Tag Archives: social media marketing

Name Calling

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“Harmony makes small things grow, lack of it makes great things decay”  ~ Sallust

 

Have you ever looked at a person and felt that they don’t fit their name? There is something about their appearance that does not quite jive with the moniker they are given. 

A few months ago, I started a new meet-up group in town. It is a group of folks who are networking to discuss independent publishing and their projects at hand. I’ve been a member of  www.SheWrites.com for some time. When it came across my desk that starting a local chapter was possible – I decided to jump on board.  “There would be advantages in joining a nationally affiliated on-line group” I thought. I decided to vary the name just a bit to She Writes Steamboat to reflect where this community of writers and independent publishers reside. 

She Writes Steamboat just met for the second time. I have discovered that the name still does not perfectly fit. At each of our meetings, we have had male authors and independent publishers who have attended and want to be a part of the group. We have welcomed them. The intent was never to leave them out. The more people – male or female – that join in on this group, the better for all! Increased number of ideas to be considered, greater collaboration of minds, more cooperative opportunities for marketing and promotion, and a well-rounded group we will be. Let’s make sure we are fulfilling the mission of the group by fostering independent publishing success for all. 

I have tweaked the name once again to make sure the moniker more accurately fits the group! Our local chapter of www.SheWrites.com has been changed to:

 SHe Writes Steamboat.

There, that feels more harmonious already! 

Heck- if  the name still doesn’t fit, we can change it again. People are known to have many nicknames in their lifetime. Often that comes with people getting to know just who they are.

Our next meeting is Tuesday, August 16th at 4 pm at City Café at City Offices and Centennial Hall. Save the Date! I look forward to having a better balance of male and females at this next meet-up and this is a meeting you will not want to miss. I have an important announcement to make about an upcoming Event that will benefit everyone. 

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Film Buzz on Film Friday

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Yesterday’s blog about creating buzz before the official launch of books, film or music has brought to mind a film that is doing just that – and doing a fine job of it, too!  

ALPFD A Cold War spy thriller, and independent film, directed and produced by Justin Eugene Evans, is expected to hit cinemas after January 1, 2012. Part 1 of the film is available and has already been downloaded more than 780,000 times through VODO http://vodo.net/alpfd. 

A Lonely Place for Dying just won 4 more awards at the VanWert Film Festival, one of the 40 film festivals where it has been screened. Awards have come for everything from best screenplay to visual effects awards to best acting to best song track. It is fulfilling news, for a $200,000 budget film. To read more about A Lonely Place for Dying, please visit http://on.fb.me/jjsOLX. It is hitting foreign film screens too! 

Looking for More Information on the Summer Film Scene? Here are a few films that are about to come to theatres, and they are adaptations from blockbuster books. 

Sarah’s Key – Limited Release July 22

The Help – In Theatres August 12th

 One Day – In Theatres August 19th

 Have a good weekend everyone. For those who are suffering from the heat wave, take in a movie this weekend in the cool comfort of a movie theatre!

 

 

 

“Explosive Growth” says Bowker

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“The great thing in the world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving.” ~ Oliver Wendell Holmes 

We are breaking away from our Friday film routine today because finally, I have found what I have been looking for. The storehouse of all publishing statistics, Bowker, has finally released their numbers for the year 2010. And it is indeed fulfilling news! 

Traditional publishing grew a 5% last year, whereas, “non-traditional publishing” continued along its path of “explosive growth” says Bowker. There were 1,033,065 non- traditionally published books put out into the marketplace in 2009 and these figures more than doubled in 2010 to 2,776,260, thanks in part to the availability of print on demand. The majority of these non-traditional titles are sold and marketed over the internet and are about “micro-niche” subjects. One can safely say, people are looking for publications that are different and unique. To read the entire Bowker report, please go to http://bit.ly/mBW02G. 

Although e-book sales are exceeding the sales of paperback books, http://huff.to/5f6hAJ, books in print are by no means a thing of the past. Many self-publishing authors and independent publishers (otherwise known as non-traditional publishers) opt for selling both print and e-books, so their presence is known in both digital markets and brick and mortar stores, libraries, colleges and other retail environments. 

So that’s the latest word folks, on this ever changing and fascinating world of publishing in this 21st century. We will see what next week brings.

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GPS for Independent Publishers

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“Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.”  ~ Ben Franklin 

Over the next few days, we are going to switch it up a bit and share some more technical information about the independent publishing industry, that I hope will be useful to those who are considering or engaged in the process.

The other day I began to think about GPS systems and how useful the development of these devices have been in leading us to where we need to go and what we want to find. 

GPS, in my world of independent publishing, could be used as an acronym for books with “Great Publishing Success.” 

