"Books with a difference," writes Vivienne Evert attending The Power that's Ours book launch

Book launch - The Power that's Ours by Gary Hirson - Vivienne Evert

It was with eager anticipation that I left my house to attend the latest book launch at Wordsworth Bookshop (Willow Bridge Centre, Bellville), last Saturday morning.

The Power that's Ours by Gary Hirson. This is the second book by Mr. Hirson and continues the story of two young siblings, Jina and Joel and their adventures and experiences with their friend, Magic. The reason why this particular book launch had me so excited, was because I've never attended the launch of a children's book and this one especially was something unique.

Gary Hirson is a professional photographer, businessman and in recent years, writer. He resides in Cape Town and came up with the idea of writing children's books, with the focus on creating awareness in children of self development concepts, usually only found in adult literature. And he's making a huge success of it.

Opening the launch was Sabine Lehmann, CEO of Table Mountain and personal friend of Gary Hirson. Her testimony of Gary as the type of person, that not only speaks of setting goals, but also then commits to it until it's realized, is evident under the circumstances.

Gary opens with a short message of thanks to everybody that made this book possible. The Power that's Ours centers on concepts such as goal setting, visualization and affirmations. As is the case with the first book, The Magic That's Ours, in which Gary set out to make children aware of the wonder of their own imaginations, this again is an interactive book, with numerous activities to have fun with and really get the concept home.

These days a lot of adults are putting time, money and effort into personal development. More books, seminars and courses on the topic are available for adults today then ever before. Gary Hirson has made use of all the tools available to him and realized that had he been exposed to these self-development concepts at a younger age, he may have made many different choices along the way. This inspired him to write a children's book and so these books came into being.

Both books are self-published. The story of how Gary got to publish his own books is another testimony of how he practices what he preaches. When he finished the first book, he had everything all lined up and was ready to go to print, when his publisher unexpectedly went out of business. Gary could choose to let the dream of becoming a published writer go, or publish his own book instead. By speaking to numerous people and using his sound business acumen combined with passion and personal drive, he is now the proud published author of two books.

Originally the publisher who was going to print his first book, was concerned that it was too short and asked Gary to add a few more chapters, which he did. However when Gary decided to self publish his book, he made the decision to keep it at its original length. The new 4 chapters then became part of his latest book, The Power that's Ours, which focuses on goal setting, not as some huge daunting task, but as a fun activity. Gary believes that when we set goals and achieve them, our self-belief grows and once that takes hold, there is no stopping us!

As Gary points out, we all set goals all the time. Whether small or large, simple or majestic, we all set them. But while some people only think of their goals, others write them down and plan ways to achieve them.

Gary ends his talk by reflecting on the notion that happiness is the feeling one feels when achieving a pre-set goal. And by that definition Gary Hirson is a man that lives his happiness. And we and our children, are all better off for it!

Gary Hirson attended a writing course at The Writing Studio prior to publishing his first book. I had the opportunity to quiz him about the impact this had made in bringing his books to life as well as gain other insights and knowledge from him:

This is your second book. How did the course you did at the Writing Studio assist you as a writer?
Although the first book had already been written at the time I attended the course, it lacked in structure and definition and I lacked in confidence to pursue realizing it. The Writing Studio made me aware of the avenues for writing that are available to me and gave me the confidence to pursue the publishing of the book. I now also write short pieces and travel articles for magazines, which I submit to various publications.

How difficult is it to publish your own books? And what does it entail?
Well, it basically means you fund everything yourself. You have to find your own illustrators, editor and printers. I did allot of research though and spoke to many people in the publishing industry and got input from other sources as well. There are tons of literature and information available on self-publishing when you look for it. And everyone in the industry is most helpful. Most people wanted to see the book get published and that helped allot. Self-publishing is also growing tremendously in the printed world, it is not as uncommon as one thinks.

Any tips for budding writers who would like to publish their own books?
If you are serious about it, treat it as a business. You have to get the right people in place to help you and learn from others.

Writing for children is not simple, as adults don't always know what children will find interesting and what will keep their attention. How do you know you are on the right track with the concept of the book?
It was important to me to have the right reviewers while writing the book. Amy Falconer, the young lady that read from The Power that's Ours, during the launch, played a vital part in reviewing the final manuscript. In the end, it is a book for children, so seeing the fun and skills they get it from it, is all the confirmation I need to know I am on the right track

What is next for Gary Hirson? Where to from here?
It is really important to me that The Power that's Ours reaches as many children as possible. For me, it is not about promoting the book as such, but promoting the ideas, tools and concepts in the book. I really believe children will benefit from the message the book delivers and I hope to get it into every school I possibly can. I am currently visiting schools with the book; where I present the material to kids in a fun way and then I am off to London to make arrangements to promote it abroad as well.

The Magic that's Ours and its sequel The Power that's Ours are both available for sale in all leading bookstores throughout South Africa. They can also be purchased online at www.calminstorm.com, in both paperback and e-book format.

BOOK LAUNCH ON APRIL 11

Lil'Dreys is a fantastic place for both kids and adults. Not only is it a great birthday party venue, but the French couple who own it organise really cool things for kids to do. Art workshops, book store, toy selection, yoga and Tai Chi(for the kids) , coffee shop, art gallery , wine tasting, art classes and furniture store for you older ones J
This is really a cool place to take your kids. There has already been a lot of media attention surrounding this newish spot.

So if you're not able to come down on Saturday the 11th April at 10.30am to once again see me talking about and signing my books, then definitely diarise a time to venture forth and discover new places. Mom's you're gonna love it.

Address: 140 Waterkant street, Green Point. (Right at the end next to Cecile and Boyd) 021 418 4414