Software Engineer Genius Changes Digital Book World

After watching Mike Matas speak on Ted.com about the digital book project “Our Choice” featuring Al Gore, I became so inspired by his work as a software engineer. Mike's presentation on this book is a sequel to the documentary "An Inconvenient Truth."

While Mike demonstrated his digital interactive software product, I was so impressed by how young minds can really change the world to make it a better place.  It was the the way Mike spoke about his product with passion and how demonstrated what his digital interactive book reader could do, that it made me see him not only as an innovator but he truly created something that would change the book publishing world forever. Mike’s approach on having animations, interactive info graphics while incorporating documentary footage into a digital book would make the reader full engaged in the book topic. 

Mike Matas, is a co-founder of Push Pop Press, he previously worked for the innovator company, Apple, need I say much more. His digital book software he is making available on Apple software products and will hopefully be licensing the software out to publishing houses sometime next year. I will make sure my future children's book is as interactive as what he showcased in his speech on Ted.com. 

The message Mike conveyed about how he is taking digital reading to the next level, inspired me to want to create a software product. However, I quickly reminded myself that although he makes it look easy to create such a high tech product, it is in deed more difficult to do. He inspired me to keep plugging away at my dreams and what I want to accomplish as someone in this world could use or benefit from it and most importantly I create work that I am proud of. 

As I tackle my next career as a children’s writer, I was fascinated in his speech about how technology has truly changed the world. Coming from a film and television background, I feel by creating digital applications and digital books is only a natural progression. However, I do understand the loss of the old traditional method of a hard copy book. Then I remind myself of my old young student days and realize by having a much more interactive method of reading would enhance my knowledge on the topic and create a more pleasant reading experience of very informational material. Technology is about taking the old method and enhancing it with the newer version. And with that said, we do not lose anything we only gain.

Source:

Ted Conferences, LLC. (2011, March). Mike Matas: A next-generation digital book [video file]. Retrieved from 

http://www.ted.com/talks/mike_matas.html

Ted Conferences, LLC. (2011) Speakers Mike Matas: Software engineer. Retrieved from http://www.ted.com/speakers/mike_matas.html

The Professional Organization SCBWI

As a future children’s book writer, I came across a very informational organization that would help me as I start my writing career in this new field. The Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI) I found to be a great resource for keeping current with what is happening in the industry, how to strengthen my writing and storytelling skills and enhance my knowledge about changes being made in the industry. SCBWI is the largest professional organization in the world for writers and illustrators targeting the younger audiences. The organization holds International Conferences to members, has an informational bi-monthly subscription newsletter, and offers awards and grants to members.

As a writer & illustrator in this organization, it provides one voice for their members. With the laws of publishing changing and the standard on what defines a writer and illustrator, the organization lobbies on important issues to protect its members and their work. This organization brings people of the same interest background together and directs members   to local chapters that each member can be actively involved in. Membership is open to the general public for those who have an interest in this field of work.

The most interesting part of this organization is that it offers a Master’s Class where members can meet one on one with Lin Oliver, the SCBWI Executive Director,  and well-known children’s author to have a conversation with him about the industry. As a first-time children’s writer,  I would highly benefit from this class, as it is always great to meet someone more established and see what path they took to be where they presently are. This Master Class would also be very beneficial to members in offering additional input on how to become a more successful children’s writer and illustrator.

This organization I feel is important to become apart of to help maintain a professional network within the field and stay current with industry trends especially with changing formats of writing due to technological advances. This organization provides the proper educational tools so, young writers and illustrators  can have the opportunity to meet more established professionals and gather the appropriate knowledge to grow in this field. The organization provides International Conferences and local events for certain branches to connect with other members and provides the proper resources to members to advance their work.  As a member, the organization wants your input so, volunteering to help with events or providing suggestions on event topics is welcomed. 

With the next International Conference being held in NYC, you can count me in as I look forward to becoming an active member!

Source

Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. (2011). Retrieved from 

http://www.scbwi.org