The "Your Life is Your Story" Blog Archives

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December, 2004

December 29, 2004

The year is just about done. Time to tuck 2004 into the archives. But not so fast. It is also time to open your journal and review. What were the highlights? Lowlights? The in-betweens?

What's that? You aren't keeping a journal? Well, a new year is a good time to start. There is information about journaling and some good options to choose from here.

December 16, 2004

Yesterday was another marker in my life - my birthday. I haven't hit the big "five-oh"...yet. 49 and holding! A friend of mine remarked that forty-nine is actually a more significant number if you consider the importance of seven (considered the whole or perfect number in the Bible). Seven times seven is something worth pondering.

I was saddened to hear of the passing of a person I never met, but felt like I had. A fellow inspirational writer, Glenn White, died on November 27 in Hawaii from a heart attack while paddling off Oahu's shore. Glenn wrote and maintained a website, Write to Inspire, that encourages writers, especially Christian ones. He wrote a great piece about his father, "A Matter of Honor", not long before his sudden death and you should read it.

December 13, 2004

The holiday season is in full swing and many of you may be capturing the special moments on video. As the camera operator and "director" don't be afraid to encourage your participants to take some simple and fun direction. Sure, they aren't professional actors, but if you let them know your ideas you'd be surprised how you might get some really good "performances".

On the other hand, watch for those sublime moments when the magic happens. It could be grandmother reading to the grandchildren or reactions from somebody's funny story or just catching someone in thought.

Steve Pender of Family Legacy Video™ has plenty of good tips and puts out a very good free email newsletter. You can find out more about his Producer's Guide and his newsletter at his web site. I enjoy visiting. I also thank Steve for recently featuring Your Life is Your Story in his newsletter.

December 9, 2004

My wife, Annette, and I attended a wonderful concert on Sunday night. The show was a benefit for Good Radio Shows, Inc, a non-profit group that does important public radio shows like their Peace Talks programs, and featured Mary Gauthier, Bill Miller and Tish Hinojosa. It was a quality night of diverse music. Kudos to veteran broadcaster Paul Ingles and his crew for the fine work.

Music is one of those "ties that binds" and can bring people togther. I might be biased with my radio background, but I'm sure many of you can nod your head in agreement.

December 4, 2004

The best selling book, The Five People You Meet In Heaven, has been made into a Television movie starring Jon Voigt. This book by Mitch Albom makes you think about life and relationships. That certainly fits nicely with the theme of Your Life is Your Story!

The movie airs this Sunday (12/5/04) on ABC - more here.

December 1, 2004

From time to time I get inquiries from people trying to figure out how to get a book published. Aside from the numerous complicated challenges to traditional publishing it is well worth knowing that there are many options that are more affordable and quicker. Basically, the "do it yourself" route of publishing that is available through print on demand (POD).

This subject could be discussed at great length and I do plan on sharing more in the future on this site. But, to get started here are some places worth exploring:

Tim Harper and BooksByBookends can print as few as ten copies and it is affordable and relatively quick (depending on their current work demands). They have a machine right in their store. - more here -

Trafford On Demand Publishing. - more here -

Berryville Press, a POD operation, in Westminster, MD. - more here -

I've seen good recommendations from others about the above. Of course, I suggest you do your won research. You can "google" print on demand or self publishing and get lots of results. By all means check out the "Daddy" of self-publishing guidance: Dan Poynter at Para Publishing. - more here -

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