Braveheart

“When something can be read without effort, great effort has gone into it’s writing.” ~ Enrique Jardiel Poncela

Someone not too long ago made the comment to me that “I am a brave woman to bare my soul through blogging.” Her remark took me by surprise and I began to think about why people write and whether putting pen to paper is an act of bravery.

I came to the conclusion that, yes for many, writing is an act of courage. Therapeutic writing often addresses wrongdoings or failings in one’s life.  Topics of therapeutic writing can be ugly and fraught with raw emotion. Feelings of victimization, being punished or bullied, thoughts of resentment, shame, grief or frustration is often addressed in therapeutic writing. Acts of contrition are often mentioned.  Writing is cathartic and a useful tool of psychological therapy for many.

Writing a memoir takes guts too! Reflecting on one’s own life is not always easy. The act of sharing one’s own life story takes courage.  Deep reflection on one’s own life and it’s purpose often digs up unpleasant moments and times that have been pushed way back, lest they be remembered.

No, I am not a brave woman. I write because it is fun. It gets my fingers goin’ and my thoughts flowin’ and if someone likes my writing, it is all that more satisfying and fulfilling.

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More Indie Publisher News

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Learn from others. Attending other author’s book tours and book release events are an ideal way to learn to promote your book.

There is a great resource for finding out what author will be coming to your area by going to www.BookTour.com.

You can search the website by date, author and place and find out where you can meet and hear about your favorite author’s newest book releases, including NY Times best selling authors.

Learning from others is a great way to educate yourself so that when you are ready to promote yourself as an author, you have the knowledge of what it takes to have a successful book tour.

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Weekend Indie Publisher News

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First things, first!

Tune in This Morning! Poor Frank, he must be feeling ignored! I have been unable to listen to his Radio Show “Cover to Cover” for a few weeks now.  If you have never listened to this radio show for writers and publishers, every Saturday morning is your chance. No need for a radio, “Cover to Cover” can be listened to on line at www.wnzf.com. Host Frank Gromling always has insightful, interesting guests on his show sharing their knowledge of the publishing world.

Tune in at 11:30 am Eastern Standard Time, 10:30 am Central Time, 9:30 am Mountain Time and 8:30 am Pacific Time.

Let’s show Frank our support today!!! Listen in and learn with me!

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Registration is now open for The Association of Writers (AWP) 2010 Conference in Denver, CO!! You can save money now by registering early. Major sponsors, literary partners and patrons make this great three day event possible at the Hyatt Regency form April 7 – 10, 2010. The event includes a book fair, presenters and  exhibitors.

A wealth of information for writers is available through the AWP. They sponsor writing contests, writers conferences, information on writing careers and MFA writing programs. Check it out at http://www.awpwriter.org.

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It is All in the Details

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Can you imagine a company like Ben and Jerry’s ice cream deciding to sell a new flavor without tasting the concoction first? It would never happen!  Before they even begin to create a new flavor, the company often canvasses ice cream lovers for flavor suggestions. A lot of research and development goes into a new flavor before it goes to market. The company mixes and tastes, mixes and tastes, mixes and tastes, until they are completely satisfied with the test batches. Then they come up with a name and packaging for the new flavor that will excite discerning palates and make customers want to scream for the new ice cream.

If you are a self publishing author or independent publisher, the same kind of consideration needs to go into your book. Talk with those whom you think would be your prospective readers and get a feel for whether your book would be saleable or not.  Research how many books have been published on the subject you want to write about. Think about who your market would be (main and ancillary). What would your strategy for reaching those markets be? Would you sell the book on-line? Do you know the most economical and quickest way to ship and how to keep track of the business end of shipping? What title and book cover would grab the attention of your reader? These are all  details you would need to think about.

The most successful independent publisher has crafted not only their manuscript carefully but they have designed a complete plan for their publication from concept to market. They know their strengths and limitations and seek help for the parts of the plan they know little about.

No, Ben and Jerry’s ice cream would not think of selling a new product without taste testing. A writer would not think of placing their book on the shelf without editing either.

It is all in the details!

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Weekend Indie Publisher News

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Attention Non-Fiction Writers!!  If you have a book relevant to better living, enter it into the book award contest sponsored by www.livingnowawards.com.  This contest is looking for books which relate to living fulfilling lives. There are 28 categories offering gold, silver and bronze medals.

Some of the categories include:

  • Cooking – general, organic and holiday
  • Personal Growth
  • Health and Wellness
  • Enlightenment/Spirituality
  • Hobbies and Crafts
  • Wedding Planning
  • Gardening/Landscaping
  • Pets/Livestock
  • Green Living
  • Home/Remodeling/Decorating
  • Travel
  • Finance/Budget
  • Charity
  • Style/Shopping
  • Charity
  • Mature Living

For information on all categories and entry guidelines, please visit www.livingnowawards.com.

