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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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Fulfillment from Books and Art

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“Joy is but the sign that creative emotion is fulfilling it’s purpose.”                   ~ Charles DuBos

The other day, I read an article in the Artist Daily www.Interweave.com/Magazines  titled  “Why Does a Painting Move Me?” I began to think of the similarities between the points made in the article and how they apply to the question “Why does a book or film fulfill me?” 

I came up with a list of questions that I ask myself when I am looking for a book on the shelf that will strike a chord within me. Many of these questions are also asked when books are being considered for book group discussions: 

  • Is there psychological intensity to the subject?
  • Are there multiple ways of reading into the content?
  • Can I connect with the writer?
  • Will the style of writing immediately draw me in?
  • Can I relate to the subject matter or genre?
  • Will the story evoke an emotional response from me? 

These questions, when considered throughout the process of writing of a manuscript, can be useful tools for evaluating or critiquing one’s own writing. Successful writing means taking these points into consideration when crafting a story. As a writer, you must fulfill the needs of the reader, otherwise you have no audience.

 

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Weekend Publishing News

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“In life, all that’s really needed to to make any good choice, believe in it, go through with it, and accept the consequences.”

If you are a writer who is contemplating whether or not to independently publish your book, there exists a great opportunity to sort things out! In Denver, CO on Saturday, August 28th from 8:30 am to 2:30pm, the Colorado Independent Publishers Association www.cipabooks.com will be presenting a summer workshop The Road Map to Publishing Your Book. Learn the pros and cons of traditional vs. independent publishing from other authors who have been through the drill.

Immediately following the workshop will be the CIPA summer book sale from 3:00 – 6:00 pm. The book fair is free and open to the public. Check out independently published books from Colorado’s wealth of talented writers and buy some books, too!

Both of these events provide a great way to learn about one of the largest and most active non-profit independent publishing associations in the U.S. CIPA is all about opportunity and education for independent publishers. Take advantages of these two events. For more information and location, please visit www.cipabooks.com.

Hope to see you there!

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A Different Kind of Breed

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“…turn a critical eye and ear to what we are offered by the mass media as well as the independent media“~ David Wilson

The filmmaking industry conjures up thoughts of the red carpet, glitz, glamour and buzz! Cropping up are a different breed of filmmakers working to craft outstanding stories with great vision. They do not necessarily have landing on the Hollywood walk of fame as their first priority. Enter independent filmmaker extraordinares!

Independent films are usually made with considerably lower budgets, yet they can be as notable in quality as their counterpart – productions by major film studios. Their content and artistic dimension often sets them apart. Designed to reach specialty audiences rather than mass market, these films are equally as fulfilling to the audience. They win awards at film festivals such as Sundance, Raindance, Silverdocs, IDFA, Durango, Toronto and other places far from L.A.

Apparently, there is a new breed of  independent filmmaker who is centered around “business plans, business models and business books.” He is determined to responsibly manage his  independent film production company and to bring his personal artistic vision to reality. Filmmaking has been “who he is” since the age of 15! His lack of interest in parties and all things Hollywood has landed him and his film company in Albuquerque, NM.

For more information on this up and coming breed of independent filmmaker phenoms, please visit http://bit.ly/bWB1LV.

I hope you will join me in following this filmmakers production company in the coming months and years. I think they have alot in store!

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Energy Well Spent

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“Enthusiasm…the sustaining power of all great action.”               ~ Samuel Smiles 

Today is a landmark day! With the writing of this blog, we will have surpassed the 400 blog mile-marker! Go ahead – count them all! Read them all, if you don’t believe me.

This is our 401st blog devoted to relevant information regarding the independent publishing industry. And it is not just about books either – our blogs include the scoop on independent filmmaking, independent music, independently published artwork and photography, building communities of independent, like-minded people and way more!

 If this is the first time you have arrived at this blogsite, don’t despair! We are not finished yet! This engine will keep on chugging on the fast track and you can find us in your searches everywhere! We are all about fulfillment and marketing for independently geared businesses and publishers! 

Reaching this goal has been easy. Keeping the momentum is a cinch!  How can you not be excited about an industry that is filled with creative, inspiring and energetic people! The incentive is there when you see Bowker’s industry statistics of 181% growth between the years 2008 – 2009 for the non-traditional side of the publishing business.

