tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80964667968417793352024-02-19T01:30:14.262-07:00Pages Of StoriesPages Of Storieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936329544273788408noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096466796841779335.post-14118286218854145322014-12-19T12:27:00.000-07:002014-12-19T12:47:37.577-07:00The Sony Hack<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I don’t think anyone is surprised at the reaction of North
Korea to Sony’s movie “The Interview”. The “Supreme Leader” is a delusional
despot with some serious insecurity issues. He sees threats everywhere and
cannot stand any type of criticism whatsoever. Compare this to U.S. President
Barack Obama who openly made fun of himself on the Stephen Colbert report. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ve always found it interesting that socialist governments
have viewed the Arts with distrust. Art, in their minds, can only be Art if it
perpetuates the message that they themselves want. The USSR during the
Communist era didn’t add anything to the world of creative expression and China
certainly clamps down on anything that might appear to not fall in line with
their thinking. But in the past each of these countries never interfered with
the countries of the Western world as they created movies and books in which
their countries were always on the bad side of the story line. James Bond has
famous run-ins with Russian spies and the only ones he doesn’t fight are the
ones he goes to bed with. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The hackers that infiltrated Sony’s company apparently did
so on the instruction of North Korea. So fragile is their hold on government
and so threatened are they by a silly comedy that they went to extreme lengths.
At first when it was just emails that were released I was appalled by the
complete lack of judgement by Sony executives in the messages. Working for a
technology based company you’d think that they’d realize that once it’s written
on a computer it’s never ever deleted. Ever. But then we started hearing about
the threats against this movie. We heard that Sony cancelled premiers in
various locations; we heard that Sony was scaling back and then we heard the
whole thing got cancelled.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We probably shouldn’t be surprised by this. These are the
same decision makers who ignored concerns about a possible threat from their
own IT department; these are the same decision makers who used poor judgement
in their email content. These people are showing that they should not be in
positions of authority as they have no grasp on common sense, managing,
decision making and art.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Art has always pushed the boundaries of people’s comfort
zones. Nazi Germany held many a book burning because the content differed from
their ideology. True, some have used the “Art” label for nefarious purposes but
for the most part painters, authors and movie makers just want to stretch the
boundaries of people’s thought processes and hopefully entertain them to some
extent. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMIfs6eMrstVB8k_WC7XONgdTTWCQwIPELsX4lIDWfPMFW4868x8vUDqfdNzJR2WOUzEfazQb9Jp7veWUU4Q-wsaKVGjP5Obs2mxA9EylGv8ZQS33Yf8GYojpSeXNTuYEi6S4pTtpeUk/s1600/Bookburning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMIfs6eMrstVB8k_WC7XONgdTTWCQwIPELsX4lIDWfPMFW4868x8vUDqfdNzJR2WOUzEfazQb9Jp7veWUU4Q-wsaKVGjP5Obs2mxA9EylGv8ZQS33Yf8GYojpSeXNTuYEi6S4pTtpeUk/s1600/Bookburning.jpg" height="230" width="320" /></a></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As a publisher of fiction I’ve read my fair share of what
some called art and I just called bad writing. There’s a lot of very talented
people out there and what they produce isn’t going to be agreeable to everyone.
In fact just last week I received an email – a complaint actually – on one of
the stories that we published. The story was based on a down on his luck
wannabe musician who inadvertently gets mixed up with drug dealers. You can
imagine the dialogue that occurs between these individuals isn’t really high
end. The complaint rested on the fact that we a) published a story that
involved drugs and b) allowed not so flowery language to exist within it. I
explained to the complainant that all kinds of stories exist and quite often
authors take snippets of real life and fictionalize it in some way. Drug
dealers exist and their conversations are probably not polite. Even fiction
based story lines must be true to their characters.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sony’s complete caving on the hacking scandal has only
proved to embolden future hackers. It was yet another bad decision in line with
many others that they’ve made recently. Any movie maker, publisher, author,
artist, gallery etc must be prepared to stand by their work. If the content
makes the audience uncomfortable then that means their comfort zone is
expanding. I have no objection to somebody expressing their opinion to me
(positive or negative) about something I’ve published. I would never take away
their right to freedom of expression, but by that same token I would never want
my freedom of expression limited by someone else’s ideology. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Take care and happy reading! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Darlene Poier </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Publisher </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ficta Fabula </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Inspiring Imagination </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">All Over the World </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.fictafabula.com/">www.fictafabula.com</a> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.pagesofstories.com/">www.pagesofstories.com</a> </span></div>
Pages Of Storieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936329544273788408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096466796841779335.post-1108764597161101422014-12-15T11:04:00.000-07:002014-12-15T11:04:23.493-07:00
<br />
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
The Magazine Publishing Conundrum </h2>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For most of my life I’ve been an out of the box thinker.
This is one of the reasons I wasn’t terrifically successful in the corporate
world. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that when I ventured into
magazine publishing I would try to do it differently. I wanted to find ways to
run this business and still serve the areas that are important to me. It’s
taken me a while, but I’ve finally narrowed down what my three main challenges
are with the current magazine publishing business model. But first, I’ll recap
the typical business model.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Magazine publishing and distribution (for the large, well
known magazines anyway) goes something like this (this is really rough and high
level and may not specifically apply everywhere, but you get the idea). Content
creators get together with magazine management and decide the direction of the
magazine issue. Other sales staff start marketing and promoting it based on
this content. The magazine is created and printed with ads, graphic design, and
informative or entertaining content. Some of the issues of the magazine are
mailed out to people that have specifically requested and paid for it and the
rest end up in newsstands and magazine racks everywhere. It sounds simple but
it is a little more complex than that and you’d think that as a magazine
publisher I would have gotten my head around it much earlier in this
entrepreneurship thing. But here’s why it never really worked for me.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Environment</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ve done my best most of my adult life to
respect the environment. Gary and I recycle and reuse as much as possible and
avoid creating waste where we can. A typical magazine prints thousands and
thousands of copies of each issue (not me). They mail out the ones to those
that have requested it and then a distributor picks up the remainder and sends
them out to bookstores, grocery stores, and anywhere there is a magazine rack.
The distributor also does this for many other magazines and thus can determine
which magazines are selling best in a particular location. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Each retail location must pay for the
entire delivery of magazines and any unsold issues are eventually credited back
to the store. I spoke with one store owner and he estimated that they sell
approximately 40% of the magazines that are delivered to their location.
Another store owner also gets paperback books from the distributor and
expressed a desire to scrap the magazines all together and just have the books.
But they aren’t allowed to do that. She also confirmed that their percentage of
magazines sold versus inventory was pretty low.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The website of the distribution company
explains the reasons for having so many of each magazine was that they wouldn’t
want to have the store run out which would put them in a detrimental situation.
