What is Your Focus?

April 26, 2012

 “Creative thinking is not a talent, it is a skill that can be learnt. It empowers people by adding strength to their natural abilities which improves teamwork, productivity and where appropriate profits.” –- Edward de Bono, creativity writer 

Back in February, as author of  All Things Fulfilling, I was featured on Ann Kochenberger’s “Out of Focus Again” website.  http://bit.ly/IpusLy.

Ann said this about my blog site “Her articles vary in subject matter so you never know what each day will bring.” I like that! She got it right. My primary focus is all things independent publishing. But art and inspiration tops the list, too. In fact, sometimes those subjects consume me. When you consider it, all are linked in with  creativity – independent words, views and thought. 

Many published authors shy away blogging and from social media marketing, in my opinion, a big mistake! Fewer and fewer companies and individuals are using direct mail and print advertising to promote their products and services to potential buyers.  E- Marketing provides opportunity for reaching large communities of people who are interested in the same thing you are – your product or service. Isn’t  that the objective,  if you want to sell your independent publications? 

What many independent publishers do not realize is that blogging and social media marketing is fun – an opportunity to use your creativity. Although it may seem like  there is an “out of focus again” variety of subjects that are on this website, believe me when I tell you, there is a method behind my madness. In fact, I am astonished at the number of followers from all over the world that have an interest in All Things Fulfilling. Thank you readers, for that! 

So, I will continue to share my passion for independent publishing, art and inspiration. Sometimes in my blogging,  I even manage to surprise myself. When that happens, I really feel as if I have hit the marc!

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A Visionary Shipment of Creative Thought

April 25, 2012

When you have vision it affects your attitude. Your attitude is optimistic rather than pessimistic.” ~ Charles R. Swindoll

All winter it felt as if I was trying to describe a scene, while looking through dirty windows; everything was cloudy and blurred. No matter how hard I tried, I could not find a clear vision for my writing project.  

Suddenly, it is as if a shade has been lifted from the window pane, and things are now crystalline. I have made more progress over the past few days on my project than I had in a few months. 

Did the rant I posted the other day entitled “Moving Heaven and Earth” actually work? Or did change come with the official arrival of spring? What is it that  has given rise to a renewed spirit and creativity? Perhaps it is inside of me.

 It really does not matter what the catalyst behind the incoming stream of  inspiration is.  Now I’ve got better focus! A clear direction and faith in what I am writing about. I will keep going and not stop until I have reached my goals. 

Today’s blog post is just one way to celebrate the arrival of a shipment of fulfilling  thought. There are plenty more ideas on  how I can celebrate success as I move closer to the culmination of my endeavor, here’s a list http://bit.ly/A8gXuR

Today, I will simply lionize by saying “I feel great and have the courage and momentum needed to finish this publishing project!

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Reaching Out with YAL

April 24, 2012

Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” ~ Frederick Douglass

Yesterday, as a volunteer giver for World Book Night, and as a representative of our independent publisher’s meet-up group, SHe Writes Steamboat, I made several stops to distribute the book The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian. 

One of the stops was at the Boys and Girls Club in Steamboat where I met with a group of “junior high students” – middle school students as they are called now. I asked the group several questions; it went like this: 

  • “How many of you like to go different places?” Every hand went up.
  • “Does anyone like to meet new people?” All hands were raised.
  • “How many of you like to meet people just like yourself?” All hands went up.
  • “How many of you like to meet people different than yourself, maybe even people you think are weird?” Most hands were raised.
  • “Does any one like to laugh? Do you like cartoons and comics?” All hands wavied enthusiastically.
  • “Does anyone ever wonder what it is like to live on an Indian reservation?” Almost all hands went up. 

“Then there is something in this book for you all.” I said. However, I had forewarned the folks at Boys and Girls Club that even though the book was approved for WBN, please make sure the book is reaching only the appropriate age group. I said “it should not be loaned out until it has been reviewed and approved by an adult leader at the Club.” 

Over the weekend, I took the time to read it. I loved it! National Book Award winning author, Sherman Alexi could not have written in a better voice to reach today’s middle school students. It is a very important coming of age story with social and societal messages that are relevant for this generation. 

Because I was born in a much different time and place, some of the language in the book for me, was a little difficult. I am a bit of an old maid when it comes to that.I’ll have you know, six years ago I asked my son “What would you most like to do before you graduate from high school?” His reply -“Hear you swear, just once!” 

“It serves no purpose,” I told him for the one-millionth time. 

Thank you, World Book Night, for including Steamboat Springs, Colorado as one of the 5,000 communities involved throughout the U.S., the U.K.and Ireland. And thank you to Off the Beaten Path for being the pick-up point for volunteers.

 I am especially pleased that we were able reach out to support teens at such a wonderful organization, The Boys and Girls Clubs, with young adult literature (YAL). I hope to participate again next year!

