Tag Archives: self-publishing

books, Non-Fiction, personal growth, Power of Attraction, Uncategorized

Spring 2019 and Courage

May 10, 2019 Manny & Barbara Dean Aliaga Leave a comment

For the past couple of years I have taken a few lessons on-line to play the piano. I soon took to learning a few chords and becoming lazy. Most of my family play by ear so I thought, why not me? At any rate, today I decided to play songs for spring and put them the music to photos I’ve taken around the garden!

Pretty fun morning! But, I mixed the piano playing with background violins, basses, sitar’s and who knows what else from Garage Band on my iPad. I know I have a lot of guts to let this go in front of you. But one thing I have it courage to take the moment and share it with the world. It comes naturally.

I apologize if anyone falls asleep throughout this makeshift piano recital.

By the way, I’m working on a couple of writing projects. I’m also reading a lot more lately. Yes. Freely from the public library who has eBooks available. I’ve enjoyed reading Crazy Rich Asians, by Kevin Kwan. I loved the movie, and was delighted to see the richness (no pun intended) of the original novel. Reading is such fun! I am also reading Publishing E-Books for Dummies, by Ali Luke. Even though last year I self-published with Amazon, I loved the support this writer conveys. Currently I am reading Shortcuts to Inner Peace, by Ashley Davis Bush. I feel a kindred spirit in this author and Grief Counselor.

So life is what you make of it and I plan on forming attitudes that allow happy outcomes, no matter how long my deviant brain wants to take to get there! Have a wonderful day and I hope to write again soon.

books, Commitment to Write, Communication, Non-Fiction, Retail, Uncategorized

Commitment to Write: Day 18 February 2019

February 18, 2019 Manny & Barbara Dean Aliaga Leave a comment

Independently Published Marketing

Today, the subject is a little off the normal topic. Yet, I wonder how I thought a book would magically fall into the hands of the people who needed it. In fact, I still do.

More and more, I realize and appreciate the men and women who did the publishing for my first books in the early 1980s. I had no idea how much work went into getting the books distributed in large number of bookstores. This was a time on-line publishing was at a minimum. I can remember going into a bookstore and seeing a stack of 20 of my typing books available in the business section of a store in Canada. I was with my mother and it was a proud time for me to show her just how her hard work paid off!

Now, even though I consider myself a master marketer and public service expert. I’m having a bit of a challenge! I am not giving up by any means. Actually I am having fun and appreciative of my retired status. I am going to take each adventure with happy expectation.

Today I learned that I should have a page with the name of the book. Well, why of course I should. Oddly enough, I have added bits to AbuNana.com and MyWiseSolution.com and my own facebook account and LinkedIn, but do not have a dedicated page. So that is what I have been working feverishly on this afternoon.

Life can be a lot of fun when we don’t ride with clenched hands. I am enjoying most of the moments and letting go when I find discomfort. The result: I float back up to the top where everything looks mighty good.

Have a great day!

books, Communication, Non-Fiction, Power of Attraction, self-improvement, Uncategorized

2019 So Far…

January 9, 2019 Manny & Barbara Dean Aliaga 2 Comments

Last year brought along a new experience called, retirement. I experienced emotions of various intensities ranging from relief to uncertainty, from exhilaration to disappointment and fear. As many of you know, I opened up a new company as a consultant and coach and began writing a book, “Getting to Happy: Learning to Read Emotional Messages”.

I have worked for as long as I can remember. I attach creativity and satisfaction to the word, work. It is an aspect of life I always want in my life. The business is still in the growth and public trust phase. But, writing has become most satisfying.

In the 80’s, one could self-publish. It was known as a Vanity book. The idea was to pay to be published. This never seemed like a good idea to me and I sought out publishers in those days.

In this decade, self-publishing has become a satisfying learning process. It takes work yet it is free. There are clear instructions at each level. It is encouraging to complete a project when you know there is the possibility of publication. I am holding in my hands, two books now available on Amazon.com. One is new, the other is a second edition. What could be better for my retired ego than that!

Now for 2019, my husband and I have agreed to the rules, Be Kind, Have Fun, Stay Happy! It is a great tether to a sane life, even when dealing with others. The trick is in the ability to recognize the times when we are not kind, not having fun and not happy and the good sense to turn around and head towards what feels kind, fun and happy. This direction can only enhance our lives. It’s simple, a I could have had a v-8 kind of aha moment. We are easily returning to a kind, fun-filled, happy life style.

I am amazed when I see that happy times bring about more happy times. Likewise, when I place sadness to times I consider sad or irritating, I seem to bring about more sad and irritating times. Can it be this easy? I think it is.

So here is to a kind, fun and happy new year!

I have learned so much from self-publishing. I’ve learned how to create covers, how to format better-looking copy, how to improve pictures, how to provide b/w internal copy and color internal copy for more choices in print. Now we are awaiting the audio books, which will be available in early February.

If you have any questions about the book, I’ll be glad to answer them on this site. Have a great day!