Wednesday, November 29, 2017

In Only a Month

I started live streaming in early October. I launched a 30 days of Coaching Program for NaNoWriMo, I launched a free webinar, I currently have a writing class beginning tomorrow Nov. 30th @ 8pm EST. It is not too late to sign up.
bit.ly/divein2writing It is a 14 week class to start you on your way to a writing career.

I have a logo, I have Facebook, Twitter, Google, and LinkedIn banners. My followers are increasing. I go live on Facebook, Periscope and YouTube daily.

I have also packed up my house and moved back to Michigan.
It took three days to get from Johns Island, SC to Clarkston, MI pulling a 20ft trailer. But we are here. Now to get the trailer unloaded and stuff into storage or in Mike's house.

I am making progress on Macy book 4. I have put out two writing books. I'm working on an e-book on reasons writers don't write.

I have a couple other writing ideas kicking around. I know there have been requests for more Twitter the Fairy stories. I have other things I need to write for me, including some short stories for an anthology. As well as a couple of spin-offs from Sanctuary.

I am keeping busy. Hope you are, too.
TTFN

Thursday, October 26, 2017

My 1st Program Has Launched

Launching is when you market a program and people actually sign up for it. I have been live on Facebook, PeriScope, and YouTube. Seriously, I never dreamed I'd be on any of them.

The link for my 30 days of coaching during NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) has launched. The web address is bit.ly/nanocoach17 For those who want coaching to get them through the kamikaze writing which will happen in November. Deadline for signing up is Oct. 31st.

I'm also hosting a Don't Scare Yourself out of Writing Your Book party on Facebook on October 31st from 8-9pm. The Red Witch will be there. I have prizes and goodies for those attending.  Don't miss out on the fun. Bring your beverage, pen, pencil, paper, computer.

My website is under construction, however you can find parts of it at www.iamrebeckaviguswritingcoach.com Check it out and know new things are coming.

All this is happening while I pack up my house and get it ready for sale.  I am moving back to Michigan as my heart is there. While I love South Carolina and the friends I've made, it is time for me to go home.

As far as the writing coach business, I'm loving it. I will soon be offering a course on writing: Dive into Writing is a beginning writing course. I have a staff of five who are awesome. While it is only part-time work now, I expect to see it grow.

I am continuing my coaching with my wonderful Coach Dawniel Winningham. If you need a business coach, she is the best. I've checked on a few in the past and not one has offered what Coach has at a reasonable price.

You can subscribe to my YouTube channel it is Rebecka Vigus Writing Coach. I don't know if I have shown you my business logo so here it is:
I like it. Hope you do, too.

I think you are caught up now. I'll be doing NaNo next month along with those I coach. Need to get Macy book 4 done. I'll be coaching and marketing my free webinar coming up in November. More on it later. 

Night all Y'all
TTFN

Saturday, October 14, 2017

Wow! Just Say Wow!

My Coach Dawniel Winningham, has preached for months on going live to market our business. I cannot tell you how awesome going live really is. My biggest fear was no one would listen. I set my times and I hit the ground running yesterday morning. I have a schedule and I have hired a scheduler to keep me on track. 

So, I go live for Tea at 10am on Facebook every morning. Here's yesterday: https://www.facebook.com/rebecka.vigus/videos/10155500235556690/ 
  
I am repeating this on PeriScope for Tea at 11am, again for Tea at 2pm. Then I return to Facebook for Wine (whine) at 7pm. 

For the next 30 days I am talking about Why Writers Don't Write. Friday the topic was lack of ideas.
Today's topic is Audience. 

Tune in on Facebook-Rebecka Vigus or @RebeckaVigus1 on PeriScope. Most videos run 5 -20 minutes. Depending on whether or not I get questions. 

Coach, you were right again. 
TTFN

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Big News


I am one step closer to opening a new business. I sent my information to the lovely lady who will be doing my first two landing pages and eventually my website. So, what did I send her? 
First:

People have to know who they are dealing with and photos tell it best. This is one of several she has to choose from. Thank you to Holly Denstedt Photography for these.