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Moving Heaven and Earth Day

April 23, 2012

“Expectancy is the atmosphere for miracles.” ~ Edwin Louis Cole 

Yesterday was Earth Day. Today, I am left wondering “Why on earth did I do it?” Wasn’t I told many, many months ago when I began writing a book “never, never trash any of your work?” Hadn’t I already gone through mourning the loss of a film script with my son? His computer had  a serious meltdown sometime ago and his work in progress was devoured with no chance of recovery. “He  would move heaven and earth ” he said “if only he could retrieve the script again.” 

Why, oh why, didn’t I learn from that? 

And, why, dear God, didn’t  I listen to Harriet? She’s the co-leader of the Steamboat Writers Group; full of wisdom and good advice. My source of encouragement! “Keep it going,” She says. “Don’t stop!” 

Now, this leaves me with a confession to make. I am in  desperate need of some of the writing I had cast aside as no good. I can never get it back; it’s trashed. Some of what I now see as my best laid chapters are kaput! Sure, I can try to recreate, but that is a difficult thing to do. I am no longer in the same mindset. 

According to an article, the first step in learning from our mistakes is to acknowledge where you went wrong. Ok, I’ve done that. Then, you have to stop blaming others. I’ve already said “sending my writing to the trash bin was my own fault. ”

 All I can think to write right now is - 

  • Don’t delete, modify!
  • Don’t delete, modify!
  • Don’t delete, modify!
  • Don’t delete, modify!

A third step in learning from our mistakes is to categorize. http://bit.ly/ySPFr. Trash  is no longer an option. All words can be modified. I have already started a new file called  Don’t delete, modify

Why, oh, why am I still hindered in creating more text for this book?

That’s it. I am finished; I am done. I will  no longer bemoan the fact that what I trashed is lost. I am moving ahead. Nothing good will come out of wondering “Why on earth did I do it?”  I am also moving Earth Day to every 4 or 5 years. That way I’ll have more time to celebrate every time the heavens open up and I receive a new fulfilling shipment of creative thought.

When I finally publish my book, I will indeed be celebrating a miraculous birth. “I am a believer; it can be done. ” I will shout out. “Hallelujah and Amen.”

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Climbing out from Behind the Screen

April 19, 2012

I don’t always set stories in villages, more often in towns. But always in smallish communities because the characters’ actions are more visible there, and the dramatic tension is heightened. ” ~ Joanna Trollope

On Tuesday we held our monthly meeting of SHe Writes Steamboat. It is a networking group of people who are in all stages of independently publishing. Once again, the male population of writers was not put off by the moniker chosen for this group. We had a new member, another male author, show up to introduce his book Newton’s Ark. 

It was interesting to speak with D.A. Hill about his first time publishing attempt. He is a “computer techy-type” by profession; he enjoys and excels at his work. But, when I asked him about what it felt like to now be a published author, he said “it was the most fulfilling thing I have ever done in my life.” He has now moved forward on writing Part II of his sci-fi trilogy. 

So as not to spoil all the fun for the author, I am going have him tell you what Newton’s Ark is all about. A synopsis of the book can so easily be found by going to the author’s link on the internet. http://bit.ly/HNrzAU.

 Author D.A. Hill has used his computer skills to electronically publish, as is the trend. But, the book is available in paperback, too, giving the book buyer a choice in reading platforms.

 In this small city of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, a population of just over 10,000 people, more and more independent publishers are popping up. As they continue to climb out from behind their computer screens to introduce their work, we will feature many of them on this website All Things Fulfilling. 

It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood, when I learn of another author who has digitally published their own book and offers it for sale in various formats- either in paperback, as an  audio book or through electronic publishing (e-book). The ability to offer choice is the advantage of e-commerce – buying and selling books over the internet. 

P.S. After you have read D.A. Hill’s book, don’t forget to return to his site. He wants to connect with his readers and get some feedback.

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Embracing the Future in Publishing

April 18, 2012

Dreams are renewable. No matter what our age or condition, there are still untapped possibilities within us and new beauty waiting to be born.” ~- Dale Turner

Mark Your Calendar! The 2nd Annual New England Publishing Conference Embracing the Past, Imagining the Future is just ten days away. 

The Independent Publishers of New England will be sponsoring this two day event which includes seminars with valuable information on book production, distribution and financing your publishing project. There will be vendor exhibits and information about the new generation of digital publishing which means book selling through e-commerce and e-marketing and producing video trailers for book promotion.

  • Dates of the Event:  April 27, 2012 at 3:00 PM – April 28, 2012 at 5:30 PM
  • Location of the Event:  Holiday Inn,Boxborough,MA
  • How to register:  Please visit this link: http://www.ipne.org 

For first time authors, attending publishing conferences is one of the best ways to become educated about the process.  Traditionally published authors, are learning that since the year 2000 the industry has undergone dramatic change; it is necessary to keep up with new technology and progress. There is a lot that can be learned from the independents. 

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity. Register right away and begin writing a new chapter in your life. Here are some tips to help you begin fulfilling your dreams as an writer http://bit.ly/f4EOGX . It is a great time to rebuild your life -become an independent publisher.  

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Solutions in a Book

April 17, 2012

We could never have loved the earth so well if we had had no childhood in it.”      ~George Eliot 

Ok, I am a push-over for nostalgia, I’ll admit . Last week I stumbled upon a book in the library that satisfied my need to sometimes look back. Patty Jane’s House of Curl tickled me pink with its references to Dippity Do, Motorola televisions, permanent solutions, gingersnaps, jukeboxes, and Duz detergent. 

