EXTRA!!! EXTRA!!!! CINDY’S NEWS and EVENTS
Current mood: adventurous

Oh, MAN!  I RARELY get to do this!  Wait, just let me stop giggling with excitement and put on my press hat.  Okay, ready? 

Cindy To Discuss her Tween Fantasy Book and Reveal Title on the Odd Mind with AngeLesa!

I know you've all been DYING to know more about this tween fantasy novel Cindy's been writing.  For starters, "What's the title?"  Well, that and much more will be answered on The Odd Mind with AngelLesa on Monday, June 30th at 8:00 P.M EST.  Be sure to mark it down on your calendars, because you aren't going to want to miss this! 

Who:    C.L. Freire                    What:   Her Tween Fantasy Novel Discussion

When:  Monday, June 30th        Where:  The Odd Mind with AngelLesa

Time:   8:00 P.M. EST  

Problems with Contest Submissions on Triad for C. L. Freire's Novel

Have you been working like mad to solve the puzzles and win a free copy of C. L. Freire's novel, only to find that when you get to the TRIAD website, you received an error message that would not allow you to enter the contest? FEAR NOT! We are well aware of the problem and will be fixing it shortly. Because of this technical difficulty, the deadline for contest entries has been extended until June 28th. 

Your Opportunity to Give a Little Back, And I Do Mean Little...

If you're a friend on this page, you know Cindy.  Most likely, personally.  Now, we all know how much she puts into all of us.  There's the features, the Dream Nook, all the promotions she does for everyone, the friendly ear she always lends to everyone, the "Go-Get' Em" attitude she offers when we feel like we'd rather pound our work into the concrete...not to mention the incredible network of fellow authors and friends.  And, all just because she has this heart that's bigger than her ambitions.  (So, Like King Kong big.)

I bet you've been thinking how grateful you are and how you wish you could do something in return.  Well, now's your chance! 

This book is going to be HUGE!  We all know that.  But, we can help make it GINORMOUS.  All you have to do is help spread the word of her pre-orders. 

Wait!  Wait! 

You don't have to get out your blow-horns and stand on the top of your roofs although, if you're REALLY adamant about that, I won't stop you... For those of us who want an easier way to show our appreciation for all that she does for us, you can just post this banner on your profile page. 

And if you are so led, in a bulletin and blog as well. 

Just copy the link below the banner:

<a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LnRyaWFkcHVibGlzaGluZ2dyb3VwLmNvbQ=="><img src="http://a56.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/33/l_7f86629382c2742f054b93e330ee3897.jpg" border="0"></a><br>

What:  Show your appreciation for all that Cindy's done for us all.

How:   Repost the above banner on your PROFILE, and maybe even a few  BULLETINS, and/or a BLOG.

And that's it for the world evening news.  I wish you all a good night and a prosperous week!  This is M, signing off. 

hehehehehehe.  I've always wanted to do that!  hehehhehehehe

1:55 AM - 9 Comments - 10 Kudos - Add Comment

DREAM NOOK: Come pass the crayon...
Current mood: inspired

I couldn't help but smile when I looked down at those bright blue eyes that bloomed from his angelic face.  I giggled, and then Taylor giggled. 

"You want me to do it again?"

"Uh-huh!"

He watched me closely as I drew another smiley face.  The phone rang, so I handed him the crayon and answered it.  I must have talked for at least an hour, but when I was done, I saw his little hands still working with the crayon. 

I saw where he tried to draw the smiley faces all by himself, and where his own imagination kicked in.  When I got to him, he looked up at me and said, "Cars!" 

They weren't really cars, but the lines that the cars would make if they were racing.  His crayon had turned into the car.  But to him, it was the most important detail of a car, and our little exercise had given him a means to see it. 

And it got me thinking.  I really only set out to share my knowledge with him and show him the ropes.  I didn't think much past that.  In fact, I didn't really expect too much of anything.  But, he'd taken this tiny little bit of knowledge, this skill that I had long since written off as unimportant, and he'd found a way to make it his. 

I'm wondering if we all aren't like that in some ways.  Namely, in our publishing firsts.  Do we write it off as unimportant? 

"Well, I only published a short story."

"It was a self-publishing thing.  Nobody cares about that."

"I'm with a small publisher."

"I have a GREAT story about my publishing first, but...who really wants to hear about THAT?"

Yet, to all of us who have still to be published, it's like watching a master with a crayon while we flex our chubby little fingers.  It's a reminder of what we might be able to do with such a skill. 

Your first publishing experience might just be as precious to us as it is to you.  Sure, we have quite a few Dream Nook submissions, but we don't have yours. 

Come pass the crayon...