Far-fetched as it may seem, “GPS” for independent publishers is being aided  by the use of  QR codes. The little, square digital code patch is very useful to those who want to know more about great independently published books, films and music. QR codes are beginning to appear not just on realtor signs, in newspapers, and on other flat surfaces.  Quick Response codes, matrix barcodes that are readable by i-phones and other smart digital devices, are even beginning to be placed on independently published books, films and music. 

QR codes will help readers identify, locate and read a review of independent publications or learn more about an author’s website.  Independent publications will become very visible through the use of QR codes. This is fulfilling news for independent publishers who may not have  a big promotion company or huge marketing budgets behind them.

Independent publishers, keep your eye on this latest development! A very exciting time in e-commerce and e-marketing for independent publishers is just ahead. Don’t miss out.

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e-Conomies. What Does it All Mean?

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“I look for what needs to be done. After all, that’s how the universe designs itself.” ~ Buckminster Fuller

e-Commerce, e-Books, e-Publishing, e-Marketing. http://rww.to/aiuHxb. You’ve heard the terms a lot lately, haven’t you? But what does it all mean? It means entertaining new ways of doing things! 

Let’s face it – our economy needs a kick in the pants! We need independent spirited folks to take ideas and run with them. Brain power, our most available resource, surrounds us everywhere. It is not located in any one place. We need people who are tired of sitting around waiting for something to happen, to make things happen! 

Right here in Steamboat Springs,CO there is a group of people who want to have their say, they want to be heard, and they want to be seen. Right now! They are not willing to play the game of waiting on someone else to create their future for them, or not! 

She Writes Steamboat is a newly-formed meet-up group that will come together for the first time at 4 pm on June 21st at the Bud Werner Memorial Library. www.steamboatlibrary.org.   Independent publishing is one economy that is on the fast track and it is gaining momentum every day. Business people, non-profit organizations, parents, teachers, children and very ordinary folks with unique stories to tell are pumped. Internet and media technologies have changed so greatly over the past 10 years anyone can jump on the train and tell their story, inform, educate and inspire others through all independent film, music or books. Entertain that thought! 

Further, the internet has provided a way for independent publishers to become visible all over the world! Are you ready to share your voice? Join Us @ She Writes Steamboat – click here http://on.fb.me/lbnPms.

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Sugar Plums in May? What is Up with that?

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“Keep steadily before you the fact that all true success depends at last upon yourself.”  ~Theodore T Hunger 

Ahh…youth….creativity….promise….energy! I love it. 

The other day I met with a young, emerging artist who wanted some guidance and coaching on this thing called “e-marketing.” Many would say he has already emerged as a talent. But, he is headed in a different direction now. Our meeting was a time to explore ideas, possibilities, objectives and different approaches for marketing his art. His goal is to become more visible and take his photography to a new level. 

We began with a little basic education. As we got further into the conversation and tossed around some ideas, he began to squirm in his chair. His movements became more animated and I could tell he had visions of “sugarplums dancing in his head!” At one point in the conversation, he grabbed his face and said “ There’s a lot to think about!” 

This young emerging artist will not fall by the wayside as wasted talent, I am quite sure of that.  He has deep passion for his art. He also knows much already about setting his sites and going for the gold!

In his teenage years, he became notable in ski magazines for his freestyle tricks and had a successful competitive career. He will parlay his knowledge of what it takes to be a stand out, into his art of photography. 

He knows  that becoming successful in any new field takes:

  • Persistence
  • Energy
  • Setting goals and reaching for them http://bit.ly/bXRnOb.
  • Coaching
  • Vision and dreams 

There is great promise in this young man’s artistic talent. He is smart, he is creative! He is seeking out the tools he needs to market himself and his art through the internet. He is going at this with heads UP!  We look forward to sharing more information on this emerging  artist. But first, this young man understands he has some work to do. Stay tuned, I think he is a star in the making!

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Film Friday – Sundance Selection

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 There is a Sundance Film Festival selection all about marketing, branding and advertising. Really?  And it is The Greatest Movie Ever Sold! 

This film by acclaimed filmmaker, Morgan Spurlock, of Super Size Me fame, examines the world as we know it today – a environment whereby just walking down the street we are attacked by people fulfilling their need to try to sell us something. 

This Oscar ® nominated documentary film is both funny and thought provoking. It brings to the fore just how subjected we really are to brand advertising on a daily basis, without thinking much about it or realizing it. 

Consumer advocate Ralph Nader is among the cast along with appearances by Donald Trump and other business gurus. Some would contend that this movie is devoid of real substance. That it was produced to attract advertisers, just so the film could be produced! Watch it and decide for yourself. 

To watch a trailer of this movie, please visit http://imdb.to/g3h5mS.

