Butterfly Journey

Hello, Everybody!

As I was on the way home from running errands today, a song came on from the shuffle of my handpicked playlist. The song was "Butterfly" sung by Tracy Lawrence. 

"Butterfly" lyrics

"Butterfly" lyrics

Inspired by all things butterfly, I was reminded of the butterfly journey that I am a part of. I am in the middle of editing PBP's next publishing project. Right now the story is exactly that. It is a story. It is my job to turn it into a book. A book that many can enjoy and draw inspiration and encouragement from. The story is currently in caterpillar form and with editing, proofreading, formatting, designing, and marketing, it is becoming a butterfly in the book world.

Subscribe to this blog, The Purple Butterfly Purpose, and be the first to know about book updates straight from the publisher's desk...a.k.a my desk. ;)

Believe.

Caitlin A.

Summer Reading Update

Hello, Everybody!

An update from my corner of the book world about the adult summer reading program at my local library:

The Adult Summer Reading Program has come to an end at the Toccoa-Stephens County Public Library. My personal goal was to read more books this summer than I read last summer. Last summer I read one book, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou. Proud to say that I found time to read three books during May 21-July 15, 2016. Personal goal achieved! I read Angels Don't Die: My Father's Gift of Faith written by Patti Davis. I listened to Phil Robertson's Happy, Happy, Happy! book on CD. I also read an autobiography by Esther Williams with Digby Diehl, The Million Dollar Mermaid. All were great reads. I found them inspiring and enlightening each in their own way.

As I mentioned in previous posts, Purple Butterfly Pages was happy to support the first Adult Summer Reading Program to be held at the Toccoa-Stephens County Public Library! I added a free download of my first publishing project, Their Inheritance ebook written by author Stephanie Townsend Ayers, to the grand prize winner's gift basket. The winner will be announced later this week! I would love to know what books you have read so far this summer! Let me know in the comments. :)

Myself(L), Sarah (C), and Faith(R)

I'd also like to take this post to say a big thank-you to a recent former librarian at TSCPL who invited me to be part of the new adult summer reading program, Sarah Edmonds! We have been friends for several years. She was a librarian for a few years. Sarah and her husband recently moved out of state with his amazing new job opportunity. She is missed at the library, but her work and encouragement continues!

NEW Project Announcement:

Finally, I have begun the first step of the editing process for my next publication*. The working title is 'Through the Storms' . Look for more details about the publishing process in the upcoming blog posts. Sneak peeks are available on our Instagram page: @pbpublications !

Until next time, BELIEVE!

Caitlin

*I am the publisher, not the author.

Celebrating 6 Years @ PBP!

 Hello, Everyone!

This June makes six years since I started Purple Butterfly Pages. I realize the huge blessing it is to be able to be a young American woman and have my own business. Thankful for the individuals who fought for my rights as a human, as a woman, and as an American. 

The gift of every day is not guaranteed. I am continuously determined to use my abilities in whatever way God needs to use me to impact readers', fans', and supporters' lives. A big thank you to all of you for reading a story written by Stephanie Townsend Ayers and thank her for continuing to write (yes, more stories are coming). 


I thought it would be fun to take a look back at some photos from 2010 through 2016!

 "We delight in the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty." -Maya Angelou

Alexandra: A Williams Family Journey was the first book I sold as an independent book seller in 2010.

Second book for sale at Purple Butterfly Pages and first publication for Purple Butterfly Publications: Their Inheritance

Featured author, Stepanie Townsend Ayers....a.k.a. mom 

PBP owner circa 2012, second year in business selling books and in college!

My first public speaking event at the Rotary Club meeting for Habersham County, GA
I'l never forget it! Thanks to one of my college instructors at the time, Mrs. King, who invited me to share the journey of
Purple Butterfly Pages.

Proprietor of Purple Butterfly Pages
& Publisher at Purple Butterfly Publications circa fall of 2015

Custom PBP sign hung at a book signing event in 2010

PBP sign displayed as a proud sponsor in the 2016 Currahee Cornhole Challenge presented by
the Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce!