-M

6:51 PM - 14 Comments - 12 Kudos - Add Comment

WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF TREI LITERARY MAGAZINE....
Current mood: ecstatic
Category: Writing and Poetry

Okay so now for a few words from the Editor-in-Chief and the Editor of TREI Literary Magazine, the vision of publishing mastermind, Vern Firestone, owner, CEO and President of TRIAD Publishing Group.

Editor-in-Chief, C. L. FREIRE

I can't remember a time when I didn't love writing; a time when I didn't long to let my imagination run wild and find its way onto the page. It's just this ginormous part of who I am. I know first hand how difficult a writer's life can be, what with rejection being something of the norm in the eyes of this close-minded industry. Yes, rejection was something I became quite familiar with, to the point that I no longer checked the mail for a possible "Yes, we'd love to take a look at your complete manuscript." No, I was checking for the rejections themselves, turning it into a mental trip, if only to hide the breaking of my heart.

And along that long and pot-hole-ridden road, I found myself in a writing forum one day, where I met a real writer for the very first time. And to my surprise, she was really nice and super helpful. One thing she told me was that I needed to open a Myspace page. And so I did, although truth be told, I did nothing with it for a long time. But one day I decided to take matters into my own hands and MAKE myself known, MY WAY. And so I came back to Myspace and threw myself into as often as I could. I started meeting writer after writer, many of whom were all in the same predicament as myself. They were all searching for the spark of inspiration and that helping hand in promoting their books, or trying to get someone to take them seriously.

As it goes, I decided someone needed to do something, so I put on my thinking cap. I remember I actually squealed with excitement when that famous little light bulb appeared over my head. It told me to start another Myspace page, which I aptly named Writers Together. I wanted to give everyone a place to come and hang out, and a place where they can finally plant their voice and be heard. Time raced along, and as the page exploded into the monster it is today, there came a time when I could no longer handle it on my own. And my AMAZING FRIEND, M, stepped in and offered to help me run it. Now, I was always happy with the page itself, but to be honest with you all, I always felt like I needed to do more to help others. More than Myspace allowed.

And so when Vern Firestone called me this week and told me about this idea he was tossing around…one he was ubber excited about, he finally spilled the beans. He wanted to get the online magazine up ad running. The one he had told me about back when I'd met him in December last year. Now, realize, back then, he had mentioned wanting me to submit a monthly column to it, and I remembered that clearly, and felt his excitement spreading over to me. So imagine my GINORMOUS surprise when he said he wanted ME to be the Editor-in-Chief of the magazine. I was beyond honored. Immediately all these light bulbs starting popping on over my head. Finally, a chance to do what I always wanted to do with Writers Together, only this would be like WT on steroids. And so, I proudly present to you, TREI Literary Magazine.

And just as I did when I started on Myspace, we're going to do things very differently from what this industry will have you believe is the way things are done. WE are going to do it OUR way! With TREI, every writer and illustrator will finally have a voice. And yes, I said illustrators. These are those fabulous people who bring our books to life on first sight. People who are often forgotten or simply thrown behind the scenes never to be heard from or of again.  

The truth is we are all on the same road at some point or another. Well, with TREI, as well as with the amazing powerhouse that is TRIAD Publishing Group standing beside us all, not to mention M and myself, together WE are going to make sure NO ONE gets lost on that road. After all, we know how hard it is for a new writer to plant his / her flag in this industry. To make themselves open, available, and known to the world. How hard it is for them to really make their voice heard. Because in the end, that is really the key to every writer—the need to be heard. And with TREI Literary Magazine, we are honored to say to you all, "Welcome Home".

_________________________________@@@@@@_________________________________

Editor, M. R. GREEN

Not too long ago the flame that was my passion for writing exploded into a full-on bonfire. That happened, of course, because I got to know other writers. 

You see, I had always believed the myth that writing was a solo act. I'd sit at my desktop in the corner of my kitchen, the computer's blank white page staring up at me accusingly, and I'd pound words onto the screen just before taking them all back. And when I actually came up with something and I would try to share it with the non-readers and non-writers around me, I was offered nothing more than the obligatory smile and a stare as blank as the page before being offered pie or a cookie—sometimes even a second helping of peas. If you yourself have very few writer friends, then surely you already know the strange, ill-fitting isolation I'm talking about. 

Then one day I took a chance and stepped out of my comfort-zone. Not long after that, I met C. L. Freire, and she introduced me to a whole network of writers. Suddenly, writing became less of an isolated, unjustified task, and more of a joy. It was allowed to exist and flourish as the passion I knew it was always meant to be. 

And isn't that what it's all about? Passion? But what good is that passion if you have no one to share it with? This is where we at TREI Literary magazine come in. Here, you'll not only find a cool place to browse around on the fine art of the written word or to delve into helpful resources, but you'll also find a place to hang out, meet people who share your love of the craft, and sharpen your own.  Here, you'll finally find a place where you will always belong. A place to keep that passionate flame alive. And maybe, just maybe, watch it explode into what you knew it was always meant to be. 