On the off chance that there’s something in a particular issue that’s suddenly
appealing to a greater percentage of the market, they don’t want the store to
be without.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, the end result is that there are
millions and millions of pieces of paper created and printed with the full
knowledge that they won’t ever end up in the hands of a customer. This is
wasteful and irresponsible. Aside from the obvious and glaring environmental
hazards that this produces, it’s kind of a crazy business model for a store
owner. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Advertising Costs</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A free magazine that boasts delivery to
thousands and thousands of households, a free newspaper that boasts readership
in the hundreds of thousands and a magazine that isn’t free has verified circulation
in the tens of thousands with a reach in the hundreds of thousands. Advertising
rates are based on these circulation and readership numbers so the cost is
usually in the thousands of dollars for any ad size. Every magazine will have a
media kit (that’s what I was trying to do when I started down this rabbit
hole!) that shows circulation and readership numbers and all sorts of other
information to help an advertiser decide whether this would be a good
investment or not. So in order to attract advertisers and justify the costs the
magazine needs to make this kit as pleasing as possible.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Without going into too much detail, many
media kits displayed their readership numbers in large bold font and sometimes
of a different colour. Why? To ensure that the attention of the advertiser can
see this usually massive number. As far as I can tell, there is no way to
accurately verify the readership number as it’s based on a multiple of the
circulation number and can reach in the hundreds of thousands and even
millions. The idea is that if one person buys the magazine, it’s subsequently
read by 2 or 3 other people. Sometimes the definition of readership includes
those people that flip through the magazine while in the store.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So what we ultimately end up with is a
business that pays thousands and thousands of dollars for an ad that may or may
not be seen by the market that it’s going after.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For me, my passion is promoting reading and
creative thinking and using those imagination muscles so I make ad space
extremely affordable so that more people can participate.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Providing Value</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ultimately any magazine wants to provide
value to their end reader. That value can either be entertainment or additional
information and the magazine works hard to ensure they provide one or the
other, and sometimes both. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When the content is perceived to have
higher value, there appears to be a greater number of ads that accompany these
pieces. I picked up a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">People</i> magazine
issue from August of this year. The cover has a picture of Angelina Jolie in
her wedding dress which is clearly going to drive sales. In this issue there
are 136 inside pages plus the inside front cover and inside back cover. Guess
how many full page ads there are in that issue? Out of 138 total pages, at
least 70 are full page ads. I wanted to confirm these numbers with a trade
magazine of some kind so I picked up the most recent <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Success</i> magazine. There are 88 pages plus a CD with interviews that
the publisher does with his guests and the two inside covers for a total of 90
pages; 10 have ads in them. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The argument that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">People</i> magazine would put forward is that they have pages and pages
of pictures from the celebrity wedding as well as a fairly lengthy article.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are astute business people and know that their
brand has significant value and would have charged the magazine a substantial
amount of money for that kind of access. The argument would also be made that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Success</i> magazine has a motivated and
dedicated market. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">People</i> magazine
publishes 53 times a year and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Success</i>
publishes 12 times a year. It may seem that I’m comparing apples and oranges,
but I’m not really.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">People</i>
magazine has 66 pages of content and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Success</i>
has 80. As I was flipping through the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">People</i>
magazine, the only reason I even noticed the ads was because I was counting
them. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, how do I wrap this up? If we assume
that each page of content is a page of value to the reader, then there is less
value in the general entertainment magazine ads than there is in a dedicated
trade magazine. In a marketing course that my husband took recently, they cited
a statistic that only 3% of the population is actually willing to buy something
at any given time. That means 3% are looking for make-up, a different 3% are
looking for a vehicle etc. So, all those ads are directed at the 3% and most
readers will flip the page to go to the next piece of actual content. It seems
to me that if publishers and advertisers know that 3% statistic, why are they
wasting 97% of their reader’s time with an ad?</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I was studying the cost of ads, one
magazine had the statement in their media kit that magazine ads drive more
traffic to a website than any other media form. So, I did my own very
unscientific and informal survey and asked the question if anyone has ever gone
to a website based on an ad in a print magazine. From the responses I got, not
one did. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There will always be far more content in any
Pages Of Stories publication than there will be ads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We appreciate and respect the time that our
readers have and want to give them the best bang for their buck. The goal of
our publications is to provide some entertainment in their day, and perhaps
through a careful selection of limited ads, find other pieces of similar
entertainment.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I believe these three challenges that I have are not
uncommon. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s a great deal of waste
which harms the environment ; businesses are paying for those magazines based
on questionable data; and unless it’s a trade magazine, there is less value to
the end reader.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe that like the
book publishing industry, the magazine publishing industry needs to change. I
don’t believe that the current business model of businesses really subsidizing
a magazine can continue. It doesn’t seem like the ads provide the value to the
business and the excessive number of ads per magazine takes away from the value
to the end reader. Sadly, I don’t think that this industry is going to change
in the short term. As long as there are businesses willing to believe the
numbers and pay those fees, then magazines are not motivated to make any kind
of a change.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is good news! I also believe that when the magazine
publishing industry does change, what we’ll be left with is a far more robust
and relevant industry. We’ve got a ways to go, but it’s totally doable.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For my part, I’m willing to pay more for a magazine without
ads. What’s your preference?</span></div>
Pages Of Storieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936329544273788408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096466796841779335.post-74592777498670187902014-08-11T21:41:00.000-06:002014-08-11T21:41:32.558-06:00Caught in the Middle<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last week I received an email from Amazon asking me to send a note to Hachette Publishing about this dispute. They asked that I email Hachette and cc them. As I'm a bit crusty and non conformist, I did the opposite.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is my response (the initial email is lower down):</span><br />
<br />
*********************************************************************************<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">Dear Amazon,</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">I'd like to point out to you that when you first started
to introduce your magazines and newspapers your offer to publishers was a 70 /
30 split with you taking 70% of the takings. It was only when Apple entered the
magazine and newspaper field that you had a grand announcement about the
reversion of the 70 / 30 split. You have a long ways to go in building
credibility (</span><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/mobile/11/09/kindle.newspapers/index.html?hpt=Sbin"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Consolas;">http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/mobile/11/09/kindle.newspapers/index.html?hpt=Sbin</span></a><span style="font-family: Consolas;">).
</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">And unless your other terms for magazine publishers has
changed recently, they were also kind of crazy (I've attached what was sent to
me). You stated in your terms that a magazine could be pulled at any time if
the content wasn't agreeable. You offered no recourse, no discussion and no
process for which publishers could or could not abide by. In an email to your
Amazon beta group I had concerns about sections 3.2, 5.1.4, 5.2 and 5.3. I
would be happy to forward on the email that I sent to Sean Paul. I found this
to be particularly offensive considering at the time it was discovered that one
of the self published books that could be found on Amazon was written by a
child molester for other child molesters on how to rape children (</span><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/amazon-removes-pedophilia-book-store/story?id=12119035"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Consolas;">http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/amazon-removes-pedophilia-book-store/story?id=12119035</span></a><span style="font-family: Consolas;">)
.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">Once again credibility is an issue with you.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">I no longer believe that this dispute is about the cost
of e-books and your interest in lowering the price is not altogether
altruistic. I've no doubt that your math is correct and Hachette would sell more
books if they lowered the price, having said that, it's neither your place nor
mine to make that dictation to another business. If Hachette has chosen to sell
their books at $14.99 or $19.99 that's their call, not yours. Nor is it up to
you to determine what percentage goes to the author and what percentage stays
with the publisher. That's a relationship between the publisher and the author
and you have no business intervening. Ultimately, if your honest, your revenues
would go up significantly if Hachette lowered their price of e-books.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">If you want to get into the publishing world, then become
a publisher otherwise don't create unnecessary disputes.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">Furthermore to offer up suggestions for the recipients of
this email to use in sending a note on to Hachette is laughable. One of your
suggestions is for us to suggest to Hachette not to use authors as leverage.
The only one that put those authors in the middle of this dispute is you. You
made the choice to not sell those authors works, no one else made that choice.
No one made you do anything, no one forced your into anything. You Amazon, made
that choice.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">I'm a very small magazine publisher that decided some
time ago not to have my products on your shelf. Already this dispute has
challenged other publishers to rethink how they do business with their readers.
HarperCollins is now selling print on demand books and e-books off their
website (</span><a href="http://www.digitalbookworld.com/2014/harpercollins-pivots-to-sell-print-and-ebooks-directly-to-readers-through-main-website/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Consolas;">http://www.digitalbookworld.com/2014/harpercollins-pivots-to-sell-print-and-ebooks-directly-to-readers-through-main-website/</span></a><span style="font-family: Consolas;">)
and it's only a matter of time before other publishers do as well. Hachette can
just as easily go that route. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">Amazon, your arrogance will eventually turn your
customers off and they will go looking elsewhere. If other publishing houses
decide to sell POD your selection will deteriorate and I've no doubt that
Google is watching this dispute closely waiting for an opportunity.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">Honestly Amazon, you need to take a look at the message
you're sending out there. You've created this dispute with Hachette, Warner
Brothers is also on your hit list - who's next? You're going to lose face with
the public and they'll start to go elsewhere. You have competition from other
sites now selling similar products to you (non literary), you need to be
careful the image that your portray so that your customers can still find value
in you.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">Honestly, I hope this dispute ends because I truly
believe both you and Hachette have some maturing to do. Neither of you have
acted professionally or with any kind of class. If I could put both your CEO's
in a room I would probably bang their heads together.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">Amazon and Hachette, you can end this dispute. I would
strongly recommend that you both grow up and get back to the business of
running your businesses.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">Thank you for taking the time to read this.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">Take care and happy reading.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">Darlene Poier</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">Publisher</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">Ficta Fabula</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">Inspiring Creativity and Imagination</span><br />
<a href="http://www.fictafabula.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Consolas;">www.fictafabula.com</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.pagesofstories.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Consolas;">www.pagesofstories.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Consolas;">
</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Consolas;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">-----Original Message-----</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">From: Kindle Direct
Publishing [</span><a href="mailto:kdp-support@amazon.com"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Consolas;">mailto:kdp-support@amazon.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Consolas;">]
</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">Sent: August-08-14 11:41 PM</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">To: Darlene Poier</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">Subject: Important Kindle request</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">Dear KDP Author,</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">Just ahead of World War II, there was a radical invention
that shook the foundations of book publishing. It was the paperback book. This
was a time when movie tickets cost 10 or 20 cents, and books cost $2.50. The
new paperback cost 25 cents – it was ten times cheaper. Readers loved the
paperback and millions of copies were sold in just the first year.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">With it being so inexpensive and with so many more people
able to afford to buy and read books, you would think the literary
establishment of the day would have celebrated the invention of the paperback,
yes? Nope. Instead, they dug in and circled the wagons. They believed low cost
paperbacks would destroy literary culture and harm the industry (not to mention
their own bank accounts). Many bookstores refused to stock them, and the early
paperback publishers had to use unconventional methods of distribution – places
like newsstands and drugstores. The famous author George Orwell came out
publicly and said about the new paperback format, if “publishers had any sense,
they would combine against them and suppress them.” Yes, George Orwell was
suggesting collusion. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">Well… history doesn’t repeat itself, but it does rhyme.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">Fast forward to today, and it’s the e-book’s turn to be
opposed by the literary establishment. Amazon and Hachette – a big US publisher
and part of a $10 billion media conglomerate – are in the middle of a business
dispute about e-books. We want lower e-book prices. Hachette does not. Many
e-books are being released at $14.99 and even $19.99. That is unjustifiably
high for an e-book. With an e-book, there’s no printing, no over-printing, no
need to forecast, no returns, no lost sales due to out of stock, no warehousing
costs, no transportation costs, and there is no secondary market – e-books cannot
be resold as used books. E-books can and should be less expensive.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">Perhaps channeling Orwell’s decades old suggestion,
Hachette has already been caught illegally colluding with its competitors to
raise e-book prices. So far those parties have paid $166 million in penalties
and restitution. Colluding with its competitors to raise prices wasn’t only
illegal, it was also highly disrespectful to Hachette’s readers.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">The fact is many established incumbents in the industry
have taken the position that lower e-book prices will “devalue books” and hurt
“Arts and Letters.” They’re wrong. Just as paperbacks did not destroy book
culture despite being ten times cheaper, neither will e-books. On the contrary,
paperbacks ended up rejuvenating the book industry and making it stronger. The
same will happen with e-books.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">Many inside the echo-chamber of the industry often draw
the box too small. They think books only compete against books. But in reality,
books compete against mobile games, television, movies, Facebook, blogs, free
news sites and more. If we want a healthy reading culture, we have to work hard
to be sure books actually are competitive against these other media types, and
a big part of that is working hard to make books less expensive.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">Moreover, e-books are highly price elastic. This means
that when the price goes down, customers buy much more. We've quantified the
price elasticity of e-books from repeated measurements across many titles. For
every copy an e-book would sell at $14.99, it would sell 1.74 copies if priced
at $9.99. So, for example, if customers would buy 100,000 copies of a
particular e-book at $14.99, then customers would buy 174,000 copies of that
same e-book at $9.99. Total revenue at $14.99 would be $1,499,000. Total
revenue at $9.99 is $1,738,000. The important thing to note here is that the
lower price is good for all parties involved: the customer is paying 33% less
and the author is getting a royalty check 16% larger and being read by an
audience that’s 74% larger. The pie is simply bigger.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">But when a thing has been done a certain way for a long
time, resisting change can be a reflexive instinct, and the powerful interests
of the status quo are hard to move. It was never in George Orwell’s interest to
suppress paperback books – he was wrong about that.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">And despite what some would have you believe, authors are
not united on this issue. When the Authors Guild recently wrote on this, they
titled their post: “Amazon-Hachette Debate Yields Diverse Opinions Among
Authors” (the comments to this post are worth a read).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A petition started by another group of
authors and aimed at Hachette, titled “Stop Fighting Low Prices and Fair
Wages,” garnered over 7,600 signatures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And there are myriad articles and posts, by authors and readers alike,
supporting us in our effort to keep prices low and build a healthy reading
culture. Author David Gaughran’s recent interview is another piece worth
reading.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">We recognize that writers reasonably want to be left out
of a dispute between large companies. Some have suggested that we “just talk.”
