the last time you openly discussed your own mental health and wellness with friends or family members? As a parent, can we speak honestly about our fears when one of our own children is struggling? Can we comfortably talk about it ourselves if we are the ones in crisis?
“I’m fine thanks,” or “Couldn’t be better” are typical answers to the age-old question. But how do we respond if we are in fact, nearing the ledge? We don’t want to burden our family and friends after all. They have enough going on in their own lives, don’t they? Perhaps we are embarrassed and don’t want anyone else to know. Maybe we’re worried we’ll be judged by others or we aren’t aware of the wealth of resources at our fingertips, many of which are outside of traditional counselling and therapy.
How do we respond, if we are in fact, nearing the ledge?
Published in the Kingsville Neighbourhood Magazine, June 2021
When is the last time you openly discussed your own mental health and wellness with friends or family members? As a parent, can we speak honestly about our fears when one of our own children is struggling? Can we comfortably talk about it ourselves if we are the ones in crisis?
“I’m fine thanks,” or “Couldn’t be better” are typical answers to the age-old question. But how do we respond if we are in fact, nearing the ledge? We don’t want to burden our family and friends after all. They have enough going on in their own lives, don’t they? Perhaps we are embarrassed and don’t want anyone else to know. Maybe we’re worried we’ll be judged by others or we aren’t aware of the wealth of resources at our fingertips, many of which are outside of traditional counselling and therapy.
When our day-to-day life is negatively impacted because of how we are feeling, those around us are most definitely affected, as much as we may not want to admit it. Can we recognize the signs of those who are struggling, including caregivers?
My most recent book “Jackson” was written after speaking with many people, both those in caregiver roles and struggling themselves. Although fictional, it is a compilation of the real-life experiences of a mother and son as they fight their demons and desperation with love and hope. Generating honest, open, and real conversations, “Jackson” is helping us become comfortable talking about this subject which has been “taboo” for far too long.
Suicide is the second-largest cause of death for our youth between 15 – 24 years of age in Canada. There is a growing movement recommending that we as parents have “The Talk” with our teenagers which includes a purely preventative, science-based, 4-step script. Jackie Simmons (Co-Founder of the Teen Suicide Prevention Society) believes that having “The Talk” just might save our child’s life. Her TEDx speech is empowering.
In a series of surveys conducted by the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health (Canada's largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital and a world-leading research centre in this field), one year into the pandemic, “About one in five Canadians reported high levels of mental distress”. If we are not experiencing this ourselves directly, someone we care for likely is or will be.
Why not pick up the phone or visit someone you haven’t checked in with for a while? Start the conversation that may be so desperately needed, for yourself or that individual. It just may be the spark that helps you or someone else take the first step towards a hopeful future.
References
The Centre for Addictions and Mental Health
https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-health-and-covid-19/covid-19-national-survey
Lynn’s website with mental health resource links
https://lynnmclaughlin.com/jackson
Have “The Talk” to Stop Teen Suicide TEDx
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzmmBXgXb70
RAISING MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS: WRITING "JACKSON"
When is the last time each of us openly discussed mental illness with friends or family members? As a parent, can we speak honestly about our fears and desperation when one of our own children is living with this debilitating disease? Can we comfortably talk about it ourselves if we are the ones in crisis?
When is the last time each of us openly discussed mental illness with friends or family members? As a parent, can we speak honestly about our fears and desperation when one of our own children is living with this debilitating disease? Can we comfortably talk about it ourselves if we are the ones in crisis?
The goals for my most recent book Jackson are very clear, as a mother and son find themselves wandering through the constantly evolving landscape of acute and chronic mental health. This novel is meant to help increase understanding and raise awareness so we can recognize the signs of those around us who are struggling, including caregivers. I hope it generates honest, open, and real conversations where we can each become comfortable talking about this subject which has been “taboo” for far too long.
The most rewarding aspect of being an author comes from the reader and book club invitations. It’s the validation that we have indeed met our goals. In the past month, after the release of Jackson, time and time again the feedback from readers (and audiobook listeners) has been heartwarming.
Thank you to Mary-Anne and her fellow book club members in LaSalle, Ontario. It was a pleasure to hear feedback from you and discover how “Jackson” touched each of you in very different ways.
Jackson is increasing awareness as affirmed by those who are facing their own mental illness.
“His experiences are raw and uncut, as confused and desperate as one can feel when all you know is heightened awareness of all that’s around you. Everyday tasks can seem like mountains to climb, and giving up looks more and more appealing.” (Savera, Goodreads)
“While this book is fictional, the situations that are dealt with are very real. I know through first hand experience of having dealt with my own mental health challenges and how people treated me, with misunderstanding, with curiosity, with insensitivity but with a single parent mother who loved me, stood by each and every moment.” (Ian, Goodreads)
This novel is also an accurate portrayal of the unique and personal battle fought by every family who is faced with the unthinkable. How do we cope as caregivers?
“Kudos to Lynn on capturing the feelings of Jackson as he struggles with his mental illness and her portrayal of every parents’ heartache in recognizing and coping with the reality of having such a child. Very insightful and definitely worth reading!” (Mare, Amazon)
“Jackson is a stark but clear guide as to how one family finds a way to first acknowledge and then to ultimately accept the realities of mental health and through it all maintain a deep and abiding love for one another…. In its entirety, Jackson provides a sense of safety and security in the knowledge that there are pathways through the convoluted and terrifying world of mental health. There are ways that can and do nurture compassion and love.” (Introduction of Jackson by A Goyette, MSW/RSW)
“I thought of Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar as I read this. I felt a need to help Jackson but found myself wanting. Whatever. Any book on a par with The Bell Jar is worth reading, at any time, any place. Read it.” (C. Maddox, Goodreads)
One in five of us in Canada and the United States will experience a mental illness in our lifetime. If it doesn’t happen to us directly, it likely will for someone we care for. With unwavering empathy, Jackson is a bold and unforgettable story of a family navigating through the terrifying waters of mental illness. While there is no simple fix with a kiss to the forehead, will Jackson learn to hear the chatter in his head and know what to do about it? Will love and hope prevail?
Why not pick up the phone or visit someone you haven’t checked in with for a while? Start the conversation that may be so desperately needed. You may be the spark that helps someone take the first step towards their future.
Addendum: If you are a member of a book club, I’d be honoured to join you and your group either in person or virtually. Let’s talk!
JACKSON
Jackson battles to take control of his own mind and life but is haunted by demons. His mother faces her own turmoil and anguish, struggling to accept and understand the unthinkable, as she desperately tries to save her son.
With unwavering empathy, “Jackson” is a bold and unforgettable story of a family navigating through the terrifying waters of mental illness. While there is no simple fix with a kiss to the forehead, will Jackson learn to hear the chatter in his head and know what to do about it? Will love and hope prevail?