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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Author Throws Caution to the Wind

March 29, 2012

Free yourself from the burden of feeling the need to hold on to anything. Let go, you are part of everything.” ~ Steve Marboli 

It has been said that “somewhere around the world, one of John Locke’s e-books are downloaded every seven seconds, twenty-hours a day.” How’s that for an unknown author who entered into the independent publishing industry with only a desire to entertain readers? 

This former insurance salesman felt he had nothing to prove and no one to answer to other than himself, as he began to electronically publish his novels featuring protagonist, Donovan Creed. Despite a lack of literary credentials, Locke’s e-book sales have exceeded big-name authors such as James Patterson, Nora Roberts and Stieg Larson just to mention a few. 

Locke said he “couldn’t think of a single reason a publisher would want to put money into an unknown author without a writing background.” An offer from Simon & Schuster will bring hard-copy versions of Locke’s entire Donovan Creed series to the marketplace and it has him rethinking his remark. His success has proven that indeed, there are first time authors with great talent worth investing in. 

How I Sold 1 Million e-Books in 5 months is just one of Locke’s new publications. His goal is to publish fulfilling e-books for “stressed-out readers” every eight weeks. Fast-paced reading with a straightforward storyline is what he aims for. He has even tackled, with success, the western genre in his book entitled “Follow the Stone.” 

For more information on this hugely successful e-book author, please visit this link http://bit.ly/nizAeM.

Return tomorrow on Film Friday, for more independent thoughts, words and views from the company blog site of www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

 

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Individual Integrity in Publishing

March 22, 2012

I received an interesting blog comment two weeks ago from a reader regarding the post “Paranormal Book Sales.”  The response from the reader was that if “he was going to put his work out there,” meaning publish it, “he wanted his book in-print.” I respect that! Deciding whether to publish an e-book or a book in- print, or audio book  is an individual decision, there is no right or wrong. Depends on your purpose and objectives for publishing and what feels right.  

The same reader went on to say that not only does he want his book in print, “he wants the second opinion of an editor.” My reply to his remark “publishing an e-book does not preclude you from having a book edited.” This brings up a good point for our blog subject today. 

Editors are key players when it comes to putting quality publications and productions into the market place. Authors use editors. Filmmakers use editors. Music producers use  audio editors. 

 From the point of view of a person serving the independent publishing industry, putting quality publications out into the marketplace is of foremost importance, if non-traditional publishing is to continue to grow. Having a publication edited is all part of the process. 

The Colorado Independent Publishers Association www.cipacatalog.com has been a leading force in getting high quality independent e-books into library catalogs. Excellence is crucial in order to advance this trend. I endorse this position whole heartedly! 

Eric Leppert’s words about fulfilling a responsibility to an industry in my opinion, is spot on. “Professionalism is not about adherence to the policies of a bureaucracy. Professionalism is about having the integrity, honesty, and sincere regard for the personhood of the customer, in the context of always doing what is best for the business.”

More independent thoughts, words and views from www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com will be posted tomorrow. Please return!


Helping Others By Telling Stories

March 21, 2012

Make your own Bible. Select and collect all the words and sentences that in all your readings have been to you like the blast of a trumpet.”

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Last Friday evening, I was invited as a guest to an event hosted by the Steamboat Christian Center, http://bit.ly/GzAPbS, here in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. A lovely, well attended event, women shared their stories of faith with a  diverse crowd. The finger food was beautifully presented and delish. But, the real attraction of the evening was heartfelt, personal narratives of three brave women; each tale a powerful testimony of belief and each unique in its own way. 

As I drove home, feeling grateful for the invitation, I began to ponder how difficult it is to notice and acknowledge the work of faith in the craziness of everyday life. Letting go and allowing a force beyond us to guide us in our lives, is a concept that is hard to grasp.  For those who do believe in living that way, it has often been learned through times of trouble and distress. Perhaps travails are put in our path so we stop and take notice, and move ahead differently. Would you agree with that? 

Books about faith are not always about strife. Stories of love, redemption, forgiveness, motivation, hope, promise, acceptance, gratefulness and renewal are born out of faith, too!

 There has never been a better time to connect with others through spiritual narratives. Independent publishing has provided a way for ordinary people to tell their extraordinary stories. Do you have a story of faith that may help someone else’s journey through life easier or more complete? Tell it, write it and share it! It is never too late.