Second I sent this:

This is one of my logos. Businesses need logos. I went with just a signature. I also sent her a Facebook logo which needs some minor changes.  It will be ready soon. I have one for Twitter, too. 

Finally, as soon as things are in place, I will be going live on both Facebook and PeriScope. I am looking forward to seeing everyone. 

It is finally coming together, I feel like it's a dream come true.

TTFF







Monday, September 18, 2017

When Electronics Aren't What they Claim to be


In August I bought a Verizon hotspot. Don't. I chatted with a young man on-line about the fact it was not working. I had not gotten the paperwork for my rebate. He credited me $30 and told me to take it back for a refund. Seven days after I purchased it, I took it into GoWireless the Verizon store on Dixie Hwy and Andersonville Roads in Waterford. The manager was not in so, they could not give me a refund. I went back in two days later and still no manager. (I firmly believe this is because he lied to me about the capabilities of the hotspot). He will not answer his phone when called from work. So, once again I go home with it. Where it sits in a box because dial-up computer would be faster.

Saturday I get my phone bill for $217.75. Um I never signed up for this. So, I get on-line and chat with a lovely young woman named Tasha. Who gets my bill almost back to what it was, but I need to take the hotspot into GoWireless and return it. At this point I don't want a refund, I just want it off my phone bill. So, this morning I take it into GoWireless, where once again the manager is AWOL and they won't take it back or off my bill. I've had it more than 30 days. Seriously????

I went home, took a deep breath, found last months Verizon bill and called the 800 number on the back. Imagine I got a hold of Tina, Verizon needs to keep her. She tried to call the store and they kept hanging up on her. She is writing a report for her manager reporting the store. If the home store can't get through, the customer is not exaggerating.  She was able to take if off my bill.  And I am the proud owner of a worthless hotspot.

If you know anyone who needs one,  I will give it to you for what I paid for it plus the shipping to get it to you. You can get Verizon to power it on for you. (Price was $53 normally $169.99) Shipping would be about $7 with insurance.  Just let me know.

I am happy to have my bill fixed and am remaining a Verizon customer, however Sprint and AT&T were looking pretty good.

Problem solved by calm minds and courtesy.
TTFN


Friday, September 15, 2017

You Know When it's Right


You know instinctively when you are in the right place at the right time. I received a phone call this afternoon from an unexpected source. The head of Next Steps called me. I know Ed and we have talked on many occasions, just not recently. The  gist of our conversation was they opening of the Cooper River branch of Next Steps. I volunteer at Next Steps Johns Island and Next Steps LRP-Johns Island. 

To make a long story short, they have a young woman who has written and published a book about an accident which changed her life. She would like to become a speaker and promote her book. I was the first person he thought of. I'm flattered, but as many of you know, I'm starting a business as a writing coach. This is something I hope for all of my clients is to be able to speak on writing and their books. 

Yes, I have the young woman's name and phone number. I will be speaking with her next week. She also has my name and phone number. 

I believe I am doing the right thing or this particular opportunity to help someone would not have fallen in my lap.  Divine intervention at it's loudest. Believe me I'm listening.

I am looking forward to seeing the results of my photo shoot next week. I will have my business logo next week. I will be looking into a website and landing pages so I can begin going live in the next two weeks.  I will be launching the end of October. I am more than excited. To be blessed with this person falling into my lap so to speak, is beyond anything I ever dreamed. 

Life seems to be coming up roses for my future. I know I couldn't do this alone. I am grateful for my coach, Dawniel Winningham and the wonderful people she has put me in touch with to make this all happen. Looking forward to her continued coaching as I grow my business to the next level. 

I am humbled. 
TTFN

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

Getting Ready to Slay Social Media

What  this really means, is you will see more posts from me, I will be preparing to go live. I'm setting up my calendar now. I will have enough material to go through to July, 2018. When I will start all over again. New images, new posts, new stuff.

