Ebook Publishing - MindStir Media

Proud to announce here at MindStir Media that we offer ebook publishing via our ebook publishing package. The ebook package includes ebook conversion for Kindle, Nook, iPad etc. as well as an ISBN, worldwide distribution, 100% royalties and more! (Follow MindStir Media on Google+)

Top 50 Writing Quotes

I put together a list of 50 quotes on writing and posted them on the How to Publish Books blog.  People -- other writers, especially -- seem to love the list. Here's an excerpt....

As a writer, I've always been interested in quotes about writing. They help to remind me that I'm not alone in writing. The writing journey is, for the most part, a solitary trek, so many of these quotes have really offered me comfort and some laughs throughout the years. I've even shared some of these quotes with my authors at MindStir Media book publishers. Here are the top 50 quotes on writing (in my opinion). While they are technically in "no particular order," I believe they all belong somewhere on this list. Enjoy!

1. “There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typwriter and bleed.” –Ernest Hemingway
2. “A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.” –Maya Angelou
3. “You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children.” –Madeleine L’Engle
4. “If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.” –Stephen King
5. “If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.” –Stephen King
6. “If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” –Toni Morrison
7. “Fantasy is hardly an escape from reality. It’s a way of understanding it.” –Lloyd Alexander
8. “No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader. No surprise in the writer, no surprise in the reader.” –Robert Frost
9. “If my doctor told me I had only six minutes to live, I wouldn’t brood. I’d type a little faster.” –Isaac Asimov
10. “Being a writer is a very peculiar sort of a job: it’s always you versus a blank sheet of paper (or a blank screen) and quite often the blank piece of paper wins.” –Neil Gaiman

Read the remaining 40 writing quotes....

National Novel Writing Month

Paula Wiseman, a bestselling author at MindStir Media book publishing company, posted another blog recently -- this time focusing on National Novel Writing Month (i.e. November). An excerpt below:

We are mid-way through National Novel Writing Month (“NaNoWriMo”). It’s an annual thirty-day frenzy in which writers of all types undertake the challenge to complete one 50,000-word novel. Outliners, plotters and seat-of-your-pantsers all give their internal editor a bus ticket for the month and just write. I am 28,000 words into my NaNoWriMo book (slightly ahead of schedule, averaging about 2,000 words a day). Last year I was editing a book and opted not to participate, and I kind of missed it. Here’s why: 

• Creating new stuff is the best part of writing. It’s fresh, exciting, full of energy and possibilities.

Continue reading....

Interview: MindStir Media author Toni Tuso Faber

Toni Tuso Faber approached MindStir Media in 2012 about her children's book series, The Poodle Tales. Since then, nearly a dozen books in the series have been produced. Toni also launched a fantastic interactive website at www.thepoodletales.com; built up an amazing poodle-loving community of over 12,000 people on Facebook; and has attracted hundreds of Poodle Club members (sign up to get free stuff!). She even created other fun stuff like the Catch A Poodle game and an online coloring & activity book, among other things. I'm so honored to be a part of The Poodle Tales and I'm looking forward to continuing to help Toni with children's book publishing and children's book illustrations and more. Without further ado, here's an interview I recently conducted with Toni Tuso Faber:

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? Writing a book is like creating a sculpture, when you feel an urge, you pursue it. In my case, I never actually realized I wanted to be a writer. One day I was just inspired!

How long does it take you to write a book? There are no time limits as far as writing a book, as writing a book is a very personal endeavor. The questions are many. Is it a novel, is it poetry, is it simple children's verse, or perhaps a complex review of one’s life issues? Hmm, difficult to answer; however, I believe the answer is, whatever it takes to make it great! It could take a month, a year, or even a lifetime … as long as it is good!

What is your work schedule like when you're writing? My work schedule always revolves around the quantity of jobs I need to accomplish. I am most frequently up and functioning before 3:00 am. This seems to be my personal best creative time. I devote as much time as I can to The Poodle Tales project in these early hours, with consideration to the remaining days activities. Because I write in rhyme, no matter where I am or what I am in the midst of, I always carry a pad and pen to note my thoughts. On a lucky day, I have the luxury of a solid uninterrupted day that can be devoted to my favorite project, The Poodle Tales. It's rare but great when it occurs!

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk? My quirk is to place a simple positive life lesson in each book using rhyme, while avoiding negativity and violence. Also, I trust that our children of today are much smarter than I was as a child and based on that, I purposely include a few new or difficult words in each book. I think it's great for the child to ask (for example), "Mommy, what is a whim?"

