Tag Archives: Books

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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Two Hearts Beat As One

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“All who joy would win, must share it; happiness was born a twin.” ~ Lord Byron  

The psychology behind raising twins has been studied and written about for decades. The newer studies suggest that behaviorisms of parents raising twins, should be different now, than years ago. All the do’s and don’ts in today’s world of parenting twins looks like this:  

  • “Don’t treat them as a unit”
  • “Separate them into separate classrooms in school.”
  • “Don’t dress them alike.”
  • “Make play dates with separate groups of friends”
  • “Spend time with each twin, individually”
  • “Look for and encourage independence.”
  • “Don’t dress one in pink and the other in blue”  

The list goes on and on. Mighty tall orders to fill for parents of multiple births, who are just trying to get through the day without pulling out their hair!  

Despite the changes in recommendations for raising twins, a lot will always remain  the same for two people who were born on the same day, sharing the same mother. I can vouch for that! My twin will always be my best friend, we will always have our own form of “twin speak”,  our “twin intuition” will always be on the radar screen and that magic bond will always be there!  

Happy Birthday, Jan! Our hearts will always beat as one! With each passing year, mine gets larger for you.

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August Rules

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“Honesty is the cornerstone of all success, without which confidence and ability to perform shall cease to exist.” ~ May Kay Ash  

It is already August! The first eight months of this year are almost gone! Let’s see what fulfills all those born under the Zodiac sign of Leo the Lion.  

Character Traits of Leos – “I WILL” is the motto of Leos.  They are born leaders and good organizers. Leos have a strong sense of pride, are loyal and honest. It is very important for Leos to put their hearts into something they love!  

As I  did research for this blog post, I came across a fact that I never knew before! My husband shares the same birthday as Saint Francis DeSales! For anyone who knows my husband, he has always lived his life – as a Leo – in the truest sense of the word.  

Saint Francis DeSales (born August 21, 1567) is well known for his words “be who you are and be that well.” Over three hundred of years ago, St. Francis had astounding  insight into what it takes to become successful artists, writers, publishers, musicians, screenwriters, filmmakers, journalists and great human beings. (Note: Mother Teresa was also an August baby). Without doubt, it takes character traits that Leo’s possess in order to pursue the creative path. 

Can you imagine living in a household with two Leos? Our Pisces son can! And he can well explain just what it was like! A Pisces born on the 25th is “in tune with the world around them and they may possess an amazing psychic sensitivity! They are most powerful when they put their talents into a cause much greater than themselves.” http://bit.ly/8XNTFh. 

Yikes! Now this is scary, fascinating stuff! The stuff of compelling films! Do you have any good stories of one Zodiac sign meeting another zodiac sign and the fascinating combined result? If so, share it with us! 

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Mind Reader

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“Seek the spirit in all you do. Keep it with you continually. That is our challenge” ~ Ezra Taft Benson  

Uh- oh, the minister of the church I attend has me all figured out!! He can read minds, too!!  

This Sunday, as I sat in church, the Reverend Tim said  “let’s bow our heads for a  Prayer of Clear Vision!”  It was followed by the song “Open My Eyes, That I May See.” After his beautiful and very heartfelt sermon (it truly was) on “An Unclenched Life”, we then sang “Be Still, My Soul.” 

How in the world did he know that every day, this is what I ask for? This is what I request? With over 400 blogs written, it is more difficult then you might imagine to come up with fresh, interesting material to post on this blogsite each and every day day. When I wake up each morning, I ask to “go through the day with my eyes and ears wide open, so that I may learn or find something of interest and of value to share.” Every night, these are the prayers I ask – “help me, help me, help me to think of what to write tomorrow.” Bingo! Somehow, in some way, in the quiet of the night or in the early dawn of the morning, my prayers are answered! My mind opens up, clarity sets in and I find my way to the computer with an idea of what to compose for my blog of the day.  

See that, all things are fulfilling, when you seek and ask for help! Yes, there is a God, and he helps me with this blogsite,  too!

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Stirrings

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“All humanity is passion; without passion, religion, history, novels, art would be ineffectual” ~ Honore de Balzac 

My field of study throughout college was economics and psychology. Therefore, the study of art history was not within my radar screen of classes to take. Many years of fulfilling internet orders for art books and films, stirred within me a deep seated interest in Art that I barely knew was there. 

In the past few years, I have stumbled upon several books that have brought me closer to knowing more about art history. “The Girl with the Pearl Earring” gave me insight into Vermeer, “The Painted Kiss” led me into life in Vienna during the late 1880s  and into the life of artist Gustav Klimt.  The other day, I began my journey into learning more about the life of Vincent Van Gogh through the book “Sunflowers” by Sheramy Bundrick. Fictional stories about artists have drawn me in and whetted my appetite for art history. I’d like to learn more!  

The other day I began to think how independent publishing is the perfect conduit for artists and art historians to teach others who would have no interest otherwise, about the finest masters of Art. Fictional stories provides an interesting way to explore art history without having to sit through classes filled dates, facts and figures.   

Artists, does your palette of creativity and knowledge include the ability to write and illustrate? If so, a unique opportunity stands before you! You can share your talents and knowledge of Art through independent publishing. Your market even includes people like me, who ordinarily wouldn’t be drawn to learning art history, but love a well told story. How about it, artists?

 P.S. Something I never took notice of before – Van Gogh signed all his paintings simply “Vincent.”

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Crossing the Finish Line

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“When the goal is in sight, all your physical pain disappears, and your mental determination shall carry you the rest of the way.” ~ Trey Patty 

At 6:30am, Saturday morning,  my fellow Kiwanians and I were perched by the side of the road at Rabbit Ears Pass. We were on the look out for athletes who where running in a relay race all the way from Fort Collins, CO to Steamboat Springs, CO – a 198 mile trek, over multi-mountain pass terrain!! 