I am having my photo shoot in less than a week. I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am. Hoping Holly Denstedt Photography can work some miracles with this old woman. I need to look like a business woman.

Working on Macy book four. Need to dig out two and three for some reference points. Then it will move on again. Also working on an e-book with 365 writing prompts, to help writers jumpstart their work. Or to break a writer's block.

I am putting together products/services, preparing for virtual classes, local workshops, week-end workshops, a conference and a week-long writer's retreat. Which does not include the year end bash. Coaching sessions and mentoring will also go along with this. Don't forget the membership group and local Meet-ups just as soon as I can find a writer friendly location. Also VIP days. Really eager to get started, but all the behind the scenes stuff has to come first.

Once the photos are in we are looking at a brand new website, landing pages, the membership group, and virtual classes. I will be going live as soon as the website and landing page is done. Virtual classes will begin shortly thereafter.

Can you feel the excitement???? I know I can. It is coming together better than I ever imagined it could. This is the dream job of a lifetime and I get to live it. Pinch me, please. 

The best part is everyone who reads this gets to come along on the journey. May it be as awesome for you as it is for me.

TTFN

Friday, September 1, 2017

Happenings in the Fast Lane

We all make choices every day. Most are good choices. Most we don't even give much thought to. When it comes to starting a new business, you have to make lots of choices and you need to make them quickly. Time for thought and deep consideration go out the window. It doesn't mean the choices are made rashly.

I chose to hire a business coach. I had gone as far as I could on my own. I looked at a business coach a couple years ago. To the tune of $22,000 plus my flight to Vegas and room for four days. Yeah,  I was going to get four whole days of training and be turned out into the world as a business woman. Some how it didn't add up for me. My coach is costing me 10% of that and I meet with her every week for two and a half hours. She is guiding me step-by-step through the process of getting ready to launch a business. 

I needed a domain name. I have one. I need landing pages, I will have those once I've had a photo shoot. I will have a website. I will have a membership page and a place on Facebook where members can meet and discuss issues in writing. I will have Meet-ups for those who are local. I need to find a location to hold them. 

These are all choices. I still have 7 weeks of coaching left. My e-books from the first class have been changed to print workbooks, one has been turned into four one-day workshops. I'm working on a weekend workshop. I'm hoping to get a one-week retreat in. Then finally an end of year bash of some sort. 

I am seeking out people to collaborate with. People who can share a workshop, telesummit, or other venue. 

I am building a Master mind team. People to work with me to make my program the best one out there. 

This is not a fly by night business, when I open, I am opening to stay for as long as I can. My goal is to help authors who want to reach their dream potential. Do I see them as competitors? No, I see them as people shouldn't have to walk through the darkness of being published. There was no one to guide me and I learned by trial and error...lots of error. It shouldn't be so hard. You should be able to make a living at it. I have the skills to teach you to write. I have the skills to get you through a novel. I have the skills to help you land a publisher. This is a service. 

So, for now, I'm just making choices about how to get it started and started correctly. 

I'm off.
TTFN




Wednesday, August 23, 2017

The Good Stuff Keeps on Coming


Had someone reach out to me today and made me an offer I cannot and will not refuse. She's a business coach. She's having workshops the last week in September and has asked me to video conference with her during one of her sessions to talk about my new venture.  Wow! I am honored. 

It will be a good way to get my coaching business some expanded recognition. It will help me to kick-off on the right foot when I do launch. It is amazing how many people have come on board to help support me. I only hope I can return the favor. 

I'm building a team and a community all at the same time. 

It's about finding people you can partner with and working together for the best of both. I know who I will be calling to help my clients or friends with rebuilding after a crisis. 

I'm looking to create more partnerships where we can collaborate and help each other build our businesses.

TTFN


Monday, August 21, 2017

Be Visible



To run an online business, one thing you have to be is visible. Everyone has to know where to find you. My Facebook pages are undergoing some changes so people will know where to find me. 

