Winners Never Quit & Quitters Never Win: Wrong!

Winners DO Quit . . .

sometimes!

Life is Short, it's okay to quit...sometimes! 

A quitter is described as someone who habitually gives up easily, someone who lacks mental stamina. A quitter is deficient in resilience, resolve, or purpose. A quitter is a loser who doesn’t hang in when the going gets tough, someone who abandons the game before it is finished - - and doesn't return later to finish the game.

Quitters constantly procrastinate; they would rather talk about it, read about it, think about it and, talk about it some more, but they never seem to do anything. Quitters are glad when the day is over.

Quitting isn't always negative; it may be exactly what's needed in order to move forward. You will need to get over any guilt feelings that come with it though, especially if you have friends or family members who believe totally and completely in the “winners never quit” philosophy.

Many times it is not “quitting”, it is simply changing the direction of your advance. It is not quitting if we consciously choose to switch directions; when we replace one goal with a new one that's more in keeping with our purpose.

Quitting might sometimes be the worst option, but “once a quitter, is not always a quitter”. The harsh reality is that many things are worth quitting. There is nothing wrong with quitting a venture that should never have been started in the first place. Walking away from something that is bad for you is not quitting. You only have one shot at life, so make sure you take it with both hands and squeeze every little drop out of it you can.

Here are a few uplifting and enlightening facts to consider: Shortly after quitting whatever you're doing that is going nowhere, your blood pressure, pulse rate, and circulation will all return to normal; your headaches will diminish and the churning in your stomach will soon calm down. So go ahead, quit some things.

Rather than believe that “Quitters never win and winners never quit”, I learned from many successful people that . . .

Sometimes, "winners DO quit" when we need to change directions to reach our goal.

 What do you think? Can we quit something without being labeled a "loser or a quitter"? How much do you care what others think of your projects or endeavors? Let us hear from you, someone is waiting.

© 2009 by Leona G. Shankle

A Blast from the Past

Day Is Done

Houston Sunset May 25, 2019

Sunday is over and the day is done, 

now it's time for me to follow the sun.

I'll crawl in my bed and tuck myself in,

it'll be tomorrow when I see you again.

Good night, good sleep my friends one and all,

yon morrow half past noon I will give you a call.

-----------------------------------------------
Not a word nor a thought do I have for this place,

not a phrase worth the effort to blog on my space.

I will leave you with this, it's the one thing I know,

I have the best blog friends and this is for 'sho.

Good night, good sleep to my friends every one,

I will follow the sun now that my day is done.

(C) 2008 by ~dellgirl~

Knowing When to Walk Away

© 2008 by ~dellgirl~

Things that I used to do don’t come easily anymore. Painting a room was once a breeze, I could paint one in a day.

My Photo

Hanging wallpaper? Simple, remove the old, prepare the wall, mix the solution for the new, hang it! Done by dinner!

Build a bookshelf from scratch with hammer, saw, and nails – alone - Piece of cake. Shelf finished, primed and painted, ready for use soon as the paint dries.

The list goes on…a distant memory now of days and projects relegated to a special file located in the far reaches of my mind.

Music, my favorite being the kind that makes your feet move, your lips curl into a reminiscent smile, causes your head keep time with it – to good music - makes you want to dance.  I still dance; if only in my mind. Add dancing to the list of things I used to do that don’t come easily anymore.

My Photo

The other day I leaned against the washing machine, gazed intently at the blown-out light bulb, looked down at the floor, back up at the ceiling at the darkness.

Whew!  That’s quite a distance from the floor to the bulb.  I turned to look for the step-ladder. It must be in another room.  Too much trouble to go find it, come back, and finagle all this stuff around to set the ladder up. 

Instead, I placed both hands flat on top of the washer, remembering the many times I had placed my hands just-so, hopped on top of the washer and changed the bulb.  It was a good thought.  I let it remain so – a good thought.

One last glance, up at the ceiling, down to the floor, I shook my head, “NO”!  

I closed the door . . . 

. . . knowing when to walk away!