We tried that. Hachette spent three months stonewalling and only grudgingly
began to even acknowledge our concerns when we took action to reduce sales of
their titles in our store. Since then Amazon has made three separate offers to
Hachette to take authors out of the middle. We first suggested that we (Amazon
and Hachette) jointly make author royalties whole during the term of the
dispute. Then we suggested that authors receive 100% of all sales of their
titles until this dispute is resolved. Then we suggested that we would return
to normal business operations if Amazon and Hachette’s normal share of revenue
went to a literacy charity. But Hachette, and their parent company Lagardere,
have quickly and repeatedly dismissed these offers even though e-books
represent 1% of their revenues and they could easily agree to do so. They
believe they get leverage from keeping their authors in the middle.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">We will never give up our fight for reasonable e-book
prices. We know making books more affordable is good for book culture. We’d
like your help. Please email Hachette and copy us.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">Hachette CEO, Michael Pietsch: </span><a href="mailto:Michael.Pietsch@hbgusa.com"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Consolas;">Michael.Pietsch@hbgusa.com</span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">Copy us at: </span><a href="mailto:readers-united@amazon.com"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Consolas;">readers-united@amazon.com</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Consolas;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">Please consider including these points:</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">- We have noted your illegal collusion. Please stop
working so hard to overcharge for ebooks. They can and should be less
expensive.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">- Lowering e-book prices will help – not hurt – the
reading culture, just like paperbacks did.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">- Stop using your authors as leverage and accept one of
Amazon’s offers to take them out of the middle.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">- Especially if you’re an author yourself: Remind them
that authors are not united on this issue.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Consolas;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">Thanks for your support.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">The Amazon Books Team</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">P.S. You can also find this letter at </span><a href="http://www.readersunited.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Consolas;">www.readersunited.com</span></a></div>
Pages Of Storieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936329544273788408noreply@blogger.com0Crossfield, AB T0M, Canada51.4301636 -114.031955151.3905616 -114.1126361 51.4697656 -113.9512741tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096466796841779335.post-27484256280879576942014-07-24T19:39:00.000-06:002014-07-24T19:42:24.243-06:00Change Is In The Air<h3 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: rgb(96, 96, 96) !important; display: block; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: bold 18px/22.5px Helvetica; letter-spacing: -0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
Absolute power corrupts absolutely</h3>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #606060; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 15px/22.5px Helvetica; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
For many that know me, they know that I often speak of the weather. I beg your forgiveness because I grew up in an area where the weather channel was the most watched TV station. This newsletter is a little delayed in part due to the fact that the snow has melted, the sun is high in the sky and the temperature has risen significantly. Summer has arrived and I intend to get as much Vitamin D as I can.<br />
<br />
That's really no excuse for the delays, but when Winter comes and I'm complaining about the weather, remind me of this article.<br />
<br />
There is a saying out there that goes something like: "The only guarantees in life are death and taxes." I believe we should add one more to that - change. Everything is changing: climate, the work life balance of the Western world, the environment, all sorts of industries with publishing in particular.<br />
<br />
As a self-employed publisher who does this in the evening and on weekends, it's sometimes challenging to follow everything in the industry. Publisher's Weekly does a great job of keeping me up to date as do the recently discovered Google Alerts (thank you Debbie Elicksen!). There are some things I pay particular attention to.<br />
<br />
Canadian publishers, Amazon and most things technology based (sorry, it's my day job and I can't seem to shake it off). The recent news about HarperCollins buying Harlequin Enterprises still gives me concerns. I've always believed that no matter what business a person is in, they should act with integrity and honesty. I haven't seen any evidence that Rupert Murdoch (owner of HarperCollins) follows the same philosophy.<br />
<br />
Amazon and Hachette Publishing are nowhere near burying the hatchet (did you see how I did that??? :) ). Amazon recently offered Hachette a deal where the authors could have their work posted on Amazon and Amazon would generously pay them 100% of the revenue. Except...it's not 100% and it's a deal that is good for no one but Amazon. The authors are still left in the middle of this mess and the readers have fewer options available to them.<br />
<br />
HarperCollins (ugh, I know...again!) has recently decided to sell printed books off their website, which is meant to be a kick in the pants to Amazon. HarperCollins - I think - has totally underestimated Amazon's delusions of grandeur.<br />
<br />
I bring these examples up because I believe each individual running these companies (Harlequin, HarperCollins, Hachette and Amazon) believe in a world of lack and that one must not play fair in order to win. They believe that in order to win they must take from others - but they miss the point. You win by giving to others.<br />
<br />
Traditional publishers didn't run a successful business model and that allowed Amazon to come along and take a piece of the pie. While each of these ruled their dynasties, they allowed their minds to become corrupted to change and growth. Traditional publishers believed that they only had to stay the course and the world become right again. Amazon believes that they can force companies and authors to their way of thinking without realizing they are totally delusional. Each of these (traditional and Amazon) believed that they were impenetrable and this absolute power allowed them to become corrupt - absolutely.<br />
<br />
But there is good news! Change must occur and as a result a new industry of independent publishers is emerging - some with better business models than other. Some only provide a platform to get the eBook out there and others offer a more of a co-op approach. The good news is that authors aren't restricted to traditional publishers or Amazon, and readers aren't restricted to the bland formulaic approach traditional publishing likes to push on the main stream reader.<br />
<br />
Between independent publishers and independent book sellers, the future is bright for those that are creative thinkers and writers and those that are creative readers. If we want our imaginations to soar, then it is our responsibility to go looking for and provide literary works that are unique and entertaining.<br />
<br />
I believe it is uniqueness that will inspire creativity and imagination. You don't know where ideas come from and where they spread to, but it is everyone's responsibility to share a good story.<br />
<br />
I hope you share yours today.<br />
<br />
Take care and happy reading!<br />
<br />
Darlene Poier<br />
Publisher<br />
Ficta Fabula<br />
Inspiring Creativity and Imagination<br />
<a href="http://www.fictafabula.com/" style="-ms-word-wrap: break-word; color: #6dc6dd; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">www.fictafabula.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.pagesofstories.com/" style="-ms-word-wrap: break-word; color: #6dc6dd; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">www.pagesofstories.com </a></div>
Pages Of Storieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936329544273788408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096466796841779335.post-53121876639513429542013-12-31T07:45:00.000-07:002013-12-31T07:47:04.592-07:00<b>Hello Everyone!<br />
</b>The excitement of Christmas is now behind us and 2014 is right around the corner. For those that celebrate Christmas I hope you had a wonderful and a memorable holiday. <br />
<br />
With the New Year descending upon us so quickly I try to use this time to reflect on the year ending and the one coming up. For many years I’ve used this holiday time to make any necessary changes in my life. I’ve started countless exercise regimes, classes, courses, diets and new hobbies and most seem to go by the wayside by the time summer comes around. Psychologically the New Year is like a fresh start, although in reality it’s just another day on the calendar.<br />
<br />
As I look back on 2013 I realize how lucky I am. I’m back doing what I love to do and with so many ideas and projects on the horizon, I’m far more confident than I ever have been.<br />
<br />
2013 was a comeback year for Pages Of Stories. We started the year by announcing our new magazine and new name and finished by publishing our 2<sup>nd </sup>issue. In between these two events we collected some fantastic stories by some pretty talented authors from all over the world. We made the magazine available on both Android and Apple devices and started to print out the magazine so that all markets can enjoy this little piece of literature. A good friend agreed to be the editor, we found a talented young man to create illustrations and another talented young man to create the cover. There are people that have graciously agreed to read and rank stories on a volunteer basis and we coined a new term: "bookazine". It’s been quite a year and I’m proud of the accomplishments we’ve made so far.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3GEuT0CFVSf3RY2MyLRCcLvWhVZGsy4a6Ts4CRek7pqadRvI4x_UaRvZ2rWxc6VXM-v8CyzGeM6G3W2mjsEkxYbdbkNn0qjtXmpaZbp0IX3q7Kx6zchsdiGtAnStBQ0zxDUwrNgpueY/s1600/FF_logo_centericon_black_72dpi_med_tr.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3GEuT0CFVSf3RY2MyLRCcLvWhVZGsy4a6Ts4CRek7pqadRvI4x_UaRvZ2rWxc6VXM-v8CyzGeM6G3W2mjsEkxYbdbkNn0qjtXmpaZbp0IX3q7Kx6zchsdiGtAnStBQ0zxDUwrNgpueY/s1600/FF_logo_centericon_black_72dpi_med_tr.png" height="65" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
