Monday, March 29, 2010

eReader News and More

Entertainment Weekly features a column from Stephen King and this week he discussed eReaders. Mr. King loves his Kindle and states "Gadgets fascinate me, particularly if I can think of a way they might get weird." However, even he doesn't feel that eReaders can fully replace books.
I have agree with that statement. There's something about a physical book - the feel of the pages and knowledge that I hold a tangible object. ITunes may be my favorite store for music, but I often burn my downloads to disc, just in case.
Now, with all that in mind...
I pre-ordered my iPad this past weekend!
Yes, the pressure was too much. I had to possess the new gadget. And on April 12th, a Wi-Fi 64GB iPad and case will leave the Apple warehouse, destined for my address. So expect a comprehensive review of the device by the last week of April...
In other news, I received CASSASTAR back from my publisher after a round with the editor. So I will be busy with edits, rewrites, and polishes on my book this week. I also saw another rough draft of the cover art and it's really coming together.
And thanks to everyone who visits my blog on a regular basis. I appreciate the encouraging words and comments. I was even more stunned when science fiction author David J. Williams left a comment last week! I felt honored and humbled. (And I'm really looking forward to his next book, The Machinery of Light.)
Thanks again - and movie review tomorrow, I promise!

18 comments:

Jamie Gibbs said...

I'd love to get my hands on an iPad. I wasn't all that interested until I saw the virtual bookshelf app it had, and that was it for me. It'll never replace a real library, I love thumbing through actual books way too much, but it's a damn good way of getting access to out of print books, plus it's a great method for authors to get their work out there without having to pay huge publishing costs.

Good luck with the edits on CASSASTAR. How long did the first draft of the novel take you?

Lola Sharp said...

My husband pre-ordered his ipad weeks ago, being the cute techie dork that he is. Boys, you love your gadgets. (I'm SO analog. I'll spend my money on real books and cute shoes.)

Good luck with your edits and final polishing.

Have an awesome week,
Lola

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Jamie, I was going to wait for version 2 and then said to heck with it!
And it took me 9-10 months on the first draft - I think.

Lola, we are indeed techie dorks and proud of it!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

LOL! Just couldn't wait, huh? And that's cool that David Williams left a comment.

Sarah Ahiers said...

oooh! I'm really excited to hear your take on it! I'd like an ereader to make it easier to read huge books (like Mr King's Under the Dome)

DEZMOND said...

Ah, Alex, you should redirect that iPad to my own address since April 12th is my B-day :PPPP

I hope the editors weren't harsh with you, and that you won't have to do too much polishing and rewriting.

Can't wait to see the cover :)

Arlee Bird said...

All I can say is maybe someday. But Falen did make a point with Under the Dome. I bought the book and I rarely get rid of books I buy, so now I have this huge book to add to my collection. I'm running out of room. An e-reader might come in handy, but I'm just not totally sold. I don't even have an iPod yet.

Lee

Julie Dao said...

Okay cool, you'll have to let us know how you like the iPad! I'm curious. Maybe I'll borrow someone else's and give it a try before I get one for myself. And that's so cool that an author commented on your blog! It's fun recognizing names and connecting them from blog world to the bookstore.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I prefer hardbacks and I can only imagine how much room King's book takes on the shelf.

Dez, that's cool. Apple will celebrate by shipping my iPad that day. To me. Sorry!

Arlee, not even an iPod yet?

Julie, I will give you an honest assessment of the device.

Marvin D Wilson said...

I'm with King and you. Well for the most part. Ereaders are getting pretty cool these days, I can see why some peeps, including His Highness would like them, but I don't want one. I like the physical book to read. I spend way too much time gawking at a screen each day as it is what with all the internet research, blog-hopping, checking email, etc.

The Old Silly

Helen Ginger said...

I am so looking forward to your review of the iPad. My husband is seriously thinking of getting an eReader. We looked at the Nook in a B&N store, but the font seemed sort of tiny.

I also can't wait to see your book cover!

Helen
Straight From Hel

Anonymous said...

Very cool background. Change is good. It almost looks like the numbers are dripping and could be a subliminal message of blood dripping.

Anyway, I'll be interested in your review of the iPad. I'd like to buy one if only for downloading e-books.
Have a great week.

Stephen Tremp

B. Miller said...

That's awesome Alex! I'm jealous of your new toy. ;)

Can't wait to read your review of the new product and hear about all its neat bells and whistles! Maybe you'll help me decide if I want to buy one.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

At this point I just can't wait to get my hands on it! I wonder how long it will take me to fill it up with movies, music, and books?

joe doaks-Author said...

I join the others in looking forward to eh Ipad review.

Sounds like your book is getting close. Exciting, huh?

Best wishes, Galen.

A.J. Frey said...

I love the look of your blog BTW.
I have been coveting the iPad,and thinking about preordering. But I am making myself wait. When you get it, you'll have to fill us in on whether it is abfab.

Hannah said...

gadgets fascinate me as well...if only the budget would allow me to indulge in such, fascinations.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Galen, it is getting close!

The iPad will recieve a full review here, I promise!