Anyway; progress report. I am happy to say that I've made heaps of progress on my fantasy eBook prototype. It is more or less fully functional now; I still have to add in a few small things after feedback from my Honours supervisor, but most of this will be more time consuming than technically difficult, so it shouldn't be too big a problem. I'm aiming to have it complete by Monday so I can begin user testing, though I have to wait for the tablet PC we've ordered to arrive before I can start. It's a huge weight off my shoulders, though; earlier on I was really panicking because I didn't know how I was going to get it working, but after harrassing one of my old lecturers and just tinkering around with it for hours (actually, days), I got there in the end, and I am actually pretty proud of what I have made.
Here is the coloured version of the world map for my novel that will be used in my fantasy eBook prototype:
To be honest, I haven't done as much on my illustrated children's book as I would like, since I've been too busy trying to get my eBook prototype working. However I spent a lot of time last night bouncing ideas off my nan, and based on that I've decided on what I think will be an interesting but easy/quick style for creating my backgrounds. All I really have to worry about now will be drawing the characters (dragons and children) and refining the story/text. I don't have any completed character designs at this stage (everything is still at the rough sketch/messy combination of random art materials stage in my sketchbook), but when I have a finalised dragon design, I'll post it on this blog.
In other (awesome) news, a few weeks ago, I entered a drawing competition for some author-signed steampunk fantasy books... And I won :D Here is my drawing (I did this during a lecture because I was bored):
Unfortunately even when I receive the books, I probably won't have time to read them for another few weeks anyway :( (I say that knowing I'll end up just staying up all night to read them).
I hope Judgemental Dog doesn't get his hopes up too high...
See how other ROW80ers are going here.
Sounds like you've been really productive. Did you draw the map or use a program? I have Campaign Cartographer but the learning curve is so high and I just don't have time to fiddle with it right now to make my maps.
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed with your progress, Rebecca! The e-book prototype sounds very interesting, and I love the zephyr. I can't draw worth a hoot, so I am impressed by people who do such lovely work.
ReplyDeleteI had to laugh about reading the books--that sounds like what I would do--while intending to be all virtuous, I would read them anyway, unable to resist the temptation!
I hope your week continues to be productive.
I can't imagine the techno-knowledge swirling around your brain to be able to develop an ebook prototype... Really, it was only a few years ago that my kids showed me how to copy and paste...(Sad, but true...so true)
ReplyDeleteAs always, I adore Judgemental Dog...
~ Nadja
I love the map. I am so artistically challenged, it isn't fair. And congrats on all your hard work. It will pay off in the end. You seem very dedicated and that will work to your advantage. Keep up all the good work. And "Hi" to Judgmental Dog, helpers are always welcome!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on all your progress, nice map, I used to love finding a map in a book. Hope the remainder of the week goes well.
ReplyDeleteHi Rebecca,
ReplyDeleteI've awarded you the Liebster Blog Award. http://wp.me/pPSyB-2l
Enjoy!