If you’ve read my blog, you know I’ve been working on an illustrated book starring Smitty the Dog. As I approached the end of the process, I was filled with a feeling of dread—no, I don’t want to do this.
This happened to me before with my two other illustrated books. I love the part where I’m drawing, writing, and creating, but the editing, formatting, and testing part is much less fun. Then there’s uploading it and filling in all the forms and information required for self-publishing. It’s a lot of work!
And then, there’s the worst part: I hate promoting my books! I’m flat out not going to have an author signing, attend book fairs, give a reading, or anything else. I don’t want to sell books – I just want to make them!
I found a cool website called Heyzine, where people can make flipbooks. This seems like a perfect solution to me!
I can share my stories and illustrations without the pressure of being AN AUTHOR. I won’t feel like I “should” promote or sell anything. I don’t need to worry about perfection so much. It sounds like fun to me!
I make art for fun, and I want it to remain fun.
Plus, there are cute page-turning noises! OK, maybe that is the real reason I like flipbooks!
I’d love to know what you think of the flipbook format. Thanks for reading!
Loved the flipbook! And I loved Smitty – especially his joy in catching frisbees.
Thank you so much, Betty! ❤️I had fun drawing Smitty in every pose!
Heck I liked the flip book. Well illustrated and a good ” I like dogs ” message. A persons dog friend should have a good life and be appreciated. But then Cheeka is a little unusual.
Thank you so much for reading my flip book! ❤️ Cheeka has a very good life with you – I don’t know what’s going on in her little dog brain! 🤣
Oh, Smitty as a bumblebee just melted my heart. I love how he has to be CLOSE to his person. Very sweet!!
Thank you so much, J! I appreciate your kind words! ❤️
I love Smitty’s story, and the flipbook format. Your drawings are exquisite, Smitty is so life like 🙂
Thank you so much, Polly! I really appreciate your kind words!
You know I love Smitty. This is fun and delightful. Well done.
Thank you so much, Ally! ❤️
That is so much fun! You’re a true talent and I’m so impressed with all your work.
Thank you so much, Engie! What a sweet comment – you made my day!
This is wonderful, Michelle! The story! The drawings! The format. I wish my kids were younger again so this book could be on repeat at our house.
My favourite part is when he’s patient about trying on all the costumes, until he catches a whiff…
Thank you so much, Elisabeth! This comment warms my heart! ❤️
I just read Smitty’s whole story and it turned out so wonderful. I love the flip book formate specially if not having fun in promoting and all the admin work.
However not sure it’s kid friendly. But then they are all on devices these days.
Congrats on finishing the book.
Oh and I use flip books for catalogue and magazine but never read a book this way.
Thank you so much, Tobia! I appreciate your kind words! I’m glad you enjoyed the flip book format. I didn’t think about whether it’s a kid friendly format or not. Ha! Ha! I’m only thinking of myself, I guess!
I love this! Promoting myself can be challenging for me, and it’s something I need to work on eventually, so I totally understand where you’re coming from. The page-turning sounds are so cool!
Thank you so much, Kari! I’m glad you enjoyed the page turning sounds! I was checking out your book on your website, and it’s wonderful.
I love it! I know that the promoting of a book is a whole thing – and I’m glad you found something that works for you! I’ve never seen the online flipbook before, it’s very cool!
Thank you so much, Nicole! I’m glad you liked the flipbook format. You’re right – promoting is a whole thing. I’ve always wanted to be an illustrator and let the author bask in the limelight!
Wonderful story and illustrations! I was not familiar with Flipbook until this post so I appreciate the learning moment. It’s a cool process.
Thank you so much, Judy! I’m glad you enjoyed the flipbook format!