Category Archives: Education

Following Tradition

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“Grandfathers are for loving and fixing things.” ~ Author Unknown

Oh, how sweet it is! Isn’t that the truth? Pop was the best! He loved us all so unconditionally that he even loved us when he shouldn’t have. The four of us grandchildren were the apple of his eye, the light in his day, and we knew it!

I recently joined Kiwanis International. This service organization was established in 1915, when my Grandfather was a young man in his early twenties. Several months ago, I mentioned to my Dad that I was contemplating joining this fine service organization.  He reminded me of a few things – that my Grandfather, who was a fine custom homebuilder and my uncle, who was a medical reseach doctor, both were Kiwanians. Once I was reminded of this fact, I did vaguely recall that my Grandfather had a Kiwanis plaque hanging in his office.

Many might wonder why a person would join a service organization. It is simple! I was given so much as a child, in ways that have nothing to do with material goods, that if there is some way I can give back by being involved with this great organization, it will be my pleasure!

Kiwanians are involved in all sorts of service projects which benefit children. They aid in providing for homeless children, building playgrounds, raising funds for pediatric research, mentoring disadvantaged children, and much more. Great things come out of stepping out and giving a child a chance in life! I am going to follow in my grandfather’s footsteps, because being a Kiwanian is a tradition worth following!

This short trailer will give a little insight into what Kiwanis is all about! Take just a few minutes to watch fellowship, caring and community happen!  For more information on Kiwanis International, please visit http://www.kiwanis.org.

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Weekend Indie Publishing News

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One of the best on-line guides to what is happening in the publishing world that I know of is the Southern Review of Books!

http://www.anvilpub.net/southern_review_of_books.com

This on-line resource is choked full of breaking news on books, trade shows, book fairs, book festivals, seminars  for authors, publishers and micropresses. Check it out, and subscribe!

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Guess who is featured in the March 2010 American Artist Magazine?  Artist Nancy Guzik! The March issue will be hitting magazine stands on January 26 and I have heard from one artist, that his issue has already arrived via subscription! The article features Nancy Guzik’s portraits and still life paintings and she shares her personal artistic journey with readers.  Don’t miss this important issue!  www.interweave.com.

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Being Caught Unprepared

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“All speech, written or spoken, is a dead language, until it finds a willing and prepared hearer.” ~ Robert Louis Stevenson

Well, I have done it now. I do not mean this statement in a bad way, because I am happy to support a great cause. I have jumped in with all two feet and committed to something that may be beyond my expertise. I have volunteered to cook a dish for an International Dinner which is proposed to be in early March to benefit the Macedonian Mission for Humanity.  This worthy non-profit is hosting the dinner along with the Culture Club of the Steamboat Springs High School to raise money to ship a container of medical supplies from the USA to Macedonia. The medical supplies are needed for children’s hospitals in Macedonia, and the alternative would be for all of the no longer needed supplies to end up in America’s landfills.

As I have mentioned in my blog writing before, I am a comfort food junkie, so for me to commit to cooking a dish with international flair is a stretch! I will have to dig deep. Deep into all the international cookbooks at the Bud Werner Library, to see what recipe I can find that I can handle. Thankfully, I have some weeks to prepare.

I guess I could even call on my brother-in-law, a chef who has worked at some of the most impressive restaurants and a few embassies in Washington, DC and the Capital district. His recipe book might be a little too complicated for me, though.

This town is filled with all kinds of talent – good writers, good Artists, good restaurants, good cooks. Perhaps there are others that would like to join me in supporting the International Dinner and can rustle up some good international flavors and foods to donate to the cause. I challenge you and don’t forget to stay posted for more information on this event! It is a win-win cause, and the MMH could use all of your support, by attending the dinner or by bringing a dish to share. It is all about community sharing and the children in Macedonia are waiting!

Hungry yet?

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I’ve Got to Crow!

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“Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Some months ago, someone came to me with a book of poetry that had been published by print on demand. The poet admitted that because the book was still in rough development, she only had three copies made to show to a few people who were supporting her efforts. She was still playing around with a few things such as back cover text. When she was satisfied, she would have a larger number printed. Ah, the benefits of print on demand and the Northshire Bookstore www.Northshire.com!

After much discussion regarding the back cover, she said “I have won a few poetry awards, but I have decided that I want the back cover text to tell what in my life inspired me to write these poems.” My response to that was “great, but you need to promote yourself as a poet by mentioning your poetry awards – we all have to crow about ourselves. Self promotion is such a necessary part of a writer’s success!”

As I reflect on our conversation, this morning, it has come to me how difficult it is to promote  ourselves as bloggers. Clearly, blog writing is not for self promotion.

In my blog writing during the holidays, I neglected to mention a competition – the Blog Off II hosted by www.communitymarketingblog.com. There were bloggers from six countries and it was a great educational experience for all! To give you a little insider information – I was one of the finalists.  Oops, I’ve slipped. Pardon me, I just had to have one quick moment in the sun!

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Ripe Retirees

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“It is not enough to have a good mind, the main thing is to use it well.” –Rene Descartes

I am living in a community filled with extremely active retirees. Not only only are they physically active, but their minds don’t miss a step either. They have all chosen to live in an active mountain community so they will continue to stay involved and engaged in life long after the generation before them would have called it quits!

Recently, the Aging Well program of the Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association independently published a calendar highlighting an amazing group of retirees who lead active lives by continuing to play tennis, ice climb, ski, swim, brand cattle, volunteer and participate in other forms of vigorous sport and hobbies well into their 60s, 70s and 80s. This calendar encourages all older adults to stretch beyond what they feel they are capable of at their ages and to live fully and well at any age. For more information, visist www.agingwelltoday.com.

