Toccoa Tuesday: Java Station

Hello, Everybody!

My corner of the book world is a bit soggy today. It is one of those droopy rainy Tuesdays in Toccoa, Georgia making this "Toccoa Tuesday" all about my local coffee shop! I am so thankful that my corner of the book world has a fantastic coffee shop: Java Station. After all, what better pair than coffee shop and a book publisher, right?!

An old gas station was remodeled to become 
the home of Java Station & Cafe.

So, Toccoa does not have a Dunkin Donuts, a Starbucks, or any super coffee shop chain; however, Toccoa does have a coffee shop! I like to think of the Java Station as a pivotal meeting place in the community. The Java Station is a host to parties, meetings, dates, networking, study groups, etc...


About a year ago, the Java Station expanded their kitchen services. Now, they serve a variety of sandwiches, salads, burgers, and an occasional grilled sandwich.  It has been nice to see the kitchen grow into producing full entree's at dinner time. Delicious!

Hot Drinks on a cold day!

The food and drinks are tasty, healthy, and original. The chefs do wonderful jobs in the kitchen! The baristas are in a class of their own. I stop in to the Java Station most every week. Most of the time I am accompanied by my younger brother. He has special needs and has been working to improve his social skills by ordering a drink for himself. The baristas are kind enough to not rush him when ordering. Instead, they treat him respectfully letting him get his order in. If my brother forgets to ask for the drink sugar free, the barista asks him if he would like the ordered drink sugar free. It is the extra step that counts. A friendly greeting when arriving and departing makes the Java Station & Cafe just the right fit for Toccoa, Georgia. Also, the background music is always something different. Sometimes it is classical music or 70's classic rock hits and everything in between. 

I feel like it is cliche to say that coffee or hot tea and a good book is all you need on a rainy day, but come on. Who craves something hot to drink on a cold and rainy winter day? I know I do! Go download Their Inheritance today to read with your cup of coffee or hot tea, whichever you fancy. :)

Believe.

Caitlin
Purple Butterfly Pages

The Big Picture

Hello Everyone!

Boy, did October fly by or what? Hello, November! Northeast Georgia has had a wet, but colorful autumn so far. The crisp fall air makes me want to move my office outdoors. I find the autumn colors inspirational. The different hues on the autumn leaves draw me to the details of the landscape rather than just seeing the big picture. The big picture being that winter is soon approaching to leave the landscapes barren of bright colors; the air more bitter as the frost nips at the faces; and the holiday festivities to commence (can't wait for that part).

The Big Picture

The book world's big picture is much like the big picture of autumn. When publishing a book, the publisher can get carried away with the big picture and the goals and purpose of the book and away from the details of the project. This is why I am the publisher and not the author. <haha> I do see the big picture and goals that need to be reached to achieve the planned end result, yet fail to always see the details along the way. The recent season's changes challenged me to take my job day by day and to focus on every modest detail of my current publishing project.

New Blog Schedule

The kind of changes we make will decide what kind of results will be produced. As I continue to grow my experience as a publisher, the autumn season is a good time to make productive changes to my work. I've decided to blog on a more frequent schedule. The blog topics will still be about my experiences as a publisher and twenty-something entrepreneur. Follow along on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and of course here on Blogger!

Twitter: @PBPages or @GaPeach291
Facebook: Purple Butterfly Pages
Instagram: pbpublications
Blogger: The Purple Butterfly Purpose

Web: www.PurpleButterflyPages.com

Thanks for reading!

- Caitlin, Proprietor & Publisher 

Happy Birthday, Purple Butterfly Pages!

Hello everyone! 

Since June marks five years since I stated Purple Butterfly Pages, I wanted to answer some questions in this month's post that you have had about my book retail business, Purple Butterfly Pages, and recap the journey so far!

When I found out that Momma's book was going to be published in the summer of 2010 I was proud and ecstatic for my mother, but I did not know God was going to use me to get the book to readers worldwide. As a college freshman majoring in Applied Business at the time, I knew I could sell my mom's books. I knew her and her work, 'Alexandra: A Williams Family Journal', better than any other book retailer. My niche was knowing the personal side of 'Alexandra' and its author. I had a sales angle that nobody else had. I started Purple Butterfly Pages. I was not in any place to open a store front so I started a website. With a printed book, I realized I wanted to give its readers the opportunity to do more than purchase the book online and wait for it to arrive in the mail. Momma was willing to travel for book signings; so we set up dates around her home state of North Carolina and locally, in Georgia. For the next couple of years, I focused mainly on school while I continued to sell books.

