Category Archives: e-marketing and e-commerc

Digital books: Conserving Gas and Trees

Leave a comment

“What’s cheaper than a gallon of gas? An e-book. Save a dollar, stay home and read!”
~ Shandy L. Kurth 

At the 2012 Frankfurt Book Fair, there was a lot of discussion about the e-book industry. Digital books are gaining popularity globally. In fact, according to an article in Publishers Weekly Magazine, people in India top the charts as leaders in e-book buying. Thirty nine percent of the respondents to a survey say they have bought an e-book. Other top countries of digital book buyers are the United States and the United Kingdom.With each passing year, there is healthy growth in the electronic publishing industry, indicating an increased interest in digital reading content. 

If you have ever had any doubt about whether Americans are consumed with buying books, volunteer at a donation center for a thrift shop. Three or four hours every Saturday, I help out in a donation center run by the local churches. The amount of books that come through the doors is astounding. Each week, I gain a greater understanding of the value of buying e-books.

Electronic books take up less space for one thing. For readers who read a book once and then get rid of it, the new generation of books makes more sense. Sure, the reading experience is a little different. There are no paper pages to turn or to dog-ear to mark a spot. But, the story is still the same whether we are reading it digitally, in a hardback version, paperback or listening to an audio book. 

I am grateful the books have not ended up in the landfill and I know they are very much appreciated by the people who buy them. They are resold at a minimal price – usually 50 cents up to a few dollars. Sometimes a little more if the book is a large volume or a special collectible publication. Many of the donated books are in “like new” condition. Read once, then discarded. 

If you would like to know more about this growing trend among publishers, please read this article. It is a good source of information, brought to you by Publisher’s Weekly Magazine, digitally. http://bit.ly/Trf7RF.

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

“The Boat” Brings Prized Authors to Community

2 Comments

“I try to be respectful of how other people think, I try to listen to what they’re saying.” ~Rick Scott

This past weekend was Literary Sojourn weekend here in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. This event has been held annually since 1993. So popular, people arrive from all over the country to attend it. Each year it sells out very quickly.

As a way of extending the event, the Bud Werner Memorial Library invited two Bellwether Prize winners to speak on Sunday. For those who were not fortunate enough to get tickets to Saturday’s discussions, the second part of the “Sojourn” weekend was open to everyone at no charge. The two featured authors were Naomi Benaron and Hillary Jordan, Bellwether award winners in 2010 and 2006, respectively.

Jennie Lay, adult programs coordinator at the Bud Werner Memorial Library, asked the authors “what winning this book prize has meant to them?” Each expressed it has done wonders for their publishing careers. All contestants for the “Bellwether” must have a previously unpublished novel. Along with winning $25,000, winners are given publishing contracts with Alqonquin Books.

Jordan and Benaron discussed how fiction writing is useful for telling stories that are interwoven with issues of culture, politics and social justice. However, Benaron stressed the importance of writing stories about controversial issues in a “respectful manner.” She also mentioned how research into a culture brings credibility and correctness to the story.

“Literature,” Benaron said “is the only art form that takes you into another person’s brain.” Essentially, she said, as readers, we are better able to feel and live the story along with the characters through fictional dialogue.

To read more about the publications of these impressive authors, visit these two websites,Hillary Jordanand Naomi Benaron.

For more information on the Bellwether Prize, which was established in 2000, solely funded by author Barbara Kingsolver and administered by the PEN American Center, please visit this site http://bit.ly/Rom01E.  For information on Barbara Kingsolvers latest book, click here: Flight Behavior: A Novel.

As I left this most enjoyable event, I thought to myself “living in a community with avid readers and writers, certainly has its benefits.”

Thank you to our local library and our local “Indie Bound” bookstore, Off the Beaten Path” for their participation in this event.

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

.

