Review of CreateSpace Self Publishing Platform

Instructions for Publishing Books at CreateSpace.com

 State Flowers of the USA Coloring Book: For Students and Teachers

Ever since I published my 3 books on CreateSpace people have been asking me how to do that and if I recommend them. The short answer to that is yes, I do recommend them.

The other thing people want to know is if it is hard to do. That is not so easy to answer. There is a learning curve for sure, but I do have some free tools you can use to make it easier. All in all, I think CreateSpace is a fantastic tool for first time authors to get themselves published.

*All the books on this page are my own books I have published at CreateSpace.

Getting Started at CreateSpace 

So here I am going to take you step by step through the process to create your first book on CreateSpace and get it published and listed on Amazon and maybe picked up by booksellers who will also distribute it for you. My first book is on the right and got picked up by 12 other sellers besides Amazon including Barnes and Noble and several teacher websites. I am thrilled! 

The first thing you will need to do is sign up for a free account. Just go to http://CreateSpace.com  and follow the easy registration instructions. Once you have an account you will be taken to your dashboard. It looks like the image below. The first thing you do to get started on a new book is to press that Blue button that is just about in the middle of the page which says "Add New Title." If you know the title of your new book just go ahead and add it. Don't worry you can change it before you publish, so  just put something and that way you will have access to the rest of the tools. This is the first part of the setup by the way.  After you have a title, you can just hit the button at the bottom that says "Save and Continue." 

Menu 

On the right is a photo of the Menu that is on the left side of the setup process once you add a title. You can see that the different parts of the process are listed and when you complete a section it gives you a Green check mark so you always know what else needs to be done. 

The set up process is a series of pages where it will ask you to put in information about your book, so just do each step and hit save. The next thing it will want to know after the title is the ISBN. Now I am a big fan of "free" so I just use their free ones. The only reason to buy your own ISBN would be if you wanted to have books printed by them and then distribute them yourself. I have no idea why anyone would want to do that work though! Later in the process you will see that CreateSpace gives you the option to have your book distributed by Amazon (they own CreateSpace) and also by other online sellers and even by bricks and mortar stores like Barnes and Noble.  I am a big fan of "easy" too! So just use their free one, and go on to the next step, which is the Interior.

In this step, you pick your size and type of printing. You will see a list of formats and there is a button you can click to see the approximate cost to print too. But to save you time here is a page with a list of the sizes and templates you can download to add your content. https://forums.createspace.com/en/community/docs/DOC-1323

Now the next step is the heart of the matter so to speak; adding all your content. The templates are set up for Microsoft Word, or for OpenOffice. I don't have Word, so I use OpenOffice. (because it's free, LOL, just go to OpenOffice.org and download it! ) I find this to be the hardest part of the process, because you have to make sure your content is exactly the way you want it printed. I have done 2 coloring books and I wanted them to be printed on one side only to make a nicer product for the colorists, so I had to really pay attention to insert a blank page after every image. If you don't know how to use OpenOffice or Word, that is beyond the scope of this article, but I used Google and YouTube and was able to do find tutorials to format everything properly. Just type your question into Google. 

 Shells From the Sea: Coloring Pages and Greeting Cards

Once you are happy with your book, save a copy, and then also use the "export as PDF" function to save as a PDF too, because CreateSpace wants you to upload it in PDF form. But if you ever need to edit it later, you might need the original document, unless you have Adobe software and can edit PDF documents. So just to be sure, I always save the original Open Office document and also a PDF document.

If my instructions are not clear, you can also see lots of helpful tips on the page under the Interior button. Also there is a forum with a community of writers who have compiled a list of frequently asked questions. However, many of them are experienced authors and seem to be a little impatient with first time authors, so I just use Google to ask my questions. For example I might ask "how do I  __________ on a createspace template?" You would think CreateSpace would be easier to ask, but no, Google is. 

