Category Archives: digital devices and electronic communication

From a Different Perspective

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“Won’t you come into the garden? I would like my roses to see you.”~Richard Brinsley Sheridan

A few weeks ago, my September/October issue of Poets and Writers Magazine www.pw.org  arrived in my mailbox. As I leafed through it, I was stopped by a letter to the editor written by a woman who had disappointments in her life that she was airing. 

What led to her writing the magazine was a letter of rejection she had received for a piece of flash fiction she was hoping to have published. She articulated her frustration at having spent the last nine years writing a novel and fifteen years penning a collection of short stories, with little hope of ever having them published. In the end, she said despite her disappointment, she “will go on” and keep writing. 

First, I felt sympathy for the woman. Her love of writing is obviously heartfelt since she has stated she will keep on writing anyway. 

 Secondly, I would like her to know that she is not alone. Rejections are not unusual. In fact, these days, having an agent to represent you may be one of the few ways to get your foot in the door with a traditional publishing company; they’ve gotten so selective. 

After I read her letter to the editor, I thought, “Why does this woman not know there are other publishing choices and options out there?” I want to help her.

She stated it was very important that her daughter, in particular, be able to read her work thirty years from now and laugh and feel connected. I can understand that and I assume she meant when she was gone, since this woman said she was in her sixties. 

Is that not also a reason why many people decide to independently publish? To pass work along to future generations?Somehow, I think the daughter would still love to have her mothers written words, no matter how it is published. 

Do you think a book would be any less fulfilling to her adult child, knowing the book was independently published? I would like to hear your thoughts on this matter. Feel free to post your comment.

These are my independent thoughts, words and views for today from www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Creating Legendary Filmmaking

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“At the center of every fairy tale lay a truth that gave the story its power.” ~ Susan Wiggs

There is a new Disney movie that is soon to be released called Brave. It is about family, protecting a kingdom and Celtic legends. The Highlands of Scotland is the setting for this production. A great Christmas present for the entire family. Click for info & ordering Brave

Besides an opportunity to tell a fulfilling fairy tale story, along the lines of Grimms Brothers or Hans Christian Andersen, the production of this film has some the most complex visuals in movie making possible. Pixar Animated Studios rewrote their animation system after twenty five years to bring these computer-animated effects to the viewer.

Don’t miss out on this fantasy adventure film written by Mark Andrews, Steve Purcell, Irene Mecchi and Brenda Chapman.  To read more about the film, to learn about the characters and to watch a video trailer, please visit this website. http://bit.ly/yzz6Ky.

Have a nice weekend, everyone! Return next week to All Things Fulfilling to learn more about creative industry.

This blog brought to you by Sue Batton Leonard, author of Gift of a Lifetime:Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected  and www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Headed Between the Covers

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“The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” ~ St. Augustine

 I am ready for a little traveling. Where am I headed? To Between the Covers Bookstore. http://bit.ly/NaKzRg. Where is that? In a “box canyon” in a place called Telluride, Colorado; where the mountains soar to altitudes of almost 13,000. According to Wikipedia, “a box canyon is a small ravine or canyon with steep walls on three sides, allowing access and egress only through the mouth of the canyon.” The bookstore co-owner is like me, a Baltimore transplant, who has ended up in the West. 

I suspect at certain times of the year, when large shipments of publications are delivered, Between the Covers Bookstore, feels as if it is a box canyon, until all the books are shelved. There is a certain book that I will be searching for at this bookstore that would come in handy on days when I struggle to put down my digital devices and stop working. This two minute video, shot last February, gives a quick glimpse into the book I am looking for.  http://vimeo.com/37703165.  

The video is courtesy of film editor, visual effects artist, independent filmmaker Marc R. Leonard. http://marcrleonard.com/editing.  Thank you, Marc, for a little insight into Telluride in the other season, winter.

Telluride is, from what I understand, a neat little “artistic town” and very scenic! It is home of the Telluride Film Festival.  http://www.telluridefilmfestival.org/. 

Our trip to Telluride will be timely. My husband and I will watch our son run in his first half-marathon, which goes over Imogene Pass – seventeen miles of climbing and running, traveling from 8,000 ft in altitude to 13,000. The boy has energy, I tell you! It’s time to play catch up and see what else he has been doing.

Come on back next week. On Film Friday, we will be featuring a new Disney movie that both adults and children, who enjoy Celtic legend, may enjoy seeing. Have a good weekend, everybody.