Happy Writing,

M.R. Green

ADD TREI Literary Magazine to you friends list. Trust me, this is something NOT TO BE MISSED:)

10:57 PM - 15 Comments - 16 Kudos - Add Comment

THE DREAM NOOK
Current mood: inspired
Category: Writing and Poetry

6:01 PM - 8 Comments - 8 Kudos - Add Comment

TELL US THE STORY OF......
Current mood: creative
Category: Writing and Poetry

Okay so as you all know from the blog I posted on Surprises and Changes and Blogs, Oh MY!, Writers Together will now be featuring one author a week in the DREAM NOOK.

The Dream Nook is a place where authors everywhere can share their stories how their first encounter with their publisher, or about the first time they learned they were going to finally see their dream of being published, realized.

As authors, we can all attest to how long and lonely that road to publication is. But as long as you have a strong community of friends standing beside you, there is NOTHING you can't do.

And you all know my motto right? NEVER GIVE UP!. I created this place to give authors a place to hang out and learn about themselves and others. A place where you can all come when you need a friend, a little feedback, and a nudge of your muse.

And now, with my dear dear friend, THE AMAZING M, this place is going to explode even more.

So, I want you to share your stories about how you first got published, or about your first encounter with your publisher. Again, we will feature one story a week, you know, cuz we're only human).

Anyone who wishes to be featured should send your stories to us here by email, attn: Cindy, or M. Please limit it to two or three paragraphs. And please let us know what image you'd like to have displayed with your feature:) Make sure you don't post your story here in the comments.

And remember, YOU CAN do this! It's YOUR dream! So don't EVER let anyone stand in your way. Don't ever let anyone tell you YOU can't do this. And if they do, just send them our way, and tell them you have an army of friends backing you up, and they can all be found here.

3:34 PM - 12 Comments - 16 Kudos - Add Comment

Surprises and Changes and Blogs, Oh MY!
Current mood: creative
Category: Writing and Poetry

Okay so I wanted to let everyone know about the changes you may have noticed on the Writers Together page. Well, I just wanted to inform everyone that the face of Writers Together is changing.

For one...."M" is now a major part of WT, and she will be running the page with me. So please, take a moment and get to know more about her by clicking on "Just call me M". She is an invaluable part of my life, and soon you'll find her to be so in your life here on WT. She's sweet, funny, witty as frick, a tremendous writer and a great friend. So let's all extend her the warmest welcome, shall we?

Secondly, we have added a couple of new "corners" to the page. One is called "THE DREAM NOOK", an area devoted to having authors share the story of their first encounter with their publisher, or about the day they discovered they were getting published for the first time. We will be spotlighting one author a week. And yes, it will be once a week, as I now have the help I so desperately needed in order to give this page the attention it deserves. With my book coming out on Oct 1, and the pre orders opening July 1, and all the MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENTS I have planned in the coming months, and the running of my own page, and writing, and life, and just breathing, I've been a little overwhelmed lately.

We also added a "BOOK NEWS AND EVENTS" section, which will announce just that, book news and events for authors of WT. It could be the announcement of pre orders, the release of books, book signings, speaking engagements, radio interviews, etc.....

And my favorite change is our return to blogging about "WRITING".

YAY! Yes, those were some of my favorite blogs here on WT, the ones that everyone loved as much as I did. They discussed writing, and offered everyone a chance to interact with everyone else, and get the feedback so many of us desire. Naturally I will either be posting links in the BOOK NEWS and EVENTS section to the blogs of authors with something to announce, or I will post the blogs here as well. BUT, the main focus of blogs will be about WRITING.

And finally, oh this is going to be awesome!

A lot of people are constantly contacting me (Cindy) asking for critiques on their work, or feedback, or advice on writing. I have to say this here and now: "Thank you so much for looking to me regarding your passion. Needing that is something I can totally relate to."

That said, please forgive me but I must regretfully convey that my time is honestly so tight right now. There is a lot on my plate, with my own book coming out, all the interviews, radio appearances (3 over the coming months), the running of two pages here, keeping in contact with everyone (it took me five hours just to get through my emails over on "my page alone" the other day, C. L. Freire, responding to everyone, every comment, every email, every request for friendship or feedback. And I hate to say it because I never liked hearing it from other authors, but I truly don't have time to do everything I want to do.

Now, knowing I can no longer offer one-on-one feedback, advice, or critiques, an idea popped up while talking with M last night at, yes 2am. It was actually HER idea and together we worked out some details.

