Category Archives: fiction writing

Penny Here, Penny There

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 “Literature is an investment of genius which has dividends to all subsequent times.”  ~ John Burroughs 

Believe it or not, it is getting time to pull out the fall jackets, pants and coats here in Colorado – I love that time of year! Invariably I come across a little pocket change that I didn’t know existed. Finding a few crumpled dollars, or handfuls of coins left in my clothing from the season before is such a fulfilling feeling – it is like finding an extra paycheck – no matter how big or small. 

We all work hard for our money, and we should work hard at keeping it too! Are you an independent publisher guilty of overspending on postage and delivery each year? Well – you are not alone! It is no wonder though – keeping current with changes in postal and delivery service rates and fees is a never ending job.

Independent publishing means being smart, making wise decisions and not spending money needlessly, so you can retain a higher profit margin on your product. Isn’t that one of the reasons why you decided to independently publish in the first place? Adding an extra stamp here and extra stamp there “just in case” and “for good measure” can really add up! And it will affect your bottom line too.

As an order fulfillment company, we must be guardians for our clients to make sure they retain the highest profit margin on their sale. We strive to stay “in the know,” so we can ship the quickest, most economical, and reliable way possible, all over the globe. It is all part of getting the job done!

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The Lady with the Red Pen

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“Learn to laugh at your troubles and you’ll never run out of things to laugh at”  ~ Lyn Karol  

The Red Hat Society has become visible in cities and towns across America! Don’t know who they are? It is a bond of women who have chosen to have fun, experience life and not be too serious about life over 50! They are “forged by common life experiences.” Whenever they are cavorting together, they wear red hats and purple clothes.  

There is another lady who belongs to a society called virtual authors assistants and she totes a red pen! She is in a class all by herself – the Red Pen Editor, and can she ever make her mark! Her mission to is help writers with the proper use (or is it usage?) of words. Yea, (or is it Yeah), she knows just what she is doing when it comes the correct use (or is it usage?) of punctuation, too.  She can get down deep and dirty, when it comes to that!  What seems like little knit-picking details, really are important to the overall success of your book. It matters and she will tell you that!  

Ever wonder whether to use a colon or semi-colon? Whether to use a lot or alot; or wondering about whether to write a who or a whom? Is it correct to say him and me, or she and I, or me and you?  

Award winning (or is it award-winning?) Red Pen Editor, Karen Reddick, has published two books on the subject of grammar. Check them out! These books are great resources for all independent publishers. Perfect for those moments when grammar has you in a quandary and for when you are filled with self doubt (or is it self-doubt)?  http://www.grammardoneright.com/ 

P.S.  I hope the lady with the red pen has the day off today. I could be in a heap of trouble, when she reads this blog. Give me a break, Red Pen Editor, we all can’t be perfect, all of the time!  And I may just be a member of the Red Hat Society – you know, women who just want to have fun!

 

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Weekend Indie Publisher News

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ATTENTION INDIE FILMMAKERS!!! There is an all new film festival on the calendar beginning, February 2011. The New Mexico International Film Festival being held in Jemez Springs, NM in the Land of Enchantment! Read the mission statement of this festival to find out how they strive to be the best film festival you have ever experienced! http://newmexicointernationalfilmfestival.com/mission/

Submission Catagories:

  • Short Films: Documentaries (15 minutes or less)
  • Short Films: Narrative (15 minutes or less)
  • Feature Films: Documentaries (80 min or longer)
  • Feature Films: Narratives (80 min or longer)
  • Screenplays (90 to 120 pages  .pdf only)

Enter Early! Beginning October 29, 2010 submissions will be accepted. The earlier you submit, the more you will save.

The best part we have saved till the last – if your film is accepted, you will become a partner, and receive a portion of the box office take!  Assistance with travel expenses will be available and your submission fee will be returned! New concept, new attitudes and an exciting group of people to showcase your film with.  Submit now!

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Plotting the Course

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“We are all inventors, each sailing out on a voyage of discovery, guided each by a private chart, of which there is no duplicate”                                           ~  Ralph Waldo Emerson 

The words of poet, philosopher, orator and essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson have endured because of the wisdom and insight he had into the independent spirit. Transcendentalist and idealist that he was, he well understood how we are all fulfilled by different things in life. He also “got it” when it came to literature, too! His comprehension of how to eloquently use words to move us, worked well. 

One of the biggest advantages of independent publishing, is the ability to plot an individual and “private chart” for marketing a book or film. However, in order to be successful, one must have vision, understand capturing an audience, know how to market and how to tap into it. In this day and age of internet selling, the willingness to step into marketing tactics that are creative and non-traditional is important and necessary.  

If you are a person who enjoys the writing process, but do not consider yourself e-commerce (internet) savvy, there is no reason to be concerned. There are freelance consultants that can help design a course of sales and marketing action for your book. The aim will be to become more visible to your potential buyers so you can increase opportunities for sales.  

Wisdom dictates that it is never too early to begin plotting the course for your voyage for your independently published book or film. Be smart – start right now! Search the internet for companies who specialize in e-commerce and e-marketing for independent publishers.

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Weekend Indie Publishing News

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Heads UP!!  A lot coming up on the docket on the independent publishing scene. Put all the events on your calendar, so you won’t be caught unaware! 

***The NEIBA Fall Conference (New England Independent Booksellers Association) is October 1st and 2nd at the Rhode Island Convention Center, Providence, RI. For a small fee, your publication can be displayed at the Independent Publishers of New England display table, whether you are a member or not. For more details, visit http://www.ipne.org/Events. 

***Between now and September 15th, there are 20 writing contests you can enter. Time is running out, so act now if you are interested. For more information on the contests, requirements and entry fees, go to http://www.pw.org. 