I started on August 16th making changes to my personal profile, my Lilac Publishing profile, and my author page. I also looked at my statistics.

My FB page had 910 likes 0 Followers
My Author Page 692 Likes 0 followers
Lilac Pub Page   172 likes   0 Followers
LinkedIn             414 likes   0 Followers
Twitter                               336 I followed    365 followed me
My blog                                                         119 followed me    48,412 page views.

Totals               2,181           336 I follow      484 followed me

I was a bit disheartened. Then I started making some simple changes. Believe me there are more to come. Don't' be shocked if my page looks entirely different from now on.

As of today I checked the statistics again.
My FB page    935 likes       16 followers     
My Author      723  likes      32 followers
Lilac Pub        172 likes          1 follower
LinkedIn         414 likes       474 followers
Twitter                                 366 followers   430 I follow
My blog                               119 followers                        48,508 page views

Totals             2,244            1,008 follower   430 I follow    48,508 page views.

I'm not disheartened anymore. I see the difference. I am up 63 likes, not a big deal, but a start.
My followers have grown the most at 524. Even my blog is getting more views up 96 views. 
I am doing something right. 

I have learned I will have more opportunities for success if I am visible. Until I get the next changes done. I will be consistent...story for another day.

TTFN



Saturday, August 19, 2017

I Have a Dream


I have a dream. I don't know if I've shared it, but it's time to do so. My dream is to become a writing coach. To help new and struggling authors find their way through the publishing world. To help them become the best writers they can be. 

To achieve this dream, I have hired a business coach, Dawniel Winningham. She is a former VP from JP Morgan Chase. I listened to her for a good six months before taking the step to invest in my future. I've not regretted it yet. 

I am taking steps to making my dream a reality. I have two writing workbooks with my publisher so they will be ready for my first two classes. I took one of the books and have it scheduled into one day workshops, there are four so far. The first class is twelve (12) weeks. I'm looking at a weekend workshop, most likely in month two or three. 

I have changed my FB page and my FB author page. The results of these changes has been phenomenal. I will continue to make changes over the next few months. I am also changing the look of Lilac Publishing's Facebook page. I will try to feature my authors more.  

For those who are not aware, I also have a new publishing company for me. BHC Press has become my publisher, so my books will have different logos depending on the genre. All my books are being changed over, so bear with me if one day you cannot get it and the next day you can. It happens. 

I am going by this premise, in order to follow my dream, I must invest in myself and learn to be an expert. I have done this before, I will do it again. Following my dream means charging for my services. 

I invite you to join me on this endeavor, however if you feel you cannot, you can feel free to step out of the way. 

I'm following my dream.
TTFN



Monday, August 14, 2017

Decisions, Decisions


Who do I choose for my webinars? Getresponse.com where I can also get e-mail? Zoom.com? I have to know these things before I can get a landing page. All businesses need a landing page. I need a landing page and then a website. One thing at a time.

I also have to decide what book signings/festivals I will attend next year. So far I have the Ann Arbor Book Fest. Which is pretty much a given. But I have all these choices, too: Detroit Book Fest, Great Lakes Book Bash, Once Upon a Book, The Blue Water Author Event, and of course my local stand-bys, Charlin's Book Nook and possibly one in West Branch or Rose City. Time to get on the calendars now!

Then there is Coach's big tour she does every year. I really want to be in three cities at three events with her. So, I need to get on her calendar.

I also need to get on the calendar at the local library to speak to their teen writing group. They only meet during the school year. I suspect nothing will happen there before January. Only because I'm going to be in limbo for a couple of months coming soon.

There are pros and cons to all of them. The logistics to be worked out. I know when I step back, this will start falling into place. I need the landing page before I can launch anything.

Along with all of this I need new head shots I can use. It's time to update everything. Big thoughts. Think I'll take a break and go back to working on Macy book four.

TTFN


Thursday, August 10, 2017

Excitement is Builiding


I am not sure if I know where to start. I had lunch with a dear friend today and talked about my new venture. It's always good to talk to like minded people. When I got home I had an offer to do a speaking engagement with a teen writing group at the local library. I will contact them and see about setting it up. They wanted to know my speaking fee...help!

