Tag Archives: Independent Publishing

Spring Forth

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“From heav’nly  thoughts all true delights doth spring.”                                  ~ Thomas Cameron

By the end of winter, I’ve looked long enough at all the shades of gray, brown and white. I have grown weary of seeing the natural landscape wearing the same colors for five months or more. By the end of winter, I am color deprived and am ready for the earth to deck itself out in an assortment of pastels and greens, once again.

Floral paintings have a special place in my heart and my art collection includes many. In the dead of winter, I find botanical paintings especially comforting and meaningful. During the cold, gray days of winter, I find myself studying the floral compositions. They help me to remember that Mother Nature never fails to burst forth with a whole new landscape every spring.

Today, I am going to indulge myself and buy a bunch of daffodils from the Visiting Nurse Association. Every March, the VNA sells bouquets of spring to those in need of a splash of color in their lives. Nurses know alot about healing the body, but they also know how to heal the spirit. Their fundraiser of selling daffodils comes just when it is most needed. In my previous place of residence, one of my friends reliably showed up at my door, impromptu, bouquet in hand every March. She instinctively knew when I needed a lift of color and spirit after a long, long winter.

It was then, that we knew it was time to talk and plan for our upcoming season of perennial flower gardening.  Vermont has the best climate for perennial flowers – the days are not too hot; cool and dewy nights. I find fulfillment, like no other, out puttering in my garden from May til October.  There is something rejuvenating and life affirming about working the soil and the earth. To me, it is not toiling, it is pure pleasure! Any shreds of artistic talents I have, are best put to use in the garden.

The season of darkness has begun to diminish. Daylight Savings Time allows us to witness, for an extended period each day, the pastel hues that slowly paint the natural canvas, called earth. Watch in awe and wonder as Mother Nature does her thing this spring!

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Weekend Indie Publisher News

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 First things first! Reminders to Independent Publishers!

If you have never attended a Publishing College – your chance is coming up in two weeks. Register for the Colorado Independent Publishers Association College (CIPA). Denver, CO will  be the site and the dates are March 26 & 27! Basic and advance track education! For more information, please visit www.cipabooks.com

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More no cost knowledge on the publishing industry is available every Saturday morning on Frank Gromling’s radio show “Cover to Cover.” Tune in on-line to www.wnzf.com.  Eastern time 11:30 am, Central Time 10:30 am, Mountain time 9:30am and Pacific time 8:30am. Be there!

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This month’s Poets and Writers Magazine www.pw.org  has a calendar filled with writers contests. 46 writing contests between March 15 – April 15 are listed.

Any gardeners out there who like to write poetry on the subject? Horticulture Magazine is sponsoring the 2010 Garden Verse Poetry Awards. For more information, pick up a copy of this months Poets & Writers Magazine www.pw.org!

Have a great weekend – Spring is not too far away!

Amy’s Angels Remember

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“We all have our time machines. Some take us back, they’re called memories. Some take us forward, they’re called dreams.”                          ~  Jeremy Irons

I am going to be in hot water with our regular blog followers if I do not mention the outcome of “Relay for Life: Nordic Style”  that “Amy’s Angels” participated in last weekend at Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, VT. It is hosted by the American Cancer Society as a fundraiser for cancer awareness and also as a way of remembering and honoring all those who have lost their lives to breast cancer.

The team we established in memory of our friend Amy, won the prize for the largest contribution in fundraising. How awesome is that? With our friend, Kathleen (Chatter as we call her) at the helm, we managed to raise almost $14,000!! Can you believe it? Well, I can! With little Miss Chatterbox at the lead, she chatted up the event to every person that she has ever encountered in life! She knows, first hand, the importance of finding a cure for cancer, and the need for raising the funds. Chatterbox- thanks for leading the way and remember “In the cookies of life, sisters are the chocolate chips.” ~ unknown

It was a bittersweet weekend. It was a chance for our sisterhood of more than 30 years to have a reunion and to be there to support Amy’s surviving daughter during the weekend of remembering Amy on what would have been her 58th birthday. We had promised Amy two years ago, at our seaside reunion, that we would carry on with  the race, with her or without. Sadly, her absence was greatly felt and her presence greatly missed.

Next year, and hopefully every year,  “Amy’s Angels” look forward to reuniting and remembering our friend. While we, “the sisterhood” are apart fulfilling our daily routines, we will spend time in quiet reverence for all those who have fought the battles of breast cancer.

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Closer than You Think

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“A new baby is like the beginnings of all things – wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.” ~ Eda J. LeShan

Over the years, at publishing conferences and writers groups, I have spoken with many first-time publishers in various stages of the publishing process. I have noticed an attitude of uncertainty that seems to prevail. The attitude is somewhat understandable, because with any new venture, there are always the unknowns. But rather than focus on doubt and skepticism, what about all the possibilities? This is where your attention should be!