2014 is shaping up to be even more interesting. We’re going to stay the course for 2014 and stick with two publications in May and November next year.We also plan to do a special issue of stories based on ABBA songs. I’ve written to the company that holds the copyright for the ABBA songs and they’ve declined my request to reprint the lyrics but I’m undaunted. There are also plans to get the magazine in more retail locations as well as on digital newsstands. We’ll be working harder to promote the magazine in more physical and online locations and all things going well, we hope to be able to start the process of book publishing by late 2014 or early 2015. It’s going to be a busy and exciting year ahead.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoae_a6_9HgkF3d6dsHSfPnt6t50od7sTJZTLQvQwiudFF1DWTV9SgvwYWc04R_u59tt_ZOcKr96yJUktC-mVbCIi9tCW4dp5osuse7w7FlU-colByuz99RAliUefXKKM6grB0jL8J3bc/s1600/IMG_2021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoae_a6_9HgkF3d6dsHSfPnt6t50od7sTJZTLQvQwiudFF1DWTV9SgvwYWc04R_u59tt_ZOcKr96yJUktC-mVbCIi9tCW4dp5osuse7w7FlU-colByuz99RAliUefXKKM6grB0jL8J3bc/s1600/IMG_2021.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
On a personal level 2013 was a significant year for me as well. Gary and I realized our dream of visiting St. Lucia and it is such an awesome country. There is just so much beauty in the Caribbean - you can’t go wrong whichever country you decide to visit down there. I realized a dream of seeing Phantom of the Opera in London England. I was breathless almost the entire time and I owe much thanks to my cousin Karen for making that happen. I also was able to visit a beautiful little place called Harrogate that’s worth a second visit. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHapf7-hSt2-MD1FNOw_1NXA7TOf9mfgA-j6IyCEghtvRHLPnd0d4XtzYjAeIDU-9I6Af1ZDq0s5ApoLiXuv7kxfpf1ee67E2UYOxLpSWQ7BBWAqRhQABLX81ID0zBtWrVVjzGHv9JlM/s1600/1208726_10151850738229539_197371565_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHapf7-hSt2-MD1FNOw_1NXA7TOf9mfgA-j6IyCEghtvRHLPnd0d4XtzYjAeIDU-9I6Af1ZDq0s5ApoLiXuv7kxfpf1ee67E2UYOxLpSWQ7BBWAqRhQABLX81ID0zBtWrVVjzGHv9JlM/s1600/1208726_10151850738229539_197371565_n.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Gary left the bank earlier this year and started his own company. This was exciting for us as well as he finally is living his passion of helping others figure out what their vision for retirement is and motivating them to make that dream a reality. He’s also a motivational speaker and has kindly provided an article for this newsletter.<br />
<br />
Don’t forget…the next story deadline is coming up quickly! February 14, 2014 is the new deadline for your stories to be considered for the Spring issue.<br />
<br />
If you want a printed version of the Winter issue of <i>Ficta Fabula</i>, just send an email to <a href="mailto:info@pagesofstories.com">info@pagesofstories.com</a>. <br />
<br />
Please feel free to send an email or comment on our blog or Facebook page (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pages-Of-Stories/226532415754" target="_blank">Pages Of Stories FB page</a>) about what you love to read or write.<br />
<br />
Take care and happy reading!<br />
<br />
Darlene Poier<br />
Publisher, <i>Ficta Fabula</i><br />
<i>
</i>Inspiring Creativity and Imagination<br />
A wholly owned subsidiary of Pages Of Stories, Inc.<br />
<a href="http://www.fictafabula.com/">www.fictafabula.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.pagesofstories.com/">www.pagesofstories.com</a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #1f497d;">Find our Apple app through their app store by searching on Ficta Fabula.<br />
</span><span style="color: #1f497d;">Our Android app is available through this link: </span><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.com.yudu.ReaderAIR3922302">https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.com.yudu.ReaderAIR3922302</a>Pages Of Storieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936329544273788408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096466796841779335.post-74793288381089702472013-11-24T11:55:00.000-07:002013-11-24T11:55:58.676-07:00Words Matter<b>Hello Everyone!<br />
</b>"Words matter." This revelation came from the current mayor of Dallas, Texas when he was giving a speech commemorating 50 years since the assassination of JFK. He’s right, words do matter. The words you choose to speak in conversation matter. The words said in anger matter. And the words written down matter the most of all. That’s because readers can go back to them time and time again and those words won’t change. The tricky thing with words on paper is that they can be interpreted in so many different ways because on paper or in an email you miss the body language of the speaker. For a book of fiction, that’s ok. It’s the reader’s imagination that will create the entertainment, but the words they read guide them through the story in their own way.<br />
<br />
While it’s great for fiction, it’s not so great when you’re promoting your business and / or product. The reality of the words I speak and write came back to slap me in the face on Friday. Gary and I went to a workshop on marketing and that’s where I discovered I’ve been using words that were unclear and open to interpretation. I am enormously proud of the fact that authors from all over the world submit their stories to us and get published. In my enthusiasm to relay this fact, I’ve given the impression that this is a magazine to appeal to authors – actually not a magazine – but a book. I love the fact that authors read this magazine and enjoy it. I’ve received all sorts of compliments on behalf of the authors that have been published so I know that these are good quality stories. <br />
<br />
The market I’m looking for are the readers of the world. These are men and women who have busy lives - their careers, family and any other interests. They are the ones that don’t have time to devote to a full length novel but still need that escape – if only for a few minutes during the day. <br />
<br />
This magazine is available throughout the world at a reasonable cost so that anyone anywhere can buy a copy. The app for <i>Ficta Fabula</i> has been downloaded in Pakistan and China (as well as Western Countries) and this fact tells me that people everywhere are looking for a distraction. A good read is often that distraction.<br />
<br />
<br />
Everyone needs an escape from their lives – that’s what fiction is there for. That’s the responsibility of authors of fiction stories. The challenge is to write something that has a compelling story line as well as interesting characters – all in fewer than 5,000 words. It’s no easy task you authors have because readers of fiction have a lot of options. But it can be so rewarding. <br />
<br />
I’ve always believed that good fiction can inspire creativity and imagination, and that’s what I want to do with <i><a href="http://www.fictafabula.com/" target="_blank">Ficta Fabula</a></i> and Pages Of Stories Publishing. Because fiction isn’t held back by the rules of the real world , anything can happen. When Gene Roddenberry had Captain Kirk talk to Enterprise on his communicator in the 1960’s Star Trek TV Series – I don’t think anyone realized that 40 years later that would be a reality with flip phones. <br />
<br />
Gene Roddenberry’s imagination didn’t end there. It was shocking to see a woman in a significant role with Lieutenant Uhura as the Communications officer on the Enterprise. Of course the shock was not just her role but the fact that she was African American at a time when the U.S. was transitioning to a non segregationist society. I’m going to overlook the fact that her costume showed more leg than it covered – that’s a subject for another day. Since then we’ve had a number of women in leadership roles although the percentage is still far too low. While Great Britain has had women leaders in the past – those were Queens born to the role; Margaret Thatcher was the first woman to become a leader of a Western nation. Since then there have been more and more women running countries, businesses, and holding other highly influential political positions. <br />
<br />
Because someone put the idea out there, it sparked the imagination of others. If even the most far out crazy ideas aren’t put forward, then we won’t know what we can do next. All great inventions started with someone with an idea and you never know where that idea comes from.<br />
<br />
So, do words matter? You bet they matter. Words can help people enjoy their day just that little bit more; words can inspire people to make goals they never thought possible; words can hurt and words can soothe; and words can educate. My goal is simple – I want to help people enjoy their day and get a few minutes of pleasure by reading a really good story. <br />
<br />
If you would like to read the rest of the newsletter and learn about some upcoming and exciting projects then send an email to <a href="mailto:info@pagesofstories.com">info@pagesofstories.com</a>. Or you can go to our website at <a href="http://www.pagesofstories.com/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">www.pagesofstories.com</a>.<br />
<br />
Take care and happy reading!<br />
<br />
Darlene Poier<br />
Publisher<br />
Ficta Fabula MagazinePages Of Storieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936329544273788408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096466796841779335.post-9721526282850913222013-11-10T20:11:00.002-07:002013-11-10T20:11:27.115-07:00In Flanders FieldIn Flanders fields the poppies blow<br />Between the crosses, row on row,<br />That mark our place; and in the sky<br />The larks, still bravely singing, fly<br />Scarce heard amid the guns below.<br /><br />We are the Dead. Short days ago<br />We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,<br />Loved and were loved, and now we lie,<br />In Flanders fields.<br /><br />Take up our quarrel with the foe:<br />To you from failing hands we throw<br />The torch; be yours to hold it high.<br />If ye break faith with us who die<br />We shall not sleep, though poppies grow<br />In Flanders fields. <br />
<br />
John McCrae<br />
<br />