In class tonight we talked about how to produce more product without inventing the wheel. I got it. I'll have a list and dates on a calendar by next week, because I will be starting by November. Yes, November. Excited about it! I asked Coach in the Q & A what to charge, she told me to ask their budget and get a booklet prepared to sell. For now she says to get it typed and printed at a local print shop and have them run a plastic spiral through it. I can do this. I even have some ideas for what to put in it.

I made an executive decision to be at Coach's launch in 2018. Which means a few more coaching sessions, but I'm ready for whatever she throws at me. I am going to make this happen.

Had back to back classes with her tonight. Have a couple of classes I can do on my own. Am going to set a budget for the future. It's like the whole thing has blossomed in an afternoon and evening.

Hang on to your hats, the ride is starting.

TTFN


Friday, August 4, 2017

The Kind of E-mails I love to See


An old book updated and with a new cover. This is a good one and I'm happy it's back on the shelves. 

If you have a teen or are the parent of a teen, this is a must read. Won't take you more than an hour. Good way for starting frank discussions with your child.

TTFN

Monday, July 31, 2017

Wow! Just Say Wow!

Week four and I am defining my brand, putting together product, learning to make a landing page. Now I need a website. Things are smoking along at high speed.

Focus is the thing. I've been reading Think and Grow Rich. It has a workbook/journal to go with it. I highly recommend this book. Why I haven't read it before this, is beyond me. While written in 1937, all the things mentioned in it are true today, 80 years later. What an eye opener.

I have my brand, I am working on products at different price levels. I have the basics for a landing page, but need a website before I can do it. I have 13 different launches ready. I have the books for three virtual courses in the works. I'm even planning freebies. My author website is in the works, it will however be different from this side of the business. 

For the first time in years, it feels like everything is coming together at the right time, in the right place. I am actually being patient as each piece of this puzzle comes together. 

While I wait I am reading and the reading list is growing. If you are waiting to follow your dreams, start now. Start reading about business, about the thing you are most passionate about, start building your dream, NOW! There is nothing to hold you back. 

TTFN

PS. Feel free to ask questions. I'll try to answer them.


Friday, July 21, 2017

Three Weeks


Every journey begins somewhere. Mine started three weeks ago when I decided to expand my business. I started a class on how to do just that. It's been an adventure and it looks like more to come.

I'm up to my eyeballs in books to read and programs and services to create. And I'm loving every minute of it.  My homework for this week was to come up with themes I can  use to create the products and services. Over achiever, me, has come up with thirteen. One or two will get changed title wise, but the essence of the program/product will remain the same. 

I have a new website being developed for my books I write. Which will be exciting. I'll be getting a new website for the business I'm creating. Super exciting.  


It really is. Seeing all the potential opportunities unfold, seeing what you can do, watching everything align itself to be exactly what you have always wanted. It's an amazing feeling. I am there. This has been the best decision I have made in the last forty years. 

Follow me on this journey as I grow. Ask me questions about how I'm doing it. Join me as it happens.

TTFN


Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Two Weeks in and Big Plans



Two weeks of class, I have written three e-books which will be the basis for my virtual writing classes. I am working with my publisher to get them in both e-book and workbook form. I have identified the people I will serve and written my mission statement for me. I have a good idea what my products will be and when they will be launched. 

     I had a wonderful conference with my accountability team today. The ladies seem to have their goals and they are moving forward. We meet to keep each other on track and to bounce ideas off each other. I also had a 1-1 session with Coach. I came out of feeling like I am on the right road.


It will be a work-in-progress for a while. I'm going to do some things with Facebook live. I'm holding meetings on zoom and will be learning to navigate PeriScope. I need to find the best one for my classes. I have an idea how to charge for the classes which will include the e-book and workbook. I have a focus. 