Enter Early and Save!

$70 per title until November 7, $80 per title from November 8 to January 8, 2010 and $90 per title from January 10 – February 14, 2010 (deadline date).

Books that win contests SELL! ENTER NOW!

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Do I have to practice?

“Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart”                                   ~       William Wordsworth

I was a clarinet player once. Until my ear drums nearly burst from the squeeking sounds I produced from the musical instrument and my tongue became blistered, splintered and sore from biting on the reeds.  I knew it was time to quit when my Dad nearly went broke buying new clarinet reeds for my twin sister and me. As I have aged, I have often looked back on my days as a clarinet player.  I came to realize the issue was not the reeds, it was my inability to play well. What it boiled down to  was, I did not practice.

Blogging is a great way to practice your writing skills.  The more you write, your skills will improve and the easier it will get – supposedly.  I often ask “when can I call myself a writer?” Probably now, of all things!  I am suffering from the very thing that all writers loathe – writers block. 

How do I overcome this cloud that seems to be hanging over my head?  From my days of clarinet playing, I know that practice is critical if you want to become accomplished in the Arts.  I will have to break from the norm and change up my routine.  But, I promise you all –

  • Je vais ecrire!
  • Ich schreibe, wid!
  • Ik zal schrijven!
  • Voy a escribir!
  • Budu psat!
  • Lo scrivero!

And perhaps some day, I will learn WordPress well enough to use diacritical marks where they are needed, so that all of our global clients can understand what I am trying to say!

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Weekend Indie Publisher News

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The Women in Film Membership Drive is on! Join one of the best professional associations for mentoring women, attend meetings with top professionals in  film, TV, media, public relations, agents and writers. This is a fabulous opportunity to enhance your career and become part of a vital organization whose mission is to help women achieve their highest potential in their field. Get mentored through their mentoring program!

Membership Drive from October 1 to November 1 offers reduced membership fees – so  Join Now!!

To become a member of Women in Film or for more information – go to:  www.wif.org

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Moving Forward

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“Everyone has his burden. What counts is how you carry it”    ~ Merle Miller

There is  no free ride in life, and no one said being an independent publisher would be a walk in the park. You most likely have had successes and disappointments along the way. Don’t we all? But don’t let those frustrations get you down. Let them only be fleeting moments.

As an independent publisher, I am willing to bet that you have the gumption to hang in there, through thick and thin. What made you decide to independently publish was your steadfast belief that your book, film or music is unique, inspirational, educational or entertaining. I’ll wager you are persistant, persevering, have dogged determination, are unfaltering, devoted and unrelenting in your quest to see your project complete.

Precisely the reasons our company serves “independent publishers!”

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More Indie Publisher News

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RADIO FOR WRITERS AND PUBLISHERS – LISTEN WEEKLY!

Another opportunity to listen in for news, tips, marketing information for publishers and writers is Blog Talk Radio!

Michigan Lit Radio –  Go on line,  for the weekly scheduled speaker and topic   http://MotownWriters.com

Marketing and Motivation Mondays feature speaker Monica Marie Joans.

And Don’t Forget – Saturday Mornings on www.wnzf.com

“Cover to Cover” with host Frank Gromling – featuring interviews with published authors, success tips, how to get started in the publishing field, marketing yourself as an author and marketing your book.

Broadcast times:

  • 11:30 am Eastern Standard Time
  • 10:30 am Central Standard Time
  •  9:30 am Mountain Time
  • 8:30 am Pacific Time

Take advantage of these two broadcasts brought to you free of charge!

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Weekend Indie Publisher News

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On the Horizon!  Douglas County Libraries Writers Conference Where:  Castle Rock High School, Castle Rock, Colorado

When: Saturday, October 10 from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

Register Now !Reduced registration fees: $65 before 9/27, $75 after A full day of activities, workshops and networking with other writers. Tips and insights from publishing professionals and experienced writers. For more info: DouglasCountyLibraries.org/SignatureEvents. Phone: 303-791-7323

Help is Here! Information Available on:

  • Optimizing Press Releases
  • Generating Publicity as a Writer
  • Querie Letters that Sell
  • How to Sell to Magazines
  • What a Publisher Looks for

Join the International Association of Writers www.associationofwriters.com

Members will receive an on-line newsletter filled with valuable information to help guide your career as a writer. Members can have their book featured on the Association of Writers website, receive free media leads, international writers calendar, career discounts and expert advice from Fern Reiss. She has been featured in countless magazines and newspapers for her knowledge of the publishing industry. Take your knowledge of the industry to another level by joining this association and reaping the benefits.

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