Category Archives: screenwriting

Novel Writing Challenge

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“The most beautiful things are those that madness prompts and reason writes.  ~André Gide,

Heads up, novelists! November is National Novel Writing Month. Do you have what it takes to beat the challenge and fulfill the goals of  “thirty days and thirty nights of literary abandon?” 50,000 words (175 pages) in 30 days is the goal and NaNoWriMo will have novelists all over the world participating in this fun literary challenge. 

Do not procrastinate, do not stall, write your heart out and win, above all!

 What’s this I read?

  • Worry, not about content, only quantity?
  • Allow your work to be unedited?
  • Write wrecklessly? Scary!
  • No writing experience needed?
  • Kids can participate in their own challenge! 

Join in this on-line writing challenge! For more information, please visit: http://www.nanowrimo.org/

Russian Roulette

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“…the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is the moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause”                             ~ Vince Lombardi 

On Saturday, at the Colorado Independent Publishing Association event, www.cipabooks.com,  Eric Boss of the traditional publishing house, Penguin Group, revealed his viewpoint on what books sell. From what I heard, it’s anyone’s guess! There seems to be no proven, tried and true formula to writing a top selling book. What a bookseller feels will be a sure thing can sometimes disappoint. A book that seems to have a lesser chance for outstanding sales can produce surprising and fulfilling results! 

There are some things, however, that can increase the selling potential of a publication. The cover design and even the spine design needs to make the book pop and stand out from all the rest. Also of great importance, is the choice of title and tagline. The potential buyer to has to be compelled to pick up the book, and curious enough to want to know what  is in it for them. If those elements are there – the odds are much better that the book will be sold. Ka-ching! Ka-ching! 

According to Boss, right now, there are two kinds of books that are not selling well – computer books and self-help books. Computers have become so much more user friendly, people are not seeking direction from computer manuals like they used to. I was surprised at the downturn in selling in self-help books, but perhaps during this time, people are deferring to the advice of professionals to better ensure success. 

Although the chances of writing a top earning book can be a bit of a gamble, does that mean a writer should abstain from jumping into the publishing industry? Absolutely not! People by the millions enter into book publishing each and every year. Why? Because they believe in the end, they will have a story to tell with a fulfilling outcome. And you can’t win if you don’t play.

 

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A Fulfilling, Worthwhile Trek

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“I know the price of success: dedication, hardwork and an unremitting devotion to the things you want to see happen.”~ Frank Lloyd Wright  

Saturday morning at 5:30 am, I began  the long trek over snowy Rabbit Ears pass from Steamboat Springs, Colorado to Denver, CO, three hours away, to attend the monthly Colorado Independent Publishers Association www.cipabooks.com gathering. Snow covered mountain passes were not going to stop me from fulfilling my need for more knowledge about the subject of  independent publishing vs. traditional publishing. Eric Boss, bookseller for the Penguin Group, would be an informative speaker, I was sure. 

As a person who has been involved in bookselling for many, many years, Eric had much to say about what books sell and what do not. He also addressed the issue of “what it takes to be successful” in the traditional publishing industry.  

So, what did I learn? From all that I heard, the chances of “making it” in independent publishing and traditional publishing are one in the same. It helps to have good business acumen, defer to professionals for assistance (especially important if you want to first and foremost be a writer) and be dedicated to the project at hand. 

Tomorrow, I will share some things Eric Boss, professional bookseller, had to say to the crowd about what books sell and what do not. I think you will be surprised!

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Harvest Home and Heart

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“All freezes again – among the pines, winds whispering a prayer” ~ Rieki, 18th Century Japanese Poet

Last  night I had a strong reminder that winter is not too far away. As I stepped into the chill of the evening air, I was all but overcome by the pungent smells of autumn – rotting leaves and woodstove smoke.  Our sense of smell is heightened in the darkness of the night.

