Category Archives: feature films – documentaries

New Film Initiative: Women Leading

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“Leaders of the future will have to be visionary and be able to bring people in – real communicators. These are things that women bring to leadership” ~ Anita Borq 

There is a new initiative focusing on films about women and girls in leadership roles, world-wide, being brought to us by PBS.  “Women and Girls Lead” was kicked off several weeks ago with the TV broadcast of the film Bhutto, which chronicles Benazir Bhutto and the challenges she faced in a global leadership role as Prime Minister of Pakistan. 

Independent Lens, opened up new slots in programming for independent documentary filmmakers with compelling stories to tell about women in commanding positions, and more than 1000 films were vying for a spot. Fifty films have been chosen to be broadcast as part of this new initiative. 

Non-profit organizations in support of women engaged in the art of filmmaking have provided funding support and promotion of this new initiative. Organizations such as Chicken and Egg http://bit.ly/kEqk , Women Make Movies http://bit.ly/BP4hb , The Fledgling Fund http://bit.ly/hShb7T, and even media mogul Oprah http://bit.ly/8HYvLn  are behind these efforts. 

This multi-year initiative aimed at educating, informing and connecting people globally all through the power of film, will bring awareness about struggles and successes women and girls have when they assume leadership roles. 

 I look forward to viewing these compelling films right from the comfort of my home, all brought to us by PBS.

Happy Film Friday, everyone, and we will be back on Monday with more independent thoughts, words and views.

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Libraries Agree the Time is NOW!

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“We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.” ~ Charles R. Swindoll 

Last weekend, I had an opportunity to read an independently published book written by Kristen Moeller, called “Waiting for Jack.” http://bit.ly/bUy3pu.  This book has been enormously successful, and I believe it is because many people can relate to the book’s message. The point of the book is to bring to light to the fact that many people live their lives saying and thinking things like, “ I will be happy and my life will be fulfilling when …….” 

You pick your poison, and fill in the blank as you see fit!  A  few times in my life have I fallen victim to this way of thinking, but I usually do fairly well at finding the best in any given situation. 

There was another very good point made in the book “Waiting for Jack” that I did fully relate to, however. That is the importance of thinking outside of the box. Never has this become so clear to me until I moved from my thirty-five year state of residence to a new state. All kinds of opportunities and possibilities made sense to me when I  began to move away from old ways of doing things and started anew. 

Our past few blogs have been focused on a very valuable agreement that has just been signed between the Douglas County Libraries and the Colorado Independent Publishers Association. This agreement, I believe, will be as author Kristen Moeller, would say “a fierce disruption of the ordinary.” 

The Director of the Douglas County Libraries, Jamie LaRue, has taken a bold and brazen step in removing the boundaries that libraries have operated within for many, many years. By no longer restricting the library from only buying books from the main six or seven publishing giants from across the land, libraries will be positioned to accept a new generation of books.  Electronic books (e-books) from independent publishers will move the library away from standard ways of doing business, into new-age bodies of work.

Evidently, the Douglas County Libraries, and the Colorado Independent Publishers Association have decided the time is NOW! I have a feeling, that as libraries move away from doing business as usual, in time the full ramifications of this new agreement will  be realized by both libraries and independent publishers – not just here, but all over the globe. 

Yippee! There will be more IPPY’s in coming years!

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Goodness, Gracious!

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“All that we behold is full of blessings.” ~ William Wordsworth 

Over the weekend, I attended an historic event for the Colorado Independent Publishers Association www.cipabooks.com. An agreement was signed that will allow libraries to acquire e-books from CIPA members without limitation. What a game changer this will be for independent publishers and libraries in Colorado, and in time, maybe all over the place!

I also had the opportunity to attend the largest meet-up group in the country for creatives. That was fun, too! There were all kinds of people who work in industries far different than what the standard 9 to 5 employment lifestyle demands. 

As I made the trek back to Steamboat Springs, CO from Denver, CO I had three hours alone in the car to reflect on how my life has changed all because I decided to “seize the moment” about 13 years ago! 

One employment ad,  one creative connection , one book on how to paint “Alla Prima,”  and one opportunity piqued my interest in the world of independent publishing. It started me down the path toward meeting all sorts of people I never would have had the chance to meet, had I not followed my intuition just because the circumstances “felt right.” 

My journey into the independent publishing industry has been richly rewarding educationally and oh, so personally fulfilling, too. Making connections with other “creatives” whose careers involve living and working by their passions has helped me to trust and know that what feels good is right for me, and what feels right is good for me! I am a firm believer that fulfilling things come when we let our hearts rather than our heads, lead the way. And for that I am grateful! 

To read some tips on reaching your goals through the creative arts, please visit http://bit.ly/mmow3P.

