Category Archives: Event

Energy Well Spent

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“Enthusiasm…the sustaining power of all great action.”               ~ Samuel Smiles 

Today is a landmark day! With the writing of this blog, we will have surpassed the 400 blog mile-marker! Go ahead – count them all! Read them all, if you don’t believe me.

This is our 401st blog devoted to relevant information regarding the independent publishing industry. And it is not just about books either – our blogs include the scoop on independent filmmaking, independent music, independently published artwork and photography, building communities of independent, like-minded people and way more!

 If this is the first time you have arrived at this blogsite, don’t despair! We are not finished yet! This engine will keep on chugging on the fast track and you can find us in your searches everywhere! We are all about fulfillment and marketing for independently geared businesses and publishers! 

Reaching this goal has been easy. Keeping the momentum is a cinch!  How can you not be excited about an industry that is filled with creative, inspiring and energetic people! The incentive is there when you see Bowker’s industry statistics of 181% growth between the years 2008 – 2009 for the non-traditional side of the publishing business.

 There are people everywhere wanting to jump on the train. After all, America is filled with ingenuity – filmmakers, artists, writers, and all kinds of passionate people wanting to educate, inspire, entertain and inform through books and film and the arts!

 Find us another industry that can tout growth statistics like that! Until then we are going to keep on, keeping on – sharing independent thoughts, words and views!

 Visit us tomorrow for information on one of the hottest, most energetic and responsible independent filmmakers and his production company around! See you then!

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Crossing the Finish Line

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“When the goal is in sight, all your physical pain disappears, and your mental determination shall carry you the rest of the way.” ~ Trey Patty 

At 6:30am, Saturday morning,  my fellow Kiwanians and I were perched by the side of the road at Rabbit Ears Pass. We were on the look out for athletes who where running in a relay race all the way from Fort Collins, CO to Steamboat Springs, CO – a 198 mile trek, over multi-mountain pass terrain!! 

Although participating in a race of athletic endurance is not something I can quite relate to – I can appreciate how each of these athletes were examples in courage and in not being stopped by the thought of defeat. Throughout my five hour stint of helping on the sidelines, I was inspired by a group of runners who despite extreme circumstances, had set personal goals, and had dreams of reaching the finish line first. 

Each of us has our own interpretation what is fulfilling, meaningful and satisfying in life. Whether you are an athlete struggling to cross the finish line, or a writer in the final stages of a book project, completing the task requires many of the same character traits.

 It takes passion, planning, motivation, enthusiasm, focus and a determined spirit to continue on despite challenges and setbacks. If you are a writer whose manuscript has been rejected through the traditional publishing world, don’t let rejection defeat you! Learn all you can about why your manuscript was rejected, take all the necessary steps to correct, rewrite, improve or enhance your writing. Don’t loose the passion for your manuscript. Use your enduring spirit to continue on. Always consider the alternative – independent publishing. That way, you can be in charge of the end result using those character traits that you already possess.

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

Helping Teachers Explore Possibilities

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“Give all you have…teach what you know and learn what you don’t. Stay open to all” ~ Unknown 

Last night at the Epilogue Bookstore, we had some bright, intelligent people who came to learn why non-traditional publishing is on the fast track to becoming the leading sector of the publishing industry. After all, independent publishing (non-traditional publishing) already represents over 50% of all publishing revenues! According to Bowker, the industry grew a whooping 181% between 2008-2009! http://bit.ly/cp3anL. 

Folks everywhere are asking the same question – how can they take their ideas for books and film, and turn them into reality? “On the Fast Track: The Independent Publishing Industry” will be repeated in September at Colorado Mountain College www.coloradomtn.edu.com.  Stay tuned to this blogsite, for  more information, in the coming weeks. 

Colleges are breeding grounds for professionals who are highly educated, have career expertise and love to share their knowledge with others through teaching! Sometimes, teaching means standing in front of a classroom, sometimes teaching means sharing knowledge through the form of a book or film. 

