As a self-published author, I’m constantly seeking out new ways to promote my books without spending any money if possible (mainly because I don’t have any extra money to spend advertising and marketing).
I learned early on that I liked playing around with the Affinity Photo Program. I played around with Affinity Designer as well, but I didn’t have as much success. I still have a long way to go but I’m getting better with Affinity Photo.
And now I learned that Affinity was bought out by Canva and there is one program with all of the other programs in it. I downloaded that and started working with it.
I still like the Affinity Photo Program better because I’ve grown accustomed to the layout and all the features. I am slowly becoming acquainted with the Canva version. There are definitely some features on Canva I do like, especially the pencil. Affinity Photo didn’t have a pencil. It’s nice to have a pencil to sketch with.
I also got back into sketching out basic things like I did when I was young, back before I even met my wife. I sketch things out on paper and then photograph them and transfer them to the computer programs.
No AI involved. I dabbled with AI when it first came out but since learning how it is theft and is destroying art in all its beautiful forms, I stopped. Nobody without any practice and effort should be stealing the hard work of talented people.
Maybe I’ll get behind on AI because of my stubbornness. They are forcing it on us, applying to every app, computer and phone we use. But still I will be stubborn. People who know me, know I don’t change quickly and can be set and stubborn in my ways. It took me forever to switch to CDs, DVDs and cell phones.
But when it comes to AI, I believe there is no honor in stealing. Apparently, many other people think it’s ok if it helps them get ahead.
So anyways, with the pencil on Canva, I can sketch directly on the computer.
One of my favorite things to do with Affinity Photo is experimenting with various paint brushes. Once I have a sketch to work with, I dabble with the paints and brushes to color it in and discovered I like the Watercolor brushes best of all.
It’s taking a while but I’m learning how to manipulate the brushes, the strokes, the flow etc… to replicate actual Watercolor painting.
It’s not the same as actually Watercolor painting, but it is fun all the same without all the cleanup.
And once a painting is complete, there are so many other tools and filters to apply for various changes.
I’m no professional and I’ve taken no classes. I watch a lot of YouTube videos on sketching and Watercolor painting as well as how to improve your skills on Affinity Photo.
It’s all a learning process and you’re never too old to learn.
I guess, I don’t really have an end goal in mind.
I just like writing my stories and want to do some accompanying artwork as well.
I’m ok with self-publishing.
I’ll sell as many books as I can on my own.
I’m too old and too tired now to jump into that hornet’s nest of publishing houses. They either want you to pay a small fortune for their services or they expect you to already have a large audience as well as a marketing plan before they’ll even consider signing you.
No thanks.
If someone out there happens upon my work and is interested in it, they can find me right here. Maybe I’ll sell enough books one day for them to come looking. Until then, none of this isn’t about ambition or making money. I’m already a successful author. As of today, I’ve completed five novels, two novellas and several other small works. I have sold books all around the world. That sounds like success to me. It’s far more than I expected ten years ago when I first published Betrayal.
Like the Watercolors and the computer programs, this is art. I want to do it.

I actually touched upon this mindset of mine in Blue Grotto when Guidus Salvatore is whittling at the Happy Spider and remembering Umberto, the poor old stableman who worked for his parents’ estate near Florence and taught him to whittle.
Umberto taught him to be patient and not rush the work, to learn to be satisfied with what you accomplish and not concern yourself with others.

“Even at my age, I take my time. Those that rush ahead in life tend to get hurt often. If you harry the blade, the knife will glance, and you’ll catch your fingers and cut the skin.” Umberto showed Guidus some old scars on his hands. “These are telltale signs of experience, lad. I’ve had a few. And you will suffer some as well, guaranteed. But without scars there is no experience, and without experience, you’ll become the master of nothing. You may own many things in life but owning things doesn’t make you a man. Suffering the work is what makes you a man.”
Excerpt from Blue Grotto

Umberto finishes his lesson to young Guidus with this piece of advice.

“In time, if you are truly skillful, the knots and difficult grains will blend right in and give the project character and strength. People will look at what you have made and smile. They will never know the hazards you faced making it, the challenges you had to overcome to create such beauty. Like a god, they will look upon you and see a wise and skilled craftsman and his art. The troubles you faced to get there are yours and no one else. Only you will know the truth of it. And when you look at your scars, you’ll be reminded of everything you endured. And that is the real value in everything you do, young master. How much do you appreciate it? Was the labor worth it? And is what you accomplished beautiful in your eyes?” Umberto paused. “We all have a set time in life. Use it wisely, young master. Use it wisely. Create something beautiful with your life.”
Excerpt from Blue Grotto

Hope you enjoyed that little insight.
Until next time, stay inspired and keep reading!

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