Thankful to be a part of such an open-minded and welcoming 

Chamber of Commerce in my community! I have been a member for a few years, now. This summer, I was asked to be a part of the adult summer reading program at the Toccoa-Stephens County Public Library. Of course I could not refuse to be a part of this exciting library event! I added a free download of Their Inheritance ebook in the prize winning baskets!

Grand prize basket for the 2016 adult summer reading program
at the Toccoa-Stephens Public Library

Thanks for scrolling through memory lane with me. I am grateful for everyone who has been a part of my journey at Purple Butterfly Pages and Publications. 

Believe.- Caitlin

Exercise Your Mind. Read!

Hello, Everyone!

I hope everyone is having a beautiful and hopeful spring. It has been awhile since I updated you all on what is new at Purple Butterfly Publications.

Did you know there is a Summer Reading Program for ADULTS starting this May! If you do not live in Toccoa, there is a good chance this is happening at your local library as well. Anyone over the age of nineteen years-old can register for the summer reading program. Each book you read counts as an entry to win the GRAND PRIZE Basket that the Toccoa-Stephens County Public Library will be giving away at the end of the program. Hard copy books, ebooks, and audio books are all included as part of the program and count as entries! There is no minimum or maximum amount of books you need to read to take part of the program.

When Toccoa-Stephens County Public Library's Adult Program Coordinator, Sarah Edmonds, asked me to be a part of the library's first ever Adult Summer Reading Program, I was SO excited! I am happy to encourage reading and community involvement by partnering with the Toccoa-Stephens County Public Library this summer. This summer's theme is "Exercise Your Mind. Read!" to encourage health and fitness in your community.

As Proprietor & Publisher at Purple Butterfly Publications, I am proud to have added a copy of PBP's featured ebook, Their Inheritance, to the Grand Prize Basket which will be given away at the end of the Summer Reading Program!!!

I will personally be taking part in this program. It is the challenge I need to make more time for reading. I am now taking reading suggestions*. I will keep you updated on what I am reading once the program gets started in May!

*Leave book suggestions in the comments below.

Who says the reading programs at the library have to be just for kids? Join me this summer and let's get our reading on!!!!

Believe.
Caitlin Ayers
www.PurpleButterflyPages.com

Filling the Gap

Hello, everyone!

If you are like me, you are kind of scooting out of a summer schedule and getting into a better routine for the next season of the year. As summer drifts away, I wanted to blog about the gap between the generation of students and their parents and grandparents and how Their Inheritance can help bridge that gap.

Students,

I hope you all are settling into your new school routines and adjusting well to your new schedules. Whether you are in middle school; high school; college; or grad school, starting the next chapter tends to pull you away from your priorities and focus away from your family and onto your future in the work force. Don't forget to make time for your parents!

Parents,

as your student or students head off to a new school, keep in mind that they know that you are still at home and that wherever you are will always be "home". Find new ways to connect with your "student". For instance, reading.

Grandparents,

students may be spending more time with their friends or at their after school jobs and less time with you. This does not mean that your grandchild loves you any less. Maybe you can join in on the reading with your child and your grandchild!

The Gap

When different generations read Their Inheritance it opens up a channel of communication within the generation gaps of your family. In Their Inheritance we see the impact Charles and Grace Williams had on their children, James, Alexandra, Christine, and Lee. The elder members of the community helped the Williams children in the wake of their parents' death. The Williams teens, James and Alexandra, had to step up and fulfill their parents' responsibilities.

God was with them all, every generation, through everything they went through. Nobody was alone.

Remember that as you go into this new season and school year!

Fill in the generation gap by reading the same book. Of course, I suggest Their Inheritance ebook! While reading Their Inheritance you see each generation and their struggles and how they all help each other with those struggles. So, here is to a great school year to all generations involved in the success of each student in our lives.

Fill that gap!

Caitlin Ayers, Proprietor & Publisher
www.PurpleButterflyPages.com

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

And That Is Why It Is Butterfly

Hello all!

Happy Spring! 

Easter sunrise at Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds on Lake Chatuge

Hope you all had a wonderful Easter and spring break! Maybe you spent the spring break reading Their Inheritance? Hope so! I have had a lot on my mind the last couple of weeks and unsure what to write about and share with you all this month. For some reason the dawn of a new season brings with it a bundle of new things to try, do, and dominate. I have been blessed to be able to spend some office time working outdoors (thankful for my MacBook Pro) which led me to open up and share with you all in this blog the purpose of my choice in using "Butterfly" in my business' name . Out of all of the characters in the stories of spring, butterflies are my favorite.

