Celebrate Teachers in a Dynamic Industry

May 8, 2012

Today is May 8th and it is Celebrate Teachers Day. Although it is not an easy thing for me to do, I am going to take this opportunity to be a little smug. I am feeling rather proud of myself! 

I have become something of a teacher. Who would have imagined it?  Over the course of the past few years, I have had a growing string of clients, both independent publishers and independent businesses who have hired me  to consult with them and teach them the ropes about this new dimension of advertising and promotion called e-marketing. It has been a fulfilling metamorphosis which has come purely as the result of using my creativity in writing, vision and thought.

My knowledge in the field has  not been entirely self-taught, however. I have had teachers along with way that I must acknowledge.  I have attended independent publishing conferences, seminars and on-line webinars; a real commitment. Today, I would like to say thank you to all the mentors that I have been exposed to over the past few years . I  greatly appreciate the inspiration you have given me.

Independent publishing will continue to be a dynamic , growing industry with more changes on the way. Working in the arts can be a life long and personally fulfilling journey. I am going to stay on-board!

A year or so ago, I had a wonderful opportunity, through the Colorado Independent Publishers Association, to meet motivational speaker Tama Kieves. She was awesome! Her presentation made it clear to me that we all need push for our passions , celebrate our successes, and give ourselves permission to pat ourselves on the back when we’ve made personal change. Check –out what she has to say in her books http://bit.ly/Vz1Bt.

If you are interested in learning how you can follow your dream of writing your own story or share your knowledge and expertise through independent publishing, I would suggest this on-line webinar published by the Colorado Independent Publishers Association. It starts with the basics! http://bit.ly/oIkV2g.

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Power of Imaginative Intelligence

April 27, 2012

Everyone has a photographic memory… some just don’t have film.” ~ Unknown 

It’s another fun-filled day on All Things Fulfilling. Once again, it is time to do my duty by saying “Howdy…Good Morning, to fans of independent publishing.” Blogging is my way of getting my creative juices flowing in order to complete the work that is ahead for the day. 

If you were on this earth in the 1950s, you know that Howdy Doody, was an innovative character for children’s television programming. A pioneer in imaginative intelligence! Howdy Doody was a puppet for his creator’s thoughts. Bob Smith’s use of a marionette was a unique channel for reaching children through TV media. A line of merchandise developed as a result! How hunky dory was that? 

Interested in taking a nostalgic look back at other vintage puppet friends of the freckle face boy Howdy Doody that were created for the show? Please go to this link http://bit.ly/5vqXK8

Don’t freak out because this blog is short and sweet. I am going to break-away since I have other things to attend to. I hope I have reached my objective and have brought you, my readers, something fulfilling to reminisce about today. 

See ya later, alligator! Come on back tomorrow for more independent thoughts, words and views from www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.


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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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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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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An Awakening of Life

April 9, 2012

Happy Easter Monday, everyone! Hope you had a fulfilling weekend, I did!

On Friday afternoon (Good Friday) I ran to the store. Upon my return, I found a long, narrow box on my door step; a delivery of flowers. Tulips! Bright yellow and a deep lavender mix. Stunning, and a most appreciated gift from my twin sister and the rest of the family on the East Coast. “How nice,” I thought!  

Having recently read the book The Language of Flowers, I began, of course, to diagnose. What does a shipment of tulips symbolize and what do they mean color-wise?  Tulips, as I found in my research, are generally a declaration of love. 

If you read the April 5th blog titled Color Provides Nourishment for the Spirit, you will already know yellow is a color of joy. Lavender is an intuitive color. It is spiritual and thoughtful; shy sometimes and at other times kingly. Violet (or deep lavender) also denotes high values, sensitivity and dignity.  “A power-packed, versatile hue,”  I’d say.

On Sunday, I arose, as usual in time to see the Easter Sunrise, and went to church. The sermon was brief and meaningful – just what I like! The Reverend Tim related a story about of a group of deaf children, able to tune in and hear the vibration of dolphins in the sea. He parlayed this tale into a lesson about the importance of tuning in to life. “Well done!”  I thought.” 

After the sermon, I  made a decision.- “I’d take a stroll around the Steamboat Botanic Park.” It was the perfect place to witness and explore what nature has in store for the coming months. Spring has arrived and has brought, to the Botanic Park, an awakening. My Easter spirit fully came alive. There were signs everywhere of the renewal of life in the gardens. 

“What is this supposed to mean?” you might ask. Today’s blog is simply a fulfilling rambling of my stream of consciousness. Hope you don’t mind! Remember to tune in to your own thoughts.  Life will come alive more vividly!

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