Within this community, I have met a wealth of highly successful retirees who lead fascinating lives. Their experiences through past careers, parenting, travel and contributions as Board members of non-profit organizations and other associations provide fodder for stories and lessons that should be shared with younger generations. Independent publishing provides an excellent opportunity for all retirees to share knowledge and wisdom with generations that will follow in their footsteps.

Writing and journaling keeps the mind active. Merely through published words, you can become a mentor to others! Think about that! It is never too late to become an aspiring writer!

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Order in the Court

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“Good order is the foundation of all good things.” ~ Edmund Burke

Before the holidays, I was feeling stuck in the snow. I had decisions to make, tasks to accomplish, unsolved business to attend to. All things that had me feeling bogged down.

It is difficult to move into a New Year with unfinished business, whether it is in your personal life or business life. Indecision only brings delays!

What a freeing feeling it is when we finally make decisions, right or wrong! What power we give to ourselves when we step out of indecision. Making a decision paves the way for movement, change and growth. It puts us one step closer to our goals!

You will notice, that as of today, we have put into place some changes in the appearance of our blogsite. It improves functionality of the site for our readers and positions us for exciting changes in the future. Stay tuned, as things develop!

For our independent publishing clients, if you are stopped in your tracks and unable to finish a project, no need to struggle. There are freelance publishing professionals that can help you with every step along the way. If there are decisions that you have put off making, be brave! It is all part of being independent – you can make your own decisions regarding what is best for your own publishing business. Use those freedoms to bring the results and outcome you have been striving for!

Clear the way for success – act now!

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New Beginnings

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“All time management begins with planning.” ~ Tom Greening

Have you made your New Year’s resolutions? For alot of people, New Year’s resolutions are the same year after year. They include determination to loose weight, to stop smoking, to include a fitness regiment in their daily living. My New Year’s resolutions include things such as adjustments in attitude – choosing action vs. inaction, taking a new path rather than the same trampled route, focusing on forward motion rather than remaining static.

Determination to move into new territory is scary and uncertain, but the way I see it, it is better than quiet desparation. It involves a leap of faith. Without faith, there is no hope! What it really comes down to is, I would rather feel a sense of accomplishment knowing I have done all I can to succeed.

There is always something in all of our lives that can be done a little differently. Discard what is not working and pave the way for more efficient ways of doing things. It can make a world of difference in your publishing success.

What would you change that would allow you to focus better on your business at hand as an independent publisher? Let us hear from you!

Wishing you all a thoughtful, productive, prosperous and Happy New Year!

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Once in a Blue Moon

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“The only thing you live to regret are the risks you didn’t take”~ Unknown

Today, I am feeling very fortunate. Since starting my company, I have had the opportunity to meet many incredible people that I would not have ordinarily met, had I not taken a risk. Among them have been extraordinarily talented artists, filmmakers, and individuals who serve their communities through the non-profit sector – all of them independent publishers. All have had similar goals – to share beauty, kindness and knowledge through their unique and creative talents.  All have been so very committed to changing our world for the better and each person is awe-inspiring in their very own way.

Tonight, as the New Year approaches, I will be taking some time to reflect on these past few years to remember some of the individuals that I have crossed paths with. Many of these individuals I have not met face to face, yet through an e-mail or a telephone conversation, they have left a mark on me. I can recall the discussions we have had about their goals and aspirations for their independent publishing companies. All have inspiring, educational or entertaining stories to tell through their books, films or music or through their commitment to a cause or a mission. All are the kinds of people you meet only once in a blue moon.

We want to hear from more of you! By posting your comments to our blogsite, we can together build a community of like-minded people who have independent thoughts, ideas and dreams to share.

Happy New Year 2010! May this coming year bring publishing success to each and every one of you!

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A Gargantuan Gift

“Love is, above all, the gift of oneself ” ~ Jean Anouilh

For me, the greatest gift on this earth, is the gift of my family and our independent publishing clients, who allow us to serve them each and every day. They are the purpose of our work. I know blessings when I see them!

This blog will remain silent throughout the holidays so that I can give the best gift of all to my family – my time. If you have children, give them your undivided attention when they need it most. It is the best way to demonstrate how much you value their presence in your life. Unlike other things, nurturing children is not something that can wait.

We appreciate and value the feedback we have gotten from loyal followers of this blog site. In 2010, you will be able to post your comments on this site. Our aim is to provide a community of like-minded readers sharing our dreams, ideas, goals and needs as independent publishers. We want to hear from you and your comments will be a gift to us!

We look forward to sharing some exciting news with you, our loyal readers from around the globe, in 2010.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to All!

In the Drivers Seat

“Our dreams can come true…if we have the courage to pursue them.” ~ Walt Disney

I had an ephiphany this morning, right when I was in the shower brainstorming what today’s blog would be. Suddenly, the thought came to me that as bloggers, we are all given a clean slate each day to write what we want. We only have to pitch an idea to ourselves!

Contrary to writers who are submitting manuscripts to traditional publishing houses, there is not an editor deciding whether your work is right for the publishing house. Getting in line behind all those other recently submitted manuscripts can be a long wait in itself. With traditional publishing, a manuscript can take years to become a book. Often a manuscript has to be submitted to many publishing houses before you get a nibble of interest from an editor.

A comparison can be made between life and independent publishing. We get to write our own story in life, too! The outcome is determined by the choices we make, our determination, the vision we have for ourselves and whether or not we will let others stand in the way of our goals.

Perhaps in this New Year, you will have  a revelation, too. If you genuinely believe in your manuscript yet have been frustrated in finding a traditional publisher interested in buying the rights, perhaps it is time to take your future, as a writer, into your own hands.  Short run printing, print on demand and The Expresso Book  Machine www.Northshire.com  now make it possible to have your book on the market in very short order and your book can become available globally through the power of e-commerce.  What are you waiting for?

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