Getting acquainted.....

What does 2011... Have in store for you? What plans have you made to take the next step towards success? What are you do doing to rid yourself of drama? How can you ensure JOY this year and beyond?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
These are the question I am asking myself as this year comes to end... I have made some changes that have change my life and the lives of my children of the better.

I am on mission to continue my up hill climb... To take time to relax in my blessing.

What are YOU doing recognize your true self and YOUR Blessing?

PLEASE leave feed back... I would LOVE to become more acquainted!


Lots of Love Liz... :-)

Calling On HIS Name!

I loathed myself... I didn t know anyone that hated themselves as much as I did... I hid it so well... I am sure that I revealed my secreat a time or two under the guise of disguise... But... the sacaszim that ripped through the atmospher from my tougue that was dripping with lies all flowed from a mouth that was lined with a smile...

I had to play it close to the vest... My no-nonsense attitude wore like armour protecting my chest... That housed a bleeding heart that pumped out more fear than anything else...

I had to keep it hidden under the surface... just enough so I felt it pulsating through my veins... seeping from my lungs with each deep ragged exhale...

My footsteps labored...The path below my feet like glass. Each step wrong... but I continue on... I dont see a way out anymore... the light at the end use to shine... the blood leaking from my soul draining my ability to think within reason... On my knee's... My actions...and those reactions...Here I am in all my Bane... The walls closing...

I call on HIS name....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I wanted to shared this piece... I will be posting more work from my personal Journal on this Blog in the Future.

Please leave feed back and... take the time to read Trials, Tribulations, and Torn from the beginning.

THANKS,
Lots of Love Liz...

Pro's, Con's and Just My Opinion...

Pro's, Con's and Just My Opinion...

When seeking publishing for a book there are so many companies that offer a wide array of services. It really all depends on the services that you are looking to be provided.

Publishing a book means... Editing, Proofreading, Printing, Distribution, .... etc.

I thought this process was going to be crazy expensive.

You see with these smaller Lesser known companies they do not have the resources ( financially or professionally) to back a project of that magnitude on the companies dollar... Or at least not solely on the companies dollar. This is more of risk for YOU then THEM.

This is why it is very important to wade VERY carefully when seeking and choosing a company. When the cost of production can cost the Author anywhere between $800.00 - $3,000.00 and in some cases more. This is NOT a small amount for someone who is not a seasoned Author.. in the terms of they have not built up a fan base. These are people that are working regular jobs, taking care of families and paying bills. A sum of money in the hundreds in not chump change. My advice is to proceed with caution and as I stated before ask alot of questions. You want to know EXACTLY what that amount money you are paying out is covering. Although this is a small company that you are trusting with your work and forming a partnership with. They have the skills and know how to take you further then you would have made it in a big industry as a new fish.

You don't want to jump on the first opportunity. You want to RESEARCH the offer that is being made to you.

Then there are companies that will work with you for less than $500.00 to maybe Nada... If this is a smaller company. You want to know EXACTLY the terms of the contract.

A BIG tip from me is... Ask who owns the rights of the Manuscript. While with the company and when the contract expires. For ANY company you may aligned yourself with....

With a larger company they have more resources to back your work. They will INVEST the funds into the production. Since this is a larger risk for THEM then YOU.

This is why they usually work with authors that have a Fan base and have two to more books in publication. With them they may work with a lesser known and make an investment but they want to ensure that they are in line to recoup their funds and make a profit.

You want to read the terms of this contract WELL... you see it will be written to make sure they(the company) are getting a GOOD return on their investment. You just want to ensure that you're being compensated as well.

Which will be more attainable with a Larger company. ONLY because they have a further reach and longer working relationship in the literary world. They have a tight roaster of talent that has years in the industry.

.... They all started somewhere though. They ALL have PRO's and CON's. It really is just up to You, Research, and Prayer.

Lots of Love Liz... :-)

I feel Cheated...

CHEATING is ANYTHING you do behind my back that you KNOW will make me unhappy/pissed if I find out! It is NOT always the act of intimacy. It is the BLATANT disregard for my position in your life. The dismissal of my feelings. The fact you took time to cover your tracks or that you believed you didn't need to cover anything because what you are doing/done is NOT cheating.....CHEATING is NOT always about sex/ an outside relationship. You can be CHEATING me out of feeling comfortable in our relationship/friendship. Making me feel as though I have to play detective/police officer/ inspector. When ALL I want to do is be your Lover/friend/ partner. CHEATING allows others to disrespect me. Because you do. Why should they respect me if your actions subtle or loud show such disrespect. If you have at any point displayed these types of actions... They may have been forgiven. However you may need to be patient with the person that felt CHEATED!

.... What Happens Next!?!?

...So I have been making some head way in my Book Publishing Quest... Although NOTHING has been finalized. I am feeling more confident... Mind you I may still be on the hunt for a publishing company. I am just realizing that the fear that I started with has slowly but surely diminished as time passed on and I keep pushing on.

When I began this process and I mean all way back to when I first started to pen this Manuscript... It was with alot a hesitation. I was scared that I was not good enough, scared that no one would support me, and scared that I was doing this for nothing.