 There are people everywhere wanting to jump on the train. After all, America is filled with ingenuity – filmmakers, artists, writers, and all kinds of passionate people wanting to educate, inspire, entertain and inform through books and film and the arts!

 Find us another industry that can tout growth statistics like that! Until then we are going to keep on, keeping on – sharing independent thoughts, words and views!

 Visit us tomorrow for information on one of the hottest, most energetic and responsible independent filmmakers and his production company around! See you then!

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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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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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Grassroots Spreading Globally

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“We are all functioning at a small fraction of our capacity to live life fully in it’s total meaning of loving, caring, creating and adventuring.                            ~ Herbert A. Otto  

It is inspiring when a simple message and concept begins to grow beyond wildest dreams. When Salley Gibney, founder of You Are Never Alone Foundation, a Vermont 501(3)C voluntary, non-profit began her efforts to foster caring, connection and hope through Caring Coins, I doubt she envisioned her efforts would spread so quickly, globally.  

The message of  You Are Never Alone is passed along from person to person through Caring Coins. These simple wooden coins inscribed with the words “You are Never Alone” were first given to troubled teens, to senior citizens, to hospice patients and to troops from Vermont headed to war in Afghanistan. Little by little, “the good news of hope” began to gather momentum. These coins are now available in Spanish, too and have traveled to places far beyond Vermont. They have traveled to children in Uganda, Guatemala and Ecuador!  

A few months ago word spread even further when the You Are Never Alone Foundation was invited to Bangladesh to spread the news and share caring coins with children in India! Please take a few minutes to watch this video and you will see the joy that this simple concept is now bringing to children on the other side of the world!  

This non-profit organization is a wonderful reminder of how one person’s vision and passion for changing the world can bring fulfillment to others. Salley is so fortunate to have the assistance of volunteers. There is much work to be done and funds are needed to continue to share this valuable message with others who are so in need of knowing, that despite life’s hard knocks, YOU ARE NEVER ALONE!

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Seeing it Through

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“There is no such thing as a minor lapse of integrity” ~ Tom Peters 

I love it when I re-read a book and gain more from it the second time around. There are often hidden messages, concepts and all sorts of things that fly over our heads the first time around. 

About a year ago, a book came into my hands called “The Hourglass Principle”  by Ray Kelly III. It is written by a person who has spent a lifetime in sales. The book addresses the issue of building a business and the choices that we have in doing so. He mentions that throughout the process, we may come to a crossroad where a decision must be made of how to proceed. Sometimes there are two choices – we can take the short route, often sacrificing our beliefs and convictions or we may take, perhaps, a more challenging route allowing us to remain true to our selves. As author Ray Kelly III points out, “Integrity is the only thing we carry with us from career to career.” 

I began to think how integrity applies to the reasons why people decide to independently publish. For many, the choice is easy. After talking with a traditional publishing house, the author often realizes what is at stake is the piece of work they have poured their heart and soul into writing. If they hand their manuscript over to a traditional publisher, it could ultimately be sacrificed. Their words may be changed, a rewrite with a different slant may be requested. It may be marketed by people who do not share the approach or the same values. The cover design choice may even be out of their hands. 

What would you do, if given the choice?

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An Eagle Eye Approach

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“He is a great communicator and teacher. He knows how to fix things when they go wrong.” ~ Kevin Steele 

Over the past week or two, my son and I have had a running conversation about deadlines, and how they become the all consuming focus for so many writers, filmmakers and artists. 

Sometimes in the rush to meet a deadline, details that are critical to the success of a project are often overlooked. Yes, rewriting or redoing is arduous and laborious, but, it is not worth risking quality for the sake of just getting the project done and out the door. Presenting a project that is representative of your capability as a talented artist is vital. 

Before the deadline, it is wise to have someone take a hard-line objective look at the project you have been so deeply engaged in. An opinion without bias can serve you well! This step should not be ignored, nor should it be left as a final detail. Suppose there are things that need to be reworked? 

Meticulous does not mean being inflexible. It means caring and putting your very best forward. Think of it this way, what do you look for when you are at the other end? Quality, probably!

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