Times have changed in publishing. I love real books, but to sell my books overseas it looks like I might have to think about publishing an ebook next time.
Ebooks have no smell or touch, unlike these hyacinths which made me dizzy with delight.
The ebook publishing course that I attended all day got too much for my brain.
The Golden Barrell Cactus is from Central Mexica, and the Silver Torch behind it, from Bolivia.
Ebooks can be sold in both these countries at the click of a cursor.
Another word for ebook, used by the teacher, is a 'no-book.' I guess that means no touching, no holding, no turning of pages and definitely no smelling.
The coral-coloured hyacinths are just as fragrant as the blue ones, but their colour is new to me.
Outside the Wintergarden pavilions, where I took refuge during the lunch break, I found these gay maidens cavorting.
And their rather distant sister, looking down rather disdainfully. I wonder what kind of books they prefer?
After feasting my eyes on these glorious orchids, I headed back for a few more hours of screen-gazing.
I enjoy computer technology. It enables me to reach out across the world. I may even publish an ebook one day. But I need to balance time spent in the digital world with time spent in the world of the senses: touch, warmth, fragrance, colour, weight or lightness, sound and movement.
13 comments:
Yes, I understand completely - it would be terribly sad to live only in an eworld. Your photos are glorious.
Hi Juliet - can quite see your points about books and ebooks - all so true ... there are somethings I definitely wouldn't via a screen - and yet some things I've adapted to ..
I'm going to give my Kindle a try this week - ie get down to some reading .. but I do enjoy books ...
I'm getting technical with some help - so much easier than fighting my way through ...
Good luck with all your projects and investigations as to ways to go .. cheers Hilary
Bother! I forgot about the lovely hyancinths .. one of my favourite flowers/bulbs .. I used to have a bowl in Mum's room when they were in season .. I love them!!
Cheers Hilary
Ah, it is that balance that I often grapple with, Juliet. I'd rather touch and feel a book, smell a flower, wander a path, yet . . . here I am, enjoying your post, pondering.
Much to think about. I think I'll go out and water my garden - and ponder a bit.
*Anne, great to see you here, and thank you for your comment. I think balance is the key.
* Hilary, I'm getting a sense of what sort of work might suit an ebook. The hyacinths must have brightened up your mum's room beautifully. Their scent is so pervasive.
* Penny, it's a question of the best of both worlds I think, and how to navigate the different pathways. Nice to imagine you watering your garden and reflecting.
Thank you Anne, Hilary and Penny; I appreciate your thoughtful comments.
Gorgeous flowers and statue. Someone at work started as an e-book publisher. She edits and post them and she works with a person who designs the cover. It is going to be the future. I like a book in my hand but it is also easy to have many books stored in a kindle when you go on holiday
I admire you for your perseverance, especially in this age where technology is changing so quickly and so rapidly. Good luck sorting out how best to proceed xx
* Marja, you are right about the convenience of using a Kindle for travel.
* Charlie, it's like finding my way through a maze. I suspect that ebooks are best for fiction and quick reads, and printed books for non fiction. My readers like to return to my books, mark the pages, and use them as a resource, and that points the way to printed books.
Thanks Marja and Charlie, good to see you here.
Another difference with e-books is that you can't share them - lend them to a friend. (Might have advantages for authors who want to sell copies). I haven't quite become familiar with my Tablet and its Kindle app. yet, but I'm looking forward to travelling with a store of novels from the library, which I can replenish while overseas. Plus I have Anne E's latest to relish.
Another difference with e-books is that you can't share them, lend them to a friend. (Might be an advantage for authors who want to sell copies). I'm still learning to love my Tablet with the Kindle App. Looking forward to travelling with a stock of novels from the library which I can replenish while overseas. Plus I have Ann E's latest, waiting to be relished.
Ruth, that's all so true. I didn't know a Tablet could take a Kindle Ap - how interesting. I've just finished Anne's Colour of Food; loved it.
Thank you.
I have come back to your beautiful photos and descriptions of the flowers many times since the earthquakes began here. They have been offering me warmth, beauty, colour and imagined fragrances to soak up.
Well done on learning more and stretching your comfort zone. It sounds as if you have some discernment around ebooks and your writing.
Lynley, thank you. I'm glad that the flowers have offered you some comfort. There's so much to ponder about of ebooks. Fortunately my decision to publish a real book this time has proved to be a good one, as people like to keep dipping into it and working with it. But that's the kind of book it is.
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