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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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.


Inside the World of Art Curation

April 4, 2012

To enhance the quality of the day… that is the highest of the arts. ~Henry David Thoreau 

Have you ever wondered what it is like to be at the center of a world filled with fine art – “art created for aesthetic value rather than functionality?” An environment that includes collectors who have discriminating tastes, sometimes willing to search the globe to find new acquisitions. The fine art world also encompasses exceptional exhibitions, museums and galleries which showcase distinctive paintings, sculptures, textiles and other treasures. 

My Life with the Masters, http://bit.ly/HamVml a newly created blog site, provides an insider’s look at a highly knowledgeable art curator as well as the artists she represents. Some of the finest representational painters of our times, including Richard Schmid and prodigy Daniel Keys, sculpture artist George Carlson and the work of five other foremost painters will also be highlighted on the new web-space. For a full list of artists that Kristen Thies has the honor and privilege to work with, please visit the website of www.WestWindFineArt.com

This summer, Thies’ company will bring a very special exhibition, A Return to Understated Elegance to Cape Cod. Don’t miss out on her inaugural blog regarding this exciting event! For more information about the historic venue of this art show, and the collections that will be showcased, please visit www.mylifewiththemasters.com

I look forward to following art curator and author of Wisdom & the Dreamer: Finding Fulfillment in the Arts, Kristen Thies, as she shares her passion for the fine art world through her new blog site. Subscribe by e-mail delivery, and you will not miss out!

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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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Movies Featuring Financial Themes

March 30, 2012

Tis the Season! Tax season, that is. April 15th is getting nearer with each passing day.  It is March 30th and I am in good shape; my income taxes have been filed, and now I can relax and take in a movie or two. On this Film Friday, I’ve uncovered top films with fulfilling themes of financial lessons. Some are from the “independents” and some not, Here they are: 

  • Glengary Glen Ross – A drama about four real estate salesmen that are pitted against each other to vie for two spots. What determines their destiny is how they well they work with a motivational coach.
  • Confessions of a Shopaholic – 2009 romantic comedy based on the novels of Sophie Kinsella and a college girl’s shopping addiction.
  • Maxed Out: Hard Times. Easy Credit. The Era of Predatory Lending. The title of this feature length independent film says it all. It was released in 2006.
  • Working Girl:  Romantic comedy which features a New York secretary working in a world of mergers and acquisitions. An interesting twist comes when Katharine Parker, played by Sigourney Weaver breaks her leg skiing.
  • Brewster’s Millions – a baseball player has 30 days to waste $30 million in order to inherit $300 million. A 1985 comedy. 

To view more movies from a list of popular films that educate and entertain viewers about business, money management and other personal issues such as rebuilding life after financial loss, please follow this link. http://bit.ly/zoIegj.

Return on Monday for more independent thoughts, words and views from www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.