I'm going to be doing a lot of this for the next three or so months. I'm also going to be journaling and working in workbooks. Yes, this is a for real class. Complete with homework.

Aside from the books I'm editing, the slew of Lee Child, Nora Roberts, and I'm not sure who else, I'm going to be reading the following: Tribes, The Science of Getting Rich, You are Bad Ass at Making Money, Think and Grow Rich (with a workbook), The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles(with a workbook), The Year of Yes, with a journal of the same name, The 4-Hour Work Week and Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable.

I have a coaching class in my future. Stay tuned for updates on it. If you are looking for me and can't find my, my nose is probably in a book. I'm sure the reading list will grow. I have a money journal the cover reads: The Best Way to Predict the Future is to Create it. Which is exactly what I am doing. 

I try to limit my work to between 8am and 5:pm. Mike leaves about 7:30am and gets home between 4:30 and 6pm, depending on whether or not he has to work overtime. Since he is currently THE maintenance crew, there has been a lot of overtime. Since we both love to read, I can read the heavy stuff or the leisure stuff in the evenings. (If I am not pursuing the real estate sites for another piece of property in Kentucky).

Is your head spinning yet? Join the club.

TTFN





Friday, July 14, 2017

New Happenings

 I am building a new career. Nope, I haven't given up writing. I'm expanding it. Watch this blog for new programs, books, events, and other exciting things. 

I'm starting off with an e-newsletter. If you want to sign up, there will be a chance to do so later. It's all in the getting started stage. 

The big launch when it comes will most likely be in January, 2018. I'm taking a course with a business coach right now and she is opening my eyes to the possibilities. I am ready. I am stepping out of the box. It is time. Which I had known about her seven years ago. But, I know about her now.

If others are making money, why can't I? That's the big question she is asking. It's not just about making money. It's about using my strengths to create things to help others. I'm just no longer going to do it for free. No one should.

Change means to make or become different. I'm not changing me, I'm changing what I do.

Change is a coming!


Be on the look out for some change. 

TTFN



Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Rescue Mountain---Release Day


After months of hard work, Rescue Mountain is making it's debut. It is the product of a James Patterson class I took a year ago. The style of the writing is different and the characters and setting are fresh and new.

No spoilers other than it's a suspense novel. You can get it here: http://bit.ly/2pRnvMU

TTFN


Wednesday, April 12, 2017

A-Z Blogging Challenge-Letter I

I is for inquisitive.


We need to ask questions. Inquisitive people question just about everything. They are curious as to the whys of things.

Don't be afraid to let them ask. Don't be afraid to point them in the direction of the answer. Sometimes they just want to know where to look. Or how to find the answer on their own.

Sometimes I think we forget when toddlers grow up, they are still trying to find out about the world. They will not necessarily want the red crayon for the flower. They may see it in a rainbow, or in some other shade. It doesn't mean they cannot follow directions or are color blind, their minds think differently.

Different is not a bad thing. It's part of what allows for inventiveness later on.

Are you inquisitive? I know I am.

TTFN

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

A-Z Blog challenge---letter H

H is for honesty. Something this world is lacking.

I am tired of all the lies, thievery, and dishonesty. I don't know how to stop it. One thing I am sure of, is if you lie to me, we no longer have a relationship.

I've  been lied to by the best. I can spot a lie. After the past 48 hours, I've had it up to my eyeballs in dishonesty. So, I'm over it.

Be honest or go away. It's that simple.

TTFN

Monday, April 10, 2017

A-Z Challenge-Letter G

G is for gotcha

While I'm sure gotcha is slang and not a real word, it fits today.  I was scammed on my computer last night by some company who filled my Google Chrome with viruses and looked like they were Microsoft. Foolishly I called the number. It was going to cost me $199.99 to get everything fixed.

This morning I learned of the scam, called my credit card company and have a new card coming...before they could bill it or charge to it. I now have a password on my computer, two spyware systems for the next thirty days, plus my Windows Defender. I am leaving nothing on it to work on, I'm shutting it down every time I walk away. All my passwords for everything have been changed.