"When I found out that Momma's book was going to be published I was proud and ecstatic for my mother. I did not know God was going to use me to get the book to readers worldwide."

Time to Grow

After the adverse ending of Momma's contract, I knew I could make her work as an author more than it had been. In deciding whether or not to reprint 'Alexandra' or to go straight to ebook, I decided to rerelease under a new title and published the book electronically. I expanded Purple Butterfly Pages with Purple Butterfly Publications and 'Their Inheritance' was born. I was going to publish Momma's book in ebook form! That publishing process involved finding the best ebook market for 'Their Inheritance'. I chose Amazon's Kindle. I found it the best fit for my company. The publishing process has been a learning experience as is any time of risk and growth. (Just like a caterpillar's transformation into a butterfly). By becoming a publisher, I added editing, layout designing, and a whole new level of marketing and promotions to my responsibilities.
I love doing it all. 

  For the Author

   I wanted to publish books because I saw the lack of control that an author can have over their     "child". Most publishing companies allow very little, if any, author involvement in the layout and  creative design of their books. I chose not to close out the author from her work. I believe in the vision of artists. To truly get the entire story and most beautiful results, I believe the author needs to be involved in most every aspect of their "child's" life changes. Momma was involved in the publishing process of her 'baby'. I am glad she was. I believe the readers of 'Their Inheritance' can feel a stronger connection and relate more to the story because the author was more involved in the creative processes.

To the Next Five years!

As I continue to work to spread 'Their Inheritance' to its worldwide market, I want to let everyone know what is coming up next. More books are in the works for Purple Butterfly Publications! The future of PBPublications will contain more stories from Stephanie Townsend Ayers a.k.a. Momma and other authors being added to the list of featured authors over the next several years.

"THANK YOU!" 

I thank you all for supporting me and my "featured author", Momma! To all of you I met at festivals, book signings, speaking events: Thank you! To everyone who has bought a book through Purple Butterfly Pages: Thank you! I could not attempt to make a difference in this world without the support of you all. Thank you for being a part of my Butterfly journey.

If I did not answer your question, so sorry! Ask me anytime!

Caitlin Ayers
Proprietor & Publisher
Purple Butterfly Pages & Purple Butterfly Publications
www.PurpleButterflyPages.com

Behind the Blog - March 2015

Hello, Everyone!

First off, my apologies for not getting a blog out in February. I did not make it a priority. So sorry! Secondly, I hope you all had a lovely Valentine's Day whether single or spoken for. :) I spent this year's day of love with some lovely little ladies whom I share a last name with!

Family Valentine's Day Party 2015

Now, down to business.

You will find this blog post a little different from the others. Hope you don't mind! I wanted to open up a little bit about myself and let you all know who is behind the blog and why I added blogging to my "must do" list at work. You can read a bit about how I got to be an independent book seller and publisher on my business' website; and here, I am going to add to that information!

The woman behind the blog...

...I do not want to sit here and blog about my childhood, and preteen and teen years, although I was blessed with earlier years worth writing about. Instead, I'll start with more recent years'  randomness. I have a dog, Merry, a three-year-old chihuahua. She is my best friend beside my sisters! I might Instagram her a bit much. Maybe. On top of being a furry mum, I spend a lot of time with younger siblings and three nephews (the youngest was born last month!). I guess you could say I am pretty much a family-oriented person. I'm an encourager! Hopefully it shows in my blog posts. I love helping people get through tough stuff. I think that if you believe you can than you will. I also enjoy being involved in what is going on in my community. As is mentioned on my website bio, I am a Chamber of Commerce member (probably one of the youngest in my county, but I love it!). I am lucky to be able to learn from the business owners in my community. Besides being a publisher, I like to sew. Momma taught me to sew when I was ten and I eventually learned to sew full dresses. I got out of the habit during teen years and college. This year, I challenged myself to make birthday gifts for my siblings (those of them who like handmade stuff that is) this year! So far, I've done a t-shirt pillow and a child's bathrobe. I am about to make myself a bathrobe because I liked my little sister's so much! Who knows, I might make an Easter dress as well. Last year, I became a part of my parents' auction company! I was raised going to auctions. I love the different atmospheres and the differences in each auction house. You never know what will be on the auction block next! Quick plug: if you are looking for a great deal on estate auction or collectible items or looking for a specific item, let me know in an email: rememberwhenestateauctions@yahoo.com! I am fortunate to get to spend after school time with my special needs younger brother, and helping him reach life goals that he sets. Well, there are a few random things about me. Oh, and when I was a kid, I never dreamed of being an online book publisher. 