Wrinkles from Delight are Best

6 Comments

If you read yesterday’s blog, you know of my struggles. I’ve been working on an elegy for my creative writing class. Last night, my trials and tribulations continued as I tried to nail down just the right words symbolizing a grievous time in a person’s life.  The professor said I am  “intellectualizing it” rather than “feeling it.” Her point is well taken, I understand what she is saying.

It has been a challenge, and I think it shows in my writing. To me, it is not fun to write about morose things.I so enjoyed writing my memoir because although the beginning was a bit uncomfortable to write, the tale takes some fulfilling turns that are unanticipated. Click here for info and ordering Gift of a Lifetime:Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected.

Last night when I turned off the computer , I picked up a book called Watching Grandma Circle the Drain. It was the perfect cure-all to brighten my spirits after being engrossed in dark, depressing writing. The essay called “Hairdresser’s Lament” had me on the floor laughing.Click here for info & ordering

The author of the book, Allen Smith, is a humor writer whose perspective has been said to be “gritty.” Definitely, adult comedy. It’s been mentioned on ABC’s The View and has appeared in publications such as The Denver Post, The Writer Magazine, The Vail Daily, The Aspen News and LIVESTRONG.COM, just to name a few. For more information on Smith’s writing, please visit www.snowwriter.com.

Through his creative writing, Allen Smith reminds the reader to live with joy by laughing at ourselves and not to take life so seriously. One might describe Smith as a healing artist. He helps the reader see the ridiculous in careers, aging, men’s issues, medical situations, dating, sport, and other relatable subjects.

Watching Grandma Circle the Drain is a perfect gift for people who think “wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been.” ~ Mark Twain

To order Allen Smith’s book, please click on this link. http://amzn.to/RG9DQG.

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

Growth of an Emerging Technology Industry

2 Comments

 “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.

Artistic Community Brings Commerce

Leave a comment

“If you have only two pennies, spend the first on bread and the other on hyacinths for your soul.”–Arab Proverb 

“Hello, Minturn! I’m back!” I thought to myself on Saturday morning, as I entered the little village just off I-70. The first time I frequented this town, nestled near the glitz and glamour of Vail, and the not yet built Beaver Creek Resort, was in the mid 1970s. That evening, I visited the Minturn Saloon, infamous for its Mexican cuisine. I had traveled there with my entire family, and another from Maryland, to Eagle County for a ski vacation.

Minturn is still small. If you blink, you can miss it. But now, it is doesn’t look like a ghost town of total wrack and ruin. Many of the bungalows and cottages have been artfully painted. There were eye-catching large buckets, planters and window boxes of brightly colored flowers everywhere – attractive. Now there is some commerce going on – I was shocked at the transition and you can see the modern day influences in this town.

Author Bill Burnett writes about the historical background of this old mining town in his independently published book  Minturn, A Memoir. https://www.bookwormofedwards.com/aff/SueLeonard/book/v/9780977113620

Saturday morning I had come to see the Minturn Market; I had read about it. Arriving a little early, at 8:30am,the vendors were still setting up, so I took myself on a walking tour of the village. By 9 am people began arriving in large numbers. This popular, weekly, summertime open-air market even requires a crossing guard on Main Street. The morning was delightful; I visited with artisans of all kinds selling their wares. I came home with a large loaf of “oh so fragrant” lemon, white chocolate bread that I had sampled and loved, and a unique, hand knit scarf  by Venda, that fit my fancy. I knew it was a scarf I couldn’t create myself.

Just a few of the notable business establishments that have opened in this eclectic little village are:

  • Scarab – An oriental rug and tribal arts store  http://www.thescarab.com/
  • The Yarn Studio – a wide and interesting selection of yarns for fiber arts crafting
  • Holy Toledo – a fashionable, boutique consignment shop located in  an old church http://holytoledo.co/
  • Mountain Pedaler, a bike shop
  • Gemini Gardens – a floral shop with gifts and home decorating accessories
  • Four or five coffee shops and restaurants

It was such a fulfilling weekend; I explored and enjoyed my own company. So tomorrow, I will blog about some of the ideas that I and my cohorts talked about on Friday evening, because they spilled over into my visit to Minturn. 