---Thank you to all those that have given so much of themselves so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we have.Pages Of Storieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936329544273788408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096466796841779335.post-79977089133895044452013-10-24T06:12:00.000-06:002013-10-24T06:13:25.064-06:00Second Printing!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi Everyone,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A quick announcement that we are now going to a second printing of the inaugural issue of Ficta Fabula. We have officially sold out of the first printing and have received some excellent feedback.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The second printing should be ready the week of November 4th. Stay tuned for the exciting developments.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">If you missed out on the first one, you can get your name on the list for the next one by sending an email to <a href="mailto:info@pagesofstories.com">info@pagesofstories.com</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take care and happy reading!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="color: black;">Darlene
Poier<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">
</span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="color: black;">Publisher<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">
</span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="color: black;">Ficta</span>
<span style="color: black;">Fabula<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="color: black;">Inspiring</span>
<span style="color: black;">Creativity</span> <span style="color: black;">and</span> <span style="color: black;">Imagination<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><a href="http://www.fictafabula.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.fictafabula.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><a href="http://www.pagesofstories.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.pagesofstories.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="color: black;">Find</span> <span style="color: black;">our</span> <span style="color: black;">Apple</span> <span style="color: black;">app</span> <span style="color: black;">through</span> <span style="color: black;">their</span> <span style="color: black;">app</span> <span style="color: black;">store</span> <span style="color: black;">by</span> <span style="color: black;">searching</span> <span style="color: black;">on</span> <span style="color: black;">Ficta</span>
<span style="color: black;">Fabula</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="color: black;">Our</span> <span style="color: black;">Android</span> <span style="color: black;">app</span> <span style="color: black;">is</span> <span style="color: black;">available</span> <span style="color: black;">through</span> <span style="color: black;">this</span> <span style="color: black;">link</span>:</span><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.com.yudu.ReaderAIR3922302"><span style="color: blue;">https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.com.yudu.ReaderAIR3922302</span></a></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span>Pages Of Storieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936329544273788408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096466796841779335.post-39184810623705657342013-10-20T09:48:00.000-06:002013-10-20T09:48:27.602-06:00October NewsletterWhat a month it’s been! Between travelling to England and starting work on the December issue of Ficta Fabula and promoting this awesome magazine, I’ve been loving every minute of it. <br />
<br />
It’s been such an eventful last few weeks I’m having difficulty getting everything down to share with you.<br />
<br />
The deadline for the December issue has come and gone now and submissions are now open until December 31, 2013 for the March issue. The stories for the December issue have been culled down to 25 and and are now in the hands of the story selection committee. As always, this wasn’t an easy process. For those that won’t be published, please know that your efforts are appreciated. <br />
<br />
Both the Apple and the Android apps are now available and it never ceases to surprise me where people hear about us. The app has been downloaded in several Asian countries as well as North America, South Africa, Australia, UK and Western Europe. <br />
<br />
You can find our Android app by clicking on this link: <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.com.yudu.ReaderAIR3922302 </span></span>and our Apple app can be found by searching for Ficta Fabula in their app store. <br />
<br />
While in England I was fortunate enough to visit some fairly stunning places. Going to see Phantom of the Opera in London had been a dream of mine for decades and to see it realized on Monday September 9<sup>th </sup>at Her Majesty’s Theatre - well, I had to pinch myself several times to ensure I wasn’t dreaming. I fell in love with London – the beautiful buildings, the availability of shops, the activity and the ease with which you can walk around. I’m looking forward to exploring it more in the future.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSHWoyMWjh12SqZxmVLHp5rPlwg4Cd5sMx5HHtVkkbPMJD-Yutof1oBbbI_-s-NeZE4jBtWM8ad2Rpjh7GqZnxXu3_2jatnpVwx4f0SqArB5sv88lWMYnTIuHPHaxpQjRbPljYoSlibk/s1600/1208726_10151850738229539_197371565_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSHWoyMWjh12SqZxmVLHp5rPlwg4Cd5sMx5HHtVkkbPMJD-Yutof1oBbbI_-s-NeZE4jBtWM8ad2Rpjh7GqZnxXu3_2jatnpVwx4f0SqArB5sv88lWMYnTIuHPHaxpQjRbPljYoSlibk/s1600/1208726_10151850738229539_197371565_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">A little bit of Old London</span></div>
<br />
Besides spending time in my Dad’s home town of Grimsby / Cleethorpes (the two are separated by a line on the road) I also went to Durham and York and of course Harrogate where I met with some members of the Harrogate Writers’ Circle. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkvkYmTiGekwY79uQLjY-ekiKx_Z4GJhzc68AYMZK6CNtDdL3p9t69p9OtsibpKCJqusx-u626Tx7FmoxKiulpShPtgSxWy3g5NzxFu3AWmTyUz7LLbhiodcK7YlutW0LOsHW_crKWUYk/s1600/IMG_2185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkvkYmTiGekwY79uQLjY-ekiKx_Z4GJhzc68AYMZK6CNtDdL3p9t69p9OtsibpKCJqusx-u626Tx7FmoxKiulpShPtgSxWy3g5NzxFu3AWmTyUz7LLbhiodcK7YlutW0LOsHW_crKWUYk/s1600/IMG_2185.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Pier at Cleethorpes</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Durham is an ancient city that I’ve been fortunate enough to climb the Cathedral steps (325 up and 325 down) twice with my cousin Lynn. When climbing the steps you appreciate the workmanship that it took all those hundreds of years ago to achieve. The steps were actually carved and as you go higher and higher, the narrower the staircase gets. I can assure you though that the view from the top is worth the effort of climbing up 217 ft . The countryside is beautiful with so much going on in such a small place. Durham town centre was also wonderful with all the market stalls and tiny little alleys - you can definitely see why this country is the backdrop to so many fabulous stories.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzc88dEeAl_UXObgjH-6yS4EA3rl_0MniF7PIGITKVtq_uHbBQppZ3vLopmupWTdRfjKJKZLfYLNbYsu8N2y8jbXzVdp-myY4ozbQTSt7ENM4XgxjsF9ws1yCY26c2cYSY-5GgOZlNQ-g/s1600/IMG_2097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzc88dEeAl_UXObgjH-6yS4EA3rl_0MniF7PIGITKVtq_uHbBQppZ3vLopmupWTdRfjKJKZLfYLNbYsu8N2y8jbXzVdp-myY4ozbQTSt7ENM4XgxjsF9ws1yCY26c2cYSY-5GgOZlNQ-g/s1600/IMG_2097.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Durham Cathedral</span></div>
<br />
The city of York has got to be one of the most ancient and storied cities of north England. Going back to medieval times, many a British monarch felt the best way to hold on to their reign was to forge an alliance in some way with the leaders of York. York was also quite often the first city that Scottish kings and queens looked to conquer when planning an invasion of their southern neighbour. In this wonderful and highly historic place there is the magnificent York Minster. York Minster, while massive in size, doesn’t overwhelm the city but sits there like a steady beam of support. Of course sitting in behind the fabled Shambles, one can see why it’s not as imposing as it might have been. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilnjVD-tJz_5UqFo20a0RTxiYgj3LrZGG2rEsVc8Kez483qks5R1xwf9xwwgRoewcQXEbIhPxOUnNP94cNogrBl1acWbyQFy14NT7NGQGEsQdJZ04MRvwbkA-D80_JHSpnR71WtqxaELM/s1600/IMG_2169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilnjVD-tJz_5UqFo20a0RTxiYgj3LrZGG2rEsVc8Kez483qks5R1xwf9xwwgRoewcQXEbIhPxOUnNP94cNogrBl1acWbyQFy14NT7NGQGEsQdJZ04MRvwbkA-D80_JHSpnR71WtqxaELM/s1600/IMG_2169.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Shambles in York</span> </div>
<br />
<br />
Harrogate is one of the most enchanting places I’ve ever seen. It oozes the English charm that I’ve always imagined and was incredibly picturesque. It wasn’t that difficult to navigate either as I only got a little lost a couple of times.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSn1FQTUT7VJncgKdVgGRA8By2KJmookonbCow1LPkB-L5V_4_c8IO7Gf52TlkJZH5_VPM8W7A4PLbifbGPXUchcFAWz7RbXQOFYMItKnLMzvfH8G3FXgTT1Xf6qJh1lIJdu3-7ShazO4/s1600/IMG_2150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSn1FQTUT7VJncgKdVgGRA8By2KJmookonbCow1LPkB-L5V_4_c8IO7Gf52TlkJZH5_VPM8W7A4PLbifbGPXUchcFAWz7RbXQOFYMItKnLMzvfH8G3FXgTT1Xf6qJh1lIJdu3-7ShazO4/s1600/IMG_2150.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">A lovely street in Harrogate</span></div>
<br />
<br />
I had a very enjoyable evening with the Writer’s Circle where I had an opportunity to speak face to face with authors. The Writers’ Circle has been around for over 60 years and has much to boast about. They have many published authors in their midst and a strong and supportive environment for budding authors. Their website is: <span style="font-family: Calibri;">http://harrogatewriters.weebly.com/index.html.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><b>
</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjk16u0YEd0fjAE5PZeO43a92WZO9zwBAtI3DG4FPwtCi16n0XI-ekpF7N40rDbq6Mp6z-AsebxciW0LMuZk7za4X4kOH_W0I0It8jwhbGGV0LMqtKUVTUarCrdUI9zgD_L33nInrb4iI/s1600/IMG_2147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjk16u0YEd0fjAE5PZeO43a92WZO9zwBAtI3DG4FPwtCi16n0XI-ekpF7N40rDbq6Mp6z-AsebxciW0LMuZk7za4X4kOH_W0I0It8jwhbGGV0LMqtKUVTUarCrdUI9zgD_L33nInrb4iI/s1600/IMG_2147.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Some members of the Harrogate Writers' Circle. L to R: Joan Reed, Rodney Noon, Me, John Chilton</span></div>
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></i>Having the opportunity to meet with some of the group face to face, I was able to hear about some of the trials and tribulations that authors face when trying to either hone their craft or promote their work. I’m not sure that I could offer much by way of suggestions but could only talk to what I see as a publisher for this magazine. Authors, rightfully so, want to to know why their work wasn’t accepted by a publisher and I can honestly tell you that’s a difficult question to answer. <br />