Granted not every independent publisher has the financial ability or the time to zip across country on promotional book tours, so naturally, many think only of the local possibilities of book selling. But this is a  mistake. Book selling opportunities are far greater now than they were years ago. With the power of the internet, on-line networking and social media marketing,  your book can now be promoted in ways that were never available to independent publishers before.

With e-commerce, your potential buyers are now closer than you think!  Anyone can get a glimpse of what your book is all about through book trailers, blog tours and e-marketing! This opens up a whole new realm of possibilities for bookselling. Never under estimate all the possibilities! Leave no stone unturned when putting your marketing plan in place. Remember, sales are a function of your marketing efforts!

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A Reason for Celebration

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“A little consideration, a little thought for Others, makes all the difference.” ~ Winnie the Pooh

American women, you are all missing out on a reason to celebrate! Yesterday, my women friends from Macedonia and Australia wished me Happy International Women’s Day. Little did I know March 8th was a holiday! I felt terribly uninformed. I even felt that  by letting such an event slip by unnoticed, I was not fulfilling my obligation as a friend!

Any excuse for a party is a good one for Americans, but I am not aware of many women in this country that even recognize International Women’s Day. In a number of countries, including Bulgaria, China, Russia, Ukraine and Vietnam, it is even a national holiday. It provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the roles women play within the community.

I am told that women across the globe even give little surprises to one another on this day of celebration. But, Americans being Americans, can’t usually settle for a little token of remembrance. They go way overboard!! It is precisely how Christmas and many other holidays have gotten to be so commercialized. We could perhaps bolster this sagging economy if America got behind the idea of promoting International Women’s Day to it’s population of women. Women love to shop! But, I’d much rather not have one more occasion to buy gifts for. I would much rather follow the words I have heard so often from my mom – “Really, it is just the thought that counts.”

Happy Belated International Women’s Day to all of you who did remember me! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

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Educating Women

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“Life is a big canvas, throw all the paint on it you can.” ~ Danny Kaye

On Friday, I had the honor of speaking to the Yampa Valley University Women. The title of my presentation was “On the Fast Track: The Independent Publishing Industry.”  I kept the presentation to the basics, but wanted to share with all the University Women the fact that the independent publishing industry was grown 40% since 2008 and it now represents almost 50% of the publishing industry revenues. I mentioned that desktop publishing software has become user friendly, short run printing is now available and freelance consultants are readily available to help with every part of the publishing process. We talked of the power of the internet and of selling books worldwide through e-commerce.

I set up a display table with examples of independently published books, DVDs and cds. After the women had a chance to see the publications, a remark was made that years ago, independently published books were quite “amateurish” in appearance. The group was astonished to see that,  now, there is nothing that distinguishes an independently published book from a book produced by a big-top traditional publishing house.  My comment was that “we could thank the advances in desktop publishing software for that.”

As I spoke, I looked around the room, and realized that there was not a woman in the crowd that did not have an interesting story to tell. I determined they were all “artists in life and living.” All were well educated and many have had extraordinary experiences throughout their time on this earth. Many have traveled the world – far and wide, and have parenting words of wisdom to share. Some have interesting multi-ethnic heritage, family histories or information about their own niche interests they could write about.

Women love to communicate, women love to share – is there a  “book inside of you?”

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A Life in Balance

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“All well-regulated families set apart an hour every morning for tea and bread and butter.” ~ Joseph Addison

Ok! It is time for a come-uppance. I have a bone to pick – with myself, that is. Ever since I began blogging, I feel like I have been all out of sync. I have always been one who awakes and goes at full speed ahead. But I have always taken advantage of the quiet of the morn to sit, have a cup of tea, and gather my thoughts for the day. The thing is, ever since I began blogging, I don’t even allow myself the luxury of  sitting quietly for a few minutes of solitude before I start my day. Isn’t that the reason I rise so early?

I live according to the Mountain Time watch, but I have an obsession of posting all my blogs by 8 or 8:30 Eastern Standard Time. That way, my blogs can be seen by all my friends and associates on the East Coast when their work day begins. This means, I am front and center of my computer by 5:30 to 6 am every day.  What bothers me is the fact that I actually feel like The Big Kahuna is hovering over me, in a fancy gray suit, looking at his watch, waiting to catch me off guard and scold me if I am late. There is no reason why I should feel this way. It is just my work ethic speaking to me, thats all. Do I really think someone will give me demerits or slap me on the wrist if my blog is not posted  by exactly 8:30 am EST? Does someone care that much?

Come on, get a grip! From now on, I am going to get back to my pre-blogging routine of allowing myself some time to sit with a cup of tea and let my creative mind wander for a few pre-sunrise moments before I am drawn into the world of digital communication. Don’t I owe that to myself? Furthermore, I will take a break, mid afernoon, for 15 minutes to have another tuppa tea, so that I can get through the rest of the day refreshed and renewed.

