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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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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Color Provides Nourishment for Mind and Spirit

April 5, 2012

When you recover or discover something that nourishes your soul and brings joy, care enough about yourself to make room for it in your life.” ~ Jean Shinoda Bolen 

Snow is quickly disappearing, even from the higher elevations in Northwestern Colorado, where winter tends to be much longer than I’d really like. Mother Nature was very kind to us this year; snow didn’t arrive in earnest until the beginning of February. A light winter has meant early spring. Hurray! 

Yesterday, as I took my daily walk, I saw a  favorite indicator of the season of light – a mass of daffodils, in full bloom.  As I moved along, I began to consider all the colors of the spectrum and how nature could not spring forth a better color choice after a season of darkness and drab. In spring, artists are drawn to painting daffodils, jonquils,  crocuses, forsythias and tulips; it is no wonder. Yellow is a color of joy and creative energy.

Wow – I think I need more than just a touch of yellow in my life; lately I have been struggling with writers block. At this point, I need to call in a bulldozer to clear away the permafrost, and then have a whole bucket load of daffodils and other pastel poseys dropped into my line of sight for visual effects. Perhaps that will stimulate my brain and creativity. Kind of an expensive proposition, though, don’t you think?

Perhaps I ought to resort to self-help, instead. This Easter weekend, maybe I will create an arrangement to light up my life and make me smile. Not only does adding yellow to a wardrobe bring a cheery, uplifting effect, if you put it in your home and office it’s  a great remedy for clearing the mind, helping with the decision-making process and sharpening your memory, too. Yellow –nourishment for mind and spirit!

Do you have any fulfilling plans for this Easter weekend? What will you do to inspire new beginnings and personal growth in your life?  Celebrate this season of light.


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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We All Matter, As a Matter of Fact

March 28, 2012

I feel the capacity to care is the thing which gives life its deepest significance.”                ~ Pablo Casals 

Did you know that today is “I Matter, You Matter” Day all over the world? Truly, it is.

This International day of recognition, established by www.youareneveralonefoundation.org  celebrates the value of each person’s life as friends, family, community members and to the world at large. 

You Are Never Alone Foundation is a “small Vermont grassroots non-profit organization that shares a message of caring, connection and hope by reminding each person they matter.” “Caring coins” distributed by this organization are small tokens inscribed with the words “You are Never Alone.” First given to troubled teens, to senior citizens, to hospice patients and to military troops from Vermont headed to war in Afghanistan, little by little, “the good news of hope” has gathered momentum worldwide. These coins are now available in English and Spanish and have traveled to places far beyond  Vermont such as Uganda, Guatemala, Bangladesh and Ecuador! 

In celebration of “I Matter, You Matter” Day, a newly-designed wooden coin is now available with these very simple, yet meaningful words. Great as small, affordable gifts, they maybe ordered individually or in larger sets, perfect for anyone who needs to hear that they are cared about. 

Let’s be frank; fact of the matter is there are lots of ways you can tell someone you care without spending a dime. Looking for other fulfilling ways to touch people’s hearts on this “I Matter, You Matter Day”?  Please visit this link http://bit.ly/54RPmR

Connect with special someone today. Help spread the word that each one of us counts. Have a wonderful day!

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