Thank you Deb for your gift of the download of chapter one of your book.  May you too, have a blessed year and thank you for your friendship.

Smiles,

Linda

Hi Deb,

I ran into a person this weekend that asked me if I published a child's book and they gave me the name.  I said yes, it was me.  Small world sometimes.  He was from the State of Washington. Hos daigjter had gotten it for her daughter.

No matter what anyone says, you have to promote yourself.  You can have a PR person, but they just do computer PR work and that is it.  I was working full time and didn't have the time to go promote myself at schools, book signings etc. 

I went to a few libraries and gave talks about how to publish a book  - the do's and don'ts.  It hasn't been one of my most rewarding experiences and it was expensive.  Unless you have published a few and your name is known, it is hard BUT as I say that, don't let that discourage you because you may have the time.  IT's not like I wrote a book that there just wan't many of that type.  Goodness, how many picture books are there for childrena?  They do not lack in books.

I have written 10 books and only published one.  I just couldn't get myself to go through the hassle again.  You have to really shop for a publishing company that isn't going to take you for a dance around the park.  I got into two of those and what an experience. Plug into your search box Editors and Preditors and go to their site.  They give you the low down on all the publishing companies, agents, attorney's you name it.  They tell you what they are looking for and then give you the address in getting in contact with them.  IT also tells you if they have gone out of business or are even looking.

Most publishing companies, at least the top ones all require that you have an agent.  They will not accept a letter of inquiry from you.  It has to be from an agent. 

If you go self publishing, it will get done much quicker and you can get your book out in 6 months.  Regular publsihing companies take almost 3 years before you get your book out. 

Know ahead of time the size of book, the genre, if you are going to have pictures etc because companies will only work with certain demensions.  I am only telling you all this is because I made ALL THOSE MISTAKES and had to learn the hard way.

If you would like to learn more, I will be glad to answer any of your questions.  If I can save some people a few dollars in mistakes, or heartaches, I want to do that for them.  My publishing company didn't even get the right age group on my book and it had a hard time selling, so make sure you read, read, read, read what is presented to you.  You can't edit your book too many times.

But one suggestion, when you have someone look over your book, pick ONE that you trust and stick with that person.  I had several and by the time they put all their suggestons in, I lost all my identinty and my story changed.  If you have a good editor and can help you with words and sentence sturcture and knows what you are trying to say, stick with just one.

Again, if you have questions, right them down and send them in a message to me and I will answer them to the best of my knowledge.

Smiles and good luck

Linda

PS.  I was a surgical nurse one time also.

hi linda-

noticed you were also a published author! 

what have you found to be the avenues to get the word out about your book?

i laughed seeing you are in medical arena - as i was in cardiac surgery sales for 20 years!

blessed new year,

deb

thanks for you friendship in 2009 -

free gift for you - chapter 1 download of new book at www.greenskyandbluegrass.com

enjoy and a blessed 2010!

deb

Hi Linda, thanks for the request, lovely to meet you! love Jen

Hi Linda,

I was caught by the elephant video and then the video of that wonderful boy and his music. Thank you for posting them and being on Jasons. As one of your friends I realise that I have never spent much time on your page but after reading your profile I have a better feel of who you are. I am going over to your web site to see what is there as well.

If you were around the corner or in the next village I would call over for a chat, but hey! this is a social network on the internet.

Blessings

Phil

Thank you Larry. I haven't heard from her, so I will have to give her a call.  Thanks for sharing your book with me.  I will have my list of questions first so I can make good use of my time with her. 

 I have been doing phone, internet and one-on-one counseling even now with people that have anger issues because of being a caregiver.  Having been one myself, I know how they feel, so I think that is why I get calls.  I get referrals through other people who have talked with me, so believe it or not, I have started.  Just don't have the certification to go with it. 

People have the anger because their life is turned upside down. Then they feel guilt because they feel angry.  It can become a vicious cycle and what I try and do is re-direct their anger to help the anger to become productive and work with alternative ways to deal with the anger that will help bring about a positive change.

I try to approach anger in a positive way and let them know it isn't wrong to have those feelings but teach them how to deal with their feelings in a constructive versus destructive way and dump the guilt.  Anger is a true emotion.  It can help induce a change if approached in a positive way.

Hello Linda............it's Larry Agresto from Boston.