 MyPhoto

Writing: © 2008 by ~dellgirl~

Just Do It !

Just Do It !

 When you start a task that should be easy to do,

Then things go south straight out of the blue,

And the task gets so difficult, it frustrates you. 
You want to yell, and you want to quit, 
When the crap is pressing you down a bit, 
Grumble, if you must, but you’ve got to stick to it.

Chores get complicated very soon,    

You want to leave town, not just the room,

And the task you’re doing is making you mad.

But, go ahead and finish it, and you’ll be glad.

Don’t you dare quit because your stuff is a mess,

Just go through the process and give it your best.

 ~ ~ ~  © 2014 by dellgirl  - DO NOT COPY ~ ~ ~

If I Were a Blackbird

If I Were a Blackbird

If I were a blackbird sitting high in a tree,

I’d fly away from everyone that keeps messing with me.

People with their begging and their constant needs,

I’d find myself a secret place and go hunting for some seeds.

 If I were a blackbird all sleek and shiny,

I would get away from people that are constantly whiny.

I’d find myself a quiet place to rest in peace,

I wouldn’t go back until the neediness has ceased.

 Awww, But “IF” is such a useless word, it doesn’t do much good.

It accomplishes nothing, so I never understood

why I indulge it and use it, it doesn’t help one bit,

So if(ing), could(ing), and would(ing), I had better quit.

©2014 by ~dellgirl~

Daddy’s Legacy

Daddy's Legacy 

 Six feet tall in his stocking feet with an inch or two to spare,

like coffee laced with whipping cream, his skin it was so fair.

Above his lips below his nose his moustache did stand out,

all neatly groomed and trimmed it was without a minute’s doubt.

He was long and lean and lanky, he was handsome as could be.

He always tamed the hats he wore with creases A to Z.

His khakis creased and starched from waist to spit-shined shoes,

all bathed and dressed and smelling good he’s ready for some blues.

Daddy loved and cherished Mama, she was his all and all

He showed her his devotion when he called her “Baby Doll”.

He always tried to snuggle at the end of every day

It did us kids a world of good to see our dad that way.

Daddy loved us kids a lot, we knew that from the start.

The attention he provided us came from deep within his heart.

1975

Six feet tall with mocha skin and wise beyond his years,

he left this world in ’88 I cried a many tears.

I wiped my face I dried my tears my dad’s life was over.

He lived his life he gave his best, And, now he’s with Jehovah.

Now that Daddy’s gone I know the lessons that he left,

everything he taught me makes me be my better self.

His legacy is simple; 

