Tag Archives: writers groups

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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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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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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Weekend Indie Publisher News

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Writers from all over the world will be converging at The Edinborough International Book Festival, just weeks away. Beginning August 14th, you can join legendary writers and thinkers at this festival. Four Nobel laureates and four Booker winners will be in attendance. As well as, over 40 authors making their debut!

This 17  day international festival is jammed full with workshops, readings, educational information for writers. A few of the activities include:

  • Storytellers
  • Oxford University Professor, Robin Dunbar – about social networking
  • Bookmaking for kids
  • Rosie Allen – producer of arts documentaries
  • Brother & sister due from Poland – on Writing a Book with your Sibling
  • Culinary Writing Workshop

For more information on this International Book Festival, visit

http://www.edbookfest.co.uk.

 

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An Indie Bound Meeting!

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“The pleasure of all reading is doubled when one lives with another who shares the same books” ~ Katherine Mansfield 

If you visited this website yesterday, welcome back! I am glad you returned! Our paths seem to cross a lot on this blogsite. Obviously, many of the same things are fulfilling to us! We share an interest  in independently published words, thoughts and views.

There is more information that I would like to share with you all about Indie Bound. Across America, there are bookstores who support and believe in the growing trend of independent publishing! That is right, and there is more! 

Did you know Indie Bound even has a bestselling list of independently published books? http://www.indiebound.org/indie-bestsellers. This list is updated weekly. Here are a few picks from their list: 

  • The Help – Katheryn Stockett
  • Faithful Place – Tana French
  • The Passage –  Justin Cronin
  • Fly Away Home – Jennifer Weiner
  • Matterhorn – Karl Marlantes
  • The Cookbook Collector – Allegra Goodman 

Let’s try to meet another way – in person!  How does meeting at an Indie Bound bookstore sound? Let’s meet at  The Epilogue Bookstore in Steamboat Springs, CO on August 5th at 7pm, because they are Indie Bound! Let’s discuss “On the Fast Track: The Independent Publishing Industry.” I know we will find a lot of common ground! Author Mitzi Rudderow of Dallas, TX has already sent me her RSVP. She wants to add to the discussion and introduce her book “Coming Clean: Drug Addiction Help and Hope.” Sounds like a plan to me! 

Need more information the location of The Epilogue Bookstore? Please visit their website http://epiloguebookco.com/ 

See you there! 

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Organic Writing?

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“And all writing is creating or spinning dreams for other people so they won’t have to bother doing it themselves” ~  Beth Henley 

I am not so sure  Bowker would concur with Beth Henley! According to Bowker’s April 2009 statistics http://bit.ly/cp3anL, the independent publishing industry which includes small publishing houses, micropublishers and self publishers grew a whopping 181% in 2009. While the traditional publishing industry remained flat! 

This indicates, to me, that people are crazed with creating or spinning their own dreams these days. Many writers are fulfilling their vision of becoming a published writer through independent publishing. Perhaps they don’t care to mess about with the “big guys” who claim there are 17 reasons why most books get rejected.  One of the 17 reasons for rejection is that the writing is “not organic.” Sorry, that only sounds like an inane buzzword to me. 

If you have received rejection time and time again, and you are loosing faith in the publishing game, perhaps knowing why books get rejected could be of value! There must be very valid reasons why Janet Reid says “99.2% of all manuscripts that pass by her desk get rejected!” To learn more about what doesn’t get through the standard response button of “no”, please visit http://bit.ly/VygcF.

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Antique Marquees

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“If people don’t walk out of theatres saying “Yes, something is possible, then you have failed.” ~  Isaac Newton 

There is a movement underway to restore old movie houses and bring new life to them! Fits in with current trends, doesn’t it?  These days, it is all about recycle, renew and renovate! 

Many of the regal, ornate American movie theatres were torn down with wrecking balls, or replaced by modern multiplexes. Those that were spared, sit idle and in disrepair. People across America are putting their dollars and their efforts into restoring the grand old dames of old community theatres such as the Bijous, Roxys and Rialtos! Even in Steamboat Springs, CO a non-profit organization has been formed to try to save the Chief Theatre built in the center of downtown in 1926. For more information on this trend of restoring movie theatres in cities across America, please visit http://bit.ly/cl54Uk. 

Entering the doors of  new modern cineplexes is akin to  walking into chain hotels. They all kind of look alike! There is nothing unique about the architecture – no fancy decorations, embellishments  or fascinating details – just four walls, rows of seats, a large screen and audio surround sound. 

I like the idea of historic preservation! Perhaps restoration of old theatres could help bring new life to downtowns. Not only would marquees be lit up once again, but businesses whose lively hoods have been damaged by malls, outlets and suburban shopping may shine once again, too!

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Weekend Indie Publishing News

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Looking to submit your manuscript to book award contests this summer? Poets and Writers Magazine www.pw.org has put together a calendar of contests for all months of the year. To keep informed, please visit http://www.pw.org/submission_calendar/2010/7/all.

 Submit your independent short film into a contest! Submissions are now being accepted for the 4th International Indie Short Film Competition. All submissions must be received by November 15, 2010. This is an on-line short film and short script competition. The ISFC is looking to identify a new generation of talented filmmakers and screenwriters and to create exciting opportunities for outstanding talent. For more information on this contest, please visit http://www.indieshortfilms.net.

Winning awards adds value to your work, and creditability to you as writer, screenwriter or filmmaker. Don’t miss out on these opportunities and more! There are lots of contests and competitions to be found, hunt them down!

Journalistically Speaking

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“I like putting my thoughts out there. Sometimes it is just a relief to get things out.” ~ Sarah Whitfield

Have you ever used a personal shopper? I haven’t, I am a good decision maker and I like to be in control of my own destiny! Besides, I know all that I like and all that I don’t like – usually.

The other day, I began browsing the shelves for a new journal. It’s time, my other one is filled with oh so brilliant ideas! But, gone are the days when a simple diary, with lock and key, will do!  Before I even start my search, I had better decide what kind of journal toting person I am!

First, I need to decide whether it will be leather(english bridle, croc, italian, suede), hand-tooled, silk covered, canvas for the rough and tough, hardbound, envelope wrap, softbound, lockable, a zero carbon notebook, a mini or a maxi or somewhere in between!

Secondly, how about the paper inside it? Lined, blank, recycled, tibetan paper, rice paper, replaceable/refillable, handmade, colored, white?

Not to be esthetically incorrect,I had better match my genre of writing style with my choice of journal style. Shouldn’t a person who writes about cowboy adventures carry real leather? Someone who writes about the arts certainly does not want to tote anything too serious and business like – what would people think?

Next, what are my reasons for keeping a journal? To capture my life story? Enhance my creativity? Help me focus? Gain better organizational skills, help me get in touch with my feelings? Reduce stress? Improve my health?

Not any old journal will do – I had better think long and hard. My choice  could effect the way I am able to come up with so many of those oh so brilliant thoughts! I don’t know, I don’t know!  Shopping for a journal these days is enough to drive you mad! It could consume a whole day! This whole process of selecting a journal has me in a tizzy! I think I will, for the first time ever, call on a personal shopper – perhaps she can tell me what to write too!

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