Caitlin Ayers, Publisher at Purple Butterfly Publications

On a social level,

you will find me using media that is not really social, Twitter, tweeting about my favorite sports teams. In baseball it is the Atlanta Braves, who have my sports-loving heart. I go to a game at least once a year with my Dad and sisters and/or brothers whoever is able to go. Sporting events are always fun! Like a lot of other women in their early twenties, I also love football. I enjoy college and pro with my teams being the Georgia Buldawgs and East Carolina Pirates, and I'm fan of the Atlanta Falcons. Don't boo me too hard for being a Falcons' fan. With Coach Quinn, we are going to be big this year. I also will tweet all kinds of music and song related stuff; devotionals; and really random things that nobody probably cares about. I will tweet on anyways! 

Why do I blog you ask?

I started blogging over a year ago. I felt it necessary to let buyers, readers, and others know who they were buying from or communicating with. You can tell a lot about someone's blog! I also wanted a way to connect with other publishers, book readers, bloggers, and professionals in general. So, I started blogging about different topics that have something to do with my publishing world somehow. So, that's me and why I started blogging!

I'd love to know why you read blogs. Leave a comment anywhere! Let me know any other topics you would like to read about in my blog! Until next time, you can find me on Twitter: @PBPages or @GaPeach291! :)

Believe.

Caitlin Ayers, Publisher

Purple Butterfly Publications

www.PurpleButterflyPages.com

New Happenings!

Hey everybody!

THANK YOU ALL for all of your support, reviews, and encouragement since 2010!

July marks our four-year business anniversary! I have been busy this month updating our website while setting and getting ready to reach our next year’s goals. Our featured author, Stephanie Townsend Ayers, is currently working on our next publication with the working title Through the Storms.

Subscribe to The Purple Butterfly Purpose now and don’t miss the future announcements for the working title: Though the Storms and everything Purple Butterfly Pages!

Share, +1, Tweet, and tell your friends about this blog. We are using the hashtags #PBP & #TheirInheritance 

 "No man can be called friendless who has God and the companionship of good books" 

-Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Caitlin Ayers 

Publisher and Independent Book Seller

www.PurpleButterflyPages.com

Make a Difference in America's Future: Be Aware

Hey everybody!

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. This is a cause that is close to my heart. I want to share with you my experience with our countries’ abused children. My own parents were foster parents, thus making me a foster sister, to many abused children over a fifteen year period.  For most of those years, our foster home specialized in extreme cases of physical and sexual abuse toddler and infants under the age of four-years-old. These children did not know the first thing about being loved. It was my privilege to be a small part of introducing love and kindness into their broken young lives.

I know that none of us like to think about innocent children of any age being mentally, sexually, or physically abused. Yet we must face the facts in we are to change them. The reality is that there are children abused. Child abuse occurs at every socioeconomic level, across ethnic and cultural lines, within all religions and at all levels of education. More than four children die every day as a result of child abuse. This is why community supported organizations like the Power House for Kids, located in Stephens county Georgia, are so important to our big cities and small towns. 

The Power House for Kids was established in 2002 as a Child Advocacy Center serving kids in Habersham, Rabun and Stephens Counties (Georgia) who are alleged victims of abuse. Power House for Kids offers a child-friendly environment for a child and non-offending caregiver to tell his/her story of abuse and/or neglect to trained professionals and to receive the services necessary to reduce trauma to the child. Powerhouse for Kids is a child advocate throughout any legal proceedings.

“Child abuse does not go away, but 90 percent of child abuse is preventable.” –Karen Adams

I am really excited to announce that Purple Butterfly Pages IS A SPONSOR IN THE 3rd Annual Power House for Kids 1K/5K/10K happening May 10, 2014!! Representing my company, I will be running in the 5k!!! I have been trying to get in running shape. Haha! For motivation, I use the memories of all those innocent battered children that came through our door. I am REALLY looking forward to this event supporting the fight AGAINST child abuse. 

