Category Archives: fiction writing

Bouncing Off Ideas

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“All the arts we practice are apprenticeship. The big art is our life” ~ M.C. Richards

My mind has wandered off this day as to why people reside in the places they do, and how location plays a part in inspiring artists in their work. Many artists attribute their creativity to majestic landscapes found in mountainous areas and seashore vistas. A wish to be continually be awed by nature is the very basic reason why many artists choose to settle in environments such as these. But, colonies of artists are found in all places across this continent, some expected and some unexpected.

Some artists thrive on city life, where galleries and art exhibitions are readily available and frequenting them are a large part of every day life. Through daily collaboration with like-minded individuals, many artists find great source of inspiration and connectivity in the art world.

Temporarily living and working in artist retreat environments can also be a great way to grow and be nurtured as an Artist. Artist retreats combined with beautiful, inspiring settings can found in many states across America. The Vermont Studio Center in Johnson, Vermont is a perfect example. Classes in creative writing, poetry, the visual arts, theatre and more are offered on a year round basis. The Vermont Studio Center provides an escape for city-based artists to experience a quieter, serene way of living and learning. For more information, please visit http://www.vermontstudiocenter.org.

Whether you are an artist from the cornfields of Iowa, the Ozarks of the Mississippi or hale from the Keystone State of Pennsylvania, a change of scenery will give you a whole new perspective on your art. This summer or fall, get out there and travel as far as your pocketbook will allow. It will do your heart and soul good too!

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Revealing Revelations

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“The number one thing leaders can do to facilitate balance is to support flexibility and understand the needs of your people” ~ Jim Mitchell

I have a confession to make! No longer will I be viewing art with such tunnel vision.I so enjoyed my visit to the National Museum of Visionary Art, that my range of vision has been expanded. When someone asks me “What genre of art do you most enjoy?” I will refrain from saying representational paintings. I will deliberately challenge what I have held most dear, and open my mind more widely to all kinds of art. It would be very easy to continue to repeat, time and time again, the same answer when asked this simple question. But, incorporation of new information about art means having the ability to see the whole picture – being able to understand why different kinds of art inspires different types of people.

I suspect my determination to open my eyes to a broader spectrum of art is similar to those who are interested in attending inter-denominational faith group events. It provides an opportunity to learn more about religion as a whole and why different faiths appeal to different people. The family of man can be inclusive of many, many denominations!

In my lifetime I have attended a Presbyterian Church, a Congregational Church and a Methodist Church. I sent our son, who was baptized in the Presbyterian Church, to a Catholic College. If I can be accepting of the differences in these faiths, I should be able find a little inspiration in all different kinds of art.

And that’s the truth!

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Finding Answers to Loss

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“The most wonderful of all things in life, I believe, is the discovery of another human being with whom one’s relationship has a growing depth, beauty, and joy as the years increase ….”  ~ Hugh Walpole

After many, many, many of months of not having time to read for pleasure, I have finally found a little time each evening to pick up a book I have been yearning to read. This book is all about the reasons of how and why a book that had a mere $200 marketing budget can make it to the #1 New York Times best seller list. It has attracted the attention of 7,000,000 readers around the world.

The Shack by Wm. Paul Young is as thought provoking a book as I have read in a long, long time. This book is about loss, transformation and enlightenment. It is about doubt, a divine relationship, light and healing. This book holds all the elements that draw you into a story. It raises possibilities of answers to questions that people from all countries, ages, social class and religious backgrounds have asked for generations.

To give you more information on this book, would rob you of what you need to determine for yourself – how this book’s message applies to you and your life. I suspect this is the reason why this book has become a masterpiece. For more information, please visit www.theshackbook.com.

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Striking Gold

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“The two hardest things to handle in life are failure & success.“ ~   Anonymous

I was so disappointed last night not to find on TV, the National team’s baseball game. I wanted to watch first draft pick Stephen Strasburg, make his debut as a major league pitcher. I love all stories about finding personal fulfillment in life and career paths. And Americans have had as many stories about finding success and satisfaction in our personal gifts as you could find anywhere else. It is the land of opportunity and the freedoms we enjoy in this country provide a stage on which to rise to heights unknown if you are willing to work for it.

Many immigrants have come to this country pursuing their dreams. I am always in awe of those who have left their native land behind in search for more. It is not an easy thing to do. A suitcase full of determination, vision, good work ethics, dreams and focused aspirations is what is needed for the good life in America. Demanding that all legal immigrants pack living by the laws of our Constitution in their bags, is not too much to ask, is it?

Our country’s pastures, green with opportunity, will remain healthy and productive if our laws protect the freedoms that we enjoy. Do you have a Made It in America story you can share through independent publishing?

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In All Things, Common Sense

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The only sense that is common in the long run, is the sense of change and we all instinctively avoid it” ~  E. B. White

Do you know who one of the earliest independent thinkers and writers in our country’s history is? Thomas Paine! On this Memorial Day weekend, I thought it would be a good time to remember the writings of Mr. Paine! His pamphlet Common Sense, which appeared in January 1776, pioneered a style of political writing which gathered momentum due to his complex ideas which were clear, concise and intelligible to all.

His pamphlet, Common Sense was often read aloud in taverns and other public settings, and although extremely popular, it is not known how many people joined the cause for separation from Britain, as a result of Mr. Paine’s publication. His writings however, had a definite influence by initiating a public debate about independence.

Is this not what every independent publisher hopes to accomplish- buzz about their ideas, book, film or music? His read aloud sessions of Common Sense in taverns and on public stages, was the forerunner of the book release appearances and parties that are so widely used today to launch a blast of publicity.