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Growth of an Emerging Technology Industry

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 “Many a man has dated a new era in his life from the reading of a book.” Henry David Thoreau (1817 – 1862), Walden 

On October 4, 2011, almost a year ago, I posted a blog called Libraries Kindle the Flame. If you missed out or don’t remember it, here is the link. http://bit.ly/TaxQPo  I invite you to go back and read it. The gist of the blog was the number of libraries that have included e-books in their catalogs. 

A year later, the numbers have changed and show about a 9% increase. It is too bad we don’t see those kind percentages in the growth of our economy. That would be extremely encouraging; evidence that other emerging technologies are coming to the forefront.

These graphs show how the numbers stack up, side by side,  for 2011  and 2012.

Being the eternal optimist, I believe the entrepreneurs of our country can develop other technologies that will show the same kind of promise. But, some may take longer than others to come to fruition. And let’s face it, e-books didn’t arrive on the scene overnight. The momentum has been growing since 2007.

Energy, enthusiasm, vision, initiative, motivation to lead others, self-motivation and resilience is what is needed in new businesses. In other words, pioneering qualities!

The United States of America is only sixty-some days away from our next political election. Here is an article that outlines traits of good business leaders. http://bit.ly/PvOIRg. As  Americans, it is our God-given right to vote but with that comes responsibility to know the issues, and to listen, with open minds, to both sides of the story. Then vote in good conscience. What is best for our country as we go forward? Who has the experience to lead our nation in the right direction so that the American spirit will not continue to suffer?

This time next year, I will make it a point to look in on the e-book statistics once again, to see how far the electronic book industry has traveled to bring a more sustainable way of publishing to our citizens. We need to commend and support our local libraries and  bookstores for making adjustments to the way they do business and for spreading their roots in community in different directions – it hasn’t been easy. 

 Business owners who have figured out how to adapt to the “digital age” are proving that, indeed, the traits that are outlined in the article can be found in every American who runs a successful business.

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Joy Comes in the Morning

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“Here, on the river’s verge, I could be busy for months without changing my place, simply leaning a little more to right or left.” ~Paul Cezanne

I need to enjoy these last days of summer. With Labor Day comes the inevitable – darker , cooler days ahead. This morning it is 40 degrees. I don’t look forward to the departure from my favorite season. 

We have had a dusty, dry summer leaving the Yampa River just a trickle in some parts that flow through Steamboat. On my daily walks I have watched the ducks play all season with lackluster spirits. 

The past few evenings we have had hard downpours that have raised the water level.

This morning, I sat at on a bench at my favorite place overlooking the Yampa watching the ducks play with renewed vigor. The water was higher, sparkling rather than murky, and clearly looking more refreshing. The ducks were playing like they haven’t all season- dabbling, chasing each other, diving and shaking their tail feathers with newfound energy. Fresh cold water!

As I sat and watched, I was reminded why early mornings are so fulfilling. It is an invigorating time of day – a chance for a new beginning. No matter how bad yesterday was, we can start out anew with different attitudes and readjust our thinking. 

Today, after I post this blog, I am going to some take time to do what is essential to nurture my own soul and find inspiration. I’ve been pretty busy over the summer. I need a little time to feather my nest and be domestic. So, I’ll straighten my desk and start a new “to do” list that will keep me busy in the coming months.

Oh, yes, and then there is that creative writing course I am starting next week….. chicken soup for the soul. That will keep my creative energy flowing throughout the fall and winter. Let’s see if I can spice up my writing and make a rich concoctions! 

Joy comes in the morning, when creativity is at a high, and my spirit has been replenished by a good night’s sleep. At each day break I awake, turn on the computer, and get busy.

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Bookstores Join Writers and Readers

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“In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure.” ~ Bill Cosby

I am still feeling rather bouyed, bubbly and bright (as in radiant) after a fulfilling weekend.

Last Friday night, I was one of three panelists/presenters at a Writers Workshop in Edwards, Colorado held at the Bookworm, a superb Indie Bound bookstore. The subject of the night was marketing independently published  books. We had a much larger turn-out than expected; the space was filled to capacity! A special thank you to events coordinator Kelli Kostroski for all she did to promote and organize the evening.

Nicole Magistro, Co-owner of the bookstore, advised how to best approach retail environments about selling your book, along with the importance of doing research for a “good fit.”

Lindsay Eland, young adult fiction novelist, and author of Scones and Sensibility spoke about selling books at public speaking engagements and finding common interests with the book buying public. Click here for Lindsay Eland’s books.

Bookselling through on-line marketing was my contribution to the discussion. Many in the crowd had thoughtful questions that allowed us to mention the various publishing platforms that are used in today’s digital world, and the valuable role that active local bookstores play in bringing together communities of writers and readers.