As time has passed I have grown in so many ways... The fear of not being good enough has faded with the knowledge that I am serious about this and certain I will perfect my skills.
The realization that the ones I thought would be my biggest supporters did not break me... It has opened my eyes to a world of support that I did not anticipate.
I know this is not for nothing because I am proud of what I have accomplished thus far... and that alone is worth it.

On this journey it is so important that you don't jump on this first opportunity that comes your way. RESEARCH and ASK QUESTIONS!!!

I felt an overwhelming sense of relief the first company that showed interest. I was wrapped in my joy. Until I laid there that night and wondered WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?!?!? You see since this is all new too me. I need to ensure that I am making the right choices, asking questions that are necessary in order for me to learn and grow in this literary world. Not allowing things to just happen because I don't want to ruffle any feathers.

I believe you can get the answers you need and NOT burn any bridges along the way if you just approach the situation in a professional manner. These are business people and should appreciate that you are conducting business in such a positive and professional manner.

You can't as a new writer allow yourself to be taking advantage of...
I have come up with some starter questions that you may want to ask when making inquiries with publishing companies. these are things that need to be consider to make an informed decision. You may decided this is the RIGHT choice for you. You may decide you need to expand your search and keep your options open. You may decide to self publish...


1...CONTRACTS: Will there be contracts sent to me? Advising exactly what it entails to be published by {INSERT COMPANY NAME HERE} ? What are the fee's that will be associated with this process?

Example: For editing( if necessary), Proof reading ( if required) ... and any services the publishing company provides that you may need clarification on.


2... PRODUCTION: Will I the author be in contact with the many people that may handle my work in the various stages of production?

You want to ensure that you are hands on with the production of your manuscript.


3.... PROMOTIONS: What if any promotion assistance will I receive?

You need to see if there is a budget for promotions.((Depending on the size of the company that may be left solely up to you the Author)) As an Author you should be prepared to promote you own work ANYWAY. However, ask questions regarding services that are provided.

4... PRINTING: Will my Manuscript be printed in mass quantity or will it be printed upon the request for sale?
What are the fee's associated with this process? And what is the price difference? Do I have a choice or which I prefer?

5... DISTRIBUTION: What type of distribution will {INSERT COMPANY NAME HERE} provide? Do you have a relationship with book stores ((National and/or Privately owned))? Besides {INSERT COMPANY NAME HERE} website,Will my book be available on Amazon? What other advertising will be in place?

As an author YOU should be prepared to get your book out to the public. You will need to research the different avenues that you can use to get this accomplished. However get clarification of role the publishing company you're interested in plays in all of this.

These are just questions to get you stated... At least this is similar to the format that I used. More questions will arise. DON'T be hesitant to receive clarification.


I hope this has helped someone... Please leave feed back and Tell a Friend.

Lots of Love Liz... :-)

What Role Does Spirituality Play In Your Relationships...

What Role Does Spirituality Play In Your Relationships...

THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO LEAVE A COMMNET ON THE SURVEY QUESTION.....You can answer and just read the blog....OR you can explain your answer and reasons. WHAT HAPPENS ON Trials, Tribulations, and Torn. STAY's HERE!!! PROMISE!!!

Lots of Love Liz... :-)

The Waiting Game...

Well... I am at the point where I have finally submitted my Manuscript "Love TORN Asunder" to a publishing company. Still waiting to get word back. This has me on edge.. waiting to see if someone likes your work. The work you have poured your heart into. (((sighs))) Well this is the path I choose by deciding not to self publish.

I have looked it the work they have done... and needless to say ( since I made a submission) I liked what I saw. I have been in contact with the publisher but, she has not made a final decision.

I first submitted the first 3 chapters... and 2 days later I was asked to submit more. I didn't know How to feel about that. On one hand... (I could be elated that the first 3 chapters spark some sort of interest and they wanted to read further. See where the story was going) and on the other hand... (I could be devastated. I mean that could mean they really weren't feeling it. However decided to read a little bit more to just make sure) Which is the case... I don't know Yet.

My support system seems to think that its good news. They say if they absolutely didn't like it they would not have requested more chapters. I sent up to chapter 24. If they don't get a feel for the story by chapter 24... then there's no hope. Don't get me wrong. That doesn't mean that I will throw in the towel. All that means is I will have to expand and continue on. I have done that alot during this process. It has definitely made me stronger and showed me this is not a game. The literary world is a Business. One that I plan to master... and I know that takes time. Some fails and there will be Triumphs. I just have to have faith, be patient and work my ass off! lol

You see with me.. I can't allow myself to feel one way or the other. I HAVE to know for sure. I can't be excited just yet.. and I refuse to be sad thinking the worst. That is just me. Some say that I expect the bad... I don't. I just NEED confirmation.

So while I wait... I am taking notes on my second book. That will go hand in hand with book #1 " Love TORN Asunder " but will be written so it can stand alone.

..... This process although nerve wracking, difficult and filled with pressure. Has brought me so much joy. It is also... rewarding, taught me discipline, and and my true strength.

THANK YOU ALL FOR ALL THE SUPPORT.

Lots of Love Liz... :-)