I have learned my lesson, thankfully before anything catastrophic could happen. And the audacity of this place, they called me back today. Really? Like I am going to talk to them. I called them on being scammers and hung up. Blocked the number I'm so done with them.

Don't get caught. If they freeze your computer, just shut it down. Don't call them.

TTFN

Friday, April 7, 2017

A-Z Blogging Challenge-Letter F

F is for failure.
Failure is seen as a lack of success. Edison did not give up when he failed. He kept trying.

Failure is the beginning of success, if you learn from your mistakes and keep trying, you will eventually be successful. (Note here, I did not say you would be rich).

I don't know how many stories I have started and had them run into a dead end. They got to a certain point and there was nowhere for them to go. My first novel, Secrets, had two totally different beginnings from what was finally published. The first two starts did not lead to my main character being a loveable librarian. They led more toward her being despised by all and a multitude of people who would be happy she was murdered. Not the image I was trying to portray.

Trial and error is the best way to learn. I have an unfinished novel, because I don't see a clear ending. I think I need  to relook at it with a different thought process in mind. The first two pages grab the reader, other parts keep the reader reading, and then it falls apart. So, it is a project for the future. Maybe an ebook and not a novel. Maybe a different direction will make it a novel. We shall see.

So, do you learn from your failures and try again?
TTFN

Thursday, April 6, 2017

A-Z Blogging Challenge -Letter E

E is for enthusiasm.

Emerson got it right. If you are bored or apathetic, nothing will be accomplished. No goals will be met. On the other hand, if you are enthusiastic about what you are doing, and have your tasks lined up to meet your goals, you will most likely succeed. 

Sometimes the enthusiasm is there, but the goals are not. You need to have your goals in order to make your dreams come true. To bring your passion to life. 

I am a list maker. The lists are usually my tasks for the day. However, I do make long range plans. I can see beyond the end of daily housework. If I couldn't, Lilac Publishing would not exist. It does and I am proud. Can it be better, yes, I'm working on it. 

Can I be better at writing and promoting? Yes, I have goals to get me to the place I need to be. I'm not there, yet. I'm still learning. But, I can see the path. j

What are you enthused about?
TTFN

A-Z Blogging Challenge-Letter D

Already I am a day behind. D is for Determination.
This young lady, Tatyana McFadden is determined to show others being disabled doesn't mean you can't be someone. I believe she was in the 2016 Para-Olympics. 

Being determined is different than being stubborn. When you are determined, you have a goal in mind and work toward it. You keep finding ways to achieve it.

I am determined to make Lilac Publishing successful. To date I have four authors under contract. One of my authors is working on two books. One of my authors, just finished her second book. One of my authors has a publishing date of May 3, 2016 for the debut of her first book.  I have to believe in my authors and give them opportunities to be successful, only then will we thrive. I have two books from my fourth author to look at for future publication. I am busy, but it's all good. 

Determination will take me through it. What makes you determined?
TTFN

Tuesday, April 4, 2017

A-Z Blog Challenge--The letter C

C is for compassion. The sympathy and concern for the welfare of others.

Mother Teresa showed the truest form of compassion. Giving her life for the protection of others. It was her calling.

I work with a group of people who are trying to make a difference in the lives of people in the community. We are a service organization giving a hand up not a hand out. We do not have the finances to give people money, what we try to give them is dignity. We work with them to straighten out their finances and make a budget, we help the get additional schooling they might need to advance in the world, and we work with another mission group who does home repairs so, their houses are safe to live in.

For me this is about helping someone else. It is not me passing judgement or pushing my values on someone else. I have learned the people I work with have a deep sense of value and appreciate hard work. Most just don't know where to turn for help. Some get assistance from the state, most do not. Pride does not allow for them to accept something for nothing.

Compassion is doing something to make a difference for someone who is struggling. Not everyone can be Mother Teresa, but what small thing can you do for someone else?