***Don’t miss this article in American Artist Magazine – “How to Build An Art Business You Can be Proud Of.”  Subscribe now, and you will receive six (6) free issues! Every month this magazine provides a wealth of articles, features and stunning images from some of the most prominent artists around. Order Now! www.interweave.com 

***The Museum of Modern Art in NYC will be screening during a 10 day period, The March of Time. There are 40 different episodes in this series of films that have never been screened before! Opening Night will be September 1st and panel discussions will follow all screenings. For more information, visit: Facebook.com/themarchoftime. 

***PLAN NOW!!! The 7th Annual Palm Beach Poetry Festival is scheduled for January 17-22, 2011 in Delray Beach, Florida. Six days of workshops, events, poetry readings featuring notable poets. Deadline to apply November 2, 2010! For more information on this festival www.palmbeachpoetryfestival.org. 

Check in again next weekend – there will be more to share!!!

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Fulfillment from Books and Art

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“Joy is but the sign that creative emotion is fulfilling it’s purpose.”                   ~ Charles DuBos

The other day, I read an article in the Artist Daily www.Interweave.com/Magazines  titled  “Why Does a Painting Move Me?” I began to think of the similarities between the points made in the article and how they apply to the question “Why does a book or film fulfill me?” 

I came up with a list of questions that I ask myself when I am looking for a book on the shelf that will strike a chord within me. Many of these questions are also asked when books are being considered for book group discussions: 

  • Is there psychological intensity to the subject?
  • Are there multiple ways of reading into the content?
  • Can I connect with the writer?
  • Will the style of writing immediately draw me in?
  • Can I relate to the subject matter or genre?
  • Will the story evoke an emotional response from me? 

These questions, when considered throughout the process of writing of a manuscript, can be useful tools for evaluating or critiquing one’s own writing. Successful writing means taking these points into consideration when crafting a story. As a writer, you must fulfill the needs of the reader, otherwise you have no audience.

 

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Weekend Publishing News

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“In life, all that’s really needed to to make any good choice, believe in it, go through with it, and accept the consequences.”

If you are a writer who is contemplating whether or not to independently publish your book, there exists a great opportunity to sort things out! In Denver, CO on Saturday, August 28th from 8:30 am to 2:30pm, the Colorado Independent Publishers Association www.cipabooks.com will be presenting a summer workshop The Road Map to Publishing Your Book. Learn the pros and cons of traditional vs. independent publishing from other authors who have been through the drill.

Immediately following the workshop will be the CIPA summer book sale from 3:00 – 6:00 pm. The book fair is free and open to the public. Check out independently published books from Colorado’s wealth of talented writers and buy some books, too!

Both of these events provide a great way to learn about one of the largest and most active non-profit independent publishing associations in the U.S. CIPA is all about opportunity and education for independent publishers. Take advantages of these two events. For more information and location, please visit www.cipabooks.com.

Hope to see you there!

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Stirrings

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“All humanity is passion; without passion, religion, history, novels, art would be ineffectual” ~ Honore de Balzac 

My field of study throughout college was economics and psychology. Therefore, the study of art history was not within my radar screen of classes to take. Many years of fulfilling internet orders for art books and films, stirred within me a deep seated interest in Art that I barely knew was there. 

In the past few years, I have stumbled upon several books that have brought me closer to knowing more about art history. “The Girl with the Pearl Earring” gave me insight into Vermeer, “The Painted Kiss” led me into life in Vienna during the late 1880s  and into the life of artist Gustav Klimt.  The other day, I began my journey into learning more about the life of Vincent Van Gogh through the book “Sunflowers” by Sheramy Bundrick. Fictional stories about artists have drawn me in and whetted my appetite for art history. I’d like to learn more!  

The other day I began to think how independent publishing is the perfect conduit for artists and art historians to teach others who would have no interest otherwise, about the finest masters of Art. Fictional stories provides an interesting way to explore art history without having to sit through classes filled dates, facts and figures.   

Artists, does your palette of creativity and knowledge include the ability to write and illustrate? If so, a unique opportunity stands before you! You can share your talents and knowledge of Art through independent publishing. Your market even includes people like me, who ordinarily wouldn’t be drawn to learning art history, but love a well told story. How about it, artists?

 P.S. Something I never took notice of before – Van Gogh signed all his paintings simply “Vincent.”

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A Different Kind of Breed

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“…turn a critical eye and ear to what we are offered by the mass media as well as the independent media“~ David Wilson

The filmmaking industry conjures up thoughts of the red carpet, glitz, glamour and buzz! Cropping up are a different breed of filmmakers working to craft outstanding stories with great vision. They do not necessarily have landing on the Hollywood walk of fame as their first priority. Enter independent filmmaker extraordinares!

Independent films are usually made with considerably lower budgets, yet they can be as notable in quality as their counterpart – productions by major film studios. Their content and artistic dimension often sets them apart. Designed to reach specialty audiences rather than mass market, these films are equally as fulfilling to the audience. They win awards at film festivals such as Sundance, Raindance, Silverdocs, IDFA, Durango, Toronto and other places far from L.A.

Apparently, there is a new breed of  independent filmmaker who is centered around “business plans, business models and business books.” He is determined to responsibly manage his  independent film production company and to bring his personal artistic vision to reality. Filmmaking has been “who he is” since the age of 15! His lack of interest in parties and all things Hollywood has landed him and his film company in Albuquerque, NM.

For more information on this up and coming breed of independent filmmaker phenoms, please visit http://bit.ly/bWB1LV.

I hope you will join me in following this filmmakers production company in the coming months and years. I think they have alot in store!

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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.

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