I need to get my life in balance! And it begins with me!!

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What Would Your Eden Be?

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“All of us do not have equal talents, but all of us should have an equal opportunity to develop our talents.” ~ John F Kennedy

Last week, the National Medals of the Arts were conferred on American citizens who have made outstanding contributions in the field of humanities. An architect, screenwriter, an actor, a dancer, a political speechwriter and others deserving of special merit in their fields were among the honorees. As I listened to the achievements of all those being recognized, I began to think how fortunate this group of Americans were. All have had the opportunity to work in fields that fulfill their need for creative lives. Each were highly respected for having advanced the understanding of the humanities and for having opened up opportunities in their fields for others. For more information, go to www.nea.org or www.arts.gov/honors/medals.

Wouldn’t it be a different world if no one was forced to take a job just for the sake of a paycheck. We would all be living in a Garden of Eden if each person’s talents and gifts could find outward expression through a truly satisfying  job. How could you not excel in the workplace and personally,  if you love what you do and are doing what you love?

I like the idea of a creative economy. No individual would have to find the courage to create, nor would you need to dare to believe you could create. Self expression of talents and gifts would naturally be utilized as people work. What better way to spend 50 or 60 years in the working world. Our quality of life would be greatly improved for many Americans. Working harder would be replaced with working happier. Would this not lead to employees really caring about their jobs and those they serve?

Is there some way you can nuture your talents through your daily work? If you could work in the Garden of Eden, how would you better utilize your innate gifts? How would you change your life’s path if you could?

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The Allusive Treasure

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“The royal road to a man’s heart is to talk to him about the things he treasures most.” ~ Dale Carnegie

To a bibliophile, collecting rare books is a very serious matter. There was a time when collectors would drive all over the country pouring over cartons of old books piled high in dark, dingy, dusty attics, barns and shops. Great finds came from off the beaten path, and unexpected treasures were often found by just stumbling upon them. Today, through the power of the internet and e-commerce, locating that “prized” antiquarian book and other things of rare value are often just a few keystrokes away.

Serious bibliophiles are willing to pay very high prices for a book they have been searching for. Their reasons for collecting rare books are as eclectic as the publications that they collect. Some collectors buy strictly for the paper, vellum or parchment that the words are printed upon, others restrict themselves to the writings of a particular author, genre or field. Some bibliophiles even place  high value on unfinished pieces, in various stages of publication, such as advance review copies or galley proofs.

Abe  Books www.AbeBooks.com has reported some of their most expensive sales in 2010, and you will be greatly surprised to see that given this economy, rare book collectors have not lost their interest in paying top dollar for a much sought after publication. Here were the most expensive antiquarian book sales last month from Abe Books.

1- A collector paid $19,500 for an Ottoman Atlas containing 39 hand colored maps. The publication had been printed by the Royal School of Military Engineering in Istanbul.

2- A first edition copy of Titanic and Other Ships fetched $11,742 in the marketplace. What made  the book unique was that it had been signed by the Second Officer on the Titanic’s maiden voyage.

3- An antique version of “The Greatest Story Ever Told” – The Bible, reprinted according to the authorized version of 1611 sold for $7500. It was printed on unbleached rag paper.

As the Keno twins on Antiques Roadshow have proven time and time again, one never knows what treasures can be found in the abyss of the  most unlikely places. I have some antique cigar molds, darkened with age and tannin, that still reek of tobacco that I have put away for safe keeping. I often wonder if there is really any value to them.

 What do you have lurking in your basement, attic or garage that could be of great value of someone else?   Have you ever taken the time to explore what gifts you may have that could be of value to someone else?

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Packaging for the Artist

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“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” ~ Winston Churchill

Over the months, I have received many rewarding comments about our blogsite.  Although I can not share all the comments with you, I would like to share a few because they have led me to my thoughts for this day. But first, I would like to preface this blog by saying that for as many artists as my comments apply to, there are an equal number of artists that these comments do not apply to. I am posing this question all for my own clarity in understanding the wonderful world of artists.

  • Melody the artist said “She appreciated my attention to the arts.”
  • Nicole said she “appreciates my business direction.”
  • Businesssprouts said ” I enjoy seeing people who are passionate and confident in their work.”

Artists  are known for their dedication and strong belief in their creations and their work. Why then, do many artists often think of themselves as “only artists.” Artists are business people and professionals, too!

Just as you consider your artwork as having high value and worth, are you putting yourself forward as a VIP? I am not referring to “lofty attitudes.” I am referring to presenting yourself to the world as a professional.  Your art work, and the presentation of yourself needs to be in sync, a complete professional package. It can be the very thing that sets you and your artwork apart from all the others.

It is more important to your success than you may think!

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