Here's what we're going to do: Every week we will post a blog that will involve a WRITING PROJECT. We will pose a scenario, and YOU can write a brief scene or random piece of writing surrounding that topic. You can post your "work" here in the comments so others can read it, offer feedback, advice, and perhaps pick up a "new favorite author". I love this idea because this is TRULY at the heart of what Writers Together really is. A place where authors can get to know one another, interact and experience the art through the eyes of another.

I ask only one thing of all of you. Please be kind in your feedback. Now that's not to say I want others to offer up the bland and empty, unconstructive "Great job" sort of feedback. No, I'm sure every author who winds up posting work here would appreciate honest constructive feedback, handed out in a polite and courteous manner. No Nasties, please. If you have beef with someone, please contact that person privately. This is a place of inspiration and positive support.

2:55 AM - 40 Comments - 42 Kudos - Add Comment

Now That’s What I’m Talking About!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Category: Writing and Poetry

NOW HEAR THIS!!

Okay so, in a turn about "fair play", Lesa Trapp, host of "The Odd Mind BlogTalk Radio Show" over at www.blogtalkradio.com/AngelLesa, will be interviewing Louise Aveni on Tuesday, June 3, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. EST (10:00 a.m. Central).

As you may recall, Lesa just interviewed renowned publisher, Vern Firestone, owner and CEO of TRIAD PUBLISHING GROUP, along with his new right hand (who Louise aptly calls the "High Priestess"), Vice President, Joni Shanburn. The show was fantastic and broke records across the board. You have to check it out.

Lesa will provide Louise (http://www.myspace.com/louiseroseaveni) the rare opportunity to promote her books "LUPO-Conversations with an E.T." and "HYBRID-The Conversation Continues". Louise will also be ready to tease you all a bit about the third and final book in the trilogy "KRYSTAL-A New Beginning", which is slated for a 2009 release.

And in the spirit of pure class, Louise has been extended the invitation to discuss and promote her own BlogTalk Radio show "Now That's What I'm Talking About, as well as some other secret and tantalizing facts about herself and some of her upcoming projects.

Take a stroll over to Louise's web site, Sedona Angels to get an inside look at what's new and exciting.

Also, check out Now That's What I'm Talking About to see who'll be appearing on her show in the coming weeks!

So don't miss out on this, my dear and cherished friends and readers. I for one will be all ears and OMGs:)

GINORMOUS HUGS and Awesome shows
Cindy

12:26 PM - 7 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

Change is coming...I give you the AMAZING "M"
Current mood: HONORED
Category: HONORED Friends

Okay so, I have a little something to share with everyone. It's about a very special person in my life. Someone that absolutely brings laughter, joy, true friendship, and a never-ending string of funny funny "OH NOOOOOOOOs"

3:02 AM - 17 Comments - 14 Kudos - Add Comment

Enter the world of TRIAD PUBLISHING GROUP
Current mood: HONORED
Category: HONORED Writing and Poetry

Okay so I have a few things to cover in this blog, so let's get to it, shall we?

First off, Vern Firestone, owner and CEO of TRIAD Publishing Group appeared LIVE on BlogTalk Radio with Lesa Thursday morning. Joni, the PR Director was also on LIVE with Vern.

I have to say, I was floored by their chemistry. They offered an indepth look at the publishing world and at the industry as a whole. The interview was absolutely amazing!!!!!!!!!! It was not only informative, but also entertaining as frick! I was also on the air with them, and let me tell you, we laughed so hard.

Joni was also on Now that's what I'm talking about a BlogTalk Radio Show hosted by Louise Aveni last night at 7:00PM EST on a show that featured not only Joni (in the second segment) but also Ruth Baer. Joni was AMAZING!!!!!!!!! Oh, you have all GOT TO HEAR BOTH THE RADIO SHOWS that Vern and Joni were on yesterday.

But there's something else I need to stress here......I am so unbelievably thankful to the both of them and to Triad, not only for giving my books a warm and loving home, but also for the amount of support, friendship and encouragement they have shown me since day one. They truly are like no other house out there. I really mean that, and to anyone who dreams of being published, and has done their homework, I can assure you all that TRIAD is the house that is changing the face of the age-old industry that has fought to keep a tight hold on the proverbial box. A box Vern, Joni, Triad and everyone there has turned away from.

They are setting new standards in the publishing world. Standards others are now desperately trying to emulate, and failing to with much regret.

So I leave you with this. Vern was fantastic on the show! Joni was fantastic on the show! The host, Lesa, was fantastic on the show!

And now......for the BIG ANNOUNCEMENT

LIVE on the air, Vern announced to the listening world news that the much-deserved and well-earned Joni Shanburn has been promoted to Vice President for The Triad Publishing Group.

YAY! WHOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congrats to Joni, a helluva woman, a helluva a PR Director, and a helluva VICE PRESIDENT!

