Old Dogs Still Learning

That old adage about how you can’t teach an old dog new tricks has no place in today’s world. This old dog has spent two weeks trying to learn how to navigate through a new platform for releasing books. It’s different than Amazon’s book site, and it took me a while to get all the little details figured out. I did that to myself because I decided to change my business model and go wide (translation: release from more places than just Amazon, e.g., Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple…). While that may mean little to you, it’s a giant step for me. My decision was made after I attended a conference where an author said she has more readers overseas than in the US. Time will tell whether I have that same kind of luck, but I’ll at least try. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

It’s been a test of patience, but I think I’ve got the new system conquered. The last hangup was the paperback cover. What worked in Amazon didn’t work in the other website. I went back to my cover designer, and she helped me out (a round of applause for her). At last, I have both the e-books and the paperbacks of my newest book ready for distribution. I found out the other day that yeah, they’re loaded all right, but on Amazon, they won’t be released until August 30th. The new websites have them available now. That messed up my big release and ad promotion plans. But being an old dog, I’m going with the flow.

Learning is a life-long activity. Every few years, no matter your age, you have to learn how to use your new cell phone or TV or other device. Sure, you can keep the old ones, but some of us like the new upgraded cameras, clearer pictures, and having a TV large enough to read what’s scrolling across the bottom of the screen. Plus, there comes a time when technology is so old, it’s not supported by the system anymore and an upgrade becomes necessary. You can stick your head in the ground and refuse to move on, but you get left behind in a hurry. You become dependent on those who haven’t stopped learning who have to try to show you how or do it for you. Instead, take command and dive in. You’re never too old to learn something new.