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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Come, Bearing Gifts of Healthcare

“It is characteristic of wisdom, not to do desperate things.” ~ Henry David Thoreau

I love Christmas carols and all the traditions of Christmas. As a child, I was the one who awoke before daybreak on Christmas morning, roused my two brothers and twin sister and gathered my parents under the Christmas tree to open presents before the sun came up! I wanted to see the tree all lit up in the darkness of Christmas morn! There was NEVER any sleeping in on Christmas, not with me around!

One of my favorite carols is We Three Kings and I decided this year, I would delve deeper into what the gifts of frankincense, myrrh and gold are all about. What I have discovered is the three wise men were, infact, very wise!  They were pioneers in healthcare. They came bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh,  maybe not because of the great value to the ancient world, but because all three have significant health benefits!

Frankincense, I will suggest, was an early form of aromatherapy. It’s pleasant scent is used in soaps, lotions, essential oils and incense. It comes from the resin of the Boswellia tree.

Myrrh is used for certain inflammatory conditions, as well as for chapped lips, wounds, and when mixed in proper amounts with food, may protect against gastric ulcers.

Gold, it has been said, has a hisory of treating rheumatologic conditions. I would add that it is used for psychological well being – to enhance one’s sense of prosperity. Don’t we all like to feel a few gold coins jangling around in our pockets?

Whether Santa comes bearing gifts or not, I will still  be up before dawn on Christmas morn because I still love the holidays like a child. I can’t wait to see the faces of those I love – those are the best gifts we can receive.

Maybe in 2010, some old wise man will arrive with a potion that will let me sleep past six am every morning. Nah, I think I will leave my circadian rhythms alone. I like the clock I run by. Chapstick, laced with a little myrrh, in my Christmas stocking for this cold dry Colorado winter, is all I ask for this Christmas!

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Pass it Along

“The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example.” ~ Benjamin Disraeli

Today is a day of great sadness for my family. We have lost one of my son’s most valuable mentors in life. An educator and filmmaker, and all around wonderful person. He was so compassionate that he spent his final years producing a documentary about advanced cancer “Voices from the Lived World of Illness” for the Center for Communication in Medicine. This film and study guide is now being used to educate medical students and families about the importance of good communications between patient and doctor.

He fought so hard against a cruel blood cancer, and as he fought, he taught. Communication with others came so natural to him. My son and so many other students, are recipients of all the knowledge a person could possibly share about life, teen issues, about friendship and mentorship. He was committed to teaching emerging filmmakers every thing he has ever known about the business, before he left this world.

Thankfully, he had a wonderful support system throughout his illness. Those who knew him, tried in every way they could to return the same kindness and compassion that he had shared with others.

His legacy will be the education he so generously gave to his students, and the knowledge that will be communicated to others through the documentary film he produced.

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Weekend Indie Publisher News

 

All Independent Publishers – Second Reminder – Mark your Calendars The American Library Association Mid-Winter Convention.  9,000 + librarians will be attending this conference, looking for unique books for their library patrons. The www.AuthorsCollective.com is dedicated to helping the self published, emerging writers and independent publisher gain publicity for their books. Contact the Authors Collective today about including  your publication in their display.

The Independent Publishers of New England www.ipne.com will also include your publication in their display. Time is running short, so act now, while  space is still available.

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Another reminder- Deadline for the 2010 Eric Hoffer Book Award

All books accepted and the grand prize is $1500. Winner and First Runner-up in your selected category. Montaigne Medal for the most thought provoking book and the daVinci Eye Award will be presented for the best book cover.

Some of the catagories are: Art, Poetry, General Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Children, Young Adult, Culture, Memoir, Business. Reference, Home, Health, Self-Help/Spiritual, Legacy Non-fiction.

For more information: hofferaward01@gmail.com.

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Comfort in Knowing

“Other things might change us, but we start and end with family.”                  ~ Anthony Brandt

I recently read some staggering statistics about hospice. According to The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization www.nhpco.org  1.45 million hospice patients were served in 2009. Out of approximately 2,500,000 deaths in 2008 – close to 963,000 were cared for by hospice workers. These numbers include patients who found comfort  and care in their final days of life in private residences, nursing homes, residential facilities, acute care hospitals and hospice inpatient facilities.

All of us have known someone who has been cared for by hospice workers in the final days of their life.  My hope is that along with my family, a compassionate and caring hospice worker will be by my side at the end of my life. This thought, I am sure, is shared by many people.

It is astounding to me that, although the need is great, the general population knows so little about hospice services. With our aging population, it would behoove all of us to be come educated and informed.