it is awesome with its power,

to live and love to sing and dance 

and to embrace the hour.
~~~~~~~~~~

RIP Daddy: 

Hermise Mason Wilkins ~

July 25, 1918 – September 3, 1988 

 © 2008 By Leona G. Shankle

All rights reserved

Hurricane Matthew Brings Memories of The Likes Of IKE

It's been hard to watch the coverage of Hurricane Matthew. Yesterday's coverage was especially tough because my two youngest brothers and their families live on the east coast. I purposely did not watch or listen constantly so that I wouldn't start concentrating on the possibilities. I did not want to cancel out the prayers I had prayed by starting to worry. I gave it to God and let it go!

I called my brothers early last night to check on them. They were both fine and reported that they were in a relatively safe area. My prayers were answered, Thank You God!

News reports of Hurricane Matthew immediately reminded me of our own Hurricane Ike in 2008.

I remember sitting in semi-darkness with only a dim lamp glowing softly, the steady drone of the generator reminded me of the devastation just outside the front door and around our property. With no electricity there was very little to do but read or write.

I put pen to paper for the first time in a long while. Computers had become my primary writing tool.Contemplating all that had happened during the storm/hurricane, I began writing...

~ ~ ~

© 2008 by Leona G. Shankle - All Rights Reserved 

Houston Remembers The Likes Of IKE

It was September 12, 2008 that Ike blew through Texas delivering his fate,
like a thief he assaulted that night very late, no longer did anyone have to wait

Ike came ashore on a Friday night about 1:45 or so,
with pounding rain and blasting wind through Galveston he tore.

He pounded gourged and ravaged at the mighty west seawall,
chunk by chunk, stone by stone, he tried to take it all.

Through the tiny little island Ike swirled and churned like mad,
taking trees and homes with equal zeal took everything they had.

From homes on stilts to UTMB not a thing was safe that night
left a mark of mass destruction to remember the likes of Ike.

Ike looked up from pillaging, he saw Houston up ahead,
he started north up 45, “Ah, Houston looks like sweet bread.”

He raked and ravaged “H-Town” covered every inch of land,
north and south east and west like a hungry angry man.

From large to small and big and tall he treated all alike
left his mark of mass destruction, we’ll remember the likes of Ike.

Before he left he looked around to see if anything still stood,
he spied the Chase Bank building and thought, “Oh, but this is good.”

He thought over his decision and let the structure stand,
with a flourish and a curtsie he aimed his outer bands.

Barely a whisper later came the sound of breaking glass,
windows pop like bubble wrap and Ike was done at last.

From the south side to downtown Ike ravaged with all his might
left his mark of mass destruction so we’d remember the likes of Ike.

~ ~ ~

© 2008 by Leona G. Shankle - All Rights Reserved 

Image source

Just Do It

 When you start a task that should be easy to do,

Then things go south straight out of the blue,

And the task gets so difficult, it frustrates you. 

You want to yell, and you want to quit, 

When the crap is pressing you down a bit, 

Grumble, if you must, but you’ve got to stick to it.

~ 

Chores get complicated very soon,         

You want to leave town, not just the room,

And the task you’re doing is making you mad.

But, go ahead and finish it, and you’ll be glad.

Don’t you dare quit because your stuff is a mess,

Just go through the process and give it your best.

 © 2014 by dellgirl  - DO NOT COPY 

The Bench by the Back Door

A Tribute to Friendship

By the back door on a bench I wait after work for my ride.

I sit with my books my bags and stuff on the bench right by my side.

People rush by on their way out and smile as I sit alone.

Nobody knows nobody cares I’m here long after they’re gone.

There’s one who doesn’t pass without asking if I’m fine.

She joins me on the bench and puts her things down next to mine.

We chit and chat and talk we laugh and sigh a bit.

I’m glad to have her company while on the bench we sit.

Gathering her books and things she stands prepared to leave,

but not before she asks again “Can I help you, please?”

Holding the door open a tiny crack she asks if I need a ride

“I’ll gladly take you home,” she said, juggling her books on her side.

Her sincerity is from deep within As she wonders what to say,

“You sure you don’t need a ride home?” Thanks, but maybe some other day.”

The next few days and the next few weeks as I sat on the bench by the back door,

She never passed without taking time to sit and talk some more.

Then one day I swallowed my pride. I accepted her offer, I took the ride.

Never again did I have to ask, I never had to say,

“If it is no bother can you give me a ride today?”

My friend will never ever know just what she did for me.

There’s no way to repay her, so I want the world to see.

A friend like my friend Dorothy is a rare and precious jewel.

