About
The Strolltroll (Norw: Rallskanken) - a Children's Book
NOK 142,087
439
"The Strolltroll"
"The Strolltroll" is a about a scruffy, little troll looking for somewhere to sleep. It's a story about kindness, greed, social class - and xenophobia; the fear of what and who we don't know. Probably the fastest growing illness of our modern world. Heavy thematics, yes, but wrapped in light, humoristic rhymes and amazing visuals by illustrator Sandra Steffensen, I dare say that this book makes for a fun and mesmerizing fairytale.
"The Strolltroll" is my second children's story, released as a short film back in 2014. And since it happily sold to and became a holiday film on NRK (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation), I've received quite a few children's-book-requests the last couple of years. Which of course is fun and flattering, especially since "The Strolltroll" was originally intended as a children's book. So, at last, when time finally permitted; here we are :)
And who am I?
My name is Aleksander L. Nordaas, and I'm a Norwegian film writer and director - oh, and children's books author. Born, raised and living in Mosjøen, a small but creative-potent town up north in Norway. Growing up with the Norwegian, mystical woods and fauna on my doorstep, I've always been fond of its weird, fairytale creatures. And hey, who said they're only fairytales creatures anyway? I've yet to see one, but - even though I'm supposed to be a grown-up by now - I'm still kind of hoping to. But until that time comes, I'm creating my own creatures. And as this campaign is about one of them, and not about me, I'll leave myself with that :) If you do want to know more about me and my projects, please visit my page.
So, "The Strolltroll" campaign; What do I need and what do you get?
The book is ready for print, both in Norwegian in English. What I need are funds to get it printed - that's about it. A smaller quality-over-quantity first edition. You pay for ink and paper, and you get ink and paper. In other words, your pledge reward is the actual book, either digital or as a hardback. And a HD download of the short film as a bonus. Maybe I've got a stretch goal or two up my sleeve, but for starters, this campaign is pretty straight forward.
So all you have to do is watch the short film above, then - if you'd like to revisit the story on paper - please choose your reward (book version- and language). Then, if the campaign is successfull, "The Strolltroll" will soon be sleeping in you bed or on your shelf. He's happy with either :)
Why do I publish myself?
Is it because of publisher refusal? Yes, it is.
My first children's book, "Mister Mushy" ("Mister Mjukis") was released through a publisher, but I'm now trying out the publishing game myself. Why? Well, the main, fun and rewarding reason is because I like doing things myself. Including everything from layout design to speaking directly with my readers. With a publisher, you're less hands-on, and for a control freak who physically aches if a piece of text isn't perfectly centered when it's supposed to be - well, you get the idea :) I don't want to publish my stuff unless it's 100%, and I'm really the only one who cares enough about my stuff to make 100% sure it is.
The second, boring and market-realistic reason has to do with, well, market. Unless you're a bestselling author - which most of us aren't - you can of course 1) try jumping onboard with that reputable publisher and hopefully not find your book, and yourself, tumbling off the railing, slowly disappearing in the wake of their bestseller-cruiseship. Or 2) try setting course with that newly started or mid-level publisher, who might take you both through today's stormy bookmarket seas - successfully even - but if swallowed, or eventually rammed and sunk by those cruiseships, you and your title goes down with them. Or 3) you can try pushing your own, little vessel into the blues and set your own course - close to land in a gentle breeze. Safer, less loud and a whole lot more enjoyable. And if you keep at it - even though it may take a while - you'll hopefully anchor at that desired docks or beach, gather and load new supplies - then set out for another voyage.
Now, why do you care about this? Well, first and foremost, you get the final product exactly how it was intended to be. Not revised or edited to be as commerial, onbeat and unrisky as possible. Second, what you pay feeds and fuels the lone captain and his/hers vessel, and not a major cruiseship crew. In other words, your money goes directly to the creator, not split amongst a bunch of people who have nothing to do with the creative aspects. Means I'm left with more. Means I can write more. Means you can get more books from me in times to come :)
So that's about it, I guess. If you have any questions regarding "The Strolltroll", the book or the campaign in general, please give me a shout at post@aleksandernordaas.com. And, if you'd like to share this campaign with your friends and/or enemies, I'd be very grateful :)
Thank you for your time!
Best, Aleksander
STRETCH GOAL #1 (10.000$)
A HD download of my first children's story, "Mister Mushy" (Mister Mjukis). Check updates for more info!
Risks and challenges
As everything's already finished and ready for print, the only "risk" concerning this project is shipping delay. This might happen if the print isn't satisfactory, or if the books are damaged on their way from the print house. This is the only step that's out of my hands, but rest assure that if this occurs, you'll be informed immediately.
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Funding period
- (30 days)