Master of Children’s Creative Imagery

April 30, 2012

To bring anything into your life, imagine that it’s already there. ~ Richard Bach 

On Friday’s blog, I reminisced about a popular TV character from the 1950’s – a nostalgic look back.  If you missed it, scroll below to the previous blog “The Power of Imaginative Intelligence.” 

The king of reaching children’s hearts through creative concepts and images is Disney! Although Mr. Disney himself is no longer with us in this world, his legacy lives on . The engine that powers all Disney Enterprises is a strong vision and knowledge about human imagination and intelligence. 

In May, a new theme park will open in Florida, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. Children will no longer just dream about the world of their favorite animated characters as they sleep, they will have an even more fulfilling experience surrounded by  fantasy lands created inside the hotel rooms of the destination resort. http://bit.ly/9IAT5J

In Friday’s blog we also discussed the line of merchandise that developed as a result of the Howdy Duty Show; that’s smart business. Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) “is the world’s largest publisher of children’s books and magazines, reaching more than 100 million readers each month in 75 countries.” www.Disneystore.com  sells books, DVDs, art and other consumer products branded with the Disney trademark. 

Other independent publishers can learn from that! When in the development stage of your independent publishing project, think …Is it possible the theme of your book could be parlayed into another brand product? Consider that and use your power of imaginative intelligence to create.

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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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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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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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Hark! Songs from Childhood

April 16, 2012

It is not the honor that you take with you, but the heritage you leave behind.”

 ~ Branch Rickey 

On Friday evening, I was transported to a different time and place all through the power of song. Thoughts of my childhood came alive through a concert celebrating traditional American and Anglo-American music. 

I was drawn back into the early days of growing up on the Mason -Dixon line almost from the start of the performance, as the Yampa Valley Singers sang out Pick a Bale of Cotton.” As I listened, I thought  ”we used to sing this song in Junior High School; it will be familiar to everyone.”  But interestingly, my husband, a New Englander by birth, said he has never heard that song before in his life.” 

Amazing Grace: Music of our Heritage was a well-orchestrated collection of songs that helped me to realize how far we have strayed from our country’s roots in so many aspects. I’m sorrowful for generations who may never come appreciate this nation’s beginnings; the struggle of our forefathers, who worked so hard to make the United States the “land of the free and the home of the brave.” Our country’s culture has changed so much. Perhaps that’s just progress. 

The audience was reminded of God’s “Amazing Grace” shed on this country by various renditions and arrangements of that song throughout the concert. Other beautiful American folk and spiritual songs of our country’s heritage, such as I’m Winging my Way Back Home, Hard Times Come Again No More, Bright Morning Stars, An Irish Blessing, Home Sweet Home and Down in the River to Pray are a few other musical compositions that made for a personally fulfilling concert. 

Fortunately, and beneficially, with our country’s high value on the freedom of speech, independent productions and publishing of stories of America’s history can be preserved for families and easily shared through cds, DVDs and books in this age of high tech. 

A DVD of the concert Amazing Grace: Music of our Heritage will soon be available on to the public. For more information on the Yampa Valley Singers, please visit this link  http://bit.ly/HJD8LR.

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Film for the Inner Child in You

April 13, 2012

Joy is not in things; it is in us.” ~Richard Wagner

Talk about a feel good family movie - last Thursday evening I was flipping through the channels and came to Rocky Mountain PBS. The documentary  “Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey” by filmmaker Constance Marks, was being aired. What a delightful film – I couldn’t help but love it! 

Kevin Clash, the puppeteer behind the Sesame Street character, Elmo, is from my native soil of Baltimore. At 10 years old, Kevin began creating characters with foam, fleece and other materials that suited his needs. His puppet creations almost ran his parents out of their house! 

If you followed our blog last Friday, entitled Living with Easter Spirit, Kevin is a perfect example of living with joy and delight. His career necessitates that he dwell in the world of awe and wonder and the emotions of a child. 

Kevin’s advice  ”focus on what makes you happy” clearly has brought him fulfilling things in life including success.  His heartfelt dedication to his industry and his creative abilities has given him the opportunity to work with Stu Kerr at CBS Channel 2 in Baltimore and also with Bob Keeshan’s show Captain Kangaroo, which aired for more than 30 years. Finally, as his talent was recognized by Jim Henson, he forged a successful career with the folks at Sesame Street. 

For more information on the film and how to purchase this fabulous award-winning documentary, aired through PBS’ Independent Lens, please visit this site http://bit.ly/ekBVJ4.

Although Christmas is many months away, it will be at the top of my list as a gift for our filmmaker/visual effects artist son, Marc. Shhhh! Don’t tell him! He may not be able to wait; he may beat me to the punch and purchase it himself.

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Artist’s Interactive Magazine Keeps Publishing Green

April 3, 2012

This winter, a new quarterly art magazine, independently published,  was launched. It is called Artists on Art. Although it is not supported through ad space, it is available digitally and by PDF download at a very fair price. Not only is the magazine published in a “green” format, sparing a lot of trees, it is an interactive magazine with step by step guides to painting techniques; a way for art students and connoisseurs of fine art to connect with master painters. 

Each issue contains fulfilling articles, written by artists, sharing ideas, philosophy and knowledge that can be read on mobile phones and touch screen devices such as the iPad and on personal computers, too. As the magazine continues to issue new content, archived issues will be available to download for a small additional price. 

To explore and discover why this innovative idea in magazine publishing gives a leading edge to artists, because of it’s interactive qualities, visit this website and watch the video designed to help you to decide whether or to subscribe or not. http://bit.ly/HBnq6k.

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International Need for Children’s Books

April 2, 2012

There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.” ~ Jacqueline KennedyThanks go out to my friend Vesna, in the country of Macedonia, for bringing my attention to the importance of this day in children’s literature. 

Beloved author Hans Christian Anderson was born in Odense, Demark on this day, April 2nd, in 1805. His books for children have been translated in more than 150 languages. Some of his best known titles include: 

  • The Ugly Duckling
  • The Little Mermaid
  • The Snow Queen
  • Thumbelina
  • The Little Match Girl
  • The Steadfast Tin Soldier 

In Zurich, Switzerland in 1953, in honor of the birthday of Hans Christian Anderson, a non-profit organization, The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) was formed to encourage and promote children’s literature worldwide. This organization has been active in fulfilling the need for quality publications to children in developing countries. The International board of this organization includes authors, publishers, illustrators, booksellers, journalists, translators. Even parents, social workers and teachers comprise the list of people dedicated to bring literacy to children with few resources. 

Each year The Hans Christian Anderson Awards are given to authors whose books support the mission of the excellence in children’s literature. To read more about the 2012 winners, announced last month, and for additional information about The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), please follow this link. www.ibby.org.

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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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