August 12, 2008
To blaze a trail…
… or not.
So booktrailers are the thing to some people. And some folks are less than impressed by them. I am just enough of a procrastinater to avoid writing and sit down to find pics and music to create one. And actually it is quite fun (for me). Especially when you have a piece of music that hits a cert pic right at the right moment . . . I get all goosepimply! 
In my honest, yet not sought out opinion, I think: what can it hurt to get another avenue of advertising out to the world? As long as you actually do get some writing done (which I have) and possibly get some reading done (which I will) and don’t have anything you’re taking yourself away from to create one (which if I did, I sure wouldn’t admit it). And as I didn’t pay someone to do it–found royalty free pics and music, my own cover copy–I am out no money. BONUS!
I don’t know that I could pay someone to do it for me regardless of how much better it would look by a “professional”. I am still a tightwad when it comes to certain things–like not shoes or clothes–or pens 
So I have forged again into the fray of techno-gal and created a trailer for TRADING FACES:
Whether it’s good or not, I can’t say for sure (and if you hate, I REALLY don’t want to know), but as for fun, YEP.
Besides, I can’t let my 13-y-o have all the fun on Youtube!
That was cute, Dennie! What did you use to create it? Do you have an Apple?
Thanks Tanya…
No I used Windows Movie Maker. from what I understand it’s pre-installed on Windows. A fellow ‘Bud Ashley Kath-Bilsky did a workshop on it at the YR retreat last year. It’s not hard… just time consuming!
Was your movie program a thirty-day free trial, and then you have to buy the license? Or did it already come with total access? I only ask because Microsoft is famous for loading a bunch of “free trial” stuff on your computer, and then you end up having to buy it in the end. I had an HP w/Vista, so I’m curious. If it’s on that computer, I didn’t know about it. lol
Right now I’m using a Mac. I think I have some movie making software on here. Not that I’d know how to freaking use it. The only thing I know how to use is Word for Mac. Everything else is a mystery.
I think it’s just part of Windows. I made another one back something like 10 months ago and it never asked for purchase or subscriptions.
It is in the list of programs when you scroll over the start menu list (and it has a movie reel icon). It was already installed on the computer when I got it as far as I know.
There is another program that you can also get–a free download from Windows (though I started to try this but was familiar w/ the other and went back to it)
It’s part of Windows, Tanya, (along with WORD, Paint, etc) I have it on my laptop and so does my son (he’s used his, but I haven’t used mine, yet).
I agree, Dennie, while I can’t honestly say a book trailer has ever swayed me to buy a book, or even check it out, others have said they like them, besides i figure they can’t hurt and they’re another bit of entertainment/marketing to offer up. I actually lurve the one Dee Tenorio did from me and find myself checking out other trailers more often now. :-P
Great job on your trailer, Dennie!
Thanks Vanessa… when I found out about it, I told the 13-y-o and he already knew and had used it several times… it’s crazy how they can fart around w/ it and whamo… he’s al over Youtube!
Dennie & Jaq,
Yeah, I’m familiar with the painter program. The movie thingie is probably in my accessories folder. I’ll have to check that out.
As for book trailers, I’m not really into them that much. I usually will watch one if it’s a favorite author, otherwise they don’t really sway me. However, I agree with Jaq, there are some people who are just the opposite. They like them and it helps in their buying decisions.
It’s cute, Dennie!!
And Omigod, you’re right!
I have a movie maker under Windows! (duh…)
Oh I can just get REAL silly with something like that…