Designing the Cover of Your Book on CreateSpace

Next is the cover. They have templates for that too, so just scroll through them till you see one you like. Here's a hint. Under each cover there is a scroll bar to see different versions. The typeface and the colors can often be changed so there are a lot more variations than is apparent when you first look through the cover options. Just pick one you like and upload your image if it calls for one. They often have specific requirements for the images, so if your images are not the right size you will need to edit them. Lots of people have Photoshop but I don't, so I use http://Picmonkey.com. (yes, it's free) You can upload an image there, change the file size in a few clicks and then you are good to go!

 The Swans of Kensington Garden: A Photo Book of Swans

Speaking of images, they have to be at least 300 dpi for CreateSpace so what should you do if yours are not?  If you have Photoshop, this is fairly easy to fix but if you don't, here is a free software program you can use to change them to the correct dpi. Just go to http://www.Irfanview.com and download the free software.  

The program can be used for many other things too, but I only use it for changing the dpi and use Picmonkey for all the other things I do with images, like change the exposure and crop, add text, straighten, etc. Picmonkey is much easier to use for those things. But you can't control the dpi with it. A hint when  you use Picmonkey: save the file as the best quality jpg. They call it Sean. Yes it is a bigger file, but it will make your finished book far more beautiful! 

So once you have your interior and cover done, you are ready to complete your setup. This just involves setting the price, telling CreateSpace where you want it distributed and approving the proof. You will be able to check it page by page to be sure it meets your expectations. Once that is done, CreateSpace will also have to examine your proof to make sure it meets their specifications. They will either approve it, or send you a message that it needs to be changed. Don't worry, they will tell you exactly what needs to be changed. 

Here is a photo of the project page that shows all the steps in a graphic so you can see what is done and what needs to be finished. This is a completed book so all my steps are completed and marked with a Green check mark. (I can't publish a coloring book on Kindle so that one has a red button.)

Eventually you will get it approved. I say that because it usually takes a few times before they do approve it. But then, wow, you will have published your first book! Good luck! 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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We'll Build This Love From the Ground Up - The Perfect Wedding Song by Dan + Shay

Find 'From The Ground Up' Plus Over 40 Additional
First Dance Wedding Songs Here

You're Getting Married Congratulations!

Your love is long standing, almost nostalgic, and trying to find a song that fits the two of you isn't easy. I'll bet you've long since figured this out.

Have you spent hours on end listening to every single word of too many wedding love songs already? Don't worry, we've all done it. Every relationship is unique, and the words we dance to represent part of the promise we're making to each other ___ which is why we're all so picky.

From the Ground Up by Dan + Shay - Is This You?

The song is sung from a man's point of view, and all that he'll be and do for his bride.

Grandma and Grandpa set the example of a life that held strong through decades of change, chance and choice. They've set the stage, and showed you what happens when love is built from the ground up.

It's not just a memory, it's not just 'I Do'. It's a commitment, a promise that the wedding day is one piece of the foundation you're building together. You're making this promise for a lifetime.

You'll build your own family and you'll stand beside each other through all of life's trials and smiles.

When you look at grandma and grandpa, you both understand that life goes by in a blink and today's wedding is the celebration of what you know will last til death do you part.

You'll be each others shelter during hard times, and as two old souls you know first hand that love is about being there for better or worse.  Your very clear about one thing; the path of grace is found on the road of love.

When your own decades have passed and it's your turn to sit in grandma and grandpa's chairs, you'll hold each others hands, watching your grandchildren make that same promise you're making today - a love built from the ground up.

"Just take my hand and I'll be the man your dad hoped I'd be" (lyrics)

The only way through life is to live it with love, compassion, promise and kindness. You both know this already, that's why you're perfect for each other. The depth of this song says it well.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Reviewing Reusable Foldable Shopping Bags

Foldable Shopping Tote

Have you seen the range of reusable foldable shopping bags that you can get?   I used to have a cute black nylon fold up shopping bag that I absolutely loved, it lived in my handbag ready to be used if I saw something I just had to buy.

Unfortunately my little bag got lost when I was on holiday which means I'm looking for a new one.