<quote="Linda">

I just came home and listened to your shout box.  Being a nurse who works with the grieving, too often there are no words that will fill this gaping wound of hurt you are experiencing. I have been there and felt it.  Jason, sometimes we won’t be able to understand.  Our finite minds try to wrap around the meaning of “reason” but it is too enormous.  You’re right, sometimes we all take life for granted and we don’t take the time to say how much we appreciate each other or take the time to say I love you.  We don’t throw that football with one’s son or play house with one’s daughter.   Suddenly an unexpected curb ball out of nowhere comes and smacks us right in the face.  Out in this universe there are two forces that are at war with each other – good and evil.  Ultimately good will win out.

You have always taken the time in your messages to us all to say how much you love each one of us.  Well, back at ya Jason.  You’re loved also.

There isn’t a doubt in my mind that there is a “higher power” I refer to as God that doesn’t feel yours or Chloe’s pain.  Keep reaching out.  He cares, and then there are us earthly souls here on JN who care also.

Love and Hugs

Linda 

Hey Linda!!  What a deeply profound message of spiritual truth you just shared with me.  Nothing more needs to be said other than I LOVE YA and no matter what, keep sharing your magic with the world.  Much love, Jason

Hi Linda,

Thank you for your friends request I am honoured I have looked at your website and I have to say I love childrens books, especially those with a message for children to learn.  There are so many neglected children in this world, Your books come from a truly loving and caring Mother and Granmother.

From one Grandmother to another have a great day.

Best wishes

Jan

Hi Linda;

Thank you for the add!  What a wonderful opportunity to network and grow all of our endeavors.  If there is ever anything we can help you with, pleasee feel free to let us know!

www.Viragovisions.com

<quote="Linda">

Hey Jason, the logo is great.  I love it..

Hey Linda!!  Thanks for sharing your feedback.  I noticed it looks awesome on your page.  Much love, Jason

Hi Linda,

Thanks for the follow! I'm in LA

Mitta

twitter.com/thedeepestrelax

twitter.com/groupsLA 

Dear Linda,

thank you for your invitation which I happily accept!

Wishing you all the best, lots of love & many smiles,
Arne @ The-Happy-Side

Dearest and most beautiful Linda,
I understand completely what you are saying. I have actually loved and lost several times now. I have experiences 7 losses in the past 18 months starting with my father. The worst was my dearest and best friend in November....the sorrow has just lifted recently. As for love....yes we are open to being more vulnerable...yet what is tha alternative. I lived that recently...lonely, empty, with little joy, peace or contentment. I so missed companionship of any kind in my life. I must have made asub-conscious decision to surrender and open to love in my life. I have reconnected unexpectedly with old friends...living oceans away...and I have met an amazing man. Love REALLY is what it is about Linda. Surrender to it...and if you don`t know how, your intention is sufficient to set the wheels in motion. Nothing compares to a heart open to love. All is as it needs to be...in divine order and timing...when we are ready. So, dearest Linda...do you choose to welcome love back into you life...??? It really is up to you.

I'm glad your profile wan't deleted...you are a precious soul here!!!!

With much love, hugs, support and grastitude,
Yvonne
xoxox

Thank you Yvonne for you sweet words of encouragement.  It is so hard for me to reach out for I do fear love. 

People say I am letting life pass me by, but I just don't know how to reach out anymore.  I have always believed that when you love, you make yourself vulnerable for hurt.  I guess it is better to have loved and be hurt, then to never have loved at all.  Losing the love of my life to death was the deepest hurt I have ever experienced.  But now my tears are less and I do smile more so healing is taking place.  People heal at their own pace.

This weekend I was so frustrated with changing some things on my site, (not really being familiar with ins and outs of the workings of a computer), I just gave up and cancelled my account.  Can you believe that?????  Then the next day, I received a friend request and I couldn't believe it.  I went into Jason's site, and there was my page still up.  Jason must have thought I had a moment of total insanity.  And look, I would have never received your kind words if it had gone through.

Have a blessed day
Linda

Hello Linda….
"If we wait for anything or anyone in order to live and love without holding back, then we hurt. Every moment is a most precious moment of our life. There is no better moment than now to open up our hearts, let down our guard and LOVE…letting love flow in an out…with complete abandon!!"  

Remember that YOU are so loved and appreciated!!!
With blessings, HUGS and warm thoughts,
<st1ersonName>Yvonne</st1ersonName>