When I recently learned that another novel set in the Animation field was being published before I could finish and publish mine, I freaked out.
The one sure thing I had going for my book was the uniqueness of the animation setting, something I’d never seen in a novel before. But, although the story is quite different, the other book also deals with the passions and history of animation and if it’s read before mine ANIMATED could look derivative and copycat.
I’ve spent years writing this novel and, as modest an effort as it is, I don’t want it to appear déjà vu. What to do to avoid being scooped? I consulted an erudite published author who told me she’d found herself in the same situation and strongly advised me not to be number two or my book would suffer.
Even though the final draft of ANIMATED has not yet been submitted to, read or rejected by any traditional publishers or agents, there simply isn’t time enough to go through normal publishing channels. The only way to get ANIMATED in front of readers first was to publish it on Kindle.
So, if you click on the cover image at the top of this page you'll be able to instantly read ANIMATED. Don't worry about the different covers, it's the same book.
What’s it about?
In 2006 when CGI threatens to take over the last hand-drawn animation studio in Hollywood, animator Max Koa does his best work ever, hoping it will somehow save the studio. Instead, it leads to sabotage, showdowns, even cream pie fights and Max finally resorts to dirty tricks to save his career.
In 2006 when CGI threatens to take over the last hand-drawn animation studio in Hollywood, animator Max Koa does his best work ever, hoping it will somehow save the studio. Instead, it leads to sabotage, showdowns, even cream pie fights and Max finally resorts to dirty tricks to save his career.
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Apparently, a novel about animation is such an unusual idea on Amazon that it can’t be found with other NOVELS or even in FICTION so don’t be surprised if you find it surrounded by comics, bios of Walt Disney and how-to do-animation. Search for the full title: ANIMATED, The Turbulet Transition From Pencils to CGI and specify ANIMATION or Amazon's weird search software might not let you find it.This rush is not about sales, it’s about your reading something fresh and new and learning to love animators and animation. So the book will be free to review for the next 5 days.
I'm told REVIEWS and RATINGS are the life-blood of ebooks, without them the book will languish on the shelf, unread and unloved forever. The best places to post reviews are GOODREADS and AMAZON. If you don't have time to actually write anything, rate it with STARS.
Here's a lovely 5-star review posted on Amazon last Friday (it takes forever to attach to the book) from John Lechner, a well-known East Coast author:
JMLechner reviewed *****ANIMATED, a novel: The Turbulent Transition From Pencils to CGI
December 9, 2016
Great characters, a fascinating look behind the scenes:
If you’ve ever been curious about the inner workings of the animation industry, or the lives of the artists who work there, this novel is a funny, quirky, and often dramatic look behind the scenes. Star animator Max is trying to save his career as well as the future of hand-drawn animation, while dealing with old rivalries, a new protégé, and an eccentric cast of co-workers. All taking place against the glamorous and gaudy backdrop of Hollywood. A fun read, and I learned a lot about animation.
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ANIMATED, The Turbulent Transition, From Pencils to CGI,
ANIMATION, TRADITIONAL ANIMATION, HOLLYWOOD
