Writers Festivals!

It seems to be that time of year; a writers favorite time of year mind you.  That's right, we have festivals coming out of our book ends.  Well Victoria seems to anyway!  So why are writers festivals so important and what can we expect to get out of going to one? 
Networking comes to mind as being first and foremost the most important reason to head along to a writers festival.  I remember my first writers festival experience at Ballarat when I was first undertaking my studies in Professional Writing and Editing.  I not only attended the festival, I also participated in one of their workshops conducted by Rhonda Whitton, co-arthor of 'A Decent Proposal,' and 'Mission Possible.'
This experience truly shaped how I was to go about putting together my proposal for my manuscript which now has been self-published as an ebook.  Without Rhonda's genuine and invaluable experience as an author / teacher along with her confidence in my concept, I'm not sure I would have pursued my endeavour to get my concept out there as strongly as I have. 
I also remember the buzz of meeting newly published authors, buying their books and having them signed. 
There is nothing more exhilarating than to  rub shoulders with publishers and editors who otherwise don't have a face.  You get to see and talk to them in 'real time' - no pressure and maybe, just maybe this personal contact may change your life as a writer as it did me. 
Take the opportunity and get along to a writers festival - even if it is just one - but be warned they are addictive.  Good Luck!
Some festivals coming up on the calendar:
Words in Winter July 29 - 31 August 2012
Bendigo Writers Festival  10-12 August 2012
Melbourne Writers Festival 23 August - 2 September
Ballarat Writers Festival 1-2 September 2012
Write around the Murray Festival 5-9 September 2012

AMBITIONS!

Yes, it's been a long ambition of mine as it would for many other writers to finally get their work out into the big wide world of the reader. For those who have followed writer's-fix, along perhaps with my other blog adoption down under, you will know how close this subject is to my heart and life journey. 

For many years now I have been working tirelessly to complete my manuscript on local adoption matters, and more so to have a publisher accept it.  With such positive feedback from all the publishers I have presented this manuscript to, I truly believe it will now finally serve its intended purpose and audience.

With the age of Ebooks now on our door step, it seems only sensible to follow my publishing path down this growing corridor to self-publication. 

While my book Adoption Down Under is currently available through PDF, I hope to also make it available for all e-devices in the near future, where it will hit the big screens on Amazon and alike.   

I have to say though; seeing my book finally ready and available through e-format has only made me more ambitious to also self-publish in hard copy.  But patience is the virtue and only time will tell whether Adoption Down Under will in fact reach those I have hoped it would.

Spiritually aware?

Well it has been a long time between blogs it would seem; fortunately I am still alive and well but somewhat confused with the universe.  Having attended a Spiritual and Wellness Expo recently I found a renewed interest into an old past time of mine - palmistry.  Having watched Sara Gilbert explain how much palmistry plays such a significant role in our lives really stirred and awakened something within me so much so I haven't been able to think of much else since.  That very same week I raced out and had to (okay, not had to - wanted to), buy a book on palmistry so that I could learn this ancient art.  I came across the one and only book available at my local book store, Fells Offical Know-It-All Guide to Palm Reading.  If that wasn't enough encouragement from the universe, then I stambled across a copy of Magic, by Ronda Byrne the same author of the Secret, where her new book helps humankind understand how the use and belief in sincere gratitude can reward our own lives beyond any expectations.  So know I am wondering what my true life's purpose is?  Not so long ago I thought I had it all summed up; I was certain I was meant to teach and help those touched by similar life experiences as myself.  I was certain that my manuscript was to become successfully published and help with my teaching.  Unfortunately as much as I have projected positivity into this crusade I keep meeting dead ends and obstacles that now appear to be relentless.  So the question I now put to myself is simply what is my life's purpose?  Following a simple numerolgy reading it suggests I am a humanitarian and should follow this line of interest somewhere within my life - yes, that sounds like me and yes it certainly fits what I thought the direction of my lifes's purpose was heading so why so many uncertainties, second guessing, self-doubt and insecurities?  Why have I suddenly become the exact opposite in having little self confidence, trouble speaking my thoughts, unable to communicate cleary and so unsure of myself in general?  Currently I am reading the Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield, the learning of lifes insights, basically why we are here living the lives we are.  That's right, we are right back to our life's puropse.  Having only read the first three insights so far, I realise how spiritually aware I am, although not as well tuned as I would like.  I believe in coincidences - for example thinking of calling someone and then out of blue they call you - yep thats all part of the universes quest in understanding our plight here; Intuition, and believing there is more to life than what we are currently doing is all what the insights are about.  I am excited about my journey through life yet I feel I have wasted too many years already before learning of all this.  What if my life's purpose has already expired?  Possibly not because I think I would probably be dead in that case!  So now confusion has set in, I am so highly in tune with needing to fulfil something in life - but what?  Well I guess all of us will just have to wait to find out what we are searching for until we feel this is it.  So now I am totally obsessed with all this universe stuff, I have just invested in another two books, The complete guide to Numerolgy and Astrology- Past Life regression.  Can't wait to get stuck into these books.

