Category Archives: Independent Publishers Conferences and Workshops

Weekend Indie Publisher News

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Hurry and Register! October Writers Conferences are coming up, soon! Writers Conferences are beneficial to all writers – seasoned and first time publishers! Click on the links to get all of the details of these popular conferences:

Emerald City Romance Writers – Greater Seattle Area October 1-3, 2010  www.gsrwa.org/conference.

James River Writers Conference – Library of Virginia, Richmond, VA  October 8-9,2010   http://bit.ly/bQ6Aph

Fisherman’s Wharf Conference, San Francisco, CA  October 13-17, 2010 www.fwalgonkianconferences.com.

Florida Writers Conference, Lake May, FL  October 22-24  www.floridawriters.net.

Can’t attend these conferences? You can always tune into “Cover to Cover” each and every Saturday on-line at www.wnzf.com.  There is a wealth of information free for writers and publishers on this radio show.

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You’ve Got to be Kidding!

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“The most thoroughly wasted of all days is that on which one has not laughed.”  ~ Chamfort

What good are the words “RANT” and “RAVE” if we don’t use them every once in a while? The thing is, they are just two little words taking up unnecessary space in the dictionary unless we all put them to work occassionally!

 I put “RANT” to good use yesterday, as I sat in front of a computer at the library. Once again, my computer is in the shop. This occurrence has been  repeated far too many times this summer. I tried to console myself as I walked through the library doors. I uttered words to myself like “oh well, at least our library is gorgeous, new and bright!” Followed by, “I will work efficiently, since my time will be limited on a library computer.” To cement this concept in my brain, I chanted “I will quickly get in and out, I will quickly get in and out.”

Yeah, right!! I selected a computer placed right across from #028.909 NEL in the non-fiction section of the Dewey Decimal System. There sat the culprit ogling me and it refused to let me be! The flirt was a book called “So Many Books, So Little Time : A Year of Passionate Reading” by Sara Nelson.

Now, I ask you – “How can you possibly get in and out when you spy a title starring at you like that?”

  1. The title – I can relate to!
  2. My dream is the tag line.
  3. I met the author at a publishing conference a few years ago.
  4. I am curious to know if Sara Nelson can write as well as she speaks.
  5. You can not just strike up a relationship with just one book! What about all the others?

Now for my “RAVE” – Sara Nelson’s book came home with me (and a few others, too!) What a delightful, easily-devoured book! As a book reviewer, Sara executes her job so well. Throughout the book, she name drops titles left and right, and gives you enough of a tease to know you want the whole story! It is a great publication for someone who wants to read so many books, but has so little time!

When my computer is back from the repair shop, I will resume my chanting “I will work efficiently, I will, I will, I will.” That way, I’ll have more time for you know what!

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Saved by the Book

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“We need to be pro-children and pro-literacy of all kinds.” ~ David Booth

Saved! By former First Lady, Laura Bush! All was not lost when my wishes for a weekend full of literary enjoyment began with a bomb of a book that did nothing to fulfill my expectations. Determined to immerse myself in some good reading, I switched gears and delved into a wonderful  journey that was entitled “Spoken from the Heart.”

From the time Laura Bush was a little girl, literature has been an all encompassing part of her life. As an only child, she found a treasure trove of good times with characters and places to escape to all by herself.  Later on in her life, her positions as a mother, teacher, librarian and First Lady allowed her to share her passion of reading with her twin daughters, students and  others, around the globe. She made stories come alive for children in disadvantaged areas so they could also escape into worlds beyond their own environments,.  She taught students how to make handmade books and  former students became subjects of her own first published book “Read All About It.”

As first lady of the United States, she traveled to many countries, like Zanzabar to spread the good news that private and American funds would place 20,000 books in 16 schools for underserved children.

Laura Bush has always been at the top of my list for favorite First Ladies.  Her book “Spoken from the Heart” gave me even more insight into the wholesome Texas values she was raised with, the fact that she is deeply aware of how blessed we are to have children in our lives and our responsibility to do all that we can to spread the value of literacy around the world.

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Limited Only by Initiative

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“Initiative is key. Anybody who wants to be somebody is going to work as hard as they can to fulfill that dream.” ~ Unknown 

It is no secret that the publishing industry has undergone dramatic change over the past ten years. As cited by Bowker, non-traditional publishing grew a robust 181% between 2008 and 2009. In a few more months, we will be able to determine whether these growth percentages have been sustained for yet another year. From where I stand, this would be fulfilling news! 

Although many in the traditional publishing industry would like to tell you that these numbers are all a result of the downturn in the economy, I am not convinced of that!  

Agreed, the downturn of the economy has been a catalyst for change in business. It has given businesses a good reason to take a look at outmoded ways of thinking and to restructure. For businesses who believe that change is good – they have done things to work in positive new directions which include developing creative vision, gaining new momentum and starting fresh initiatives! Non-traditional publishers and businesses alike are putting technology at the center of the company and are learning how to reach large numbers of people at the least cost. Not a bad deal , now, is it?  

Are you an independent publisher whose marketing tactics are no longer relevant for the times? Wasting time, energy and money preserving old ways of doing business is never a good idea. Don’t have the comfort level or the time to explore what your next steps should entail?  That is okay.  There are those that can help! But do not tarry – invest in the future of your business and move forward. Go to your favorite search engine and look for  e-commerce and e-marketing for independent publishers.

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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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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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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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