Virtual Author Visit with Martha Rodriguez

[Bobbie Crawford-McCoy]

A warm welcome to author, Martha Rodriguez!

Author Bio:Martha Rodriguez is the author of the children’s picture book A Reel Cool Summer which was published on June 21, 2011. She is also the owner of Read To Me Publishing, LLC.

She is a wife and mother of three. Like most moms, she has had many years of experience answering the question, “We’re bored, what can we do?” One answer to that question brought about the story behind A Reel Cool Summer. With encouragement from family and friends she decided to write and self-publish the book. Her oldest son, Joey, illustrated the book, making it a fun family project. She is currently working on a second book which is soon to be released.

Martha was born in Havana, Cuba and came to the United States at the age of three.

She has been active in her church as well as her children’s schools; volunteering wherever her talents were in demand. She is a supporter of literacy initiatives and has been a volunteer Adult Literacy Tutor with Literacy Volunteers of Leon County (LVLC). She served on the Board of Directors of LVLC from 2008-2011 as a member, the Vice President and as Fundraising Committee Chair.

Martha and her family live in Tallahassee, Florida.

 

 

"Aaaaah, The New Book Smell" by Martha Rodriguez

A comforting, calming feeling came over me the day Joey and I picked up the copies of A Reel Cool Summer from the printing house. We had been working on our little book for about nine months. Being separated by 5,000 miles and who knows how many time zones wasn’t easy but we made it work. We spoke almost every day and emails flew back and forth by the minute. Many times we emailed each other while on the phone. I think we said, “I’m emailing it to you right now,” and, “Okay, I just got it, let me look at it,” a million times… at least it seemed that way.

It was an amazingly stressful and joyful time. We worried a lot and we laughed a lot. We made fun of each other and of ourselves. One of us would ask, “Who writes and illustrates a book and publishes it themselves?” The other would answer, “Apparently, crazy people like us!”

Throughout those nine months we worked hard to move things forward with the hope of getting the book “there.” We were thrilled when the “there” day came and after a few changes to the proof, we were ready to give the printer final approval – or were we? That meant no more wondering if an illustration could be improved or if the story was lacking somehow and no more chances to proofread or make one last change to the cover. It was hard to let go but the final proof did look great. The colors were amazing and the illustrations were detailed and clear. The cover was perfect, the pages were in the correct order, and the text had been proofread to death. We hoped so, anyway! It was time to click the send button on the email and give the order to print. Wait for it. Wait for it. Click! It’s done.

The wait was only about ten days but it seemed like ten eternities. On the one hand, I wanted it to be over, but on the other, I didn’t. Thank God I didn’t have another hand! Then, the call came from the printer. The books were ready. Joey and I jumped in the car and headed over there. Nerves, excitement, nerves, excitement… why is this light red!

Finally, I held in my hands the first copy of the book. I smelled it. Doesn’t everyone do that? Aaaaah, that new book smell. Every doubt and worry melted away. The months of hard work and nervous jokes seemed like they had never existed. I was calm and excited. I didn’t cry, but it was close. That new book smell defined our journey. All our stinky blood, sweat and tears came out smelling like roses. Here was our little book, ready to jump into the hands of little ones eager to read it. Our hope is that the kiddos will enjoy reading it so much that the new book smell will soon be gone and replaced with whatever that smell is that brings back memories about reading a good book.

Until next time… stay cool!

--Martha

 

 

A Reel Cool Summer by Martha Rodriguez

It's the hottest, most boring day of summer vacation! It's so hot and boring, it's like a mall that's made of really, really hot lava! Confused? That's okay, it'll all make sense once you meet Joey, Danny and Jacqui. Will the three siblings find a way to cool down? Can they turn this boring day around? Will aliens take over the world? Wait… what?

 

 

You can pick up "A Reel Cool Summer" at:

Amazon.com, Read To Me Publishing, LLC website

 

 

Links to visit:

Author Website: http://www.readtomepublishingllc.com/
Author Blog: http://areelcoolsummer.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/AReelCoolSummer
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/ReadToMePublishingLLC
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4412742.Martha_Rodriguez
Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TU-ioXo3xfE

 

 

Thanks for visiting with us, Martha!

[Julie Elizabeth Powell]

Yes, it's a great feeling when the books arrive. And actually, I don't mind the aromas of any books, new or old - just like reading. Though writing takes up much of my time, I love the way I can visit my own worlds whenever I want.

Proof reading though - yuk, yuk, yuk!

[Martha Rodriguez]

Hi Julie,
So glad you stopped by today!

It really was a great feeling for me and my son, Joey. Then, about a day or so later, came the realization that some very hard work was still ahead... promoting the book! It has been fun and I've met a lot of great people like you, though!

I've been writing quite a bit more now that the book is published and you're right the proof reading is yuk! I'm working on a book of short stories for kids and I think I'll have someone else proof it for me because I just can't see the typeos anymore!

[Julie Elizabeth Powell]

We need a spell so people can't see them!

Promotion needs money so I can only rely on things like this - great to meet others though, and I've read some great stories from the wealth of Indie writers.

[Martha Rodriguez]

Do you have a magic wand? I would love to borrow it! :)

I'm like you, no real money in the budget for promotion so I do everything I can on Twitter, Facebook, here on NYB and wherever I think I can find an audience. It's a 24/7 job and I've learned a lot but I realize there's still a long way to go.

I've got my first school visit in January and I'm trying to schedule some more. I think it will be a fun way to get the word out about my book.

[Julie Elizabeth Powell]

That's a great idea, I hope it goes well at the school.

As to the wand, my son bought me a Harry Potter one some time ago but it's defective! If I find one that works, I'll be sure to let you know.

[Martha Rodriguez]

So funny! That just made my day! :D

[Martha Rodriguez]

Thank you so much for having me, Bobbie! I look forward to meeting some new friends here today. I'm really enjoying reading about my fellow authors and learning about some great new books!

[Bobbie Crawford-McCoy]

You're so welcome, Martha! :-)

Thanks so much for making a visit during our 2nd Annual Celebration of Authors & Readers Worldwide.

All My Best,
Bobbie

[Martha Rodriguez]

It was my pleasure to be here and to chat with these lovely ladies.

Bobbie, will the link to this appearance be available the entire month of December? If so, I'd like to keep reminding folks to stop by and chat. I believe two of my friends became members of NYB today just to stop by and participate. I have some really supportive friends, don't you think?

[Rosemary McCracken]

Martha,
Just got a Kindle, which I'm in the process of getting up and running. I plan to download your book ASAP. And I'm really looking forward to reading it!
Rosemary McCracken in Toronto

[Martha Rodriguez]

Hi Rosemary!
Thanks for stopping by.

Did you get the Kindle Fire? We have the regular version but I look forward to getting a new one soon. You are so sweet for wanting to download my book! You'll have to wait a little longer to do it, though. I'm in the process of having it converted to an ebook as we speak (or type). It is only available in paperback right now but the ebook version should be ready in the next week or two. I'll be sure to let you know. I'm really excited to see how it turns out and a little nervous, too!

[Donna Perugini]

Martha! I saw the announcement on Twitter and here you are! How exciting that you're getting your book into e-book format. Whose doing it for you? I'm having mine worked on and will have them out around Easter.

Has @BookBuzzr_2 been working for you?

I joined to leave you a message. Looks like a great place to be!