I am amazed at the range that are available in an array of different colors as well as a few different styles - my mother even has one of the cute reusable shopping bags that are shaped as a strawberry!

I'm looking to replace my original which was a foldable nylon shopping bag - the nylon bag was very sturdy and perfect for impulsive purchases.   The bag not only folded up, but it also had a zip which meant that it looked like a zipped up wallet in your bag when not being used.

Why Do You Need Reusable Foldable Shopping Bags?

I'll answer that question with another question - do you know why there's more jellyfish around these days?   I see so many of them floating around in the sea near me and I hear about more people being stung by them around the world.   Jellyfish have very few predators and it's main one is the sea turtle who's numbers are in decline around the world and one of the reasons for this is plastic bags.

As a community we humans send so much plastic into our waterways as rubbish that we should hardly be surprised that it is messing up our marine life.   Plastic bags in particular can look very much like jellyfish to a poor unsuspecting turtle - but I won't go on as we're supposed to be talking about shopping bags!

Now nylon isn't the most environmentally friendly material to make a bag out off, but having one of these bags and reusing it time and time again over a period of years is definitely better than using several different plastic bags every week and then throwing them away.

Foldable Nylon Shopping Bags - Part of My 2 Pronged Attack on the Plastic Bag Army!

These bags are part of a two pronged attack on the use of plastic bags in my household.   Now I'm not perfect I do use plastic bags sometimes, but I also take steps to reduce how often I use them.   Step one is my little foldable shopping bag for impulsive buys.   Step two is reusable canvas bags - I keep a few in the boot of my car as well as the boot of my husband's car for when we do the grocery shopping.

This is the closest foldable shopping bag that I can find to my original, it's made from a nylon polyester which I'm sure will mean it'll last the years that my first foldable shopping bag did.   A tote style of bag it comes in a pack of two - blue and gray.   This means that I'll have a back up which is always a great idea.

Reusable Grocery Shopping Tote from Amazon

The other thing I love about these foldable shopping totes is that they can also be zipped up - again like my original bag.

So let me ask you a question - what are you doing to stem the tide of plastic bags marching towards our waterways?   Make a small step in the right direction by getting yourself a foldable shopping bag to pop into your purse when you go out.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Star Trek Beyond - Review of a Fantastic Movie

Star Trek fans will love this new Star Trek movie!  I know I did.  

It has taken me a while to adjust to the new Captain Kirk, Spock, Scotty, Chekov, Sulu and Uhura, but this movie somehow firmly set these actors in my mind as the new generation of beloved characters.  

As for Dr. McCoy, I love Karl Urban in that role!  I am so very glad Karl decided to stick with Star Trek instead of accepting a contract for a different movie that conflicted time-wise with Star Trek Beyond.  He is perfect for the role of Dr. McCoy in looks and ability to pull off the sarcastic wit of Dr. Leonard McCoy.  All of the actors are fantastic, but this new generation of the Star Trek crew would not be complete without Karl Urban.

This is a totally awesome Star Trek movie that Star Trek fans will not want to miss.  Trust me!  I understand loyalty to the original cast members, but this really is a great movie and these actors breath new life into our beloved Star Trek.

The Plot of Star Trek Beyond

The plot may actually have had a lot to do with solidifying these actors in my mind as the Star Trek main characters.  It was a new plot, but a very familiar theme.  It reminded me a lot of those original weekly Star Trek TV shows of my youth.  

When a beautiful female stranger, Kalara, begs for help to rescue her captured crew, our gallant Enterprise crew of heroes answer the call and bravely go forth to fight this unknown enemy.  As the Enterprise approaches the planet Altamid, they are attacked by hundreds of swarming small ships under the command of Krall.  I call it a swarm because it resembled a bee or hornet attack.  The massive swarm of little ships targeted the entire surface of the Enterprise.  They swept in fast and with so many areas under attack at once, the Enterprise was completely defenseless.  It was actually rather awful to watch the Enterprise be destroyed.  