Pictured above: Me, Caitlin, on the left and to my right is Nadine Scott, Forensic Interviewer at Power House for Kids

Pictured above: the front of the Historic Stephens County Courthouse. There are 264 pinwheels; each representing a case of child abuse in 2013 which occurred in Stephens, Habersham and Rabun Counties (Georgia). 

I believe it is our responsibility as neighbors/citizens/human beings to report any suspected child abuse. To learn the signs of child abuse, please visit the www.childwelfare.gov and be an educated child advocate. If you would like to join me in the fight against child abuse, please learn more on how you can help in your own community! 

Know the signs. 

Prevent child abuse. 

Make a difference in America’s future!

Caitlin Ayers, publisher

Purple Butterfly Publications

www.PurpleButterflyPages.com

What's Stopping You???

Hey!

Hope the week is going well for you so far. 
While washing dishes this morning after a yum breakfast of pancakes and turkey bacon, riskiness came to mind. Yes, very odd thought for washing dishes. Probably thought about it because I was risking getting the electric outlet wet when washing the electric griddle. ANYWAYS, it got me to thinking the risks I have taken in life and the ones I have NOT taken...but I think you should focus more on what you have done and not what you should have done. Learn and move on!

“Why not go out on a limb? That's where the fruit is.” - Will Rogers

Growing up I was not much of a risk taker at all (I left that up to other siblings), but when I turned eighteen something clicked. I realized the teen years were not going to last forever and the risk taking needed to be stepped up! I started college with no idea, what I'd be doing when it was over. The next year, a few days after my nineteenth birthday and a few months after I had started college, the idea of Purple Butterfly Pages was alive. 

THE BIGGEST RISK I HAVE EVER TAKEN. 
I faced fears of inexperience, rejection, and failure. BUT I worked hard anyway making phone calls, meeting new people,  doing what I knew I could do and stretching myself to do what I knew I couldn't do.  It is very true, the saying, "No risk, no reward"! I have grown and continue to grow so much as a person, mentally and spiritually, learning so much from being the owner of Purple Butterfly Pages!
I encourage you to take a risk today. You NEVER know what you are capable of, so find out!

"Do not be too timid and squeamish. ... All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make, the better." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

What's stopping you?

Caitlin :)

From N.C. to G.A.

Hello all!

On this blustery January Monday, I am glad I can stay indoors and enjoy the sunshine. While I am still figuring out this blogging thing, I want to let y'all know a bit more about me and the why and how I got into the book selling business!

A brief background on me (I'll save more extensive details for a later post):  
     Born in North Carolina and moved to Georgia when I was seven-years-old, and after fifteen and a half years here, I definitely consider myself a Georgia Peach. Being the third oldest of ten children, I am part of a big family. After being inspired as an intern at my local Chamber of Commerce when I was fifteen, I pursued an education in the business world and have earned an Associates Degree in Applied Business Technology.

Now here is the how and the why or the why and the how:
     In 2010, my mom's historical-Christian-fiction novel was published by a local book publisher. During that time I had just begun college and LOVING my business classes (which came with great teachers), so I decided to start my own business SELLING my mom's book. In July 2010, Purple Butterfly Pages was born! I created a website; ordered books; began setting up book signings at festivals and book stores; speaking engagements at churches; and it has grown from there. In 2011, the local publishing experience ended adversely leaving an amazing story without a publisher and without readers. SO, I ventured into the book publishing industry having published my first ebook, 'Their Inheritance', to amazon.com in September 2013. That's the short and sweet, my friends!!

Stay warm!

Caitlin :)

Hello All!

Well, hello all!

Welcome to the 2014 blog of Purple Butterfly Pages. Caitlin here. I am the owner at Purple Butterfly Pages and Purple Butterfly Publications! I will be blogging about what is new with Purple Butterfly Pages AND Purple Butterfly Publications as well as other randomness that comes around.

Although Purple Butterfly Pages has been in business since 2010, I just graduated college last semester.  Yes, I was nineteen when I started my own business. It has been quite the journey! I have learned so much about the industry and business since then, and I continue to learn everyday. I love meeting new people and finding the best qualities in my products to promote. I strive to meet the needs of the people through answered questions and with a smile.

Follow my blog and learn what it has been like being a college student and business owner!