TTFN

Monday, April 3, 2017

A-Z Blog Challenge- B

B is for bountiful.
For farmers a good crop is bountiful. For those who've lost everything to fires, dozens of trucks rolling into your town loaded with hay and other crops to help, is a bountiful blessing. A convoy of trucks from Ogemaw County, Michigan left carrying agricultural supplies to Kansas.

The men who drove this convoy come from one of the poorest counties in Michigan, because the only industry there is farming. But, they know how to help a neighbor and they do all the time. These people are the unsung heroes of our country.

They understand hardship and making sure everyone has what they need. They are fearless. They are friends and neighbors. They understand bountiful to the fullest.  We can take a lesson from them. Look around, who in your neighborhood needs a helping hand? Teach them a skill, reach out to them. Allow them some bounty in their lives.
TTFN




Saturday, April 1, 2017

A-Z Blogging Challenge Begins with A

A is for abundance, meaning a large quantity of something. 

My life is filled with abundance. I have been blessed to have taught school for my career, something I always dreamed of doing.

In my second career, I am abundantly pleased to not only be an author, but to be a publisher for first time authors. The amount of followers I have for my books gives me great pleasure and the repeat buyers for subsequent books tells, me I am doing something right.

I have been blessed with an abundant number of friends. Those near whom I can count on and those far whom I miss, but stay in touch with.

My life would be remarkably different if it were not for the abundance I have been blessed with. For those who are a part of my life, I cannot do it without you. For those who are strangers, I hope we meet.

What is abundant in your life?

TTFN

Monday, February 6, 2017

Bad Things Happen to Good people

The following post was made by my granddaughter yesterday. It is the first step toward healing for her.

Megan Kline
Yesterday at 9:38pm
I've kept this on the down low because for a long time I didn't know how to say it. I still don't, and it's been a rough road, but I've had a lot of people ask why I've been home so much. So, 3 months ago today a person I told almost everything to, had become pretty close to, and someone I considered a good friend decided I was an object to be used for his own satisfaction. 3 months ago I was drinking with friends (yes I'm aware it's illegal). I was not drunk, at the hospital... my BAC was equal to about 2 beers. Although illegal, I was not out of control. Until I told said "friend" I didn't feel well. My toxicology scans glowed with signs of a date rape drug. 3 months ago I had 3 seizures, two with the medics and one in my friend's arms. During two seizures I stopped breathing, one lasting 30 seconds and another lasting longer, making my heart rate go through the roof. The medics said they weren't sure I was going to make it to the hospital. 3 months ago I sat on a bathroom floor crying and holding my blood stained hands between my legs, after waking up in said "friend's" room without pants on. 3 months ago I wasn't only raped, not only was my virginity taken without my consent, but I lost all sense of trust and security in almost everyone. Almost 3 months ago a cop told me it was my fault justice would never be served because I couldn't remember, and almost 3 months ago my rape was blamed on me. Coping with this (for lack of a better term) has been almost impossible. I've been home because it's the one place that feels "safest." Rape isn't just sexual assault. Rape takes so much more from a person than one would think. And I now 150% understand why rape culture is a thing. My faith in justice is non existent, but my belief in karma is strong and I know the "person" who did this has it coming.
This breaks my heart. The worst part is Central Michigan University wants to sweep it under the rug. They did find a different dorm for him to live in. Really??? They gave him the guest apartment after it happened. What did they do for Megan? Told her to let them handle it. So moving him someplace else on campus is their idea of handling it???? Epic Fail.

This incredibly worthless piece of humanity has stolen from her things that cannot be replaced. Trust, feeling safe, part of her memory, almost her life, and her sanity. Even the cop told her it was her fault because she couldn't remember. When is it ever a woman's fault when someone rapes them????

I am appalled it takes 6 weeks to 6 months to process a rape kit in Michigan. No wonder they never get to court. Witnesses could be gone by then. There is no justice for the victim.

TTfn


October Already

 I'm not sure where the time has flown. June was an exiting month. July was a mess. I had a change of medication which caused me to gain...