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books? My ideas are based on my experience with Standard Poodles. Their actions, capabilities, and antics are my inspiration. I do, however, fact check all details that I am not totally familiar with. For instance, the proper dance steps in a ballet…

When did you write your first book and how old were you? Unless you include a picture book on birds at 6 years of age, or personal memoirs, my first was written 16 months ago. Prior to that I was always on the publishing side of the game.

What do you like to do when you're not writing? I keep very busy! I build homes, design clothing, and manage our tenant inhabited real estate. I am a gourmet chef, so I enjoy my kitchen time. That being said, my passion is my poodles. I love training them, and interacting with them as well as aiding in the rescue of all dogs that are less fortunate. Last year alone, we were lucky to have been able to assist in the rescue of over 30 endangered dogs. I realize that number is not huge considering the multitude of abused animals, but it's a start!

What does your family think of your writing? My family are my greatest supporters! Everyone knows how I love animals and children, so I think they assume it's a natural.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books? How difficult it is to gain recognition.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite? I have written 25 books. My favorite is a story based on fact, but well embellished, about my white standard London. It is titled "London Returns To California". It deals with his heroic early life and a voyage back to the human he loves. It will be available next year!

Do you have any suggestions for other children's book authors? Write from your heart, research all details, when you feel you are at an impasse, take a break and bring your pen! Above all, choose a children's book publisher who is knowledgeable, reliable and supportive in all ways of your project. I selected MindStir Media based on these facts, and I’m so thankful I did.

What do you think makes a good story? So many items can make a good story, but personally I believe in funny, heartwarming, and positive.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up? Every girl born in the 50's wanted to be Barbie, and I was no exception! I did, however, manage to become a Miss. California, drive the car of my dreams, own a Standard Poodle, live in my Barbie dream home, have many Barbie business successes, including a Barbie wardrobe to die for … and then, of course, and most importantly, I married my Ken Doll!!!! I do not, however, dress in pink. Hmm, I think I'm a lucky Barbie!

MindStir Media Reviews (Video) - Kelly Lindsay, author of Tribal Telepathy

MindStir Media author Kelly Lindsay recently posted a wonderful review for MindStir Media on YouTube. The full video is below. In the review she focuses primarily on MindStir's professionalism and exceptional customer service. She also mentions just how easy MindStir Media made the book publishing process. Get the author's book on Amazon.com.

A Sampling of MindStir Media Books

From time to time potential MindStir Media authors ask to see some of the books published by MindStir Media. I usually point them to the MindStir Media bookstore which includes some featured titles. But there's also a nice sampling of MindStir books on Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble. The lists on those retail websites certainly aren't exhaustive, but they give a nice glimpse of some of the books I've helped publish via MindStir Media book publishing company. Without further ado, here's some MindStir Media books on Amazon.com and MindStir Media books at Barnes & Noble. Just in case  you were curious!

Oh, and by the way, please follow MindStir Media on Google+

IT Professional Shares Expertise In New Book Easy Steps to Excel 2010

PRLog (Press Release) - Nov. 13, 2013 - PORTSMOUTH, N.H. -- Paula L. Smith recently released a new book in her Easy Steps Learning Series: Easy Steps to Excel 2010. The 290-page book is loaded with screenshots and tips to enable the learning of complex tasks and fluid data representation like never before.

The purpose of the book is to provide easy steps, interactive practical exercises, and review questions and answers to learn Microsoft Excel 2010. This book also meets all the objectives of the Excel 2010 certification exam, and encourages individuals in the STEM initiative of Technology. Paula Smith is an expert who meets you at the level of your experience, unlocking limitless possibilities with Easy Steps to Excel 2010.

“While making the shift in my career, I noticed people wanted to improve their skill sets just like me. I began to train, develop curriculum, and use my experience to help others,” said Smith, who is a certified Microsoft Office Subject Matter Expert (SME).

Smith, who earned a B.A. from the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas, and is currently graduating with a Master of Arts in Theology from Trinity College of the Bible and Theological Seminary, holds numerous Microsoft certifications, has served as a technologist on the Microsoft Partner Research Panel, Constant Contact SmallBiz Panel, Microsoft Office Community, and as a beta tester for many Microsoft products.

Smith is CEO of Providing Leading Solutions, LLC, a consulting firm that uses IT economics to help businesses increase performance and optimize processes. She is committed to meeting client needs, and helps companies increase overall productivity through automated leading solutions. It is also a premier company that specializes in Microsoft© Technology Solutions, Leadership and Professional training, and Curriculum Development for a global society.