I’ll be forever thankful how we met that day at school.

I say thanks to my pal Dorothy for being my best friend.

I will cherish what you gave me from now until time ends.

e

©  2008 by ~dellgirl~

Image source 

Let’s Go To Galveston

Fasten your seat belts. Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride, Mike’s driving. As we head for the Beltway we stop behind a big dump truck at the red light. You remember, the one with the big rock perched high on the back and the sign warning followers not to get too close.

The signal light changes and we follow the dump truck through it to complete our left turn. That done, Mike smoothly changes into the left lane beside the truck and gets us out of harms-way. We easily enter the beltway and head for the open road.

Galveston, here we come!

The sun is high in the sky, shining brightly, intermittently making its way through fluffy white clouds. There’s hardly a patch along the way where the entire sky is not filled with puffy cotton candy-like clouds. As we approach the I-45 exit, traffic is deceptively light, not many people traveling this particular stretch of road right now.

We exit the Beltway and head south on I-45. Galveston, here we come! Oh, I said that already, didn’t I? Traffic is heavier now, this is more like it. There is usually always moderate to heavy traffic on I-45.

We’re getting closer, you can see palm trees lining the streets and beach houses in the distance. I’m beginning to feel lighter already! Mike and I both have looked forward to this trip for quite a while. So, we ride along quietly contemplating how we’ll spend our time once we get there.

Before I realize it, we’re at the corner of the Galveston Seawall & Heaven.

We make our way to the hotel, just a short distance to the left here. We sign-in and get directions to our room, on the 12th floor. Inside the elevator, I breathe a sigh of relief. We made it, finally! Two weeks in a row we had to cancel our trip because of hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico.

This place is amazing, breathtakingly beautiful! I might never go back home, Mike’s going to have to pry-me-loose and drag me to the car to go back.

We’re really here!!! Look at that view of the beach from the balcony of our room. Now I understand why Mike wanted a room so high off the ground, makes a world of difference in how things look. We spend a while taking in the view and chatting.

Back inside the room, we decide to order breakfast and eat a bite before embarking on any kind of adventures. The words sleep and rest keep popping in and out of our list of things to do. While we wait for breakfast, we decide on a definite plan. We’ll eat, then rest. And if we feel like it, we’ll venture out to see some sights and such afterwards.

I like the sound of that it’s exactly what I need…rest! One day and one whole night of nothing but pure honest-to-goodness sleep sounds like sheer heaven! Go for it, DellGirl! ZZzzzzzzzzzzzz

Detour Ahead!

Many of life's detours are forced upon us by circumstances beyond our control --they are but cul-de-sacs along the way. They are not always something of our own choosing. Often these perplexing detours in life are not easy, but hanging in there when the going gets rough is the key.

On any given day, life is full of "cross-roads", "side roads", and "back roads" -- that are either straight curvy, wide, narrow, smooth or bumpy. With that in mind we can't be so focused on one goal that all other opportunities in life pass us by.

Life isn't always about taking the road less traveled. It is about making the most of and enjoying the road you ultimately find yourself traveling on.

I've detoured around and through many cul-de-sacs in life. I've even parked in a few just to smell the blooming honeysuckle or to watch a flock of beautifully colored birds land chirp, chirp, chirp, and take off again into the wild blue yonder.

I'm not where I thought I'd be now. I'm also not where loved ones might wish I were on this, my life's journey. I definitely am nowhere near where I believe God has destined me to be. I'm working on it, though.

Many of life's detours are fun, but it may be time to take a side road back over to the trail to move toward a bit more inner peace. That road (to inner peace) may be long and very often it is convoluted and frustrating.

Just for today, I choose to park in the cul-de-sac, and to be thankful for honeysuckle to smell, grateful I can smell them, glad to have a car to park, and most of all…

I am prayerfully thankful for all the blessings God has bestowed upon me through all of life's detours.

---

What new and interesting things have you been doing lately?

---

I'll Always Remember The 3rd Of September

The past week or so I've had to work really hard to overcome some sad feelings. When they first started I'd shake the feeling and move on. Yesterday it dawned on me, September 3rd is the day my daddy died so it took a while longer to get-myself-together. Today wasn't so bad as I spent time riding with Jordyn running errands. Back at home I realized what my problem was...thoughts of Daddy.