Madeleine McCann Campaign

I have finished reading the heart wrenching story written by Kate McCann, the mother of Madeleine McCann whom we all should know went missing while holidaying with her family in Praia da Luz in 2007.  I so desperately would love to help in some way, and this is the best way I know - to help keep everyones concious open in hope she one day soon will be recognised and reunited with her family.  Please get on board and help find Madeleine.    
 Age progression images of Madeleine today.
                                  

D Publishing by Dymocks



As I previously mentioned Dymocks will be offerring end to end publishing services enabling authors to take control of their own book creation, publishing and distribution.  Originally it was anticipated this would be available from October this year; this date has been extended until the end of 2011.  For anyone interested 'like' the dymocks site on facebook or twitter to be kept updated.  I for one are hanging out for this to come about so I can finally make something of my manuscript which is still awaiting a publisher to be brave enough to give it a chance.  

Call for an Australian Publisher!

I am calling for an Australian Publisher to get behind my non-fiction manuscript and help get it out there.  I have had some very positive feedback from publishers whom I have submitted to, yet my manuscript has not met their current publishing schedule.  If any one knows a publisher who might be interested in looking at this further, please send them my contact details or forward their details to me. 
As part of the National Adoption Awareness Week, there is no better time for someone to take this on board. The need for a book like this is screaming out within the adoption community and also departments and agencies who work in this area every day.  As a volunteer of NAAW, I have had so many referrals to help people look for more accurate information as well as contacts to enable them to persue options available to have a family of their own.   My manuscript 'Adoption Down Under,' a practical guide, is an informative guide helping people understand the processes of adoption, relinqhuisment and search.  For more information please contact me, or leave your details and I will get back to you.  Thanks in anticipation.  Regards Meredith
 email: mezz7@dodo.com.au

NEW Opportunity for writers to become Authors!

I came across a fantastic little treasure for all of us want-to-be authors.  Dymocks book stores are about to embark on a new venture which may help all those who have wanted to have their work published but not yet found that opportunity.  Starting October 2011, you will be able to upload your manuscripts and have them published.  It sounds too easy, yes, I agree; and it sounds a bit like self-publishing, but I think it will be worth pursuing further non-the-less.  I will certainly be investigating this avenue.  Good Luck!  Read on for the real deal, or connect to link.
Calling on Booklovers with Stories to Tell. Dymocks announces launch of end to end D Publishing service to support Australian book industry
Dymocks, Australia's largest bookseller, has announced the upcoming launch of D Publishing, a new web-based book publishing service, that aims to support all Australians with stories to tell.

D Publishing will be available from October to provide Australians with a complete, end to end publishing service; and will enable authors to take control of the professional creation, publishing and distribution of both printed books and eBooks, without the need for previous experience or expertise in the area.

Dymocks Chief Executive Officer, Don Grover says the new publishing service, allowing Australian writers and authors to create and publish books, is a logical extension for the business.
"We believe that D Publishing has the potential to significantly support and grow the book industry in Australia by providing more opportunities for Australian authors to create, publish, and sell their books," said Mr Grover.
"Unlike the traditional publishing model this service is driven by the author. If you are thinking about publishing your first, or one of many books, you should think of D Publishing.
"D Publishing will be an opportunity for all budding Australian authors to see their works in published form and available for purchase online, while a selection of titles may also be available in Dymocks stores across Australia.
"The launch of this service also allows us to give something back to our loyal community of Booklovers - offering them the opportunity to either publish their own works, or to contribute and offer feedback to other budding author's books.
"Dymocks is committed to being at the forefront of the book industry and as such, we're consistently looking for opportunities to support Australian authors, as well as areas where we can grow the local book industry. We're listening to our customers, adapting to this changing environment and investing in innovation," continued Mr Grover.
From October 2011, budding authors and publishers can upload their draft manuscript to the service and proceed to produce and publish their book with D Publishing.
"We're excited to offer this new publishing service to all Australians. From creating and printing a family history for their personal use, or writing, publishing, and selling the next great novel, we're here to support all Australian authors," concluded Mr Grover.