From honor’s class to tarot teaching, follow Cutter’s journey

Posted on February 21, 2019 by Ann Videan

One of Life’s Little Pleasures I think you should know about, too.

Your future teacher, Cutter Videan.

As his final elective in the Barrett Honors College at Arizona State University, my son Cutter took a fascinating tarot class. My first reaction was… Wuh? Really?

But, in that class, he learned about the rich heritage of tarot: its history, theology, art, and mysticism. We all gained an appreciation for the rich insights the process can bring into life, not just through readings, but through discussion, creativity, and openness to ideas.

His love of the class led him to start doing free readings for friends and acquaintances. (Ask him, and he’ll do a free reading for you, anytime.)

This led to the recent launch of Second Sight Academy, his business, designed to educate others about the teachings of tarot, and to share with like-minded folk its fascinating background and potential.

Cutter now holds tarot discussion groups in a central-Phoenix coffee café, and launches his first round of tarot classes this week. I’d love it if you came along on his journey of exploration.

If you would like to be in on his gatherings simply to discuss the topic, check this out.

If you’d like to take his six-week class on a weekday, express your interest on this Facebook event page.

For a six-week class held on a weekend, you can learn more and sign up on his Facebook event page.

For more information about Cutter’s creative endeavors, from music to blogging, visit his Cutter Videan Industries website.

…………………..

Write on!
Ann Narcisian Videan
Write • Edit • Self-publish • Word-of-mouth

P.S. Learn more about my novels on my Amazon Author Central page.

Ann Videan’s Phoenix-area writing events this spring:

Posted on February 21, 2019 by Ann Videan

Ann with her books at the Tempe Public Library

You may benefit from these writing events…

Alliance for Literary Writers, Authors, and Yabbering Scribes (ALWAYS)

Meet in-person with the ALWAYS writers’ tribe of established authors to discuss writing and support one another. In March, we’re talking about the structure of the ALWAYS group and how to better interact with and support one another. I hope you can join us! (We meet the second Thursday of each month in Gilbert, except for the first Thursday of each quarter when we meet in Phoenix.)
Romeo’s Euro Cafe, downtown Gilbert, AZ
11:30 a.m., Thurs., March 14, 2019

My Words Jump Off The Page!
[A presentation at the Society of Southwestern Authors—Valley of the Sun Chapter.]

Authors, learn a handful of writing and editing techniques to help you discover ways to build visual imagery and emotion, and subconsciously compel readers into your story. I’ll share my thirty years of marketing experience to show you how to make your story “jump off the page” for readers and publishers. In this two-hour hands-on session, explore:

The edits I make most often as an editor
What to look for when hiring an editor
Leveraging the scene question to develop a compelling plot line
Writing with active voice, and deep point-of-view
More effective editing tips using MS Word

Tempe Public Library
2:30–4:40 p.m., Sunday, April 28, 2019

Write on!
Ann Narcisian Videan, Book Shepherd
Write • Edit • Publish • Word-of-mouth strategy

P.S. Learn more about my novels on my Amazon Author Central page.

New book debuts at conference for savvy women business owners

Posted on October 8, 2018 by Ann Videan

Book 3 in the Living Brave series debuts later this month at the “Voices of Success” conference.

You know how hearing just one comment, or reading a certain book can alter your life journey? Well, there’s such a moment coming up for you…

I had the honor to edit and produce the latest book in the Living Brave series by Dr. Hilda Villaverde and Mary Beth Stern: Living Brave… Women in Business: Compelling Stories of How ONE Can Make a Difference. It is filled with life-altering input from nearly fifty Arizona women thriving in business.

The book will be released in just a couple of weeks, but if you want to hear some of these women’s stories first-hand, you really should consider attending the authors’ “Voices of Success” conference, offering a day of inspiration. I highly recommend you invest in your future with this day-long session where you’ll learn how women just like you succeeded in business by using their skills, backgrounds, and sheer will to overcome whatever stood in their way.

