Lessons From The Phantom of the Opera© and Other Phantom Ramblings: Author's Proof In My Hands

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Author's Proof In My Hands

Today I received my author's proof copy in the mail from my publisher, Xlibris. How totally surreal it is to see my words from this blog put into book form. It's the most awesome experience I have ever known. I sincerely want to HUG everyone of my readers and personally thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking this journey with me.

When I started this blog it was on a whim. Now that whim has taken me to a dream come true. I have always wanted to write. Yes, I've gone the vanity route of self-publishing, which I thought was the appropriate route for putting a blog into print in a short period of time. I could sell one or thousand copies, and I would still be happy with the outcome. It matters not - truly. I haven't done this to make money. I've printed this blog to share the story with all of you.

The motivational factor that has kept me month after month for an entire year dissecting Phantom of the Opera are the comments and emails you send. If what I've written touches one heart, then I have reached my goal. My success will not be measured by the lack of a book contract with a publishing house, whether it's available on Border's bookshelves and only online, or if the reviews are good or bad when it hits the marketplace. I already know from your comments that my goal throughout this whole process has been accomplished. Erik's story has tugged at my heart like none other. His struggle, humanity, passion, genius, and one longing to be loved for who he truly is touches us all on a common ground!

I do hope that you will enjoy the book. It's raw, I'll admit that, because I did not have money to have it professionally edited. You may find a typo or two, so forgive me after reading it 20 times that I might have missed a few things. (Of course, I've picked up books from big-time publishers and found typos, so go figure!) Paying Webber's licensing fees took a bite out of my pocketbook, though publication and artwork prices were minimal. My purpose, as you probably know by now, was not to write some literary wonder, but to help you reflect and enjoy the story even more.

I love you all. You have no idea! Next step is production. When I have a release date, you'll be the first to know.

The Phantom's Student

2 comments:

Sage said...: Glad to hear that your book is coming out soon! I can't wait to check it out once it's been released. You can be sure that the minute I finish it, you'll be the first to know my thoughts.; April 16, 2009 at 6:36 AM
Anonymous said...: Pattie Garner said...
Naturally, as a human, I love the song : The Black Parade and Phantom of the Opera. But when I listened to the lyrics, I didn't see the same images or perhaps what was intended. If you are interested I have published an urban fantasy novel, The Black Parade: The Phantom Series. It is my take on the song. The Black Parade, an urban fantasy novel written to capture the minds of those who want to laugh out loud, squirm a little in their pants, and even cry.
An hey, 50% of my proceeds goes to St. Judes. Let's show the world that through music and literature we can make a difference in the world.

visit:www.theblackparadephantomseries.blogspot.com

or
http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/the-black-parade/6174510

I looked forward to hearing your comments. :); April 21, 2009 at 5:03 PM

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Blog/Book Review

"Lessons From 'The Phantom of the Opera' " is a creative and thoughtful approach to pop culture hit. I enjoyed the book because I teach French history at the college level and I have long enjoyed Gothic novels as well as opera. I connect with the story on several levels, professional and personal. "Lessons" takes a personal, reflective approach that asks readers to think about why they react as they do to the musical and novel. Why does such an old fashioned, romantic story have such appeal in post modern society? Simple: young or old or in between, we still respond to the emotions explored in the story. I plan to tell some of my students who are Phantom fans about this book." (Dr. Melanie Byrd)

The Joy of Audio Books

I love audio books. They open up a whole new world of entertainment. They save time from sitting down and reading a book. You can listen while driving to work, during work, taking a walk, running, or working outside and around the house. It's a time-saving opportunity to take a moment and enjoy your favorite books, acted out by talented voice artists, many of which are from television and stage.

The talent chosen for The Phantom of Valletta, has extensive voice experience. My other narrators are from the stage, or are professional voice artists that have done television, documentaries, and commercials.

Why not try out a membership at Audible? It's easy - starts with a free trial, has no long-term commitment, and is filled with entertainment.

Join today, and I'll give you a free code to one of my books of your choosing to get you started.

JOIN HERE AT AUDIBLE

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All quotations used in this blog are the property of:

The Phantom of the Opera, by Gaston Leroux, Pubished by Random House, Inc. 2002 (Quoted with Permission)

Introduction by Anne Perry, Copyright 2002, Random House, Inc. (Quoted with Permission)

Phantom Of The Opera lyrics are the property of their respective authors, artists and labels. (Music Andrew Lloyd Webber/Lyrics Charles Hart, The Really Useful Group, London, UK). Licensing fees were paid to use them in my book, Lessons From the Phantom of the Opera, but have been omitted here on the blog. Artwork is posted by permission of artist.

Writer's icon and other photos used in his blog were purchased from iStockPhotos.com, with rights for use, or are personal photographs taken by Phantom's Student. POTO from Photobucket.

Special Thanks

Special thanks to Anne Perry who has given me permission to quote her from her introduction to The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux, published by Random House, 2002, and her good luck wishes.

Special thanks to the Hal Leonard Corporation, who made my experience in getting licensing permission to use Webber's lyrics in my book easier than I dreamed.

Special thanks to my readers that allow me to express my views from behind my mask and keep coming back for more even though I poke at them.

Special thanks to Sadie Montgomery (Author of the "The Phoenix of the Opera" series) for holding my hand through my self-publishing experience and for her faithful and continued encouragement.

References Used