<br />
<br />
In the case of Pages Of Stories Publishing and Ficta Fabula, if the story doesn’t meet the criteria (word count, essays instead of fiction stories, etc.) then I will give that feedback. I believe every story has the potential to be published and there can be a myriad of reasons why it hasn’t been picked up. The story may not be complete and have left some unanswered questions, there may not have been enough character development, and in the case of a short story - perhaps the characters went through a change too quickly. Keep in mind that publisher’s make mistakes too - J.K. Rowling went to 13 or 14 different publishers before she found one wise enough to see the potential in Harry Potter. <br />
<br />
The publishing business is particularly tricky right now. We have major publishers struggling to stay afloat, we have small independent publishers trying to make a go of it and in amongst it all we have a new way of distributing stories through electronic media. We’re all trying to find our way through this new environment and for authors and publishers alike there are some commonalities to be successful. <br />
<br />
1) Believe in yourself and your product. <br />
2) Be persistent. <br />
3) Be open minded when you get feedback.<br />
<br />
Actually, I think that applies to many areas of life. There are so many talented authors out there and so much need for highly imaginative and creative work, my goal is to link the readers of the work with the people that create it. <br />
<br />
Getting back to the challenges that some authors face, all I can suggest is to get feedback from fellow authors, editors, family and friends. Every story has potential with the enough work and the right environment, they’ll all find their place in the sun.<br />
<br />
Please feel free to send an email or comment on our blog or Facebook page (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pages-Of-Stories/226532415754" target="_blank">Pages Of Stories FB page</a>) about what you love to read or write.<br />
<br />
Take care and happy reading!<br />
<br />
Darlene Poier<br />
Publisher, <i>Ficta Fabula</i><br />
<i>
</i>Inspiring Creativity and Imagination<br />
A wholly owned subsidiary of Pages Of Stories, Inc.<br />
<a href="http://www.fictafabula.com/">www.fictafabula.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.pagesofstories.com/">www.pagesofstories.com</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Pages Of Storieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936329544273788408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096466796841779335.post-53130543873335656852013-08-28T06:42:00.000-06:002013-08-28T06:42:05.346-06:00Magazine Now Available!!!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi Everyone!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I haven't been doing a very good job of keeping the blog up to date so there's a lot of news to share.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The inaugural magazine - <em>Ficta Fabula</em> is no available in both print and an Android app. The Apple app is in the works and coming soon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These 14 short fiction stories feature authors from all over the world - Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and France. All genres of fiction are covered in this awesome magazine. This is a great read during your commute to work (on a train or bus) or during your daytime break. Who doesn't need a fiction fix during the day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can get the printed magazine by emailing </span><a href="mailto:info@pagesofstories.com"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">info@pagesofstories.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, or you can download the Android app from <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.com.yudu.ReaderAIR3922302"><span style="color: blue;">https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.com.yudu.ReaderAIR3922302</span></a> .</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take care and happy reading!</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Darlene Poier</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Publisher</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ficta Fabula</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Inspiring Creativity and Imagination</span></span>Pages Of Storieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936329544273788408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096466796841779335.post-33721814946298065252013-05-14T12:28:00.001-06:002013-05-14T12:32:52.992-06:00Time Just Keeps On Flying!<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><b> </b><span style="color: white;">I just can’t believe that it’s been over a month since I was last in touch. But what a month it’s been!<br />
<br />
There is much to do and I enjoy doing these things so much that I lose track of time. But one of the things that I most enjoy is keeping in contact with everyone.<br />
<br />
The deadline for the Ficta Fabula story submission has now passed. We received in a lot of good stories in varying lengths and genres. It was tough to cull it down to 25 to send off to the story selection committee, but they have them now and the results should be in shortly.<br />
<br />
This is a really exciting part of the process because at this point I don’t even know which stories will be published and which ones won’t be. I know some people will be disappointed and some will be happy but all the efforts of everyone who submitted a story is appreciated.<br />
<br />
I’ve taken a chance and sent off a couple of the stories to our uber talented illustrator, Dan Webster, to start coming up with ideas. I’ve seen one and he does a good job of picking just the right scene to draw out.<br />
<br />
The mobile application is still a work in progress. I’ve recently discovered that having an IT background and using this new technology isn’t exactly the best mix. As I discover other features that can be added I want to try to incorporate them into the application, which adds to the time line. But I’m back on track now and this will be done within the next week. <br />
<br />
I’ve also decided to join the ranks of authors as I’m writing a book. I’m not the one publishing it and I’ve got the good fortune to work with some very talented people. <br />
<br />
The subject of the book is something I’ve had an interest in for some time and decided I’d really like to explore it. I’m writing about Fairy Tales, which have been around for centuries, but they started out life much differently than the final product we look at today. <br />
<br />
Before the days of the Internet and televisions (hard to believe such a time existed!) and even before the days of the written word being common, stories were an evening’s entertainment told by very gifted orators. While many stories had some of the common themes that we have today, each story teller put his own spin on the story and with each telling it changed over time.<br />
<br />
Both Hans Christian Andersen and the Brothers Grimm took these stories and put them to paper. While they weren’t intended as children’s stories, many of the very graphic details were edited out in order to make them more appealing to children. Here’s a hint of what’s in the book: Rapunzel was pregnant. <br />
<br />
My book is a light hearted look at the origins of fairy tales and how they’ve changed over time. In doing this research I knew some of the fairy tales that had changed, but I sure didn’t know the full extent of some of the original details.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Please feel free to send an email or comment on our blog or Facebook page (</span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pages-Of-Stories/226532415754" target="_blank"><span style="color: white;">Pages Of Stories FB page</span></a><span style="color: white;">) about what you love to read or write.<br />
<br />
Take care and happy reading!<br />
<br />
Darlene Poier<br />
Publisher, <i>Ficta Fabula</i><br />
Inspiring Creativity and Imagination<br />
A wholly owned subsidiary of Pages Of Stories, Inc.</span></span>Pages Of Storieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936329544273788408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096466796841779335.post-7932781969962458452013-04-09T06:13:00.003-06:002013-04-09T06:13:47.635-06:00<b>Sorry for the delay!<br />
</b>
<br />
There’s a lot in the world I don’t understand. I’m 43 years old (turning 44 next month – YIKES!) and living the most exciting decade of my life, but I’ve discovered there’s so much I don’t understand. And yet with each new tragedy we also hear inspirational stories of surviving and thriving.<br />
<br />
But going back to those things I don’t understand here are some. For instance: what is the value of taking someone else’s life? How does that improve anything? What has happened to someone’s moral compass that walking into a daycare that had 53 children under the age of 5 with a shotgun was an acceptable course of action? Or how about shooting older children in an elementary school, days before Christmas? Or even the young man that thought he would die a martyr if he put an axe in the head of a Canadian soldier? At what point did these people think that such extreme actions were acceptable? What could have possibly led to this?<br />
<br />
Some of you may have noticed that I’m a little late in getting this newsletter out. It’s because – surprise, surprise – I was reading a book. The book was about a very accomplished, intelligent and skilled man who went over to Afghanistan because he wanted to help and his extraordinary wife. As a Canadian soldier serving with the NATO forces over there he was given the task of trying to help Afghan communities to rebuild, educate and shake off the influence of the Taliban. <br />
<br />
This was usually accomplished by sitting down and having tea with the village elders in what was historically a safe environment. Sadly, the Canadian soldiers on one particular day were double crossed by the village. Unbeknownst to the soldiers, a young man came to the meetings with an axe and as Trevor Greene was just starting to speak, put that axe in his skull.<br />
<br />
The injury was horrific but amazingly he survived until help could arrive to transport him. His journey ahead was now going to be the most challenging of his life. Without the incredible strength and fortitude of his wife Debbie, he likely wouldn’t have made it nearly as far. She is just as much a hero as Trevor is as a soldier.<br />
