Virtual Zen

The Butterflies Have Emerged!

Yesterday I was in the grocery store when I was hit by an overwhelming desire to cry. I don't know where it came from. I was just browsing the frozen foods aisle with nothing in particular on my mind, and I found myself wanting to  break down and cry. I didn't.  Later, the sensation passed and I went on about my day.  Sometimes I think that just trying to make sense of the various and varied facets of my life can be overpowering. So many ideas bouncing around in my head so quickly, I think my emotions just can't always keep up.

Today was different.  It was as if the planets had re-aligned and all was right in the world again. And then the butterflies emerged from their chrysalids; both literally and figuratively.

My daughter has a butterfly garden in our family room.  You know, those pop-up mesh cages where you can watch mail-order caterpillars transform in to delicate Painted Lady butterflies. Today they emerged!

Some of you (at least one or two of you) may remember a blog posting I wrote several months ago about about my connection to the butterfly and how I related to it during my metamorphosis from stay-at-home mom to business owner. When I decided to start my own publishing company recently (in addition to my VA business), I even chose a butterfly as the company's logo.

The cosmic coincidence is this: as the butterflies began to emerge, I received notice from my printer that the proof copy of my new children's book was being printed. A book I co-authored with the six-year-old  owner of the above-mentioned butterfly habitat. The first book from my fledgling self-publishing journey.

I should see it in the next day or two - the anticipation is intense!

And for those of you who have witnessed the emergence of butterflies from chrysalids in a butterfly garden, you'll understand what I mean when I say, it is messy business! Much like self publishing a book. Much like giving birth to anything. A messy process with a beautiful and worthwhile outcome.

So for today I celebrate newly-born  butterflies - those of my heart, and those in my family room - no tears in sight (yet!).

Happy VAPD! Celebrate Your Virtual Assistant!

Yesterday I had an early-morning visit from a local florist. She was delivering a beautiful vase of cut flowers to me - what a surprise!  The card indicated that it was from one of my clients saying, "Thank you for all your hard work!". When I thanked her she explained that Wednesday this week is Administrative Professionals Day, and she was declaring her own special day - Virtual Administrative Professionals Day (VAPD). Working with such thoughtful and appreciative clients is what I truly love about my job!

So for all my fellow VA's out there - Happy VAPD! And for all of you working with Virtual Assistants; when was the last time you told them just how much you appreciate all the hard work they do for you?

Make Impossible Your Favorite Word!

Earlier this week I watched the finale of "The Biggest Loser" (I just love that show!). At one point during the show, super-tough trainer Jillian Michaels said "make impossible your favorite word". Isn't that a great thought? Don't just look to the "possible", look for "impossible" opportunities and embrace them.

I printed the quote out on my label maker and stuck it to my desk so I can see it every day, and repeat those powerful words to myself as I journey into uncharted waters and tackle opportunities that I once considered impossible.

Make impossible your favorite word!

NAWW Telesummit: Create Your Very Own Passionate Writing Life

My friend Sheri McConnell, founder of the National Association of Women Writers (NAWW), is hosting her 7th Annual Event on April 23rd and 24th.

This year's event is focused on helping you Create Your Very Own Passionate Writing Life!

This event is completely free and even if you can't attend, make sure you sign up for the free audio files and our downloadable 2008 TeleSummit Workbook.

The NAWW 2008 Telesummit features:

• Sandy Grayson on Secrets to Getting Celebrity Endorsements–How To Get Fabulous Celebrity Endorsements for Your Business, Your Book and Your Products
• Sheila Bender on Hire Your Very Own Journal Keeper for Expanding Your Creative Voice
• Larina Kase on Standing Ovation–How to Own the Platform
• Renée L. Duff, Esq. on Copyright And Your Creativity
• Linda Joy Myers on Creating Your Memoir
• Marcia Yudkin on Creativity on Call–Become a More Productive Writer

Click here to register for this event or please visit http://www.naww.org/blog/.

Once you register, you'll also receive their free workbook that features great handouts and information from the speakers.

Don't miss out - I definitely plan to be there!

Amazon Announcement Rocks the Self Publishing World

If you work with self-publishing authors or are a small publisher yourself, no doubt you caught wind of the buzz last week about Amazon's big announcement. You know the one that said that Amazon would no longer carry POD (print on demand) titles unless they are printed by Amazon's company, Book Surge. Since most POD services and many small publishers utilize Lightning Source for digital printing - this was a huge blow.  Getting listed on Amazon is usually a major goal for self publishers, and not everyone wants to use Book Surge (though it is a reputable service). Truth is, there's not need to panic yet.

I followed this story closely last week. Not only do I support self-publishing authors as an Author's Assistant, but I too have a book coming out in a couple of months.

Groups such as SPAN have banded together to let Amazon know that small publishers are not pleased! Scott Flora, Executive Director of SPAN wrote:

"SPAN is a nonprofit trade association representing over 1,000 book publishers and authors. Our members are POD publishers, authors who use POD publishing, and traditional independent publishers. Most of our members are vendors of Amazon.com through one your programs. It is fair to say that almost all of our publishers and authors who use POD to distribute through Amazon.com will be negatively affected by this new policy."

The entire letter can be read on the SPAN site.

On a call last Friday, Jan King of eWomen Publishing Network clarified to concerned Author Smart callers, that Amazon has not officially announced anything (the 4/4 podcast is available to download). She also added that at worst, it might just mean having accounts at Book Surge for Amazon orders in addition to your regular POD account.

J. Kirby Best, President and CEO of Lightning Source Inc, stated in an email letter to LSI account holders:

"Like you, we are very concerned about any conduct that would serve to limit a publishers choice in supply chain partners and to negatively impact the cost of your products to consumers.  We believe that choice and selection of best of class services are critical to the long term success of publishers and a vibrant book market. Lightning Source continues to provide the highest quality digital on demand print and distribution services for every one of our customers.  All your titles continue to be available to all of our channel partners, including Amazon.com, with immediate availability for shipment within 24 hours. We are committed to providing you with the best of class quality product and fastest distribution service in the market, and will continually work to develop new channels and new offerings. Lightning Source will continue to monitor this situation and let you know when we have more information."

Until I hear from any of these credible sources that I should be concerned about limited availability of POD books through Amazon, I won't panic. I will be paying close attention, though. Maybe we just need to get a little more creative and prepare for alternative means of internet book distribution. After all, Amazon isn't the only option!