Category Archives: media and communication

Dialogue Adds Dimension

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“Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from…”  ~ Rita Mae Brown

Happy Thoughtful Thursday!

Last Wednesday evening I went to a book event for three local writers at our independent bookstore here in town called Off the Beaten Path. Of course, fellow Steamboat Writers Group authors and supporters were in attendance. One of the members, Larry,  asked me “how my book was coming?” He mentioned now that I am finished reading my book to the group, he misses hearing the voice of one of my characters.  What a lovely and thoughtful compliment! Those words alone, to me, meant that I was successful in incorporating into my writing an authentic voice of my main and stellar character.

two people talkingYou see, when I started writing the manuscript it had no dialogue. The writers group encouraged me to reach deeper and include my memories of conversations with family members. They were so “right on” in suggesting that I go back and insert dialogue because it added another dimension to the story that was not there previously. The extra time it took was well worth the effort. The story is so much richer for it because through dialogue the culture, historical era and a sense of place shines through in my narrative.

Thank you, Larry from  the Steamboat Writers Group. That is why I came and read the entire manuscript aloud. That was the kind of feedback I was looking for! And Larry’s words reminded me how important it is for writers to encourage others who are going through the process.

See you tomorrow on All Things Fulfilling. This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com, the place where independent thoughts, words and views are all part of the business.

Nostalgic Images Stirred

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“When people…rethink their personal stories, they begin to build a sense of connection and responsibility…they begin to view their personal stories as intertwined with history.”~ Paul Rogat Loeb

I have kept it no secret that I have been writing a memoir over the past few years. For those who knew me in my early childhood days, they’ve asked “has writing a life story  been painful?” I have to laugh.

I laugh because as I have written the personal narrative, it has stirred and returned me to some fulfilling memories of an era that has gone by and will never come again. That’s life. That’s progress – ever moving forward.

I realize how woven history is with my story. I am a survivor and have lived through times of great historical importance. As an author, in telling the story, I’ve tried to capture those nostalgic times. If you are of the baby boomer generation, what societal changes do you think has had the most impact on life in America since the 1950’s? I’m interested in your opinion.  

This blog is brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com. The space where independent thoughts, words and views are all part of the business. See you tomorrow on All Things Fulfilling.

Wrapped in a Blanket and a Movie

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I just want others to understand that it is within their power to take a dream from inside their hearts and begin making it their life’s work. ~  John Mitchell

Thanksgiving isn’t even here yet, and the Hallmark Channel has already begun broadcasting Christmas movies. Last Sunday I decided that after church and after my daily walk that I was going to take the afternoon of the Sabbath seriously – no writing, no reading, no cleaning of the house. I was going to sit and enjoy a sappy Christmas movie that had attracted my attention as I channel surfed.

As I sat, wrapped in a blanket with popcorn and hot chocolate in hand, I began to think how this movie was no different than any of the other Christmas movies I have seen in my lifetime. But I still never get tired of watching sappy holiday films. The issues in the plots of holiday movies are nearly always the same – about a broken family, unrequited love, a romance gone wrong or the struggles of a lonely heart club member. The ending of the story is always fulfilling –  tied up with an uplifting message.  Sweet Christmas movies remind me to believe in the goodness of humanity and to always look for it inside people.

The Christmas CardThe Christmas Card is one holiday movie I have not yet seen, and it is upcoming on the “Heart of TV” – The Hallmark Channel. Here is the link to the programming schedule for Christmas movies you can watch right from the comfort of your living room. http://bit.ly/1atIndj.

You must be thinking I am off my rocker with all this talk of Christmas already. Well, here in the northwest corner of Colorado, we have already had about 50 inches of snow this season. The weather broadcasters are saying it is “the earliest winter ever.” To me, as I look my window on this first week of November, it may as well be Christmas. The earth is wrapped in a blanket of sparkly white already.

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com. Do return tomorrow on Monday. I look forward to sharing some inspiring images and stories with  you  next week. Some will lead you into knowing a little more about my own personal narrative.

Fulfillment of Career Dreams

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Everything worthwhile in life is work.  But if it puts a smile on your face, it doesn’t feel like work. ~ Unknown

world university games 2013 ItalyI am very excited for my husband! He has an opportunity coming up that not many in his profession get to experience. He was just selected to be one of the ski coaches at The World University Games in Trentino, Italy. These are the Olympic Games for college students. Coaches and athletes from all over the world will be attending!