<br />
Trevor should have died immediately, then he should have never come out of his coma, then he should have remained in a vegetative state, then he should never walk again. He defied all these odds and on his wedding day stood up. <br />
<br />
I relay this story because it moved me. I remember the reports of his injury and was astounded at the severity. Over the years a news crew has followed them, documenting their challenges and recovery. I’ve watched everyone and almost always with tears in my eyes.<br />
<br />
This is a situation where medically he’d been written off several times because that’s what the science told the doctors. But what science never seems to take into consideration is the power of the mind. With Debbie’s fierce support and his own desire to recover, Trevor defied the odds. <br />
<br />
That leads me to something else I don’t understand. If Trevor’s recovery is a medical anomaly simply because he decided he wanted to be better – what can the rest of us do if we decided we wanted to achieve our own dreams? Why aren’t we all working to achieve our dreams?<br />
<br />
Trevor and Debbie Greene are my heroes. They have provided me with the inspiration to continue my dream. If they can accomplish all that they have, starting from where they did, what can I do starting from where I am? My vision is to inspire creativity and imagination by providing high quality reading entertainment in any electronic or printed format for people all over the world. My belief is that if people have their imaginations inspired by the creativity of others, then they can use their imaginations for a better world. I need your help in being supplied with good quality, highly imaginative stories and to send these stories out into the world. The more people that read, the better off we all are.<br />
<br />
If you would like to read more about Trevor and Debbie Greene, they’ve written a book <i>March Forth</i>. It’s worth the read.<br />
<br />
Please feel free to send an email or comment on our blog or Facebook page (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Pages-Of-Stories/226532415754" target="_blank">Pages Of Stories FB</a> page) about what you love to read or write.<br />
<br />
You can keep updated with all the exciting developments on this blog: <br />
<br />
Take care and happy reading!<br />
<br />
Darlene Poier<br />
Publisher, <i>Ficta Fabula</i><br />
<i>
</i>Inspiring Creativity and Imagination<br />
A wholly owned subsidiary of Pages Of Stories, Inc.Pages Of Storieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936329544273788408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096466796841779335.post-76139907772361546932013-03-17T14:55:00.000-06:002013-03-17T14:55:34.555-06:00St. Patrick's Day Issue<b>Top O’ the Morning to Ya!<br />
</b>
<br />
Happy St. Patrick’s Day or <i>Lá Fhéile Pádraig </i>to all those that celebrate it! Enjoy your Guinness or Green Beer on this day celebrating the awesome Irish.<br />
<br />
It’s been a whirlwind two weeks and I can’t believe it’s Sunday … again. On Thursday and Friday I spent at a publishing conference and learned so much. <br />
<br />
This is a dynamic industry with many players - big and small. There are many different kinds of mediums to deliver publications through. Technology has come a long way and is in a constant state of change. As such, everyone is trying to figure out how best to deliver the content that they have and reach the most number of people possible. There are mobile apps, mobile friendly websites, there’s Android and Apple and now BB10. How to deliver and on what? What part does Social Media play? <br />
<br />
As most of you know, I embrace technology and all the exciting options that come with it. Which is why it might be surprising to discover that the message that stuck with me the most is: regardless of medium - paper or electronic - content is king. If you don’t have a product that people are interested in, then it doesn’t really matter what the medium is. <br />
<br />
I’m fortunate to be in touch with so many amazingly talented authors that are willing to provide the content for this magazine. The stories that will be published in this magazine are highly entertaining, thought provoking and in some cases a bit risque. In the fiction industry, stories never get old or dated. A classic novel can live on for centuries if it is a well crafted, entertaining story.<br />
<br />
As I think about all the stories that have been published through Pages Of Stories and all that will be published through Ficta Fabula, I am so excited for the future. I know that this content will survive and we’ll keep working with the technology of the day to deliver it in the best possible format to reach even more people. But we won’t forget traditional mediums either. So that we can ensure that everyone can enjoy the talent within the pages, the magazine will also be offered in print as well as online.<br />
<br />
And speaking of amazing fiction writers, we have the pleasure of a guest article from Allan Kalupar. In our continuing examination of different genres of fiction, Allan is discussing Horror. We’ve published 3 of Allan’s stories - and one of them is Gary’s absolute favourite. Read through to the end of the newsletter. There’s a surprise there for you.<br />
<br />
Please feel free to send an email or comment on our blog or Facebook page (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Pages-Of-Stories/226532415754" target="_blank">Pages Of Stories FB page</a>) about what you love to read or write.<br />
<br />
You can send an email to <a href="mailto:info@pagesofstories.com">info@pagesofstories.com</a> to get the whole newsletter. It's Free!<br />
<br />
Take care and happy reading!<br />
<br />
Darlene Poier<br />
Publisher, <i>Ficta Fabula</i><br />
<i>
</i>Inspiring Creativity and Imagination<br />
A wholly owned subsidiary of Pages Of Stories, Inc.Pages Of Storieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936329544273788408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096466796841779335.post-86397316635714229932013-03-03T21:43:00.001-07:002013-03-03T21:43:56.193-07:00New Logo and WesternsHello Everyone!<br />
<br />
If you would like to receive the entire newsletter, please send an email to <a href="mailto:info@pagesofstories">info@pagesofstories</a>.<br />
<br />
The third month of the year has now begun and for us it’s coming in like a lion. We are in the middle of a blizzard and I’m quite happy to stay put and send this out to you.<br />
<br />
I’ve found a company that will be able to publish a mobile app the way that I would like to see it done and fairly cost effective as well. I wouldn’t have thought that it would be so challenging but I’ve learned so much about the whole mobile application process that the next time it should be a breeze.<br />
<br />
The new logo for <i>Ficta Fabula</i> is included. I’m so excited to have this done, and it was all thanks to the wonderful interpretation of what I was asking for by Zenna, owner of Zen Garden Graphic Design (zengardengraphicdesign.com) . Let me know what you think of it!<br />
<br />
Laura and I have our 1 day workshop (<a href="http://123yourepublished.eventbrite.ca/#">http://123yourepublished.eventbrite.ca/#</a> ) approaching. This is such a jam packed 1 day session that it will be tough to fit everything in. This is a good workshop regardless of the stage of writing that you are at.<br />
<br />
To date, we’ve received 45 story submissions with more on the way. I’ve read some of them and have been entertained. Just a quick reminder, we have a minimum 1,000 word count.<br />
<br />
In this issue of the newsletter, we’re examining Westerns. I’d never read a Western before this past week and I can honestly say I was surprised. Without giving away the whole article I’ve written, I was expecting something fairly formulaic and action oriented, so I was a little surprised by what I read. <br />
<br />
The Western genre isn’t one that would appeal to many people, on the other hand I think 20 or 30 years ago it was a good way to get many boys interested in reading, similar to what Harry Potter did 10 years ago. From what I’ve seen it’s a huge challenge getting many boys to read, but it seems they are among the perfect audience for this genre. <br />
<br />
What do you think? If you’d like to share your thoughts about the Western genre, we’d love to hear from you.<br />
<br />
If you are an avid reader of all things fiction, what is your favourite genre to read? Why? I’d love to get a discussion going about this so please feel free to send an email or comment on our blog or Facebook page (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Pages-Of-Stories/226532415754" target="_blank">Pages Of Stories FB page</a>) about what you love to read or write.<br />
<br />
We are now accepting story submissions to our new magazine.<br />
<br />
Take care and happy reading!<br />
<br />
Darlene Poier<br />
Publisher, <i>Ficta Fabula</i><br />
<i>
</i>Inspiring Creativity and Imagination<br />
A wholly owned subsidiary of Pages Of Stories, Inc.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjTqkYEjBMH8PSIHCwP7qBbV9cvVZ_peMiLtHBx2gOZHCOuLKrq0s3GOfvkPllojIPqfspNtqIdU6ePPyJGvl-kS9qWUi34ba24XhJtdLJISJzEI2IoPYXiBQVq3pT2ObvvCvqF4JwzQ/s1600/FF_mainlogo_black_72dpi_med.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjTqkYEjBMH8PSIHCwP7qBbV9cvVZ_peMiLtHBx2gOZHCOuLKrq0s3GOfvkPllojIPqfspNtqIdU6ePPyJGvl-kS9qWUi34ba24XhJtdLJISJzEI2IoPYXiBQVq3pT2ObvvCvqF4JwzQ/s1600/FF_mainlogo_black_72dpi_med.jpg" height="133" width="320" /></a></div>
Pages Of Storieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936329544273788408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096466796841779335.post-80523624579101574102013-02-18T09:00:00.001-07:002013-02-18T09:00:49.112-07:00Interview!Hi Everyone,<br />
<br />
Just a quick note to tell you about a little interview I did with Susan Palmquist.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt;">
<a href="http://thiswriterslife.com/2013/02/18/my-chat-with-darlene-poier-publisher-of-pages-of-stories/"><span style="color: blue;">http://thiswriterslife.com/2013/02/18/my-chat-with-darlene-poier-publisher-of-pages-of-stories/</span></a></div>
<br />
Take care and happy reading!<br />
<br />
Darlene Poier<br />
Publisher<br />
Ficta Fabula<br />
Inspiring Creativity and ImaginationPages Of Storieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936329544273788408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096466796841779335.post-83977658377201037192013-02-14T08:27:00.000-07:002013-02-14T08:27:33.994-07:00Romance is in the Air!Hello Everyone!<br />
<br />