If you are a professor who has been interested in sharing your career knowledge through a book or film, the time has never been better to share that knowledge. Join in on the discussion and learn why independent publishing may be the perfect choice for you. You can be “the boss” of your book, and I can guarantee you this – it will be published, when it is up to you!

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Exploration of A Dream

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“Within you right now is the power to do things you never dreamed possible.” ~Unknown 

Do you have a book in you? Why not join in on the conversation! The independent publishing industry is boasting figures that are easy to understand once you hear what the buzz is all about!  

 “On the Fast Track: The Independent Publishing Industry” will be presented tonight at the Epilogue Bookstore in Steamboat Springs, CO at 7pm.

  • Learn how you can fulfill your dreams of becoming a published author!
  • Hear a first hand story of a choice that an independent publisher had to make.
  • Gather some resources so you can start down the path to independent publishing
  • Listen to how the passion of one mom has become a ministry of sharing a relevant topic with all parents through indie publishing.
  • Learn who to partner with for independent publishing success.  

Take the first step toward making your dream a reality. See you tonight!

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Grassroots Spreading Globally

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“We are all functioning at a small fraction of our capacity to live life fully in it’s total meaning of loving, caring, creating and adventuring.                            ~ Herbert A. Otto  

It is inspiring when a simple message and concept begins to grow beyond wildest dreams. When Salley Gibney, founder of You Are Never Alone Foundation, a Vermont 501(3)C voluntary, non-profit began her efforts to foster caring, connection and hope through Caring Coins, I doubt she envisioned her efforts would spread so quickly, globally.  

The message of  You Are Never Alone is passed along from person to person through Caring Coins. These simple wooden coins inscribed with the words “You are Never Alone” were first given to troubled teens, to senior citizens, to hospice patients and to troops from Vermont headed to war in Afghanistan. Little by little, “the good news of hope” began to gather momentum. These coins are now available in Spanish, too and have traveled to places far beyond Vermont. They have traveled to children in Uganda, Guatemala and Ecuador!  

A few months ago word spread even further when the You Are Never Alone Foundation was invited to Bangladesh to spread the news and share caring coins with children in India! Please take a few minutes to watch this video and you will see the joy that this simple concept is now bringing to children on the other side of the world!  

This non-profit organization is a wonderful reminder of how one person’s vision and passion for changing the world can bring fulfillment to others. Salley is so fortunate to have the assistance of volunteers. There is much work to be done and funds are needed to continue to share this valuable message with others who are so in need of knowing, that despite life’s hard knocks, YOU ARE NEVER ALONE!

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Fabulous and Fulfilling!

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The artist does not see things as they are, but as he is.  ~Alfred Tonnelle 

Now that’s what I call a talented artist and that’s what I call making it all worthwhile! I spent a few hours of my evening, last night, volunteering as an usher at Strings in the Mountains – a beautiful venue set high in the mountains of Steamboat Springs, CO. www.stringsmusicfestival.com. We were treated to a fabulous concert of jazz trumpeter Chris Botti and his extarodinarily talented company of musicians.  

It is no mystery why Chris Botti has become such a successful artist at the young age of 47!  What a charmer he is! And so too, is his music. Three of his albums have reached #1 position on the Billboard of jazz album charts. He holds Gold and Platinum  and Grammy Awards and travels the world entertaining audiences 300 days a year. Just last week, he played to a sold out audience at Carnegie Hall and his August tour schedule includes stops in Victoria, Australia and Johannesburg, South Africa. Now that’s one busy artist!  

 Kudos to Strings in the Mountains for attracting an artist of this quality to Steamboat Springs, CO. Thanks to Mary Brown and John Tomasini for sponsoring this evening of art and entertainment.  

Can’t wait till Sunday when “Classical Meets Jazz” in a free community concert – available to all!  

For more information on jazz musician Chris Botti, and to listen to a sample of his music, please go to  http://www.chrisbotti.com.

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

Weekend Indie Publisher News

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Writers from all over the world will be converging at The Edinborough International Book Festival, just weeks away. Beginning August 14th, you can join legendary writers and thinkers at this festival. Four Nobel laureates and four Booker winners will be in attendance. As well as, over 40 authors making their debut!