Last year I posted the following. I am re-posting it in its entirety -- just because.
____________________________________________

I'll Always Remember the 3rd Of September

"It was the third of September. That day I'll always remember, yes I will. 'Cause that was the day that my daddy died."

"That is as far as the similarities of Daddy and the lyrics of the song go. Beyond that, nothing else in the song applies. The music is - the hook.

September 3, 1988 was the day my daddy died. The phone rang about 9 p.m. and a family friend informed me that Daddy was "gone". Not understanding or not wanting to understand, I question, "Gone? Gone where?"

She answers, "Your mom asked me to call and tell you that your daddy passed away. He's gone."

Suddenly a dark cloud covers me like a blanket. I can't cry like I want to. My nine year old is right here, I have to keep it all together for him. Hubby hovers characteristically close, waiting for my reaction. He asks if I'm okay or if I want to go outside with him.

"I'm okay," I reassure him.

The older two kids are at a football game. Jordyn is a cheerleader, oldest son is on the team. I want to go home - now -but, I have to wait for the kids to get here. I excuse myself with "I need to go and pack so everything will be ready."

In the privacy of the bedroom my tears flow unchecked, but only momentarily, the baby is at the door wanting in. I quickly dry my tears shake myself together and get on with the business of packing.

With a million and one thoughts crowding my numb brain, I silently occupy my self and wait. Finally, the older kids are home, hubby has the car packed and I gather them around to tell them about Papa. They react as expected, tearfully, grief-stricken and full of questions.

Among explanations and reassurances I head them toward the car for the long painful ride home. All is quiet in the backseat after a few miles and I am thankful for the darkness that conceals the anguish that now consumes me.

The journey through the thick East Texas woods is quiet, the silence broken only occasionally by a question from hubby about how I am doing. We arrive at Mama's about 2 or 2:30 a.m. Rousing the kids from their sleep we gather our luggage and start for the front door, for the beginning of a life without Daddy. At the steps I stifle the threatening tears, catch my breath, grit my teeth and prepare to go inside.

I have no idea what lies ahead or what it is like to lose someone this close. I do know that a special light has gone out, a era has come and gone. And with it, the love of my life - my daddy.
* * * * * * * * * *

Today, September 3, 2009 I am left with Daddy's . . ."Legacy of Love".

© 2008 by Leona G. Shankle - All Rights Reserved ▪ Dell Girl Publishing

Happiness Is...

Happiness is Sunday morning church with loved ones.
It is a journey, not a destination.
Happiness is a choice.
It is grabbing all the gusto you can get from life.

Happiness is sometimes strange in that it varies with time, experience and wisdom.
Happiness is in giving something to someone, although you still need it.
There is happiness in braving life’s storms.

Happiness is warm, yes it is.
It comes from within us, welling from the depths of our souls.

Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.
It's smiling at a stranger as you pass by, and having them smile back.

Happiness is saying 'Yes' to life and 'Thank you' and 'I accept everything’.
Happiness is living as large as we can and saying, 'I'm so lucky to participate in this experience.

How we react to the changes of fortune often determines our happiness. When we are willing to let go of how we need to influence the outcome, to make things happen, and instead learn to enjoy the process and gifts we receive along the way, we can find happiness.

Happiness is being off on a lazy Sunday afternoon thinking back over the work-week,
basking in the warm glow of time well spent with family,
and giving thanks to God for His many blessings.

Make a grab for that golden ring of happiness.
Try it, and happiness will find you.

© 2009 by Leona G. Shankle

What Are Some Facts About Poetry?

Writing poetry is a wonderful outlet for expressing ideas. Writing poetry is the highest, noblest, art form; and poets are those who can feel what can be beautifully expressed as in poetry, as poems. It involves not just scribbling in a notebook, but also undertaking a way of life, one in which you value being creative and sensitive.

Writing poetry is not always an easy job but, it could be your cup of tea. Writing poetry tips are helpful guidelines, but not the rule of thumb, they're not etched in stone - as a poet you set your own rules. Writing poetry has always been about emotion; thrilling, bitterness and even humorous. It is like jumping off a high dive at the deep end of the pool, exhilarating.

Poetry can be used to convey ideas, information and feelings but, above all, it is a great means of entertainment. Poetry is the poetic, beautiful, expression of the poet's passion - in poetry poets express passions sensibly and beautifully.