We’re already halfway through February! This is a good month with lots going on: it’s a fairly romantic month as countless marriage proposals are made at this time, it’s the shortest month of the year and for those of us in the northern hemisphere, it’s the last full month of winter. There’s much to celebrate.<br />
<br />
As always, it’s been fairly active here in our publishing company. The logo is almost ready to , the mobile app won’t be too far behind, and Laura and I are inching ever so much closer to our 1 day workshop (<a href="http://123yourepublished.eventbrite.ca/#">http://123yourepublished.eventbrite.ca/#</a> ), and the website will also be coming very soon. There’s a lot to do and somehow 24 hours in a day just isn’t quite enough.<br />
<br />
To date, we’ve received 39 story submissions with more on the way. I haven’t yet had a chance to read through them yet, but we have a long weekend coming up so I think I’ll take advantage of that time.<br />
<br />
In this issue of the newsletter, we’re fortunate to have Susan Palmquist give us her take on all things Romance. In the last issue I’d mentioned that we were going to be examining different genres of fiction and Susan has generously provided us with our first instalment. <br />
<br />
There’s a lot of good in romance novels. I like reading them from time to time if I need to turn my mood around to a happier disposition. Besides which, growing up they were a useful source of information about those "romantic moments" in life. <br />
<br />
I went on to the Harlequin Romance website a few weeks ago and was surprised to discover that there were many sub genres inside the romance genre. There must be a great demand and I applaud all the authors that aim to fill it.<br />
<br />
If you are an author, what is your favourite genre to write in? Have you tried something different? Is the genre you’re writing in the one you enjoy the most?<br />
<br />
If you are an avid reader of all things fiction, what is your favourite genre to read? Why? I’d love to get a discussion going about this so please feel free to send an email or comment on our blog or Facebook page (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Pages-Of-Stories/226532415754" target="_blank">Pages Of Stories FB page</a>) about what you love to read or write.<br />
<br />
We are now accepting story submissions to our new magazine.<br />
<br />
Take care and happy reading!<br />
<br />
Darlene Poier<br />
<br />
Publisher<br />
<i></i><br />
<i>Ficta Fabula<br />
</i>Inspiring Creativity and Imagination<br />
<br />
A wholly owned subsidiary of Pages Of Stories, Inc.Pages Of Storieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936329544273788408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096466796841779335.post-70597126015993994822013-02-02T17:39:00.001-07:002013-02-02T17:39:19.482-07:00More News!Hello Everyone!<br />
<br />
It feels so good to be getting back into the publishing swing of things! Much has happened since we were last in communication and my only challenge is where to begin.<br />
<br />
In the initial announcement, mention was made of Laura Crowe who will become the editor of <i>Ficta Fabula.</i> Laura’s been able to find time out of her busy schedule to write an introductory article for this newsletter.<br />
<br />
We’ve been able to get some wonderful exposure thanks to Vanessa O’Loughlin of the writing.ie website (<a href="http://www.writing.ie/resource-types/submission-opportunities">http://www.writing.ie/resource-types/submission-opportunities</a>/). There’s a lot of good and valuable information there suitable for everyone that loves the written word.<br />
<br />
Another website that has some very useful information for authors has been created by Phil Aston and he also has an interview with a publisher that we’re all familiar with. You can find it at: <a href="http://www.informationforwriters.com/#!interview-with-a-fiction-editor">http://www.informationforwriters.com/#!interview-with-a-fiction-editor</a>.<br />
<br />
As well, we now have an illustrator. The plan is that each story will have an accompanying illustration and Dan Webster will be the one doing it. Dan lives and works in Calgary and I know him from my IT world. One day I walked into the lunch room and there he was, drawing away on his sketch pad. We started talking and he brought in more of his work. One thing led to another and I asked him if he would be interested in doing this and voila! we have an illustrator. You’ll see his work on the Welcome page of the new Pages Of Stories website when it goes live.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
That is actually a good lead in to what I wanted to talk about. You see, Laura and I also put on a one day workshop together called ‘<a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/123-Youre-Published/223279081016146" target="_blank">1,2,3 ... You’re Published!</a>’. We spend a day going through writing and editing exercises and I spend some time talking about some things an author could do to get a more positive response from an editor/publisher. We’ve been going around and promoting it to as many non-writers groups as we have writers groups. <br />
<br />
After more than 20 years of working in the corporate world, it’s my belief that when many people go home from their day job they do what they really enjoy. It could be reading, writing, wine or beer making, cooking/baking, woodworking ... really anything. It’s those people that go home and write that I want to reach, to tell them to keep their dreams alive. Everything starts with the first step.<br />
<br />
This unique 1 day workshop has many great learning tools regardless of where you are in the writing process. Please check out the information in this newsletter.<br />
<br />
I’m a big believer in people following their passions. The tricky part for many is finding out what that passion is. For me, I always new I wanted to be involved with books. I thought it would be writing one, but I found I much prefer reading and publishing to writing . <br />
<br />
I’ve also come to the realization that there is a very important place in the world for fiction. Fiction drives creativity and imagination. Without creativity and imagination, there would be very limited innovation and I believe it is innovation that is one of the cornerstones of society. If Gene Roddenberry hadn’t given Captain Kirk and the rest of the Enterprise crew "Communicators" what would our flip phones have looked like? I could go on, but I just wanted to give this one example.<br />
<br />
I’m fortunate enough to be following my passion, and I hope that you are too. Please feel free to comment on our blog or Facebook page (Pages Of Stories FB page) about what you love to do.<br />
<br />
We are now accepting story submissions to our new magazine.<br />
<br />
Take care and happy reading!Pages Of Storieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936329544273788408noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096466796841779335.post-86376052872507874842012-12-31T16:02:00.000-07:002012-12-31T16:02:54.957-07:00ANNOUCEMENTS!
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pages Of
Stories is back! We're really quite excited about 2013 and all that it will
bring but first I promised an announcement.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Over the 7
issue that Pages Of Stories operated with that magazine name, I was fortunate
enough to get feedback about the magazine, what we did and the stories we
selected. I've taken a lot of that to heart and rethought how I was running
this company.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dynamic.
That's what I want people to think of when they see the new magazine – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ficta Fabula</i>. According to Google
translator ‘Fiction Story’ translates to ‘Ficta Fabula’ in Latin. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ficta Fabula, </i>the magazine will have the
same number of stories (14) and now it will also include illustrations and
perhaps even photographs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We expect this
first issue of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ficta Fabula</i> to come
out July 20, 2013.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the first
go around of this magazine, one of my mistakes was to take on tasks that I
didn’t enjoy – namely editing. I’m very fortunate to announce that a good
friend of mine has agreed to take on that challenge freeing me up to promote
this brand new high quality magazine. Laura Crowe, owner of Imagine It In
Writing, is a published author and editor with a vast array of successful
projects under her belt will now be the editor of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ficta Fabula</i>. She was also published in Pages Of Stories in Issue
#5 with her short story <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mourning</i>. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ah, but the
announcements don’t end there. I’m currently in talks with a company to create
a mobile application for the magazine. This company specializes in creating
apps for magazines and I’m actually a subscriber to one of their clients. The
app will be available across all platforms to make it much more convenient for
you to take with you wherever you go. The magazine will also be downloadable
off the website.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you feel
that you are a bit of a Luddite, fear not as the magazine will also be
available in printed format for those that want it. We can send it right to
your door. Printed books and magazines will never go away so all of the titles
that are published by Pages Of Stories from now on will have a print copy
option and an electronic copy option for those that want it.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We (as in
Gary and I) are making some more changes within the company as well. Pages Of
Stories will be the publishing company, giving us the opportunity to publish
other magazines and books under the one name. Yes, we’re going to branch out
into book publishing – fiction of all kinds and word counts and genre specific
magazines. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lest We Forget</i> will be the only non-fiction
title in our repertoire and we are now accepting story submissions.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The future
looks bright! Welcome <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ficta Fabula</i>
and Laura Crowe to the Pages Of Stories family. We are now accepting story
submissions to our new magazine. </span></div>
Pages Of Storieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16936329544273788408noreply@blogger.com1