At one point, the swarm was commanded to sever the neck.  I had never thought about the Enterprise having a "neck" until the swarm attacked and did exactly as commanded.  They literally severed the power and propulsion units from the primary hull and bridge (the area that resembles a saucer).  Crew members scattered to pods in an effort to escape, but they were quickly captured by the enemy.

Spock and Dr. McCoy evaded capture and landed on the planets surface.  It was a good thing Dr. McCoy was there, because Spock was injured and needed immediate medical attention.  

Captain Kirk, Chekov and their new "friend" Kalara also land safely on the planet.  Since they had so quickly come under attack, Captain Kirk suspects they were lead by Kalara into Krall's ambush.

Jaylah

Not to far away, good ole Scotty has landed and soon makes a new friend when she saves his life.  Jaylah is fantastic!  I absolutely love her "face paint".  Not only is her makeup truly awesome, she herself proves to be a competent warrior.  

Jaylah takes Scotty to her home, which happens to be an old, lost Starfleet ship, the USS Franklin.  

Now!  I have set the stage and given you a small taste of what this movie is about.  There really is quite a bit more that you will not want to miss.

Once you have seen Star Trek Beyond, I would love for you to come back and share your opinion below.  As I have said, this movie made a difference in my own opinion of the new generation of the Star Trek crew.  I would love to know what you think!

 Star Trek BeyondWatch on Amazon Prime (When Available) Star Trek Beyond (BD/DVD/Digital HD Combo) [Blu-ray]

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Star Trek Beyond Movie Reviewed by:

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Review of a Day at City Museum in St. Louis

City Museum St. Louis

Unique Museum

Imagine an interactive museum built in an old shoe factory and made up of reclaimed building materials.  That is exactly what acclaimed artist, Bob Cassilly, did when he developed City Museum in St. Louis.  City Museum in St. Louis opened in 1997 in the former International Shoe Company building.

In the museum you will find reclaimed building materials such as chimneys, salvaged bridges, construction cranes, lots of interesting tiles and even two abandoned planes.  There is also architectural salvage from some wonderful old buildings from the early 1900's in St. Louis.  All of this is put together in an amazing maze of wonder and delight for children and adults alike.  In the museum every inch seems to be used.  There are tunnels between walls and under exhibits.  There is so much to explore both inside and outside the museum.  Even the roof is put to use.

On a hot July day I took two of my granddaughters, my sister, and her two great nephews to explore the museum.  The kids ranged in ages from 5 to 12 and there was something for everyone.  I'm not much for climbing and tunnels but I loved taking photographs and I will share our adventure with you on this page.

Outside Adventure

The outside is a maze of wire tunnels, slides, and lots of places to climb.  Here are a few of our photos taken in the outside museum area.  You could even climb up into this old airplane.

Inside the 600,000 Square Feet Building

The inside is full of surprises at every turn.  The kids really enjoyed all the slides and tunnels.  On one of the upper floors is a huge area set aside for toddlers under 6 and there is a small train ride they can take around the area. One of the slides was 3 stories tall and others were shorter but made of different shapes.  On one floor there was a restaurant and lots of unique old signs.

Architectural Features 

I found many of the old architectural features fascinating.  There were signs near many of the items telling what old buildings they were taken from.  A good part of one of the floors was full of these old features.  They were a photographer's delight!  I understand this area can also be rented for wedding receptions and corporate events.

Our Exploring Crew

Here is our group for the day.  Back row my granddaughter Rachel, my sister Julie, and granddaughter Ella.  Front row great nephews, Nathaniel and Alex.  They are standing in part of an old train. We  spent about 5 1/2 hours in the museum and the kids probably would have stayed longer.  It was a fun filled day.  In addition to all the climbing and sliding they tried some old time pin ball machines and went to a short old time circus performance.

Visiting the Museum

The museum is located at 750 N 16th Street in downtown St. Louis.  For more information you may cal 314-231-2489 or check out citymuseum.org

City Museum- Airplane, St. LouisCity Museum Postcard by mbgphoto
Look at City museum Postcards online at Zazzle.com

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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