Poetry is meant for the ear; listen to the sounds the words make. Poetry in rhyme sounds more pleasing - rhyme adds to its beauty. Why not 'cash in' on that in your poetry. Poetry can be as complicated or as frivolous as possible, it's all up to the author. Poetry is food for thought and for the soul. All food has its ingredients and, so does poetry.

Writing is a passion of mine that brings relief. Writing styles, subject matter and even childhood memories influence a lot of our choices. Writing in "free verse" does not excuse the poet's obligation to please the ear though. Writing, reading and falling in love with poetry are all processes.

Writing has always been a form of self therapy, an expression of emotions too intense to keep inside, an expression of thoughts, feelings, and meanings. Writing about painful subjects is also a great way to deal with that pain, write it out. If it’s too painful to share, keep it for yourself. But, do write it out and feel the healing power of putting those words on paper.

Be yourself when you are writing poetry. Explore your different sides through your poetry let the different facets of your personality take center stage. Be happy writing poetry, this is your time to expand and write whatever comes into your mind. When nothing comes to mind -- start writing, very fast --any word, a phrase or simply a sentence or two that pops into your mind.

Try using writing poetry as an excuse not to do other things. Yes, that’s right, if you’re not already doing so, start writing poetry now. There are still several months left in the year, this is the perfect time to embark on a new adventure, so why not seriously consider writing poetry and sharing it with others this year.

© 2009 by Leona G. Shankle

Stress Less

Most of us are probably coping with some level of stress and we need to learn how to relieve it. Effective stress-relief techniques focus on relaxing your mind and your body. For starters, we can relieve a lot of stress from our lives by dumping limiting beliefs - - those things you believe about yourself that place limitations on your abilities.

Limiting beliefs can be difficult to change because we often don’t realize they exist but, they can easily be overcome with desire and determination. It is imperative to first identify them and how they have served you in the past so you don’t beat yourself up for having had them.

Limiting beliefs almost always begin with “I can’t because…” Examples include “I can’t find a good job because I never went to college, diets don't work for me, I don't have time to exercise, or my company isn't giving pay raises this year.”

Can you really get beyond your limiting beliefs? Fortunately, yes. It is possible to get rid of these beliefs and replace them with more positive ones but, you first need to identify your limiting beliefs. Then to change limiting beliefs, you will need to break the thoughts that reinforce your belief that you are unable to do something.

Is it possible to relieve stress? Yes. Before we go on, if your level of stress is serious, consult your physician. But, if you think you can take charge of your stress, here are a few things that can help.
- Learn to have a sense of humor
- Try yoga: no legs behind the neck here
- Aroma therapy works wonders
- Exercise for 30 minutes
- Lift weights but don’t go overboard
- Take a walk in the fresh air
- Try dance and creative movement
- Chocolate, eat it in moderation though or open a candy bar and just smell it
- Relaxation & deep breathing exercises provide immediate relief
- Take a six minute vacation
- Communicate: talking with friends, family, a counselor, or a member of the clergy about your feelings is a healthy way to relieve stress
- Set more realistic goals: for yourself and others
- Develop a hobby: fishing, knitting, photography, woodworking, anything. Do something fun with your hands

Find your inner peace - - learn how to relieve your stress by finding what works best for you. Let us know your favorite ways to de-stress.

© 2009 by Leona G. Shankle

Self-Publishing for Beginners - Part IV

ISBN Number

If you want your book to be accepted and sold by an online retailer, your book must first be assigned an ISBN - International Standard Book Number. If you self-publish, consider obtaining an ISBN for your book and do a small print run so you have some inventory. A third option, which falls between self-publishing and selling your manuscript to a traditional publisher, is to publish with a "transitional publisher,"

Your ISBN

Owning an ISBN book number is perhaps the most misunderstood aspect of self-publishing your own book. Every book that is going to be sold commercially must have an ISBN book number, period.

What is an ISBN and Should a Self-Publisher Get One?

Many self-publishing companies include providing an ISBN in their self-publishing services or allow the self-publisher the option of providing the ISBN.

The ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a number that uniquely identifies each book. It’s been called the “social-security number for books.” The owner of the ISBN is the official publisher of the book. As the official publisher, the owner of the ISBN is the only company who can:

• submit the book for reviews and awards
• update publisher information on Amazon.com or BN.com
• get a book carried by a distributor or wholesaler

Self-publishing service companies suggest they can save you the time and expense of requesting ISBN numbers from RR Bowker. But to have another company own your book’s ISBN number is to relinquish control over too many important aspects of your book’s future. So, ask or research to find out if the ISBN is theirs or if they are getting you your own ISBN. For more information on ISBN numbers visit http://www.isbn.org/.

RR Bowker is the U.S. ISBN Agency in the United States, responsible for assigning ISBNs as well as providing information and advice on the uses of the ISBN system to publishers and the publishing industry in general.

NOBODY can assign, give, lend or sell you an ISBN except for the US agency, RR Bowker. So, when self publishing books, just visit http://www.bowker.com/ to find out all the information you need to obtain an ISBN.

*While self-published books are not required to obtain ISBN's, distributors and most book stores will not accept a book without one.

Was this post helpful? Do you have any ISBN stories or information to share? We would love to hear them.

© 2009 by Leona G. Shankle

Steps in the Publishing Process

Self-Publishing for Beginners (con't): Part III

What is it and Why Self-Publish?

Self-publishing is printing a book or other type of work yourself instead of going through a publishing company. It is different from regular publishing in that there is no traditional publisher. It simply means that you take control entirely of your book - you retain 100% copyright to your book, you keep all the royalties, you decide which book store you'd like to target – “YOU KEEP CONTROL OF YOUR BOOK”.

Self-publishing is not a last resort for authors. In today's tough economy, self-publishing your own book could help increase your cash flow.

Publishing Your Book

Today's world of publishing is dominated by larger commercial houses that ignore works which don't have mass appeal. Large book publishing companies have such high overhead costs they must sell at least 10,000 copies of a book to break even.

Self-publishing is now more practical and affordable than ever before. It is now possible for self-publishing authors to produce their books in low volumes, allowing them to see if the market takes to the author's book. Self-publishing might be a bit of a challenge, but you will reap the rewards and benefits it offers.

Steps in the Publishing Process

The first step in the book publishing process is to educate your self. Step two is to prepare your files for print. Step three is the actual printing of your book. The fourth step is distribution. Distribution is almost as important as the first three steps combined. Book distribution is not the same as marketing.

Well! That's it for Part III. Did you find any thing helpful? What would you like to have more information on?

Be sure to return for Part IV.

If someone offered you money, say $5,000.00, for your book/story including all rights...would you sell it? Why? Why Not?

© 2009 by Leona G. Shankle

Print On Demand

Self-Publishing for Beginners (con't): Part II







"On Demand" Basics



"Print-On-Demand" is the Smart way to launch a book. You can save MONEY with smaller print runs and ordering books as demand increases. Once your book is set up in most systems, it will be printed, quite literally, on demand. The use of demand printing eliminates wasted printings of books that do not sell, and avoids overstock sitting in stores or a warehouse.



The basis behind Print-on-Demand is that a computer is used instead of the traditional offset printing process. The ultimate in print-on-demand is the production of one copy at a time. The newer model, self-publishing and print-on-demand is perfect for writers and ‘info-preneurs’ that want a solution to make money fast, increase exposure or grow a business.

One misconception about print-on-demand is that it always means printing one at a time. A print-on-demand service might produce one publication at a time for one client but print sets of 100 for another.

Print-On-Demand is good for writers as it is a process that offers many advantages over offset printing. POD is the best solution for customers who require small volumes of printed material or targeted direct mail campaigns while minimizing stock holding and benefiting from a quick turnaround.

Here are a few Print-On-Demand Publishers, in no particular order. Keep in mind that there are hundreds, if not thousands of POD publishers on the internet. Research them for yourself and choose the one that best suits your purpose and your budget.

I have not personally used any of them, just performed the search for what might be available when we need it.

• Lulu.com
  
• Booksurge
  
• Instantpublisher
  
• Outskirtspress
  
• iUniverse Print On Demand Publishers

*A Word of Caution: Print-On-Demand companies do not edit or copyedit the material they are given. You must take the responsibility of getting your book copyedited or the result can be a poor product.