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Pilot Program for Independent Publishers

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“It is not easy to be a pioneer – but oh, it is fascinating! I would not trade one moment, even the worst moment, for all the riches in the world.” ~ Elizabeth Blackwell 

According to Jamie LaRue, the Director of Douglas County Libraries in Colorado, “this is the most exciting time in publishing since the invention of the printing press. Until now, books coming through the gateway of the library have been restricted to only those that have been published by the big traditional publishing houses.” The new agreement that has been signed between the Douglas County Library System http://douglascountylibraries.org/  and the Colorado Independent Publishers Association www.cipabooks.com  will allow a system whereby independent publications can be found by library patrons and libraries will essentially be fulfilling a need for the independents by helping them to find readers, too. How cool is that? 

The magnitude of opportunity and possibilities that this agreement opens up for libraries all across the country and for independent publishers, too, is mind boggling. “Take this another few steps further”, a Colorado Independent Publishers Association member remarked at the signing of the agreement, “and think what this agreement can do for independent publishers of film and music, too.” 

Of course, providing top quality books has always been the objective of libraries, and this will remain unchanged. Being put into place is a “rating system” that will allow the best  to be included in catalog of e-booksthat will be sold to libraries. 

Jamie LaRue told his story of how his mind-set had been changed toward independent publishers. He used to interview authors, and as he began to feature a few independent publishers, he realized there is a whole new generation of publishers who have outstanding, valuable stories to share but the big traditional publishing houses are passing them by. It seems his objective is to provide excellence in literature for his library patrons, whether traditionally published or not. 

To read more about this e-book Pilot program agreement between the Colorado Independent Publishers Association and the Douglas County Libraries, please visit http://bit.ly/eYPEix. 

You can be sure, we will be following this story as this agreement unfolds. Keep in touch with what is happening in the dynamic and changing world of independent publishing through All Things Fulfilling. This blog site is dedicated to those who have independent thoughts, words and views, that will truly change the world of publishing.

This photograph is the signing of the e-book agreement between Colorado Independent Publishers Association President, Nancy Mills and Director of Douglas County Library System, Jamie LaRue.

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She Writes Steamboat

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“We can begin by doing small things at the local level… like looking out for our neighbors. That is how change takes place …from many local actions occurring simultaneously.” ~  Grace Lee Boggs 

One of the very best ways to build business is through networking – building communities of like-minded people! This applies to building independent publishing businesses, too. Self-publishing authors, micro-presses and small presses, do not have some of the benefits and the marketing advantages of traditional publishing conglomerates at their dispose. Therefore, it is important to join independent publishing trade associations and writers guilds. Cooperative efforts can be very effective in supporting the non-traditional publisher.

What self-publishing authors, micro-presses and small presses do have, to their advantage, is the flexibility of doing business any way they see fit. Many decide to independently publish for this very reason.  Publishers who go the independent route are fulfilling a need by providing unique publications that readers are looking for. Non-traditional publishers often opt for tactics of selling and marketing their books that traditional publishers may reject. 

There is a new networking group called She Writes www.shewrites.com  being established inSteamboat Springs, Colorado. This meet-up group’s goal is to heighten awareness of independent publishing projects that creatives in Steamboat Springs and the surrounding Routt County are engaged in and to support those efforts. Anyone who is starting or is in the process of independently publishing a book, film, music or other media can attend. 

She Writes Steamboat’s first objective is to establish a time and a regular place to meet and to connect with those in the community who would like to collaborate and network with other independent-minded publishing folks. In the coming weeks, more information will be available on our first gathering. Keep your eyes open to future blog posts on All Things Fulfilling about the She Writes Steamboat Meet-up group. Excitement is in the air!

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Film Friday – Sundance Selection

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 There is a Sundance Film Festival selection all about marketing, branding and advertising. Really?  And it is The Greatest Movie Ever Sold! 

This film by acclaimed filmmaker, Morgan Spurlock, of Super Size Me fame, examines the world as we know it today – a environment whereby just walking down the street we are attacked by people fulfilling their need to try to sell us something. 

This Oscar ® nominated documentary film is both funny and thought provoking. It brings to the fore just how subjected we really are to brand advertising on a daily basis, without thinking much about it or realizing it. 

Consumer advocate Ralph Nader is among the cast along with appearances by Donald Trump and other business gurus. Some would contend that this movie is devoid of real substance. That it was produced to attract advertisers, just so the film could be produced! Watch it and decide for yourself. 

To watch a trailer of this movie, please visit http://imdb.to/g3h5mS.

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Learning New Systems and Methods

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“You just don’t luck into things as much as you’d like to think you do. You build step by step…” ~ Barbara Bush

 Yesterday’s blog about the Library of Congress, the keeper of all things published, in Washington, DC brought to mind how things have changed in libraries since the days of wooden card catalog boxes. Ever since index cards were replaced with the On-Line Public Access Catalog (OPAC) new search methods have been developed for identifying publications people are seeking to find. 

