Category Archives: Inspiration

A Book with a Bonus

“A quiet mind cureth all.” ~ Robert Burton

Did you know that all books come with a bonus gift that you can give to mothers of young children? That is right! It is free and it is available with all books that sit on bookstore shelves. What is the bonus, you may ask?  Time to read it alone!

I hear so many young mothers say “they would love to be able to read, if given the time.” I can relate, I have been there and sometimes, I still feel that way.  My husband is and was a very wise man. He seemed to know when I was at wit’s end with our child and all I needed was time alone to curl up in a chair with a cup of tea and sink myself into a book.  That was when he and our son planned to do something “just for guys.”

Fathers with young children – whether you are buying your wife a cookbook, the latest hot novel or a non-fiction book on women’s spirituality, child-rearing, the Arts, home decorating, architecture, gardening or a book about independent publishing, give an additional gift, time to read it Alone! Your whole family will benefit and you will be among the Wise Men!

…..psst – maybe, just maybe, the gift will be returned in kind!

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Holiday Fulfillment

“Real generosity toward the future lies in giving all to the present.”                    ~Albert Camus

I bet you have noticed, that when it comes to all volunteer efforts, few carry the load for many. Pick your cause, it is always the same thing. Whether it is lending a hand for a service organization, a bake sale or volunteering for a Parent-Teacher Association it seems that those that have the least amount of time, give the most.

Over the past few weekends, I have volunteered a little of my time to sell Christmas ornaments for Kiwanis. Kiwanians raise funds for worthy projects around the world. Since 1915, this international service organization has been supporting projects that help grow strong communities and assist children.

There are so many ways to give, that mean so much, to those on the receiving end. If you can not give financially, give the gift of your time by volunteering for a worthy cause. Give a donation  of canned goods for a food shelter, hats,coats, mittens to those needing warm clothing for winter, put your spare change in a collection bucket, there are so many ways to share and care about those who really need assistance.

Not just during holidays, but all year long, we need to remember those that are in dire need of our help. The giving spirit will feel good and right,  give it a try!

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Publishing Success

“When a person really desires something, all the Universe conspires to help that person realize his dream” ~ Paul Coeho

For those of you that are beginning a new venture into becoming an independent publisher in 2010, you will need a checklist of things that will make you a publishing success. Here are some steps for your check list:

  • A good idea that is unique, inspirational or educational
  • Belief in yourself as a writer or publisher
  • Contact with those who can help you along the way
  • Determination that never quits! Check this twice!
  • Excellence in all you do – find a great editor
  • Freelance publishing professionals for help when needed
  • Good cover design that Pops with interest!
  • Honest opinions from others
  • Innovative way to market your publication
  • Joyful  Jubilation as you pass each hurdle
  • Kick in the Pants – when you get frustrated
  • Lots of good advice from experienced publishers
  • Masterful story line
  • Name/title of the publication that will attract buyers
  • Order Fulfillment Company – to process, pack and ship
  • Printer who is reliable and affordable
  • Question others for good advice
  • Return on Investment – Lots of Book/DVD Sales!
  • Software for Publishers that will ease the way
  • Time devoted to making sure every detail is covered
  • Unrelenting pursuit of your dream. Check it Twice!
  • Vision for your publication
  • Writers Group to help support and steer your efforts
  • Xtra pinch of good luck!
  • Yell – go ahead – do it when you are frustrated!
  • Zippy Shipping to get your On-line orders to readers fast!

Check the list, and check it twice. There are lots of steps, but don’t get discouraged. With a clear understanding of your project, your market, your expectations and an unfaultering “CAN DO ATTITUDE”, you can be a publishing success.

Best Wishes for Becoming an Independent Publishing Success!

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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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A Smile on a Face

“We can not do great things on this Earth, only small things with great love.” ~  Mother Teresa

Things are beginning to look like Christmas here in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The town is bedecked with lights, Mt. Werner has gotten some new fallen snow, the hustle and bustle of holiday events has begun.

It has been some time since I have bought toys for “little ones.” Last week, I had a wonderful time picking out a few special gifts for children in two families. Our club, the Yampa Valley University Women, had partnered with the United Way and committed to fulfilling Christmas Wish List needs for two “adopted” families.