He is deserving of it because over the years he has used his great motivational skills in helping young people to understand that there is value in working hard. His message to his athletes is that even if you don’t come home with top prize, knowing that you did your best there is great reward in that – called personal fulfillment. His universe, outside of his family, has been the world of ski racing. He would say “His career of working with very high-level performance athletes has been very fulfilling.” I can not imagine him doing anything else for a lifetime career.

ski racerPeople think that coaching ski racers is all glamour and fun. Hardly! Have you ever tried standing out on a mountain, at a high elevation where the air is thin, in blinding snowstorms day after day with your hands and feet so frozen that your toe nails fall off at the end of the winter season? Or have you tried driving thousands and thousands miles each winter in a van packed with athletes and gear after a long day on the mountain, on roads so treacherous that if you blink at the wrong time you’ll end up in a ditch or worse? That’s exhausting and a lot of responsibility.

The World University Games officially kick off November 9th, and guess who will be lighting the torch? Pope Francis! To read more about the World University Games, please visit this website. http://www.wugusa.com/pope-francis-will-trentinos-torch/.

Congratulations, Terry! You will represent ColoradoMountainCollege with honor, as well as your colleagues – the other coaches in your profession. Enjoy it. It’s your reward for all the years of your service to a demanding profession.

Return to All Things Fulfilling tomorrow. The blog of www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

A Welcome Greeting

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“Positive anything is better than negative nothing.” ~ Elbert Hubbard

This summer, when I was in Maryland, on the Eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay, I walked into a salon to get a haircut. There wasn’t an attendant in the reception area when I arrived, so I sat down and picked up a magazine. Some time passed, and I looked up at the counter, and there was still no attendant, but I noticed something on the counter that I hadn’t seen when I entered. There was an upright sign that had been posted in a clear glass frame that said, “Good Morning, this is God. I will be handling all your problems today. I will not need your help. So just relax and have a good day.” 

Hmmm….I thought, “Wouldn’t life be great if things were that easy? Having faith is a wonderful thing. It does help us  feel as if we can relax a little when we’re stressed because “someone’s got our back.”  But let’s not be too simplistic and unrealistic – we do have to take an active part in living up to our potential and making our own lives fulfilling.

faith welcome mat

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Do the Words Fit?

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“As names have power, words have power. Words can light fires in the minds of men. ~ Patrick Rothfuss, The Name of Wind

The other day I was doing some research on student’s involvement with National Novel Writing Month. I came across a good article. Unfortunately, I did not bookmark it and now I can’t find it. It shared some helpful information about involving children in the contest. But to my way of thinking, there was a concern with the title of the article. It read, “How to Make Your Child Write.”

“Hmmmm,” I thought, “there seems to be something not quite right about that approach.” Renaming the article to something like “Help your Child Find the Joy in Writing” sounds friendlier and more fun, doesn’t it?

My point is word choices matter! One of my biggest challenges as a blog writer is making sure I am using appropriate words  when I communicate my thoughts. I spend a lot of time working them over to make sure I state things just right.

I am taking a course in public speaking, and the professor has been communicating to the young college students that  language that might be appropriate among their peers may be inappropriate in other situations (such as in public or in a business or professional situation). She said to the young adults: “You want to make sure your words convey a true story about who you are as professionals.”

IMAG0778I say “Amen to that!” And as a person who uses social media extensively, these principles should apply to on-line communications as well. For some of the younger folk, learning to eliminate inappropriate language in their public speaking has been a challenge.

There is a book that ever so gently but effectively reinforces these and other viewpoints on professionalism and becoming the best person you are meant to be in life. I mentioned the publication a few weeks ago, but I want to repost the book because I highly recommend it.

For more information on this publication, please visit www.revrobertkirkley.com

This blog is brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com. See you tomorrow on All Things Fulfilling!

Harvesting Fall Films

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“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant.” ~ Robert Louis Stevenson

Harvest the movie0With fall upon us, we are entering into a season where nights are getting longer and colder, so we spend more reading and film viewing.

Harvest, a 2010 movie release, is about relationships, and coming to terms with the past, the immediate and the future as changes in family dynamics affect everyone involved. Issues of both aging and coming of age will be relatable to many viewers. The challenges, with both, put focus on the meaning of  family  making the story “undeniably heartfelt,” according to Newsday. The lovely seaside setting adds to the overall beauty of the movie.

Harvest has gathered many awards in it’s basket from some very prestigious film festivals. To read the full summary of the movie , go to http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1302001/.  The film can be ordered from the Internet Movie Database also.

Harvest_keyArtWant an educational alternative with an adult subject?  Check out this award-winning, independent documentary about harvesting grapes and winemaking in the Sonoma Valley. Harvest: The Blood, Sweat and Tears that Go into Every Bottle might better satisfy your tastes in movies. http://www.harvestmovie.com/

This weekend may be a good time to visit a local orchard to harvest the fruit of the season. Come home and heat up some mulled cider, bake a fresh apple pie, then relax and enjoy one of these movies with your family or your friends – because they are family also!

