Were you drawn to this blog because you have written a book, fantasize about writing one, or are involved in the publishing industry in some respect?
Or perhaps you are building your own blog or company and want my help with your press releases, blog posts, copy for your website, articles or ebooks spotlighting your expertise in your niche.
Regardless of what brought you here, welcome.
How did I get here?
I have loved school for as far back as I can remember. I loved the smell of the books, the vibrant colors of the crayons lined up in the little black box we were each assigned, the smooth finish of my desk with a black inkwell in the upper right corner, and especially I loved my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Bordeaux. In my mind she was the smartest person in the world, and I counted on her to teach me all the things I needed to know to become educated. I also thought she was the most beautiful person in world, resembling popular actress of the day, Loretta Young, and dressing as elegantly.
Because I loved school so much it’s not surprising that I became a teacher, first in junior high English, then university teacher training, and finally teaching critical thinking in community college.
And I loved writing. I still have some of the earliest poems I wrote, thanks to my mother. Throughout school I wrote a variety of types of writing and after college moved into coauthoring textbooks and instructional materials for my children and my students.
But I always had a creative and entrepreneurial side, perhaps because I grew up watching my mother run her home-based beauty shop. Around age 10, I began selling handmade potholders to the patrons of the beauty shop while they sat under the dryer or waited their turns. From then on I was hooked on earning money from my creative endeavors.
So throughout my life I’ve mixed my academic career with creative pursuits. While teaching junior high through university levels I was always drawn to have a side business that involved using my right brain.
Later as a wife and mom of four I wove creative activities throughout our lives. In addition to the typical tasks of motherhood,I also wrote lyrics to Bach’s Minuets to make it easier for my budding violinists to learn their pieces, wrote articles for education and consumer publications, and completed my Ph.D. at the University of Southern California with a new baby in the mix.
I couldn’t choose, so I did whatever I loved.
When I retired from full-time teaching I had plans to travel and write my life story. About the time I was giving the book some thought I discovered blogging. I attended the first BlogWorld Conference, thanks to my friend Shirley who was a speaker. When I returned home I was set on starting a blog. After all, I had plenty of experiences and stories to share. Besides, I couldn’t resist having my own platform from which I could pontificate, commiserate, and rant.
My first blog, ColorYourLifeHappy.com/blog evolved into my first self-help book, http://www.ColorYourLifeHappy.com
I set up this blog to share what I know and am discovering about writing, marketing, and publishing a book. This blog won’t make you rich, famous or beautiful. It will offer many tips, sources and resources you can use to get a decent version of your book on the market.
The publishing industry has changed tremendously in your favor. It’s easier to get your book in the hands of your readers if you’re willing to spend the energy and time doing so.
I don’t have all the answers, but I am willing to be your companion as we both explore what works for us as we claim our right to get our ideas and expertise into print as well as other forms of delivery to create streams of income.
Want to get free tips and a free copy of my ebook, It’s Time to Write Your Book, sign up now.