Although participating in a race of athletic endurance is not something I can quite relate to – I can appreciate how each of these athletes were examples in courage and in not being stopped by the thought of defeat. Throughout my five hour stint of helping on the sidelines, I was inspired by a group of runners who despite extreme circumstances, had set personal goals, and had dreams of reaching the finish line first. 

Each of us has our own interpretation what is fulfilling, meaningful and satisfying in life. Whether you are an athlete struggling to cross the finish line, or a writer in the final stages of a book project, completing the task requires many of the same character traits.

 It takes passion, planning, motivation, enthusiasm, focus and a determined spirit to continue on despite challenges and setbacks. If you are a writer whose manuscript has been rejected through the traditional publishing world, don’t let rejection defeat you! Learn all you can about why your manuscript was rejected, take all the necessary steps to correct, rewrite, improve or enhance your writing. Don’t loose the passion for your manuscript. Use your enduring spirit to continue on. Always consider the alternative – independent publishing. That way, you can be in charge of the end result using those character traits that you already possess.

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Helping Teachers Explore Possibilities

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“Give all you have…teach what you know and learn what you don’t. Stay open to all” ~ Unknown 

Last night at the Epilogue Bookstore, we had some bright, intelligent people who came to learn why non-traditional publishing is on the fast track to becoming the leading sector of the publishing industry. After all, independent publishing (non-traditional publishing) already represents over 50% of all publishing revenues! According to Bowker, the industry grew a whooping 181% between 2008-2009! http://bit.ly/cp3anL. 

Folks everywhere are asking the same question – how can they take their ideas for books and film, and turn them into reality? “On the Fast Track: The Independent Publishing Industry” will be repeated in September at Colorado Mountain College www.coloradomtn.edu.com.  Stay tuned to this blogsite, for  more information, in the coming weeks. 

Colleges are breeding grounds for professionals who are highly educated, have career expertise and love to share their knowledge with others through teaching! Sometimes, teaching means standing in front of a classroom, sometimes teaching means sharing knowledge through the form of a book or film. 

If you are a professor who has been interested in sharing your career knowledge through a book or film, the time has never been better to share that knowledge. Join in on the discussion and learn why independent publishing may be the perfect choice for you. You can be “the boss” of your book, and I can guarantee you this – it will be published, when it is up to you!

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Exploration of A Dream

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“Within you right now is the power to do things you never dreamed possible.” ~Unknown 

Do you have a book in you? Why not join in on the conversation! The independent publishing industry is boasting figures that are easy to understand once you hear what the buzz is all about!  

 “On the Fast Track: The Independent Publishing Industry” will be presented tonight at the Epilogue Bookstore in Steamboat Springs, CO at 7pm.

  • Learn how you can fulfill your dreams of becoming a published author!
  • Hear a first hand story of a choice that an independent publisher had to make.
  • Gather some resources so you can start down the path to independent publishing
  • Listen to how the passion of one mom has become a ministry of sharing a relevant topic with all parents through indie publishing.
  • Learn who to partner with for independent publishing success.  

Take the first step toward making your dream a reality. See you tonight!

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Having “The Talk”

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“The great thing about getting older is that you don’t lose all the other ages that you have been.” ~ Unknown 

Hundreds of adult children every year are faced with having to have “the talk” with their parents, about long term care planning and their needs. Unfortunately, this subject is often put off all too long, making it necessary for adult children of aging parents to get involved in the process. 

According to Mike Campbell, a dedicated consumer advocate for families searching for long-term quality care options, besides dealing with this issue early on, there are four more ways to make having “the talk” about long term care easier. 

  1. Be honest and direct.
  2. Be a good listener.
  3. Take advantage of ice breaking opportunities to broach the subject
  4. Never make promises, because you do not know what is ahead. Health and other conditions can change with time. 

Having “the talk”, and many other issues that are relevant to eldercare are addressed in Mike Campbell’s new book “When Mom and Dad Need Help.” Mike has worked in the eldercare business for 18 years. Mike is a CPA with a Batchelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Ohio University with a major in accounting and pre-law. He has visited hundreds of senior housing and care communities across this country. 

From his experience and background, Mike recognizes that each person’s set of financial, mental and health conditions are unique. This book helps adult children to work together with their parents to find the best senior housing and care option for their needs. 

For more information about this very valuable resource on eldercare, please visit www.iffenwen.com.

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Gather Support and Reap Rewards

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“Creativity is not the finding of a thing, but the making something out of it after it is found” ~ James Russell  

Raising money for independent films has gotten much easier. It can be attributed  to the internet and an innovative,creative idea. Thanks to a new funding platform, www.kickstarter.com, artists, filmmakers, writers, illustrators, performers and creators can inspire others to become fans of a project, and pledge their support.  

This website allows project developers to “test the waters” to determine whether the response to their project makes it viable. In other words, before a creator is in too deep, there is chance for honest evaluation from the public as to whether a project is worthy or not.

Kickstarter.com also provides a convenient way to find out about films, publications and other projects  that are in various stages of development. The creator posts a “pitch” of the project, and also posts the targeted funding level that is needed in order to see the project through to completion. Interested parties can commit to providing a donation, as small as $1 or as large as the pocket book and heart will allow.

For example: If people are excited about an independent film project they learn about on Kickstarter.com, they will spread the word, and donations will flow. If the needed funds are not raised, this is a great indicator that perhaps there is not enough interest garnered to proceed.

To read more about this new way of research and development testing for independent filmmakers, artists, writers and illustrators please visit www.kickstart.com.

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