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Did a Lunchtime Talk on self-publishing for the WEA (Workers Educational Association) in Inverness Library yesterday. Given the rise of online publishing services companies,it was interesting to run through all the different stages of getting a book into print. Like certain web design companies which claim you can have a website up and running in half an hour, the emphasis is on how quick and easy the whole self-publishing process is, but as with anything, it's only 'easy' if you know what you are doing. Also, the idea that by cutting out the traditional publisher, you are going to have gold lining your pocket in no time at all, as your book is snapped up by your 'target market', glosses over the grinding reality of trying to sell your book once it is in print. Without contacts, money and marketing strategies, your book will sink in a sea of publications.
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Since December I've been working hard on new products which are now available online. My Pirate Mugs of Fun in English and also in Gaelic combine different elements to give budding young pirates lots of fun whilst also teaching them some facts about pirates and pirate life. An original pirate poem about scurvy is accompanied by activities: Find the Hidden Word, Spot the Difference, Colouring-in, Pirate Maze, Word Search and a Quiz. As you go through the activities, you'll find snippets of information which can then be used to answer the quiz questions. The poem is printed on parchment paper and the activities on a variety of white and coloured paper, each finished with a wavy edge. These are then rolled together and tied with ribbon to look like pirate scrolls. A shaped information card gives more information about the perils of scurvy. With a pirate skull mug acting as vessel - pardon the pun! - the scrolls are teamed up with pirate bubbles, chocolates, colouring pencils and a choice of telescope and tattoos or pirate wallet. Placed in a sturdy, transparent gift bag, it's tied with red cord and a Pirate Gold contents label which, with a spot of glue, turns into a pirate bookmark. After completing the English version, my hope was to have a Gaelic version too but everything hinged on a good translation of the poem. Without that as anchor, it couldn't work. To my great delight, Katie, my lovely Gaelic translator, threw herself into the spirit of things and came up with a wonderful Gaelic 'Pirate Gold' then proceeded to work her way through the activities. This is a unique product both for the English and Gaelic market but I am particularly glad to offer something completely new for Gaelic speakers.
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The Highland Indian Association held its annual Curry Ceilidh in Inverness last night. Curry and Ceilidh are not two words one would ordinarily associate with one another but it is amazing how the Highland Indian Association managed to combine the two so effortlessly. Oodles of traditional Indian food laid on as a buffet gave a wonderful opportunity to sample unknown dishes - just a pity I can't remember what they were called! Then came the ceilidh. People from all over the world dancing the Gay Gordons and the Dashing White Sergeant. It was particularly lovely to see the children joining in - one tiny girl in a dainty, frothy dress managed to survive towering adults thundering through Strip the Willow. For those that don't know this Scottish dance, it's not one for the faint-hearted!
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Centenary celebration at Merkinch Community Centre, Inverness yesterday was very well attended and what a mix of culture was on display. Like last year, we were entertained with beautiful Chinese and Fijian dancing but we also got a taste of Russian dancing, courtesy of The Highland Russia Connection Charity. I got chatting to Elena, chairperson of the charity and discovered she is from Siberia but now lives in Nairn with her Scottish husband. Elena travels round schools talking about Russian culture, teaching the language and traditional dances. I learnt some Russian whilst living in Poland and think it one of the most wonderful languages I have ever heard, with its soft melody. Needless to say, I dredged up a few words to Elena who smiled encouragingly. I look forward to learning more about their organisation. Anyone interested will find them at www.highlandrussia.org.uk.
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