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Spring Overflowing with Gratefulness

March 20, 2012

Art is literacy of the heart” ~Elliot Eisner 

Today is the first day of spring and with that, I celebrate gratefulness for my wonderful health, my dear family, new and life-long friends. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the beautiful natural environment in which I live. Wait, there is more - 

The other day, I began to consider the huge volume of communication about independent publishing and all the creative industries that comes across my desk every day, every week, every month and every year. Difficult to keep up with; it also fascinates me to no end. 

Adding another “I AM GRATEFUL to my list, I am grateful I have a way to share what arrives on my desk with my readers through All Things Fulfilling. Without an outlet, I would have to keep the information contained; a very hard thing to do. When I am filled with excitement about something, I want to share it! Don’t you? 

My heart is overflowing with gratitude for those who visit this blog site. My hope is that you tell someone else about the value of this digital news and information space, so that our world blooms prolifically with all fulfilling things in art, culture, spirituality, business and life. 

Happy Spring and May Your Life continue to Bloom and Grow!

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29 Cities of Creative Industry

March 19, 2012

“Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes time. Vision with action can change the world! ~ Joel Arthur Barker 

Today, we are returning to a subject we shared on Saturday, St. Patrick’s Day – UNESCO’s designated Cities of Creative Industries. There are 29 cities that play integral roles in developing new technologies in publishing, cinema, design, culinary arts, music and crafts. Opportunity for opening up new prospects for globalization of exchange, cultural diversity and economic development has put these cities in the lead:

There are many reasons urban hubs are identified by UNESCO as outstanding places for creative industry including excellent libraries and bookstores along with their experience in hosting festivals and literary events. The promotion and preservation of foreign literature and cities with publishing houses also make them top contenders. Existing educational arts programs and initiatives and the involvement with new media also  may qualify a destination for the international dimensions that UNESCO is looking  for. To read more information on the Creative Industries Network, please visit this link http://bit.ly/wX0CNg.

At the local level, there are many small cities across the globe that are looking at their own arts and culture as ways to bring more tourists and economic development, including where I live –Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Visitors from all over the globe come here to experience the natural beauty in a mountain resort. While they are here, tourists want to gain an appreciation for  fulfilling things that are found in the Art of the West.

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Irish City of Literature

March 17, 2012

A loyal blog reader sent me this interesting idea for consideration for a blog writing subject. Today, I would like to thank Marie  from Australia for passing along this important and timely tidbit of information for St. Patrick’s Day. 

Did you know in 2010, Dublin was named a UNESCO City of Literature? It is well justified. There are many Irish writers from long ago whose legacies have continued to live on. 

Novelist and poet, James Joyce is just one of them. His major works include Dublineers(1914), Portrait of an Artist as a Young Man (1916) and Finnegan’s Wake (1939). Other notable writers from the Emerald Isle include: 

  • W B Yeats (1865-1939)
  • Jonathan Swift (1667-1745)
  • Samuel Beckett (1906 – 1989)
  • Sean O’Casey (1880-1964)
  • Oscar Wilde (1854 – 1900)
  • Patrick Kavanagh (1904 – 1967) 

Although, these writers are from centuries gone by, there are contemporary Irish writers who are continuing the tradition of providing literature with excellent content. 

The daughter of Ireland’s Prime Minister, Cecelia Ahern is well on her way to fame. Walt Disney Pictures has bought film rights to her book If You Could See Me Now. I look forward to seeing how the film adaptation brings together the elements of fantasy and thoughtful dialogue into a fulfilling mix. 

Now partway through Cecelia Ahern’s book, I found an Irish proverb, by an unknown author, that could be applied to the theme of this book.

As you slide down the banister of life,
May the splinters never point in the wrong direction!” 
 

If You Could See Me Now  is available as an e-book. Readers, if you find connections between this wonderful Irish proverb and some of the internal conflicts in this book, send me comment on this blog. I’m interested whether your interpretations match mine. Let’s start an interesting discussion on this site. 

Sending Irish blessings your way on this March 17th. Join us on Monday. We will explore other cities that have been designated as a UNESCO City for Creative Industry, and the characteristics these cities have to fulfill the requirements. 

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