If you have a family member who is facing end of life issues, check with a  hospice facility, closest to you, to see whether they have a lending library that includes the documentary film “Pioneers of Hospice” www.pioneersofhospice.org. The film will help to educate you about an issue that, as human beings, each of us will face in a lifetime. The documentary sensitively handles a subject that so many are uncomfortable in discussing. It is insightful and educational for any family member who is faced wtih end of life decisions and end of life care.

You will find comfort in knowing you have learned something about hospice and it’s value prior to making those difficult end of life decisions for your loved one.

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Weekend Indie Publisher News

www.shewrites.com.

ATTENTION:  WOMEN WRITERS

A   website has been established, specifically  for women writers.

She Writes, has joined in on the latest social networking trends. It provides a place for women to exchange ideas and support each other in every genre of writing. Approximately four thousand women writers – poets, biographers, memoirists,novelists, fiction and non-fiction writers have joined this community.

Connect with other women writers, read member’s blogs, forums and take advantage of educational opportunities through Webinars, created through She Writes.com.

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Finding it Within

“True prosperity is the result of well-placed confidence in ourselves and our fellow man.” ~  Benjamin Burt

On this Thanksgiving Day, I would like to thank all independent publishers everywhere who are finishing their books and films by the end of this year, 2009.

Blessings to You, who work hard and dare

Blessings to You, who wish to share

Blessings to You, who have penned, produced and toiled

Blessings to You, who have burned the midnight oil

Thanks for sharing your independently published books, music and films so that we may be enriched, educated and inspired. May you all find fulfillment in the work that you do, and be rewarded with an abundance of personal prosperity in 2010.

Blessings to You

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Weekend Indie Publisher News

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Attention Non-Fiction Writers!!  If you have a book relevant to better living, enter it into the book award contest sponsored by www.livingnowawards.com.  This contest is looking for books which relate to living fulfilling lives. There are 28 categories offering gold, silver and bronze medals.

Some of the categories include:

  • Cooking – general, organic and holiday
  • Personal Growth
  • Health and Wellness
  • Enlightenment/Spirituality
  • Hobbies and Crafts
  • Wedding Planning
  • Gardening/Landscaping
  • Pets/Livestock
  • Green Living
  • Home/Remodeling/Decorating
  • Travel
  • Finance/Budget
  • Charity
  • Style/Shopping
  • Charity
  • Mature Living

For information on all categories and entry guidelines, please visit www.livingnowawards.com.

Enter Early and Save!

$70 per title until November 7, $80 per title from November 8 to January 8, 2010 and $90 per title from January 10 – February 14, 2010 (deadline date).

Books that win contests SELL! ENTER NOW!

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Weekend Indie Publishers News

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Wow! Where did this week go? It is hard to believe it is time to update you with more independent publisher news.

NEWS FLASH: The 2010 Eric Hoffer Book Awards are coming up!     Here is your chance indie publishers – shoot for the moon and submit!!

This contest is accepting newly released books or older books from     Small Presses~Academic Presses~Micro-Presses~Self Publishers                                                                                                        Deadline:  January 21, 2010                                                                                    Entry Fee: $45                                                                                                           Grand Prize and World Wide Exposure                                                        Winner and Runner-up Prizes in Every Category                                     Coverage in The US Review of Books!

Categories: Art, Poetry, Children, Fiction & Non-fiction, Memoir, Culture, Business, Reference, Home, Health, Reference, Spirtual/Self Help.

A SINGLE REGISTRATION GIVES YOU FIVE WAYS TO WIN!!!

For full details and to enter – please visit www.HofferAward.com         Other Contact Information: email – info@hofferaward.com                      The Eric Hoffer Awards, PO Box ll, Titusville, NJ  08560

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Funding for Filmmakers

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There is not a shortage of creative talent in this world. There are more ideas and inspiring subjects for documentary films than there are “Carter’s Has Liver Pills,” to use my Mom’s ancient expression. We are a generous people, We Americans! There are so many outstanding non-profit organizations spreading the good news and helping others in this country. Many have inspiring tales to tell through the power of film.

The biggest stumbling block for independent filmmakers is finding funds to bring a project to fruition and getting enough financial backing to professionally market a film. Films of award winning caliber may not necessarily mean a feature film blockbuster. But, an outstanding film needs to attract the attention that it deserves.

There is grant funding available through Mandy.com and the Independent Documentary Association (DIA) to name a few resources. They both post deadlines and grant opportunities. PBS also offers non-profit status for film projects. It is a selective process, but I have yet to see a PBS film production that was not worth viewing!

Hiring a professional grant writer could pay off. They know the lingo, the approach and can help you navigate through the process of obtaining funds. And don’t forget, include a budget for professional marketing of your film in your application for funding.

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