The author of this book, Lorna Landvik, writes with warm humor and has crafted a book of charm without the storyline being too sappy sweet. Much of the special appeal of the tale is a result of where the narrative takes place – in Minnesota among a strong community of Norwegians. 

Landvik effectively bridges the gap between an era gone by and present day by approaching issues that have always existed, but were much less talked about. The human emotions of the characters in dealing with topics presented in the book run the spectrum in a very real sense. 

I really liked this book. Check it out of your local library!  Pour yourself a grape Nehi, settle into your armchair, pull up a footstool and enjoy a delightful read. Have a handkerchief and the antimacassars on the arm of the chair ready to catch the tears of both laughter and sorrow; you may possibly need them. Patty Jane’s House of Curl is a fun and fulfilling read on a very humanistic level.

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Books and Films Change Lives

April 12, 2012

Why do so many creative people work with great intensity and then crash? Filmmaker Mark Moskowitz of Point of View Productions, delves into this subject in his film Stone Reader. 

As an 18 year old, the filmmaker began reading the book “The Stones of Summer.” Despite wonderful reviews, he couldn’t get beyond the beginning. As a mature adult, he returned to the book , and was hooked; struck by what a extraordinarily talented writer Dow Mossman was.

Moskowitz was so enthralled with the book that he wanted to find out everything about the author, Dow Mossman that he could. The authors voice meant as much to him as the storyline. While trying to locate Mossman he found that like many other authors of great American novels, such as Harper Lee, J.D. Salinger, Ralph Ellison, Poe and Margaret Mitchell, Mossman’s book was highly touted for a first time publishing attempt yet disappeared from literary scene with hardly a trace.

“How can this be, with an author as talented as that?” filmmaker Moskowitz asks. He attempts to find answers to this question and tries to make sense of the world of publishing in the production of his film  ”Stone Reader.” It takes an in depth look at books that are first rate, loved and then the author vanishes.

Stone Reader”  is an excellent film for discussion for book clubs, writers groups, bibliophiles, college writing programs or writers workshops. Moskowitz  made an important contribution in producing this film, The Stones of Summer is no longer out of print! Barnes and Noble is now selling this book.

Check your local library for this wonderful film. It captivated me, and now I want to read “The Stones of Summer” which has been said to be “a book that will change lives.”

More independent words, thoughts and views tomorrow from www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.


Tips for Renewal of Life Experience

April 11, 2012

Artist Paul Cezanne said “Genius is the ability to renew one’s emotions in daily experience.“  

Have you ever noticed how just changing the arrangement of furniture in a room can give a whole new perspective on things? The same applies when we wear colors we don’t normally choose. 

How else can we go about rejuvenating our lives? Embrace getting out of routines and exploring new ways of doing things. It is difficult to renew the spirit in the “chatter” of everyday life. Step away; take daily walks. Regularly tune out from all kinds of digital devices in order to tune in and communicate with yourself. Meditation has been found to stimulate brain growth and provide personal fulfillment. 

Don’t ever underestimate the power of small things to bring inspiration and creativity to your life. Pick up a book you would not normally read, draw or doodle, try a brain game.  Enrich your environment with art, culture, religion, educational or scientific opportunity. 

Spring time is a great time to map a new course in life. Set new goals and achieve them. With satisfaction in getting the job done; comes the desire to achieve more, learn more and do more. Looking for a renewal of spirit during the Vernal Equinox?  Here is a list of 50 things you can do to begin your journey to a fulfilling life. http://bit.ly/96w8Ax.

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Breeding Readers from a Garden of Books

April 10, 2012

If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need. ~Cicero 

It is National Library Week. A city or town with a strong, vibrant library breeds a community of readers. The Bud Werner Memorial Library in our town of Steamboat Springs,Colorado is a beautiful gathering place and it’s resources include not only what is housed inside, all the books, music and DVDs, but also a variety of events, programs and book clubs. One can be kept busy attending the special offerings almost every day of the week. 

If someone were to ask me what the top reason for residing in this town is, I’d have to say aside from the natural beauty of the environment, our state-of-the-arts library facility ranks very high – perhaps at the top of my list. 

Today, as part of National Library Week, we honor library workers everywhere – the Director and the staff who tend to cataloging and purchasing; media specialists, researchers, archivists and more. 

On Wednesday, we celebrate Bookmobile Day and the Six Word Story Contest!. Bringing books into remote areas is a wonderful service that libraries in many communities offer. Bookmobiles promote literacy. 

Check with your local library to see how to participate in the Six Word Story Contest; sounds like an interesting challenge to me. Join in by writing your own! 

Thursday is geared toward teen literature. A good idea! During adolescence, an interest in reading generally declines.  A library that draws strong patronage from the teen population is probably staying current with technology and multi-media offerings. 

Make a point to visit your local library this week and show your support! For more information on National Library Week, please visit this site. http://bit.ly/z06jxM.

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