So let's all raise our glasses to this fantastic publishing house, to its brilliant mastermind Vern Firestone, and the the new Vice President of Triad, Joni Shanburn.

Here are the links to the shows:
The Odd Mind BlogTalk Radio Show with Lesa
Now that's what I'm talking about, with Louise Aveni

Not only are they growing by leaps and bounds, but they are also constantly trying to reach out to so many dreamers. In fact, one of their most recent Imprints, beautifully named "ShadowBox" is a division created to reach out to young authors everywhere. This, in and of itself is so AMAZING!

People, I'm telling you, if you never take to heart anything else I ever say in the future, take this and bank it......TRIAD IS GOING TO TAKE OVER THE PUBLSIHING WORLD, AND I FOR ONE STAND IN AWE OF WHAT THIS YEAR AND THE COMING YEARS WILL BRING.

GINORMOUS HUGS AND GIGANTOR CONGRATS to Vern and Joni and TRIAD.

                             

Love and unending awe:)
You biggest fan and infinite cheerleader:)
Cindy

2:48 AM - 20 Comments - 20 Kudos - Add Comment

HERE’S YOUR CHANCE TO TALK TO THE MAN HIMSELF....VERN FIRESTONE, TRIAD Publishing Group
Current mood: excited
Category: Writing and Poetry

Okay so, I know I've mentioned VERN FIRESTONE a few times, and I've said once or twice what a fantastic publisher he is, and perhaps I've let slip how awesome they are at

2:05 AM - 9 Comments - 8 Kudos - Add Comment

Ride The Bike - Yvonne Mason
Current mood: inspired
Category: Writing and Poetry

Okay, I'm reposting this simply because I found it very inspiring to any and all authors and aspiring writers out there. Please read this, and feel free to leave your thoughts in your wake:)

After much talking back and forth the day finally arrived.

I have to say it was a day I shall never forget. I spoke to 300 attendees which included women, some girl scouts and a few men. It also included a very special little brownie. She was about 8 years old and challenged. She and her mother not only made my day, they reiterated the very reason that some days I knock my head against that brick wall when it all seems so hopeless.

But I digress. Let me just give a bit of background to bring you up to speed and then you will better understand this day.It started with an article in the paper saying that the Council had withdrawn their invitaiton to the speaker they had previously announced as being there. I read the article and knew in that part of my being  I needed to do that gig. Well it was the gig that almost wasn't. I had to jump through some major hoops just to get there. This was due to the fact that they had been embarrased by the antics of the speaker who had been uninvited. When I told them I would be willing to donate my time they were speechless. That  was just shades of  things to come.

Anyway after weeks of talking and drafting and pulling out my hair the day arrived. Idrove down to West Palm Beach to the Kravis Center which is awesome- with much trepidation.  I knew the speech was over the top. I knew I could wow them- but that little devil of doubt wanted to slay me. Pushing him into the back of the part of my mind that locks down- I pressed on.

We had a nice lunch- which I couldn't eat- Made small talk with those around me- Had Vern (God love him) tell me to breath and listened to others.

 Then I heard the MC talking about me and why I was there. It sounded like they were talking about someone else. However, I got up to the podium without tripping.

My first words were not scripted. I looked around the audience and said- "WOW" another dream made real.

Then I launched into my speech:    

DREAMS AND GOALS

Good afternoon and welcome.  I hope all of you are enjoying this wonderful event made possible by the Palm Glades Girl Scout Council.  I would like to take a moment to thank the Council, as well as Denise Burnside and the Event Committee, for allowing me to join you today.  Let's take a moment and show these lovely ladies our appreciation:

I would also like to thank you, the audience, for taking time out of your day and spending some of it with me.  For those of you who are not familiar with whom I am, please allow me to introduce myself.  My name is Yvonne Mason and I am a published author. 

I would like to speak to you today about Dreams, Goals and Aspirations and the importance Girl Scouting can play in reaching them.  Today's Girl Scouts are tomorrow's leaders.  Through participation in the Girl Scouting program they are taught many valuable skills that will be used over the course of their life such as leadership, self-esteem and community service. 

One of the new areas Girl Scouts is developing to help enrich these skills is by focusing on creativity and the arts.  Being a writer, I read with great interest about the STUDIO 2B online website that allows Girl Scouts to submit their original work.  After being reviewed, selected poems and stories can be read by all visitors to the site.  I think now is a good time to mention that I am also the Director of Operations for my publisher and we are always looking for new talent – the earlier we can get the future bestselling authors under contract the better – so please, encourage your daughters to write, write, write!

I currently have three books on the market with two more slated for publication later this year. What was my dream?  My dream was to be a writer. 