Easy Steps Learning Series: Easy Steps to Excel 2010 is available at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and other fine retailers for $19.99 (retail).

About the Author

Paula has worked in the information technology industry for over 25 years, and has over 10 years instructional training and curriculum design experience. Paula is the CEO of Providing Leading Solutions, LLC, author of the Easy Steps Learning Series®, PMO Project Manager, Microsoft Partner, Train-The-Trainer Certification, Microsoft Certified Trainer, Microsoft Certified Information Technology Professional, Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist, Microsoft Office Master Instructor, Microsoft Office Master, Microsoft Office Expert, and Microsoft Office Specialist. Please visit the official Easy Steps Learning Series website at www.easystepslearningseries.com

She is a member of the Microsoft Partner Research Panel, Microsoft Office Community, Microsoft Office Live Small Business, Project Management Institute, Enterprise Project Management, and Microsoft Project User Groups

About the Publisher

MindStir Media is a full-service book publishing company that offers Mind-Stirringly Easy Book Publishing ™. MindStir’s publishing services include mentoring from a bestselling author; custom book design; royalties up to 100%; book publishing in paperback, hardcover, and ebook; book distribution and marketing. Visit the book publisher's website at www.mindstirmedia.com.

Media Contact

Ali Nichols
PR Department
800-767-0531

MindStir Media Reviews - Cameron Conaway, Award-Winning Author

“I came to J.J. Hebert and MindStir Media with a complex and stressful situation regarding the publication of my book. With confidence and consistency, J.J. helped navigate me through what options I may have both within and outside of his company. He did this all well before I made a commitment or payment to him. … J.J.’s willingness to genuinely help, and the promptness with which he did (he often responded regardless of what hour I sent him an email, and this says something considering I am living in Thailand) allowed me to see that he is a good man who puts his morals before his business. As an online college professor, I can attest to the importance of “virtual visibility” and I can say that J.J. was always visible and always responsive in every step of the book publishing process … I’ve experienced his tenacity and work ethic, his open-mindedness and empathy. I entered the self-publishing game scared and critical, but through my experience with J.J. and MindStir Media I was able to expand my perspective and develop a newfound appreciation for the field … I highly recommend J.J. Hebert and the team at MindStir Media for anybody who has a story to tell.” –Cameron Conaway, award-winning poet (Cameron is the Executive Editor at The Good Men Project; a former MMA fighter; and a contributor at The Huffington Post)

MindStir Media Reviews - David Lance Dean

“I have recently published a title with Mindstir Media book publishers. It is a Christian oriented book on biblical prophesy — These Prophets and the Revelation. My experience with J.J. Hebert and the Mindstir staff has been excellent. They did an outstanding job on the cover design and interior layout. I have just recently finished a second manuscript and we are about to move forward with the new one. I am looking forward to working with them again and the promotion of both titles expecting everything will continue to be encouraging and helpful. Thanks so much for a good job well done.” –David Lance Dean, author of These Prophets and the Revelation 

Originally published at http://www.mindstirmedia.com/2013/10/30/david-lance-dean-mindstir-media-reviews/

Why Self-Publish?

MindStir Media self-publishing company shares this helpful infographic about self-publishing, specifically focusing on why you should self-publish.

MindStir Media Reviews - Joy Stinson

MindStir Media author Joy Stinson recently appeared on Destination America TV's "When Ghosts Attack" and she was kind enough to give us a review as well:

“I was totally ignorant about the publishing industry, therefore, I researched many companies before choosing book publishing company MindStir Media. I felt comfortable discussing my plans and intentions regarding my controversial true story of spiritual warfare with J.J. Hebert [president of MindStir Media]. He gave sound and honest advice. J.J., as well as the editor, was more than patient with my lack of computer skills, as it took several attempts to email the draft to MindStir … MindStir remained calm and produced a professional end product. I would recommend MindStir to any new author because I couldn’t have done this without their support and assistance.” –Joy Stinson, author of Out of the Darkness

What running has taught me about writing

Paula Wiseman, bestselling MindStir Media author, posted another guest blog over at the MindStir Media blog and this time gave us a list of the top 5 writing lessons she's learned from running. You'll be surprised by how relevant the post is!

Oh, and in case you didn't know: MindStir Media is all over social media. See MindStir Media on Pinterest and MindStir Media on Twitter. Even check out MindStir Media on Linkedin.