As I searched for a few perfect gifts for the “adopted” children on my list, a sense of nostalgia began to set in. I began to remember how special bedtime was for my son during the Christmas holidays. On his bookshelves sat a number of seasonal books that we saved all year long for Christmas reading. We couldn’t wait to revisit them year after year. Some of his favorites included:

  • The Mitten by Jan Brett
  • The Night Before Xmas (pop-up version) by Clement Clarke Moore
  • The Wild Christmas Reindeer by Jan Brett
  • The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski
  • Christmas Trolls by Jan Brett
  • How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

The images in the Jan Brett books were so bright, clear and fun to look at. Although it made me cry year after year, no book was more special than The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey. It’s message is beautiful, and it reminds us all that the simple things in life can bring out the best.  Old family friends gave this book, and many other holiday books to our son. Each Christmas, we always remembered the thoughtfulness that came from The Miller family in picking out and giving very special books to my son.

Many bookstores, such as The Northshire Bookstore in Manchester, Vermont www.northshire.com have “Christmas Book Angel” programs, to provide books for needy children. While you are doing your holiday shopping, buy a holiday book for a child you know, so they will have a book they can read Christmas after Christmas.

It’s time to make Christmas!!!

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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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Making Assessments

“Life is the sum of all your choices”~   Albert Camus

For those that are just getting started in independent publishing, there is a breaking point when your company has gained momentum enough to begin to outsource your order fulfillment. All independent publishers wonder when that time has come to seek help. If your  thoughts and feelings resemble this list, it is time to stop going it alone.

  • You are feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work that needs to be done in a day.
  • Packing and shipping orders is not what you have set out to do in your career.
  • Your focus has been mired in details, such as how much it costs to get your independently published book or film from here to there and the best way to do it.
  • You are spending less time on your craft of writing or publishing, and more time on the business aspect of handling orders, recording payments and database upkeep.

Step back, assess how your life will be changed, if you could focus on the creative process and get back to what matters most. You are never alone. Use your favorite search engine and look for affordable order fulfillment for independent publishers. They are the folks who will lend you a hand. What a difference a day makes when you move forward with making a decision.

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Admiring Art

“Look at every thing as though you were seeing it either for the first time or the last time.”  ~Betty Smith

All of us have our own interpretation of what good art means. What one of us may deem to be beautiful, may have little merit for others. Some of us like representational art, others prefer abstract art presented in large installations or sculpture, some enjoy art in the form of handcrafted items. Creative expression comes in so many forms.

Art has merit in my own eyes, when it strikes me immediately. It may come in the form of a painting, an exquisite voice, a superb theatrical production, a symphony of sounds, meaningful lyrics to a song or a well executed book or film.  A  meal with beautiful garnishes or even a beautiful flower arrangement is a work of art.

There are paintings that I love to revisit day after day,  as if I am seeing the work for the first time.  Painter Timothy Thies has a way of drawing me into his gardens of color and light, time and time again.  As my eyes meander the canvas, I always see a stroke of paint, a blending of color or a ray of light I had never seen before.

Wikipedia.com defines art as “the process or product of deliberately arranging  elements in a way that appeals to the senses or emotions.” That is a very broad definition. What really matters when it comes to Art appreciation is that it satisfies and fulfills us.

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Decking the Halls with Wildlife

“Great things are done when men and mountains meet.” ~ William Blake

I am getting excited! The holiday season is just around the corner and the Arts community in Steamboat Springs, Colorado has reason to celebrate! The Steamboat Art Museum is hosting an exhibition of award winning, wildlife artist Ken Carlson. His paintings will be exhibited throughout the winter season from December 18 to April 10th.

Ken Carlson is an artist who resides in Texas. He has won many awards including the prestigious Frederic Remington Award. His work is exhibited at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, Wyoming and the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, to name a few. His paintings have also helped raise money for conservation concerns.

If you are unable to attend the exhibition at the Steamboat Art Museum, his work is featured along with other masters of the trade in the newly released  book “Patrons without Peer” published by Collectors Covey in Dallas, Texas. It can be ordered in time for holiday buying through www.WestWindFineArt.com.

Having Ken Carlson arrive in Steamboat Springs, CO is almost as good as Santa Claus coming to town. Don’t miss the opportunity to see wildlife art at it’s finest!

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More Indie Publisher News

There is now an on-line radio show all for artists! Tune in, and enjoy listening to subjects designed for the artist in you. Be inspired, entertained and educated!

Art and Soul Radio is co-hosted by Catherine Foster, a professional artist for over 35 years, who is devoted to helping artists survive and thrive! She is an award winning artist whose Art is available globally.

Co-host Sheryl Allen brings a wealth of information to the show in many areas of creative expression. She has taught Art, has been an art rep and teaches health and personal growth classes.

Tune into an listen to the show or an archived show at www.contacttalkradio.com. There is bound to be something you can draw from.

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