How did I achieve my dream?  What was my inspiration?  How can you do the same? The best way to answer these questions is to ask you some questions.  Do you have a dream?  Do you believe in it – truly believe in it – and if so, how would you make it real?

These were questions I asked myself many years ago.  I knew I wanted to write.  And I knew I could write well.  However, I never felt worthy of my dream.  I did not receive encouragement in school.  Nor did I feel I could make it real.  But today I stand before you as a successful author. 

And so you ask – Yvonne, how did you do this?

There is only one possible explanation and that is to tell you about someone very close and special to me.  That person is my younger brother Stanley Robinson.  By watching his perseverance, determination and belief in himself, he managed to make his dreams realities.  This, in turn, inspired me to achieve mine.

Stan was born in 1952. When he was nine months old he got the flu and this turned into encephalitis.  He went into a seizure at home and was rushed to the hospital. By the time he arrived he had already lapsed into a coma. The doctors gave my mother two possible outcomes:  She should either be prepared to bury him or if by some small chance he came out of the coma she should be prepared to place him in a facility that could care for him.  They had no hope for Stan nor did they allow a chance for success for this small baby who had yet to begin his life.

After several days, Stan woke up. The doctors could not believe what they saw. His eyes were crystal clear. This was an indication that the brain damage might not be as bad as first believed, however, they still said he would never walk, talk, eat, or go to the bathroom by himself or any of the other things we take for granted.  The doctors still felt Stan would be too much of a burden.  My mother refused to listen to them and simply said there was a reason for Stan. 

She brought him home and it quickly became apparent we learned more from him than he did from us.  Stan learned and he learned quickly. When he was 18 months old he taught himself how to walk while wearing five pound plaster casts on both legs from his hips to his toes.

Stan accomplished many dreams as he grew up.  He struggled to talk.  He wanted to go to school.  He struggled to read.   He completed dream after dream.  He graduated from high school.

Stan was a hard worker and always held a job.  He worked as a janitor for 11 years.  He decided he wanted to do something different.  He wanted to be a stock person.  When he went for his interview he made his dream known and impressed the store manager.  He got the job.  Another dream fulfilled.

Stan has been on a bowling league for 30 years.  His goal had always been to bowl a 200 game. One day Stan called and said. "I did it."  I answered "Did what?"  He said, "You know I did it." I said "Okay, pretend like you never told me. What did you do?"   Stan took a deep breath, as if he was exasperated with me and then he said very slowly. "I bowled a 200." He had achieved another dream. It had taken him fifteen years. But he kept his eye on the goal and he made his dream come true.

Over the years failure has never been an option for Stan. His belief is "If I believe I can, then I will." It is a very simple philosophy, yet such a profound one.  He believes therefore he succeeds.

How many of us here today have given up after the first try?  (Pause and then raise your hand) I know I have.  Has anyone else?  It's easy to give up.  The challenge is to keep trying until you reach your dream.

Stan has been nominated for the Tommy Nobis award in Georgia. This award is very prestigious and is presented to disabled people based on their excellence in achievement despite their disability.  Stan has been nominated by his manager at Publix for his outstanding work performance. 

When my mother asked him what he felt his greatest accomplishment was as a person he simply replied "learning to walk and talk."  When asked about his greatest accomplishment in the work environment he told her, "my dream of being able to stock."

Stan is living his dream.  It was not easy.  It was not handed to him.  It was his determination and never giving up that allowed him to achieve each dream he had.  And now they have become real.

Watching Stan achieve his dreams has in turn inspired my life.  I am achieving my dreams.  I have many more I plan to achieve.  And he is the reason I stand before you today.

From the time I was a small child I wanted to write. I could see my name on the cover of a book.  I knew I could do it even when others did not believe in me.  Characters and stories danced in my head, begging to be released upon paper.  To breathe life into them and make them real.

But my dream was not allowed fruition.  Instead of following the road I envisioned, my dream had to take a detour which stole my dream away from me.  In elementary school I excelled in writing, however, math was not my best friend.  Instead of encouraging me to write and work on my math skills, they instead took my writing away from me.  They said I needed to spend my time learning math.  My writing and talent was pushed aside.  I had to suppress my dream in order to pass school.

I had no choice but to comply.  Yes I wrote my English assignments.  But my passion and exuberance that I once had were gone.  My dream faded until it became nothing more than a distant memory.  The dream was over.

One day in the early 1970s, when my three children were very young, it dawned on me that someday all of us would be gone.  There would be no one to remember Stan and the impact he had on the lives of others and more importantly, our family.

I once again put pen to paper to record Stan's life for the children and grandchildren. I didn't want him to be forgotten. During the next 34 years I wrote about this wonderful man who against all odds lived his dream and inspired others.

