Letter From The Editor Welcome to the Dazzle!

Did you know that a group of zebras is called a dazzle? They are and that is what I will affectionately call the readers of this magazine. If you would like to learn more fun facts about why the zebra is so special, please make sure that you read the article about Why Zebras?

“If you were a successful book publisher of a small print label, why would you switch to a digital magazine?”

That is a question I get asked often these days. I have loved being a publisher of books, but it takes a long time for each one to be ready. It also means sharing one story at a time. There is nothing wrong with that and the stories I have been honored to help bring to life mean something deeply to me. I wouldn’t change any of them or the countless other people I have edited for, created marketing plans for, had events for, etc. It has been the most rewarding time of my life.

Here is the thing. I feel called to change for three reasons. The first reason is because I want to be able to share more stories and I have maxed out my capacity to do them faster. I could hire lots of editors, formatters, and designers, but then I would be just a cog in the wheel, and I don’t really want that. I like the personal connection I have to all of the authors, and I truly don’t want to lose that. So, in order to tell more stories, I need to create a new format.

Secondly, selling books can be tough for authors. I recognized years ago, before I even became an author myself, that one of the best ways to grow an audience is to get published in already established publications. I have been a newspaper and magazine columnist and know from experience that getting into publications is an excellent way to expand anyone’s reach. Many authors, artists, and entrepreneurs don’t know how to do that. I wanted to create an accessible outlet for them to be published in a magazine. It will help them grow their audience and share their stories in an easily consumable way. This is not limited to just authors though – anyone who wants to share a story can publish in this magazine.

Thirdly, STORIES ARE POWERFUL! On a very ordinary day in the middle of July, I wasn’t feeling well. I went to the Emergency Room and a few hours later, the doc said I needed to have a very awful sounding procedure done. I said no. He left the room to let me think about it and I still wasn’t into having this procedure done. He returned later and asked me what I wanted to do. I told him I didn’t really want to. He shared with me that he had the very same procedure two years prior and hasn’t had any trouble since. He feels great and the procedure helped him. I then agreed and had the life saving procedure. Thank goodness that the doctor was willing to share his experience with me. It could even be said that his story might have saved my life.

This platform is meant to share stories that will help you connect, heal, feel empowered and maybe even save your life or that of someone you love. Just about everything in this magazine is linked so you can find out more and connect with the author. I encourage you to do that as often as you can.

I hope you enjoy this issue and feel free to share with those you know who may need to read it too.

Happy reading –

Sheila Kennedy Editor and Publisher of Zebra Ink Magazine