I’d like to say thank you to Nicole Magistro for hosting and participating in the event. It was a pleasure to share “the stage” with both women. It is always a good time when I get to discuss my passion of the independent publishing industry with others.

The morning after the event, I made a decision to revisit a small town that used to be legendary for one thing – its Saloon and their Mexican food. It had been about 37 years since I last frequented it. What an awakening! The village is now an example of what art can do to revive a small community. Come on back tomorrow, and I will tell you all about it.

Photos courtesy of Kelly Kostroski, Event Mgr. of the Book Worm

Lindsay Eland (left), Nicole Magistro (middle), Sue Leonard (right)

This blog brought to you by Sue Batton Leonard, author of Gift of a Lifetime:Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected and http://www.allthingsfulfilling.com.

Story Woven with Nostalgic Images

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Where were you during the Vietnam Era?

I just read the newly-released book Cottonwood; a satisfying read on many levels. Author Tom Dawson effectively crafts a story of two men who served together during one of our country’s most painful periods, the Vietnam era. The ties that bind them are their war experiences; they become life long buddies.

The author intertwines the culture of the ‘Nam era” into the storyline, which filled me with nostalgic images of my own, as a person whose adolescence came during the late nineteen sixties and seventies.  I could also relate, on a certain level, to some of the frustrations and attitudes that the main characters, Tom and Sam, carry about today’s technological era.

As a woman, I appreciated how through good dialogue, the author showed that the two comrades, Tom and Sam, communicate differently. The  truthfulness with which Dawson writes about the issue of men and aging was refreshing and honest. It is a story I didn’t anticipate liking but I really look forward to reading more from this author.

Dawson’s book is available through Amazon in soft cover and also as an e-book edition. To order this publication, please follow this link.Cottonwood

To read more about Tom Dawson, the author and war correspondent, follow this link. http://bit.ly/Ng0Srt. Don’t miss out on his blog and comic art, he calls “Pieces” on his website.

This blog brought to you by Sue Batton Leonard, author of Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected and www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

The Power of Words and Images

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“Art is not in some far-off place. A work of Art is the expression of a man’s whole personality, sensibility and ability.” ~ Japanese Proverb by Shinichi Suzuki

Last week I received quite a number of birthday greetings – all from people using different types of electronic communication. Some “Good Wishes” came from as far away as: 

  • Finland
  • Macedonia
  • France
  • Bangkok
  • Africa
  • Belgium 
  • Argentina

Not looking for accolades or congratulations, just trying to make a point in today’s blog posting. Other people who use social media probably get the same kind of attention from their on-line networks of people.

Many “hellos” were from individuals I have been building community with in one way or another through this blog site All Things Fulfilling or by other on-line communication. 

For some reason, people have been touched by words I have written, information I have shared or  by images I have put out there into cyberspace and it has traveled. I am not sure why people latch onto it and like it but I am delighted and humbled. 

The point is – never underestimate the power of words and images and how they can travel. Be careful and be sensitive – they may end up in places you never expected. 

What does that mean for those who publish electronically? The e-book industry is just beginning to show us the possibilities. 

For those who think that internet marketing is ineffective and a big time waster, it can be. But, learning how to use digital content effectively to reach people with like interests is important. 

I used to share my birthdays with my twin sister, but through social media, I have found others who celebrate their day of birth on the same day as we do. HAPPY  BIRTHDAY TO ALL AUGUST BIRTHDAY BABIES.

This wonderful art work is by Kagaya. Here is the website so you can see more. http://bit.ly/5YcO3f

 This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

 

 

Marketplace Competition: Mind the Gap

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“One thing I know about change is we are not going to close the achievement gap without educators.” ~ Margaret Spellings
Watching the Olympics last week made me consider how blogging is like an athletic competition. Social media accomplishes many of the same goals as training for a sport does. Blogging provides a platform for: 

  • Improving skills (in writing)
  • Drawing the attention of competitors.
  • Providing entertainment value for an audience
  • Strengthening position in a field of expertise. 

As with sports workouts, blogging with discipline and regular practice brings positive results.If you mind the gap between well-frequented blog sites and sites with few visitors, my advice is to get in the game wholeheartedly and become serious about your social media useage. Step up your goals and set the bar higher by becoming more rigorous in your blog posting efforts. 

Fulfilling feelings will follow when you work toward the challenge you have set for yourself and take pride in your achievements. Blogging becomes a fun  way to market  products and services.

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.