FROM THE PUBLISHER, Ana Maria Seaton

On Self-Publishing

"I have always had a passion for the written word, both as a writer and a book collector. In order to gain more of an insider knowledge to the craft, I started working for MacMillan* in the early 90's. My experience there gave me more of an appreciation for publishing as an industry and being a part of the process from start to finish put things in a whole new perspective.

As technology has evolved, and continues to, I am pleased to see how it has empowered writers to become more inviolved in the process of making their dreams fo becoming authors a reality. Self-publishing is not for everyone or every project, but it does have its place. Publishing a book, regardless of whether it is self-published or through a traditional publishing house, is a somewhat intimidating process for most authors. Both require a lot of effort on the author's part so having a 'support group' stand by you makes things a little easier and allows you to not only enjoy the process but that feeling of independence that comes along with doing it yourself.

Seeing an author's drive and determination to get their work out into the world is inspiring. To watch a project bloom and flourish into something tangible that can be held in your hands is an indescribably amazing feeling, a weight lifted. Dragonfly Press is here to help writers nurture their projects and rebirth themselves as authors.

On Independent Handmades

I am always looking for projects that I can pour myself and my skills into completely. I got into making 'zines (handmade magazines) years ago because it was something that could be produced inexpensively utilizing the tools I already had; paper, a glue stick, and a copy machine at the local office supply store. It was a new kind of play and very exciting.

My first publication, a monthly zine called Beyond Sleep & Dreams, had five staff writers and ran for over a year in 2001 - 2002. Each issue had regular columns, stories, puzzles, book and movie reviews, hand-rendered cover art, and interviews; including one that I was very fortunate to have gotten with internationally-known author Charles de Lint. The zine on average was 32 pages and an incredible learning experience. Oddly enough, I didn't even know what a 'zine was back then. Either way, I was hooked on the format and have looked for opportunity to create more since. I have since kept the name as the title of my writing blog.

Zines, for me, are the perfect outlet for both my writing and my art. I can research topics that I love, things that I know are of interest to others, and I can create something that I can share. The journey that I take in creating a 'zine is one of learning, self-exploration, and growth. It also allows me to use my gifts, meet new people, make new friends, and put something creative back out into the world.

On the Name

Dragonfly has been my nickname for over 20 years; a long story that I plan to make into a mini book someday. Dragonfly symbolizes prosperity, good luck, strength, and harmony. It also represents change. As creatures of both air and water, Dragonflies are born of water and spend their lives within close range of it. Water is symbolic of the deeper or 'dreaming mind'. Dragonfly as a totem encourages us to look at life from different angles and adapt with change. It also reminds us that we need to act with compassion and help others.

Dragonfly Press is about helping others attain what their deeper minds dream of. It was born out of my love of writing and helping others."

You can find more of Ria's work at www.renmeleon.com or get involved with her writer's group online at www.wordwhimsy.com.

WHAT IS A 'ZINE?

Put simply, a 'zine is a handmade magazine. Zines have been around since the 60's and seem to have had a resurgence as of late with the DIY creative crowd.

*This site nor its publisher are in no way connected to or endorsed by MacMillan Publisher or any of its subsidiaries.