Upon completion, I tried to get my novel published.  For many years I was rejected.  However, I continued to write and add to Stan's Story as the years unfolded.  I continued sending out my work and the rejections continued in response.  Soon I had enough rejection letters to wallpaper my office. 

In the mean time I also managed to raise my three beautiful children, sometimes working three jobs at once in order to put food on the table and clothes on their backs. Several years passed and they grew into adults.

Certain events occurred in my life at that time which only fueled my strength.  A dream began to take hold.  It grew and flourished until I once again embraced my dream.  A dream I truly wanted and believed in.  This dream was to go to college. 

I received a scholarship and attended college full time carrying a full course load each semester.  During this time, I also held a full time job where I worked at least 80 hours per week if not more.

Another dream took hold.  I was determined to graduate with honors and a 4.0 GPA.  I worked very hard toward that goal, never letting it out of my sight.  My life consisted of nothing other than work and college.  I wanted this dream to be real.   

I graduated with my degree in criminal justice with honors.  I had achieved a dream!  I made it real!  It was one of the most satisfying moments of my life.

Although I did not have a 4.0, graduating with honors was just as gratifying.  My boss, who did everything in his power to belittle me, discourage me – as well as try to shake my self esteem and my belief in myself by even threatening my job – never once managed to intimidate me to give up my goal.  I made my dream real.  It felt great.  I felt great.  I had achieved something that seemed impossible.  It had been 34 years since I had been in school and now I was a proud college graduate with honors.

What could I possibly do next?  What dream would take place?

I made a life altering decision. I left my home state of Georgia leaving behind my family, friends and the comfort zone one has from living in the area they grew up.  I moved to Port St. Lucie, Florida. Was this something I had dreamed of doing? Not really. However, I would soon discover that this move would be one of the best things I ever did.  It opened doors for me that might have remained shut. 

It allowed me to once again pursue my first love.  Writing.  Putting pen to paper once more and allowing my characters to come to life.  They never left me.  They were still inside my head, waiting for me to release them into the world.

This move allowed me to reach yet another milestone and make another dream real.  I knew I wanted Stan's Story published. But yet, I was afraid. I had put it away years earlier and left it alone. I thought perhaps after I was gone from this life someone would find it.

One morning I was reading the paper and saw a story about a young man who had Down's syndrome.  He had just graduated from high school and his mother was upset because there were no avenues available for higher education for those with disabilities.

That was the deciding moment.  I vowed I would try one more time to get my story published. I felt I owed it to Stan, the one who never quits.

I sent my book to a publisher and it was accepted.  Finally after years of rejections Stan's Story was released on January 15, 2007.  The feeling was akin to giving birth to a child.  Excitement.  Nervousness.  Love.  But most of all, hope.

My mother asked Stan how he felt about his story being shared with the world.  He replied, "I am glad now the rest of the world will know how I feel."  Two more dreams were been made real.  I was a published author and Stan had a voice

More dreams began to take hold, as they morphed I began to set goals.  I made plans. I kept goals.  I had a focal point.  I wanted to be more than just a one hit wonder. I wanted to be as well known as John Grisham, James Patterson and Edgar Allen Poe.

My dream of writing once more became my passion.  It was back.  All of my waking moments, even while I slept, were about my characters.  Failure was not an option.  I had to succeed.  I wrote another book entitled Tangled Minds.

I decided to find another publisher as I was not happy with my previous one.  I contacted another author whom I had networked with and told him I was looking for a publisher who would help me succeed.  I was spending so much time promoting and marketing Stan's Story, I didn't have time to write.

He gave me a name. I made the contact. TRIAD Publishing Group based in Sarasota, Florida. It was a match made in heaven. The name?  Vern Firestone, the owner of TRIAD.  He had the same vision as I.  He wanted to make his dream of creating a great publishing company real. He knew what would work.  And he wanted to promote a different type of publishing house, a company that worked with its authors every step of the way. They would have a voice. I as an author now had a voice.  I had TRIAD and I had Vern.

He published my book Tangled Minds and it has been compared to the writing of John Steinbeck.  It is currently being written into a screenplay of which I am also a co-writer.  But I was not content to sit on the success of Tangled Minds, my passion was smoldering.  And so I wrote again and thus the novel Brilliant Insanity was created. Brilliant Insanity is already receiving rave reviews even though it has not yet been released. I have also written the foreword for our re-release of the classic story The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells as well as the short story "Blood Alley" for our horror anthology From the Shadows.

The book I am currently working on is a true crime book. There are negotiations in the works for this book to also be placed on the silver screen. Discussions with a director of a movie company are already underway.  This book will make a statement – it will give the victims a voice.  My agent tells me I will win an Oscar for this screenplay.  She believes in my dream.  I believe the gold man will fit nicely in my palm.