Do I publish books about purple butterflies?

I have been asked many times why I named my book selling business Purple Butterfly Pages and my publishing company Purple Butterfly Publications. I chose butterfly to represent my business, clients, and products because I simply love butterflies, and I believe that butterflies are very similar to books in the way they come to life. From a pen and paper lying around to a manuscript to the publisher to the readers' lives, a book parallels a butterfly. A caterpillar is moving around for awhile, gets to the dirty cocoon stage, and magically turns into a beautiful entity to be seen throughout nature. Beautiful!

Every time I see a butterfly, it takes my breath away. A refreshing reminder of beauty and freedom and peacefulness in a moment. No matter what is happening in the office, if there is a butterfly fluttering by the window, I am reminded of the endless possibilities that lie before me. Like a butterfly drifting through nature, I believe a book is the same way. A book is able to be read by readers worldwide.

When a butterfly goes flying by, it is a drifting kind of way that is sure to catch your eye. No matter the size or how many different colors on a butterfly, you are gonna see it flying out of the corner of your eye. Once the butterfly has your eye, it draws you into its peaceful beauty. Butterflies have a stillness that persuades you to stop whatever you may be doing as it flutters by and just look at it and wonder. Wonder how something so beautiful came from a dark and dirty cocoon to a thing of beauty. When you stop and think about a butterfly's life, its freedoms are endless. The form is no longer bound to the ground as a caterpillar or bound to entombment by a cocoon. Instead, a butterfly is free to fly, explore, and BE wherever it wants to go while completely trusting its Creator to guide its path.

It is okay to have butterflies.

Whatever you are facing today, take a minute to step outside and look for that glimpse of color fluttering by! You might be reminded that after being through so much, the butterfly comes out the other side prettier, more peaceful, and more trusting than it ever was before. Ready to face endless possibilities and reach endless goals, the butterfly confidently flutters by. Believe in yourself and you can do the same. So the next time someone asks, "Do you have butterflies? Are you feeling nervous?", remember everything a butterfly is and know that having "butterflies" can be a good thing!

Every time my logo is seen whether online or on a book's spine, I hope it serves as a reminder of all that a butterfly is!

Believe.

Caitlin Ayers, Publisher

Purple Butterfly Publications

www.PurpleButterflyPages.com

Facing the Odds

Hey all!

Over these past few weeks since my college graduation, I have been thinking a lot about my current job as owner of Purple Butterfly Pages and Purple Butterfly Publications.  By definition, entrepreneur  is  a person who organizes and operates a business or businesses, taking on greater than normal financial risks in order to do so.

The main reasons a person starts a business is to either sell or provide a service to the public, service or retail. As for me, I saw a need from book readers for new respectable books to purchase. A passion was stirred in me to provide the public with a novel or book that not only entertained a reader, but also encouraged and inspired the reader through its story as well. So, I found an avenue to do just that and a new entrepreneur was born!  I began working to organize a business where I could sell such products online as well as at special events, thus Purple Butterfly Pages  was created! 

Some people have described me as an optimistic realist. I interpret that to mean that I am optimistic about the things I do, but understand that everything does not always work out as I imagined or hoped. Here is where the risks-taking part of being an entrepreneur comes in. As a business owner, I need to take risks in order to gain more of what I want and need. If you don’t go after something you want, guess what…you won’t get it!  Take the risk!

“Entrepreneurship isn't for everyone, and not everyone is going to be an entrepreneur, but women who turn to business, turn to economics, because there are people depending on them, I think that their creativity, their resilience, their spirit, embody what's best about entrepreneurship.”

Gayle Tzemach Lemmon

Another reason I chose to be an entrepreneur- to do my part to help raise the economic stability of my city, my state, and my country. Maybe the United States of America does not have the best economic stability at the moment, but I believe it can and will get better if its citizens support our country’s businesses especially the small ones.

Believe.

Caitlin 

www.PurpleButterflyPages.com

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!