Transcript for 2/26/12 #storyappchat: Sean from Persian Cat Press

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I was sorry to miss last night’s #storyappchat with Sean Smith of Persian Cat Press–the transcript above reveals not only a valuable discussion but also giveaways of their new storybook app The Gift. A big thanks to all who attended, and special thanks to Sean for agreeing to guest host the chat. Also I really appreciate David Fox and Carisa Kluver holding down the fort in my absence.

Remember, we get together every Sunday night to talk about all things related to kids’ storybook apps and ebooks. Make plans to join us at 9:00 p.m. this Sunday as well–topic to come!

Topic for 2/26/12 #storyappchat: Persian Cat Press

We are pleased to have Sean Smith from Persian Cat Press joining us for this Sunday’s #storyappchat. Their first picture book app is called The Gift and is featured in the video trailer above. Here’s a little more from Sean:

I’m from Persian Cat Press, a publisher of interactive iStories for iPad and iPhone based in Manchester in the UK.

At Persian Cat Press, we’re as excited by a well-crafted tale as we were in our childhoods, and we believe that the possibilities for storytelling on touchscreen devices such as the iPad and iPhone are virtually endless.

We’ve just released The Gift, an original picture book app for children aged four and older written by Jos Carlyle and illustrated by Dan Mynard. It weaves a subtly metaphorical tale about all the things we might give children and the one thing they need most of all.

We’re aiming to produce great apps that maximise the creative possibilties afforded by the interactive features of the iPad and the iPhone. The Gift was written with these interactive features in mind from the outset, meaning that the app touches the senses and fires the imagination in unique and exciting ways.

We’ve also just released the free-to-download Cat-Nav discovery app, which delivers reviews of the best picture book, graphic novel and other iStory apps direct to your iPad and iPhone every week.

Get your questions ready for Sean and we’ll see you this Sunday (February 26) at 9:00 p.m. Eastern time!

Transcript for the 2/19/12 #storyappchat: Illustrator Extravaganza

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We enjoyed a colorful, well-rendered discussion with spot-on composition and whimsical touches for this illustrator-focused edition of #storyappchat. Several very talented people stopped by to share portfolio links, ask questions and share wisdom. In addition, we were delighted to welcome the folks from KeeKee’s Big Adventure, who announced an illustrator contest! Great news, eh?

If you missed this fabulous chat, enjoy the transcript above with our compliments, and make plans to join us for next week’s #storyappchat, when we’ll have Sean Smith from Persian Cat Press as guest host. Their first storybook app is called The Gift and is available now from iTunes–check it out!

Topic for 2/19/12 #storyappchat: Illustrator Extravaganza!

Calling All Illustrators: Sunday’s chat will be All About You. Join us for #storyappchat as we share best practices, war stories and network with others in the app/ebooks community THIS Sunday, February 19. Have links to your online portfolio ready to share, and stop by at 9:00 p.m. Eastern time for all the fun.

Others who might be interested in this chat:

• Authors looking for a talented collaborator (unlike in the print world, it’s best to approach an app/ebook developer with a finished story in hand)
• Developers/Publishers looking for fresh talent
• Parents/Educators looking for information about new apps/books/ebooks

We look forward to seeing ALL of you on Sunday night at 9:00 p.m. EST. Just use the #storyappchat hashtag and tweet away!

Transcript for the 2/12/12 #storyappchat: Open Mic

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We enjoyed a lively discussion right alongside the Grammys, with lots of new faces alongside the cast of regulars. Peruse the transcript above at your convenience–and don’t miss the next installment on February 19, when we’ll have our Illustrator Extravaganza. The fun will start at 9:00 p.m. Eastern time!

Topic for 2/12/12 #storyappchat: Open Mic Nite

There’s been a lot of news lately in the world of children’s ebook and app publishing. Stop by #storyappchat this Sunday night (February 12, 2012) and share what’s on your mind. Get feedback and advice from fellow attendees, make an announcement about your next big release, or tell us what you think of the new iBooks Creator (if you missed our recent chat about that topic).

Another excellent reason to join us: David Fox from Electric Eggplant will be giving away two copies of their new Middle School Confidential app, called Real Friends vs. The Other Kind. Don’t miss it–the fun starts at 9:00 p.m. Eastern time!

P.S. We will be doing an Illustrators Extravaganza for the February 19 chat. This will be your chance to network, share portfolio links, and otherwise brag about your work, whether you’re an illustrator looking to get into the app market–OR a developer looking for fresh talent. Mark your calendars now–and feel free to tell everyone you know!

Transcript for 2/5/12 #storyappchat: Standards

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We shared opinions on standards during the February 5 #storyappchat–in other words, the features/controls that ought to be present in all storybook apps. In spite of the simultaneous drama on the football field, this chat was very well attended and LOTS of good opinions and information was passed around.

Enjoy the 24-page transcript, and make plans to join us NEXT Sunday night at 9:00 p.m. Eastern time for the next installment of #storyappchat!

Topic for 2/5/12 #storyappchat: Standards

Even though the world of storybook apps and ebooks is in its infancy, we as consumers and developers can already expect a bare minimum of navigation controls and other features to be present in our apps. Can you imagine Angry Birds without the ability to replay a level (easily, with a single touch)? Or what if a favorite book or game app didn’t let you adjust the volume?

Join us for the February 5 #storyappchat and come with your list of must-have features for a storybook app or ebook. Swiping or buttons for page turns? Record your own narration or not? It’s all up to you. Of course your opinions will be preserved in the weekly transcript, and I’ll post a top ten list of standards here on the blog as well. The fun kicks off at 9:00 p.m. Eastern–just include the #storyappchat hashtag in your tweets to participate!