I would like to end this presentation with a story that is very dear and special to me.  When I was 13 I received a beautiful blue bike for Christmas.  It was gigantic compared to me.  I had no idea how to ride this monstrosity.  I would just stare at it.  Afraid.  Afraid to try and learn to ride it.  I wanted to ride it so very much but I was always afraid to try.  Afraid to reach for my dream. 

Stan had also received a bike as a present.  Here I am standing outside, holding this contraption, wondering how on earth I was going to gather enough courage to tackle this blue monster.  And while I am pondering this dilemma, what do I see?  Stan, who was only 12, climbed upon his bike pushed off with one foot and went flying down the street past me.

I was stunned and I thought, Yvonne, what are you thinking?  I promptly got on my bike, pushed off and fell flat on my face.  However, instead of quitting as I normally do, I kept at it over and over and soon I was flying down the road just like Stan.  He inspired me to believe in myself.  I finally learned to ride my bike.

And that is what I want to leave with you today.  I want to inspire you, my audience, whether you are a young lady or a woman.  I want to give you a chance to ride your bike.  The courage to reach for your dream.  To never let anything stand in your way and to believe in yourself. 

I can't pay Stan back for teaching me by example of how not to be afraid and that by believing in myself I can also achieve. But what I can do is teach you about my philosophy in life which is a chance to pay it forward.  In this life we all have been helped by others to attain our dreams and goals. We cannot pay it back but what we can do is "pay it forward".  It is a simple concept.  By helping three people, those three people help three more people and soon that becomes nine.  Those nine people each help three more people and the giving continues. As you see, it is the power of three. Our giving comes back to us ten-fold. So one could say it is three to the power of ten.  We all start out with dreams that seem impossible.  By using this philosophy we can help one another and in turn help each other achieve their own personal dream. Remember, fear is False Evidence which Appears Real.  By believing in yourself you take away the fear, allowing yourself to achieve your dreams.

This is why Girl Scouts is so important.  It is a chance for young girls to learn, develop life-long skills and to pay it forward by giving to the community.  It is an avenue and a door to their dreams.

Thank you.

I had to stop three times for applause. I was shocked. I kind of expected  polite applause after- but to stop three times was truely humbling.

 I was even more humbled when after the speech I was greeted back at my table by women who were impacted by it. One was even a motovational speaker herself. To make the day even more sureal was when the young mother walked up to me with tears streaming down her face. She said, "You don't know what you just did for me." Her daughter was the 8 year old Brownie who had watched me without moving as I spoke. Her mother was impacted and her daughter hung on to every word. The speech was 15 minutes long. That is a long time of a wee one to listen.

The next humbling experience of the day came when a woman walked the girl scout color guard up to me - which consisted of five young teens. They first apologized for bothering me (as if it were a bother) and then asked for permission to talk to me. They each offered their hand and introduced themselves to me. They made my day when (now remember this is teenage girls) they said they had never heard or been impacted by a speech like they had been by mine. They also asked if it was okay to ask for my autograph. One girl got one for her cousin and then she came back later and again apologized and asked if Iwould mind signing one for her.

Let me tell you people- Never in all of my years of speaking or public appearences have I ever been so humbled, grateful and thankful for my life experiences that being my ability to write to tell a story and to have a brother like my Stan.

 Every one needs a hero (even though they are sometimes only a sandwhich) He is my hero- my inspiration- my abilty to ride my bike - he is  the reason I have chosen to make a difference. Because he does.

For those of you who don't know about Stan he is challenged. He should never be where he is in life. He was never supposed to succeed. However, with him "Failure is never an Option" He has taught me that- he is the reason I choose to succeed no matter how long and no matter what it takes. HE is the reason I pay it foreward.

So all of you out there who have dreams - learn to ride that bike- stay the course- live your dream- never quit- that is the easy way out- Learn from Stan!

I know I have. 

Blessings

Yvonne

3:20 PM - 9 Comments - 8 Kudos - Add Comment

THE DAY THAT FOREVER CHANGED OUR LIVES....
Current mood: HONORED
Category: HONORED Writing and Poetry

Okay so guess what today is?

Come on, guess!

No clue?

It is my ABSOLUTE HONOR to announce that today, May 1, 2008, is the...

3:04 AM - 5 Comments - 10 Kudos - Add Comment

WANT TO GET MORE EXPOSURE?
Category: Writing and Poetry

Okay so is this a fantastic opportunity or what? How often does a publishing house reach out like this? I personally know the intense weight "networking via banner exchanges" can be.

So come, let's do this. Here's how it goes:)

TRIAD Publishing Group would like to network with magazines, websites, bookstores and other sources that promote creative opportunities in writing, photography and poetry.

We believe in offering every avenue for our authors to showcase their creative talents, as