This 17  day international festival is jammed full with workshops, readings, educational information for writers. A few of the activities include:

  • Storytellers
  • Oxford University Professor, Robin Dunbar – about social networking
  • Bookmaking for kids
  • Rosie Allen – producer of arts documentaries
  • Brother & sister due from Poland – on Writing a Book with your Sibling
  • Culinary Writing Workshop

For more information on this International Book Festival, visit

http://www.edbookfest.co.uk.

 

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An Indie Bound Meeting!

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“The pleasure of all reading is doubled when one lives with another who shares the same books” ~ Katherine Mansfield 

If you visited this website yesterday, welcome back! I am glad you returned! Our paths seem to cross a lot on this blogsite. Obviously, many of the same things are fulfilling to us! We share an interest  in independently published words, thoughts and views.

There is more information that I would like to share with you all about Indie Bound. Across America, there are bookstores who support and believe in the growing trend of independent publishing! That is right, and there is more! 

Did you know Indie Bound even has a bestselling list of independently published books? http://www.indiebound.org/indie-bestsellers. This list is updated weekly. Here are a few picks from their list: 

  • The Help – Katheryn Stockett
  • Faithful Place – Tana French
  • The Passage –  Justin Cronin
  • Fly Away Home – Jennifer Weiner
  • Matterhorn – Karl Marlantes
  • The Cookbook Collector – Allegra Goodman 

Let’s try to meet another way – in person!  How does meeting at an Indie Bound bookstore sound? Let’s meet at  The Epilogue Bookstore in Steamboat Springs, CO on August 5th at 7pm, because they are Indie Bound! Let’s discuss “On the Fast Track: The Independent Publishing Industry.” I know we will find a lot of common ground! Author Mitzi Rudderow of Dallas, TX has already sent me her RSVP. She wants to add to the discussion and introduce her book “Coming Clean: Drug Addiction Help and Hope.” Sounds like a plan to me! 

Need more information the location of The Epilogue Bookstore? Please visit their website http://epiloguebookco.com/ 

See you there! 

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

Weekend Indie Publishing News

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Calling all writers and publishers! Tune in to “Cover to Cover”  www.wnzf.com very Saturday morning! Not only can this show be listened to on-line but also on a good old fashioned radio – 106.3 on the FM dial and 1550 on the AM dial from Flagler Beach, FL.

This weeks broadcast 7/17 – join Frank Gromling as he interviews author of The Lotus Eaters  – Tatjiana Soli and Holly Albanese of the Flagler County Library.

Next week Saturday 7/24 – Author Warren Caterson will be on hand to talk about his book Table for Two.  Also, we are in for a very informative show with Angela D’Agostino from Bowker/ProQuest. I am sure she will update us on the latest statistics on the independent publishing scene.

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, today and every Saturday!

I’ll be joining  you!

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Second Encounters

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“ We all live under the same sky, but we don’t all have the same horizon”         ~ Konrad Adenauer

Arts in the Parks was one of the featured events this past weekend in Steamboat Springs, CO.  Judging by the attendance, I would say it was a great success. I enjoyed it all! 

I was so happy to see the return of photographer, Kenny Tong! http://www.kennytong.com/ Once again, in my opinion, his photography was a real standout! It seems to me, his images are of places in China, where no ordinary man walks. It is no wonder that his forays into the hidden paradises of China, to capture exquisite scenery, last 2-3 months each year. 

This year at Arts in the Park, I had my son Marc, a recent film student graduate by my side.  Kenny’s professional life started in the film industry. He was able to share some of his experiences with my son, and some of the reasons why he traded in his craft of filmmaking for a career in still photography, which he finds so fulfilling. 

Keep up the great work, Kenny. I was glad to see on the Events calendar of your website www.kennytong.com that you will be sharing your art with the communities of Boulder and Carbondale, Colorado over the next few weeks. 

Thanks for the well wishes to Marc, as he ponders what is ahead on the horizon for him and as he establishes his life as a filmmaker.

 

 Photo – Marc in Ireland.

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