Happy Memorial Day and be grateful for the laws of our country that allow for freedom of speech and publishing! I am going to enjoy this Memorial Day too, so I will return on Tuesday!

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Displaying Heart and Soul

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“All forms of self expression are linked.”  ~ Alexandra Stoddard

On a very basic level, the reasons for independent publishing are to educate, inspire, inform and entertain others. But independent publishing provides an avenue for writers, filmmakers, musicians and artists to share their craft with others on a much deeper level too. Through independent publishing you are able to:

  • Share unique perspectives on the world
  • Craft uniquely stylized compositions of writing, music or visual self expression
  • Express oneself truthfully – baring heart and soul.
  • Capture the human condition and the world through words, pictures and sounds.
  • Translate emotion, feelings, thoughts and ideas.

These very deep needs for self expression are often lost in the editorial process through traditional publishing. Although sales are important to the independent publisher and traditional publisher alike, the need for authentic expression is often the force behind the reasons for independent publishing.

What are your reasons for composing, writing or otherwise artistically expressing yourself? Perhaps the independent publishing industry can help you reach your goals and dreams.

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Rewarding Regional Writing

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“I’d rather have an aggregator than a filter – 100 different viewpoints from all over the world”  ~ David Weinberger

My vantage point today comes from atop a lighthouse overlooking the Chesapeake Bay. This point of view has led me to consider how our experiences in life lead to the subjects we write about and how independent publishing provides the perfect opportunity to share our knowledge, experiences and subjects we know best, with others.

Last night, I read about writer Tom Horton, who for 35 years has been documenting the decline of the Chesapeake Bay’s wild places. His regional writing has earned him a reputation for eloquent environmental reporting. Tom attributes his love of words from  having witnessed the life a reporter, his mother, who spent her career as a Baltimore Sun news reporter and also from his love of Marvel and Disney comic books. Also the son of a poultryman, he has experienced life on the Eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay first hand. These experiences have led to numerous books and copious articles filled with a rich and deep understanding of the subjects he knows best.

Whether you are from the Bayou of Louisiana writing about recent environmental issues concerning oil spills, a Western writer sharing stories about ranch life, an international traveler  documenting cultural differences, or an author writing about the California art scene, independent publishing is possible and can be rewarding both personally and financially.

Sharing thought, views and perspectives is what independent publishing is all about! Do you have a book in you?

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Weekend Indie Publisher News

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Do you all have the 2010 Christian Writers Market Guide? If not, you better grab a copy while there are still some left! This is a top resource for writers, revised yearly, to stay current with up to date essential information such as:

  • Listing of Book Publishers
  • Greeting Card and Gift Marketers
  • Christian Writing Contests
  • Order Fulfillment and E-Marketing for Independent Publishers
  • Editorial Services
  • Card/Game/DVD Software Developers
  • Pastor/leadership Markets
  • Christian Writers Groups
  • Literary Agents

This invaluable resource, by Sally E. Stuart, is one of the most comprehensive resource guides I have found. Sally is the author of 34 books.

For more information, please visit www.stuartmarket.com

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Do You Know How to Grab Them?

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“When you do the common things in life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world.” ~ George Washington Carver

Not all small business owners, and that includes many independent publishers, are able to hire a public relations firm. There is a basic PR tool that every entrepreneur, speaker, author, CEO or other business professional should know how to use,  and how to write. It is the staple of the PR industry and it is referred to as a news or press release.

If you do not know how to write a press release, there are many articles on the internet that are valuable and free. You can learn how to write a press release that is compelling, how not to turn off the media by being too self promotional, why writing a good headline matters and why size counts. For more information, please visit http://bit.ly/bqeTi5.

For authors, speakers, CEOs and entrepreneurs who handle their own public relations, there is a wealth of information available in Pam Lontos’ and Andrea Brunais’ book “I See Your Name Everywhere.”  This terrific resource is concise, easy to understand and is filled with tips on how to get your name and your product out there, through newspapers, magazines, radio appearances and television. To order this softcover book, and to read about the credentials of these two seasoned public relations professionals who have written this book, please visit www.ISeeYourNameEverywhere.com.

Isn’t it time you used the media to your advantage to jumpstart your sales, your career and attention to your product? Learn how!

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Volunteer & Vacation All at Once

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“Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion as the things which renew humanity.” ~ Buddha

Schools will soon be letting out, and millions of Americans will be taking to the highways and byways for their annual summer vacation. One of the hottest trends in vacationing, voluntourism, is becoming a subject that many want to read about! Independent publishing is a great way to share, with others, unique experiences you have had through travel.

Voluntourism is becoming increasingly popular for those who are looking for a vacation experience unlike any they have had before. Volunteer vacations can be fulfilling, fun and sometimes, a less expensive way to travel. Retirees and senior citizens represent a large segment of people who have jumped on the bandwagon and are participating in this new travel trend.

Service vacations are often good values for seniors on a tight budget. They provide unique and active vacations rather than spending time on golf courses, on beaches or on a cruise ship. The travel living conditions may include shared accommodations or family style food arrangements, but, for those that ordinarily would not be able to travel, it is a great alternative to staying home and growing old. For more information on this growing trend of service vacations, please visit http://bit.ly/bQ4X9j.

Retirees, is becoming a published writer on your “bucket list” of things to do? Perhaps you have been part of this new trend in travel aimed at renewing humanity,  having fun and seeing the sights, all at once! Share with others, through independent publishing,  how a service vacation enriched your life. Anyone can become a published writer, thanks to the independent publishing industry! What are you waiting for?

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