At this time of year, with every drop of precipitation, I say a prayer that the gorgeous guest of winter will decide not to arrive too early and stay too long.  I appreciate her presence when she first appears. She is white, pristine and new. But as she over stays her welcome every spring, she turns brown, dingy and old. I grow tiresome! As I age, the gap between fall and spring seems to be extended and the glamourous guest of winter, snow, does not quite fulfill me the way it used to. Rather than bemoan the fact that winter will have her way with me again this year, I think I will savor the sublime provisions of autumn and have a grateful heart that remembers the gift of life in all seasons.

Mysteries, such as the routine changing of the seasons, are profound. Thirteenth century mystic,  Dame Julian of Norwich, must have been thinking of nature as he declared “all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all matter of things shall be well.”

During this autumn season, be thankful for all matters of the heart, health, home and harvest.

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A Gift Given

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 “A person should set his goals as early as he can and devote all his energy and talent to getting there.” ~ Walt Disney

It has been just about two years since I relocated to the West. I arrived, site unseen, trusting that the change of location would be good for me and our family. We loved our home of 30 years in the beautiful state of Vermont. However, it was time to turn to a new State to fulfill our need for a change in opportunities after many years of being in the same place. It was a chance to see what another part of the country had in store for us. 

Yesterday, as I sat in church, I began to think of all the things I was grateful for in my life and in a new community. Among them is a singular voice. It is a voice that emanates from a nearby pew nearly every week. The voice is so beautiful, that it brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it.  (And I am not a particularly tearful person by nature). As I told the gentleman’s wife, “when I hear his spectacular and commanding voice, there is no doubt in my mind that God gives each and everyone of us personal gifts in life.”  This exquisitely talented man, has used his talents as a professional vocalist, throughout his life. What a fulfilling way to spend one’s career. 

Parents, do you have a child who at a young age is showing signs of extraordinary talent in athletics, Art, mathematics, science or perhaps, has at a tender age, a deep understanding of the world around them? The diversity with which God created humanity and our world is awesome! No two people are exactly alike, and when we follow our individual hopes, dreams and talents we become the best we can possibly be. Are you following a path that will lead to personal fulfillment? If not, can you change that? It is never too late!

 

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Weekend Indie Publishing News

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Free education on “Cover to Cover” Radio Show www.wnzf.com every Saturday with host Frank Gromling – former Board member of the Independent Book Publishers Association! Tap into a great opportunity to learn from professionals in the independent publishing industry. Tune into this radio show from all areas of the country, because it is brought to you through the internet every Saturday morning.

  • 11:30 AM Eastern Standard Time
  • 10:30 AM Central Time
  •  9:30 AM  Mountain Time
  •  8:30 AM Pacific Time

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Looking for a winter writing retreat in a beautiful historic seaside town?  Enroll in a Poetry and Prose Get-Away in Cape May, New Jersey. This three day workshop is scheduled for January 14-17, 2011 at the Grand Hotel. Graduate credits are available through Rutgers University.

Be sure to register prior to December 15 to avoid the late registration fee.

For more information, visit www.wintergetaway.com

Genres: Memoir, creative non-fiction, children’s writing, song writing, poetry, novels and short story.

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Tap In! Tune In!

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“All the world is a laboratory to the inquiring mind” ~ Martin H Fisher 

At lunchtime yesterday, the monthly Brown Bag Lunch Series of seminars began at Colorado Mountain College. http://bit.ly/dpcfHy  I was pleased to present “On the Fast Track: The Independent Publishing Industry.” I mentioned current trends in the publishing industry, in general, and the robust growth of independent publishing. 

At the end of the presentation, I answered questions, and even handed out a little advice. “If you are considering independent publishing, begin to learn all you can about the industry.” I said. I suggested “tap into as much free information as possible by speaking with others who have independently published, attend writers groups, brush up on your writing skills by taking classes at Colorado Mountain College.” I also advised it would be wise to  join the Colorado Independent Publishers Association www.cipabooks.com and tune in and listen to “Cover to Cover” Radio Show.’ For those of you that are unaware, it is broadcast on Saturday mornings on www.wnzf.com over the internet and it provides free education and valuable information on the independent publishing industry each and every week. 