What this post helpful? Do you have any self-publishing tips you'd like to share, successes or nightmares? We would love to hear them.

Part III: POD Self-Publishing for Beginners coming soon.

© 2009 by Leona G. Shankle

Print On Demand

Self-Publishing for Beginners: Part I




Getting Started



Print on Demand or POD is changing the way we publish. It is a fantastic new method of printing which is opening publishing up to previously unknown authors. POD is precisely what it sounds like, the ability to print one or a hundred books. Print what you need, when you need it.



In every industry there are those who produce and those who pay for production. Print-On-Demand is a very simple change, which is a step in the right direction. It is one method of self-publishing a book.


Printing



Print-on-demand or POD is a printing technology and business process in which new copies of a book or other document also allows for books to be printed in a variety of formats. This technology enables publishers to print both paperback and hardcover books "on demand".



Print-On-Demand is fast, cost effective printing, with short runs included (25-500 copies). It is simply printing from a digital file, a book, or magazine only when it is needed and in the quantity needed making low volume, low risk, low cost publishing feasible.



POD is a great option for family historians looking to print a few books for their family, or to set up an option for relatives to order their own copies. Another plus is the speed with which your book gets from digital manuscript to printed book.



On demand book printing methods require no up-front printing costs. Print-on-demand is not conducive to allowing returns.

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This is the first in a series of posts on Self-Publishing or Print-On-Demand. Be sure to return for the next installment.

What would you like to know about self-publishing?

© 2009 by Leona G. Shankle

Write Your Short Story

Short Story Basics in a Nutshell

First, choose an idea and start with the basics of a short story. A quick start is especially important in short stories because you don't have much room to tell your story. If you're having trouble brainstorming, try making a web or table; create about five main sentences for your short story. Novice writers are often given this advice on how to structure short stories: Put a man up a tree, Throw stones at him, Get him down.

There's no room for free-loaders in a short story. Around three main characters is all a short story can effectively deal with because too many will distract you from your theme. Use vivid imagery to draw the reader in.

In today's fast-moving world, the first sentence of your short story should catch your reader's attention with the unusual, the unexpected, an action, or a conflict. Keep your paragraphs and sentences short if you're telling a fast-moving action-filled story.

Grab your reader from the very first line and, begin your short story as close to the conclusion as possible. Your job as a writer of short fiction -- whatever your beliefs -- is to put complex personalities on stage and let them strut and fret their brief hour. For example, let's say you want to develop a college student persona for a short story that you are writing.

As a writer, you need to determine who is going to tell the story and how much information is available for the narrator to reveal in the short story.

Throw Some Stones: Add Some Conflict

Create a conflict for your protagonist. Then present the problems that can occur (throw some stones): misunderstandings / mistaken identity / lost opportunities, etc. Build the story's tension by having the protagonist make several failed attempts to solve or overcome the problem. Create a crisis that serves as the last chance for the protagonist to solve his or her problem. In general, make sure the story flows and the characters and their problems are introduced and resolved appropriately.

Get the Action Going
For a story to be believable, your characters have to be believable, and their actions should appear inevitable given who they are. The rest of your paragraph introduces an internal conflict as your protagonist debates a course of action and introduces an intriguing contrast of past and present setting. Show the reader what kind of person your character is, by describing actions rather than simply listing adjectives.

Solve the Problem: Get the man Down

Resolve the tension by having your protagonist succeed through his or her own intelligence, creativity, courage or other positive attributes. You have to do everything that happens in a novel; introduce characters, create conflict, develop characters, and resolve conflict in twenty or thirty pages - when the internal or external conflict is resolved. Sometimes the setting or some aspect of setting resolves the plot. This step is repeated until all the problems are solved.

It is here that love triumphs over hate, good conquers evil, honesty defeats deceit, or the underdog wins.