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

Bookstores Join Writers and Readers

2 Comments

“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.

The Power of Words and Images

Leave a comment

“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.

 

 

Local Authors in the Limelight

Leave a comment

“If you could say it in words, there would be no reason to paint.” ~ Edward Hopper

Saturday was a day of great fun for me as a person who works in the independent publishing industry. The literary community of Steamboat Springs, Colorado came  out from behind their computers and into the limelight at the Written Arts Festival. I am aware of the fact that we do, indeed, have a growing population of independent publishers in this community. Nearly thirty were gathered; some having just published their debut novels, while others have more than one book published.

Panel discussions added interest to the event. “How should history be portrayed in writing?” was a subject that drew differing opinions from the authors. In the opinions of some, there is an obligation to write stories true to history; while others contend that history can be written from different perspectives.

Other authors specialize in fiction writing. The panelists in this genre seemed to agree that authors draw, to a certain extent, from personal experience and background which often gives them the basis of the story. Then the storyline “is pushed in different directions,” sometimes ending in a total surprise, even for the author. One panelist mentioned how her deeply felt spiritual beliefs influences her writing and a prolific romance writer admitted that individuals she encounters inspires her characters.

Sites, smells and visual landscapes also influence writing. A third group of panelists discussed how stories are crafted from experience in travel as well as from their rootedness in community. Place plays great significance in our identity as people and as writers. Local issues are often brought into books of regional interest.

The event culminated with an interview of a very talented poet and the Home Ranch owner, Ann Anderson Stranahan. Words, when used with the right cadence and meter makes music, she said. When Stranahan was asked  if “her poetic images come to her in black and white or in color?”

“Vividly and suddenly, perhaps as in a photographic image, rather than an oil or watercolor,” was her answer.

The Bud Werner Memorial Library http://www.steamboatlibrary.org/ and the efforts of their staff made this inspiring event possible. Also, the support of the Steamboat Arts Council http://steamboatspringsarts.com/and Off the Beaten Path Bookstore’s  http://www.steamboatbooks.com/ handling of the bookselling allowed the authors to visit with potential book buyers and answer questions.

I would have liked to have mentioned each of the authors individually, in this blog writing, but there were too many. I did get around the room to talk to each of them briefly. Thanks to all who participated and coordinated the Written Arts Festival. It was encouraging for anyone who is contemplating writing and publishing a story.

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

Marketplace Competition: Mind the Gap

Leave a comment

“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.

Focus, Fonts and Phones

Leave a comment

” I love to create interesting textures with language.” ~Robert Morgan

I’ve detected an important discovery about my retention and comprehension while reading my 4th or 5th e-book that I  downloaded on my Android cell phone. Because there is a limited amount of text on a small screen at one time, my concentration is so much better. I’ve come to the conclusion it is because there is less distraction. Seems kind of crazy, but, I am getting more out of books when I read on a small digital screen. 

Having a mind that flits and floats and is in constant motion,  it makes reading (and remembering what I am reading) a challenge. It’s nothing new; a life long occurrence and probably the reason, I enjoy blogging. It serves as an outlet – turning my never still thoughts into writings. 

It’s been about seven or eight…or nine or ten years since I’ve been to the eye doctor, I know I need new prescription reading glasses. With an e-book I can increase the font if I need to. Comes in handy! Never would I have thought that the purchase of a cell phone would double as a great reading platform.

Lately, I’ve been shown several new independently published books that were printed in fonts too small for the average reader. Seeking the advice of a book printing company about the best font to use for readability is a wise thing to put on your check list of things to do when publishing; especially important if you are not planning on having a book available in electronic format. Best not to subject your readers to having to find a magnifying glass in order to comfortably read the words. It’s a turn-off. 

That’s all my independent thoughts words and views for today. Come back tomorrow, on Film Friday. We will be addressing how watching movies can help novelists.

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