 It is essential that  independent publishers can found through the On-Line Public Access catalog. http://bit.ly/pug0x. In order to be a successful independent book seller, there are four user tasks that must be incorporated into e-marketing your book. Potential buyers must be able to identify, find, select and obtain your book or other published media. Without understanding and utilizing the tools that are used in today’s computer cataloging systems, it is difficult for your publication to be visible among all the rest. 

Marketing over the internet is more complex than just having a website presence. Becoming visible as an author through e-marketing is as important as bringing visibility to the publication itself. Publicity and marketing of both product and “supplier” will greatly increase your publication’s chances of being found and sold! 

If you do not understand the strategies behind selling and marketing your publication over the internet, seek help. Contact a company that specializes in e-marketing for independent publishers.

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Archives and Architecture

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“We all work with one infinite power.” ~ from the book  The Secret 

One of the most magnificent of all museum buildings in America is often over-looked by tourists visiting the Nation’s Capital of Washington, DC. Many walk right by one of the most interesting Federal Buildings, not knowing what they are missing. The real secret attraction is the architecture inside! Fulfilling the need to know what else is in it, lies just inside the walls of the building. The magnificent structure  houses the Library of Congress. Add this Federal Building to your “must see list” of sites to visit next time you are in the surrounds of Washington, DC. 

The structure  is so large  that  it can contain 147 million volumes of cataloged books, music, newspapers, pamphlets, films, technical reports/journals, textbooks, artwork and other published material. It is a library so enormous that it takes up three buildings, all connected by underground passageways. The museum houses publications on an amazing maze of 838 miles of shelving.  

Not only does the Library contain volumes of books, film and sheet music, it is the “bank”for copyright protection and copyright registration, and it is home to the United States Copyright Office. 

The Library of Congress also includes a motion picture and television reading room, the Mary Pickford Theatre which hosts free screenings of contemporary and classic movies and TV shows.

In recent years, a whole different class of publications have been added to the cataloging system at the Library of Congress. A small but growing collection of archived books is now available on the internet through a library initiative called American Memories. Now, some very frail volumes of books, audio visual materials, manuscripts and maps dating back as far as 1400 have been digitized. For more information on the Library of Congress, please visit http://1.usa.gov/mhUZy2.

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Movies for Art Buffs

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“All religions, arts and sciences are branches of the same tree.”  ~ Albert Einstein 

Happy Arbor Day, on this Film Friday! It has been a busy week, so the blog today will be brief.  So often we have featured historical art fiction books on this blog site. Today, we will fulfill the needs of movie buffs who like to watch films about art and artists. Here are ten top favorite movies on this subject: 

1-      Pollack – About the abstract expressionist painter

2-      Basquiat –  The life of the 1980’s graffiti artist

3-      The Agony and the Ecstasy – A Biography of the genius of Michelangelo

4-      Art School Confidential –  This film was inspired by comic strip by Daniel Clowes

5-      Dirty Pictures –  About a controversial exhibit of photos by Robert Mapplethorpe

6-      Frida – Mexican surrealist painter Frida Kahlo is featured in this film

7-      Goya in Bordeaux –A biographical film aboutFrancisco Goya, Spanish romantic painter of the 18th and 19th century.

8-      I Shot Andy Warhol – About the woman who tried to shoot pop artist Andy Warhol.

9-      Klimt – A 2006 Austrian film about Gustav Klimt, the artist of the famous painting The Kiss.

10-  My Left Foot – An Oscar was won for the actor portraying the Irish artist born with cerebral palsy who made art using his left foot.

To see the full list of the top 20 art films, please visit http://bit.ly/bIed89.

Enjoy the weekend, and we will be back on Monday with more independent thoughts, words and views!  

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Ergo! Readers Reign Supreme!

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“Consider the postage stamp:  its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing till it gets there.”  ~Josh Billings

When I began this blog site, All Things Fulfilling, I had arbitrarily set a goal of reaching 10,000 readers. Guess what? Yesterday I hit the mark! What a fulfilling day this is!

 I knew before starting this blogsite  there were folks searching for  specialists in e-commerce and e-marketing for independent publishers. I was also well aware that writers, artists, filmmakers, musicians, educators, professionals and other “creative types” were becoming ever more interested in the industry called “independent publishing or non-traditional publishing.” But, I really was not sure how this blog site would be received. The result has been very gratifying!

I owe a huge Thank You to every reader of All Things Fulfilling. Each of one of you make blogging worthwhile. Whether you live in Steamboat Springs, Colorado or reside somewhere else around the globe, we are essentially one big community of people who believe in the power of independent thoughts, words and views. 

 I’ve enjoyed the journey of reaching 10,000 readers. I appreciate the comments and  discussions I have had with a community of people who share the same interests as I do. There will be more exciting news from All Things Fulfilling in the coming months so stay tuned!

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