No matter how you decide to spend your weekend, make it fulfilling!  And do return on Monday. This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Important First Steps to Publishing

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“It is not in the pursuit of happiness that we find fulfillment, it is in happiness of pursuit.” ~ Denis Waitley

The e-Book Extravaganza on Saturday sponsored by the Colorado Independent Publishers Association (CIPA) was well-worth attending. During one of the breaks, the President of CIPA, Dr. Patricia Ross came over to me and said “Sue, I’d like you to meet one of our new members.” Of course, the usual niceties followed.

I asked the new member if she was enjoying the morning, and she said “Yes, but I feel so uninformed! There is so little I know about independent publishing.” Dr. Ross told her not to be discouraged, and off the President went doing her job of hob-knobbing about the room.

CIPA 9 13 #1As the new member and I stood talking, I said to her, “You know, each and every person in this room started where you began today, knowing nothing. That is the reason you have joined this group -to get help, to learn, to network and become informed about your options.” There is a lot to learn and you have taken a very important first step. You have joined this group!”

“Yes,” the new member replied. “There seems to be plenty of knowledge to learn from in this group.”

Before the break was over and we went to sit in our respective seats, across the room from one another, I had one more thing I had to say. “In your free time, read anything you can get your hands on about the industry, and keep coming to this group. It’s the best thing you can do for yourself.”

To learn more about the Colorado Independent Publishers Association, please visit this link. http://www.cipacatalog.com/join-cipa/. Please note the organization also offers downloadable webinars if you are too far to travel to their meetings.

http://www.cipacatalog.com/categories/CIPA-College-Downloads/

As I drove home, I began to ponder how many first steps I have taken since 1998, when the independent industry was in its infancy. They’ve all been in a quest to learn all I could about the industry and it led to becoming a business.  And the wonders and development of the independent publishing universe never cease to amaze me. I find it fascinating.

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com. The space where independent thoughts, words and views are all part of the business. See you tomorrow on All Things Fulfilling.

e-Book Extravaganza

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Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family. ~ Kofi Annan

cipa logoOn Saturday I made the very worthwhile three hour trek into Denver from Steamboat Springs, Colorado to attend Colorado Independent Publishers Association (CIPA) monthly meeting. The September agenda was an e-Book Extravaganza. Here are just a few things that were discussed throughout the day:

  • The e-book industry now represents 33% of book sales. How about that?
  • People like having a choice of formats, so offering books in print, as well as an e-book version is wise marketing.
  • There is still a viable market for books-in-print but there is a certain part of the reading population who are clamoring for e-books due to their convenience.
  • Surprisingly, people who are 55 years of age and over ARE BUYING e-books, contrary to what was expected. It is not just the young generation that are interested in the digital format.
  • We discussed pricing of e-books and how you can leverage your intellectual property.
  • E-books make it easy to offer samples, providing potential book buyers the  opportunity to see if they like an author they’ve never read before.
  • A big advantage to e-books – there is no printing involved, thus it removes the need for physical space of inventory.

If you are a writer who wants to get on The Fast Track to Independent Publishing, here is a short webinar that will introduce you to the basics. http://bit.ly/10cCp1Y. 

Do return tomorrow to All Things Fulfilling, we will be discussing the next best step if you are a person who is considering independent publishing and you are in need of knowledge. I will tell you a quick but valuable story from this weekend.

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Timely Messages

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Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.” – Joshua J. Marine 

On September 6th, National Read a Book Day I mentioned that reading one spark of an idea from a book can change us for a lifetime. I recently saw a sentence that motivated me big time! I took seriously the words: “the person whose life is full of faith is on the offense; he or she is taking charge of life, making decisions and making things happen.”

morning-roosterHow’s that for a call to action? For weeks I had been indecisive about whether or not to sign up for a public speaking class. I knew it was something that I needed to do for myself if I am to pursue my dreams for my publication. As soon as I read the inspirational thought, I acted immediately and enrolled in the course, before I could “chicken out.”

The course is in the early weeks but it is going well. When it’s time, I will be better prepared to “strut my stuff,” and I will be one more step closer to what I dream of doing.

As I have said before on All Things Fulfilling, I try at all costs to hold myself accountable to any ideas that I broadcast on this website. Otherwise, I am full of phony-baloney. That is not one of my lifetime aspirations I can assure you of that!

The inspiring thought came from THE book I’ve hinted about previously that I will be revealing in due course. Before it appears on this site, I will give you the heads up!

This blog is brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com. Please return to All Things Fulfilling tomorrow.