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Spring Poetry

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“It is always the simple things that change our lives. This is how God does things.” ~ Donald Miller 

Although warm weather has not yet arrived here in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, http://bit.ly/O9KMI there was a renewal of spirit, on Saturday evening, inside the United Methodist Church http://bit.ly/lAT08q  . The Yampa Valley Singers presented an event that was the very definition of poetry “an imaginative awareness of experience expressed through meaning, sound and rhythmic language choices so as to evoke an emotional response.” 

The beautifully poetic production, Spring Awakening, was produced and directed by the talented, Marie Carmichael. It was an orchestration of all things fulfilling  –  a multi-media production of art through the compilation of inspiring photographic images, magnificent music and even a little dance between flames up and down the center aisle of the church. Although indoors, the lovers light and lively interplay was interpreted in my mind, to a dance in a garden-like setting between flowering blossoms of spring. 

The musical arrangement of Time to Say Goodbye brought a little tear to my eye but it was quickly forgotten as the Yampa Valley Singers launched into tunes from my favorite form of art – musical theatre. A lively Broadway Medley of some of the most well-known songs of stage productions, such as Oklahoma, the Sound of Music, Carousel, the King and I, State Fair and South Pacific brought a huge smile to my face.  I was delighted and charmed by two precious little children singing Do-Ri- Me,  too!

There are so many ways people can bring light into their own lives during this season of rebirth. The most celebrated writers in history have put their interpretation of this season into the literary form of poetry. To read a collection of 114 poems about spring from Robert Frost, William Shakespeare, Katherine Mansfield, Henry Van Dyke, Carl Sandburg, Emily Dickinson and more, please visit http://bit.ly/li8miV. 

Thank you, Marie Carmichael and the Yampa Valley Singers http://bit.ly/jph2do for ushering in spring. My spirit has been rejuvenated, in earnest, by your inspirational interpretation of art and culture. As for the warm weather, bring it on Lord, bring it on. We are ready and prepared for the arrival and we will be extremely grateful, too!

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Rockwell Art: All about Community

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All I know is that whatever type of work I do, I try to give it my very best. Art has been my life. ~ Norman Rockwell        

Some of the most recognizable art in history are the illustrations of Norman Rockwell. His work reflects what was most important to him – life in small town America and the people who were integral to the fabric of the community in which he lived. For me, fulfilling thoughts of life in much simpler times are recalled when I see iconic Rockwell images. 

Now, by agreement between Kiwanis International www.kiwanisinternational.org and the Norman Rockwell Licensing Company of Niles, Illinois, outstanding community leaders, recognized by Kiwanis International, can now receive a fulfilling award of a Rockwell-style portrait to grace the walls of their homes. Photographs of Kiwanis Recognition Award recipients are transformed into images by outstanding artists licensed to put the stamp of Norman Rockwell Moments™ www.normanrockwellmoments.org onto their work. 

What a natural and splendid pairing of Kiwanis International and Norman Rockwell Moments™ this is!  Norman Rockwell-style portraits are heirloom gifts to entire families. They are lasting reminders to children, in future generations, of what set their ancestors apart. It was the very same qualities that Norman Rockwell sought in his subjects to paint – people who stood out in their communities. 

Kiwanis aims to bring a new whole generation of young adults into the fold. Maintaining and building strong communities in the 21st century will be as important to this non-profit organization as when the organization began in Detroit in 1914. 

Are you a young adult who believes that community spirit builds a better world? If so, contact your local Kiwanis Club and become a member. Perhaps someday you will be recognized as a community leader!

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Books as “Calling Cards”

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“Ink surrounds me all  the time, on my bed sheets recorded in rhyme, quills ‘ever scribbling in my head….” ~ Terry Guillemets 

Do you know what I like about authors? You don’t have to ask them to become a “friend”, to “like” you, or become their fan before you have a chance to learn all about them. You can also meet-up with them at anytime. http://bit.ly/7EpmRj.  They leave their “calling cards” on bookshelves, in retail stores, in libraries, in schools and all over the place. Authors “calling cards” can be found on the world-wide web, too.

 Pick up a publication of any author and you will shortly know whether you like their style and whether you share interests with them or not. Fulfill your curiosity about an author, their personality traits and who they keep company with, just by reading their “calling card.” 

  • A fiction writer is apt to be an animated or dramatic kind of person, crafty, dreamy, playful, skillful and probably creative, too.
  • You know from a “calling card” of a mystery writer that challenges, suspense, danger, spooks and sleuths bring out the best in them.
  •  A sense of no nonsense, organization of time and place, facts and references are what “non-fiction” writers are all about.
  • Introspection, concern with one’s own relationship to others and self-importance is what you might find when you meet-up with the scribe of a biography.
  • A poet’s “calling card” often reflects a person who has had unusual experiences, is a divergent and innovative thinker and demonstrates skill in the use of prosaic language. 

What kind of “calling card” do you have in mind of creating? Where will you put your calling card to be discovered by others who want to learn more about you as an author?

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