A couple of weeks ago, a lovely lady asked me if I preferred printed or digital books. That was an easy answer. I am still an old soul utterly enamored with the feeling of holding a book in my hands or the sight of them on shelves and nightstands. I told her that the bestContinue reading “Books, (Audio)books and (NO)books”
Author Archives: emandtheshelf
Ideas about Ideas
Below is a short essay I wrote around 2016. It perfectly describes how I have felt these past few weeks. Ideas about ideas “A wise friend recently told me that whenever I felt my mind too crowded with ideas or thoughts, I should just write the ideas down. This advice got me thinking about dealingContinue reading “Ideas about Ideas”
Em’s Extras: Self Publishing Series Part VI
Dear readers, thank you for sticking around during this self-indulging series about my publishing journey. I would like to imagine that at least one person reading these posts, has dusted their manuscript or even started one. And that same person now feels hopeful about the fact that there is a reachable option for their book. Continue reading “Em’s Extras: Self Publishing Series Part VI”
My Summer Book Shelf
After two weeks without reading an actual book, but ironically reading a lot about books and authors, I am excited to share with all of you how my bookshelf will look this summer. Books by Fearless Women of the World Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo. Teeming with life and crackling with energy — aContinue reading “My Summer Book Shelf”
Em’s Extras: Self Publishing Series Part V
While finishing my manuscript, I went into several online rabbit holes trying to research as much as possible about every self-publishing option. During one of those winter afternoons glued to my laptop, and after too many cups of coffee, I found Bookbaby. And so thankful I did! I am writing this blog today, from aContinue reading “Em’s Extras: Self Publishing Series Part V”
A Coffee with Self-Doubt
Self-Doubt is a sneaky guest that seems to pop-up anywhere and everywhere, uninvited and unannounced. Self-Doubt is keen to hang out with women in general (believe me, have asked plenty of my girlfriends). But it is fair to assume that everyone has dealt with or is dealing with this unwanted guest. Must confess that aContinue reading “A Coffee with Self-Doubt”
Em’s Extras: Self Publishing Series Part IV
Time to talk about Design! You have already arrived at the best possible version of your book after one, two, or more rounds of edition and revision. After that, you celebrated loudly the fact that your book is ready to be read. Now, it is time to focus on the Cover Design. Learnings and HelpfulContinue reading “Em’s Extras: Self Publishing Series Part IV”
Dear Fearless Reader, Thank you in advance.
Dear Fearless Reader, Thank you. Thank you, because you have chosen to let a piece of my soul in your life. Thank you for wanting to read my book, and thank you for choosing to. I want to thank your eyes, in advance, because they will be the ones to see the words I haveContinue reading “Dear Fearless Reader, Thank you in advance.”
Em’s Extras: Self Publishing Series Part 3.5
I’m calling this post, part 3.5 instead of 4. Because after one, two, or whatever number of rounds of editing and revision, you decide to do. At the end of the Editing & Revision path, you will arrive at the final version of your book! YES, the final version of YOUR book! And I wantContinue reading “Em’s Extras: Self Publishing Series Part 3.5”
Em’s Extras: Self Publishing Series Part III
When you finished your manuscript, the next significant milestone is editing. In my experience, informal editing was as crucial as formal editing. Both types of editing can involve correction, organization of ideas, modification of chapters, replacement, deleting, or even rewriting. Be open to ALL of it! I think that informal editing could be two things: self-revisionContinue reading “Em’s Extras: Self Publishing Series Part III”
Em and the Shelf 