The old adage “Knowledge is Power” applies to the independent publishing industry. Writing and publishing are businesses. Start with a  business plan that includes a solid marketing approach. Before you put pen to paper, identify your market and map out a plan of action for reaching it. If you need help, there are freelance professionals that are available and can help you through every step of the independent publishing process. Don’t forget to tap into all available resources, there is no need to go it alone.

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Weekend Indie Filmmaker News!

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There is a great opportunity coming up the last weekend of October for all of you independent filmmakers! The Directors Guild of America, 7920 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA will be the site of the Film Independents 2010 Filmmaker Forum on October 29 -31, 2010. This worthy event will help fulfill your need for information regarding how to become successful in the industry of  independent filmmaking. To give a brief overview of  just some of the weekend events:

  • Keynote Address – Joe Drake, Co-Chief Operating Director of Lionsgate Film Production Company
  • Workshop- Evaluating your film for the marketplace
  • Workshop-  Finding funding for your documentary project
  • Workshop – Realizing your vision on a budget
  • Workshop – Distribution strategies, tools and business models
  • Workshop – Packaging and financial and legal issues

“Film Independent is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organization that champions independent film and supports a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation, and uniqueness of vision. Film Independent helps filmmakers make their movies, builds an audience for their projects, and works to diversify the film industry.”

For the full story on this forum brought to you. by a non-profit dedicated to independent filmmakers, including ticket information, schedule, sponsors and more, please visit http://empower.filmindependent.org.

Seasonal Fulfillment

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“Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all.” ~ Stanley Horowitz

Have you ever noticed that with seasonal changes, what is personally fulfilling to us takes a turn about, too? As summer fades into fall, I no longer thirst for frozen fruit smoothies, potato salad and all things grilled. A diet of chili, stews and soups that has been non-existent all summer long begins to creep back into my repertoire of evening menu fare. Basking in the mid-day sun becomes sitting by the warmth of the fireplace on nippy mornings. 

Our color choices of clothes we wear are a reflection of our moods and they can affect the way we feel. In fall, we often substitute brightly colored, summer clothes with a wardrobe of more earthy colors – golds, greens, tans, grey-blues. When I need to feel a burst of energy or want a zip in my step, I’ll return to wearing fuschia or bright, periwinkle blue whether it clashes with mother nature’s colors or not! There is no need to always submit to the color choices of autumn herself.

Each season has its own charm, and how we fulfill our idle time is different from season to season, too. In fall, out come the knitting needles and in come the piles of books to read and movies to watch. 

If you are an independent publisher, try to wrap up those projects and keep your eye on the calendar! Christmas is a mere few months away – a prime time for selling! Don’t miss out.  

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Absorbing Culture and Climate

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“Attending there let us absorb all the culture of nations and dissolve into our judgment all their codes.” ~ William Empson 

About 20 years ago, my interest in Native American history and lore began. As I read book after book of all things Indian to our young son, I became as absorbed in the culture as he did. I learned right along with him.  Never did I dream this East coast native, would get the opportunity to fulfill her dreams by climbing up the ladders and into the caves of the cliff dwellings at Bandolier National Monument. This weekend, I saw it all for myself first hand, along with our son who has gone from toddler to filmmaker, in what seems like a blink of the eye! 

While in the Jemez Mountains of New Mexico, we stopped and saw the site of the New Mexico International Film Festival. The venue will be as unique as the mission of the film fest itself.  Come February 2011, the  town of Jemez Springs, will be filled to the brim with like-minded artists, whose films have been selected for excellence in independent filmmaking. The community is inhabited with residents who are fulfilling their lives with their passion for the arts. Writers, potters, musicians, jewelers, photographers  and other independent minded people draw inspiration from their surroundings in this town,  removed from city living. For more information on this film festival, and to get a peak on video at it’s awe inspiring surroundings, http://bit.ly/abaSuQ.

Thanks to our host, Marc Leonard, Associate Director of the New Mexico Film Festival for taking this weekend to show us the sights of the area. I even came away with a little pocket change from my 15 minute winning streak at the Sandia Casino. Our quick trip, unfortunately, left no time to visit the galleries in nearby Santa Fe, but it gives me one more reason to return!

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