Please join Hilda and Mary Beth for the “Voices of Success” conference:
Sat. Oct. 27, 2018
8 a.m.– 5p.m.

Scottsdale Hilton Resort
6333 N. Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85250

You will find all the details here, including how to register.

Write on! Ann Narcisian Videan, Book Shepherd
Write • Edit • Publish • Word-of-mouth strategy

Fourth annual Write On! workshop

Posted on April 8, 2017 by Ann Videan

A free book writing seminar (win #1) from four established local experts (win #2, all members of the Scottsdale Society of Women Writers. You have everything to gain (win #3) from the time you invest.

Nothing should keep you from RSVPing… right now. Just sayin’.

write on flyer 2017

Breaking news: Absolutely Wild! whimsy to benefit emerging writers

Posted on January 3, 2017 by Ann Videan

What do you get when you combine the talents of two creative entrepreneurs, add a little whimsy and perhaps a sprinkle of magic, with the intent to support an important cause?

Why, of course, some very special hand-crafted faerie portals with Faeries’ Tales, and some lovely news coverage for Absolutely Wild! Enchanted Faerie Portals & Other Whimsy in Gilbert Woman magazine!

We’re so excited and honored to be featured on page 8 in Srianthi Perera’s beautifully written article (anyone who knows me as an editor, realizes what this means to me).

Such visibility moves us toward our goal of supporting emerging writers through organizations such as Young Authors of Arizona and 826 National. As our whimsical business grows, we plan to offer internships, mentoring, scholarships, and other opportunities for young authors. You can join us by subscribing to our e-newsletter or clicking “Like” on our Facebook page.

: Fae Environmentalists Cherie and Ann kick off
Open Mic Night with a chat about faerie whimsy

Also, this month, AW founders Cherie Scott and Ann Videan, showcased their Absolutely Wild! products at Open Mic Night at Dog-Eared Pages Used Bookstore in conjunction with the Arizona Consortium for the Arts. You can see what a creative blast we shared from the photos posted by Elena Thornton, founder of the consortium.

P.S. You can still find a hidden Absolutely Wild! mini faerie portal among the books at Dog-Eared Pages. If you find it, it’s yours, along with one of our Faerie’s Tales about the tiny creature who lives inside!

Join us for an Absolutely Wild! event to help local art and writing

Posted on December 26, 2016 by Ann Videan

A warm-hearted invitation for you…

Dog-Eared Pages’
Open Mic Art & Culture Talks
with the Arizona Consortium for the Arts,
featuring

On Dog-Eared Pages’ Art Wall, we will showcase Cherie Scott’s faerie portal sculptures and Ann’s accompanying Faeries’ Tales, along with photos of the portals “in the wild” and other Fae whimsy. We will also talk about our plans to support young writers and local art.

cfp-001-aunties-d-insetbklt2 Come get a free hug, some refreshments, and share in our art, Faeries’ Tales, novels, coloring books, notecards, photos, and drawings.

Th., Dec. 29, 2016, 5 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
Dog-Eared Pages Used Books
16428 N. 32^nd St., #11
Phoenix, AZ 85032

P.S. Save the date for our Absolutely Wild! Artist’s Reception

Th., Jan. 12, 2017
4 p.m.–6:30 p.m.

Readings, goodies, art, and more! Our work will be on display from Th., Dec. 29, 2016, through Th., Jan. 26, 2017.

Learn more about Absolutely Wild! Enchanted Faerie Portals & Other Whimsy.

Five book events to rock your world

Posted on October 7, 2016 by Ann Videan

Sculpture in a public library in Highlands Ranch, Colorado

Your inner storyteller wants you to indulge in one or all of these upcoming events… for the sake of the book you’re writing.

Listen to that little voice, it will not steer you wrong!

Th., Oct. 13: Alliance for Literary Writers, Authors and Yabbering Scribes (ALWAYS)

Meet in-person with other established authors to discuss writing “voice” with Susan Pohlman, at the next gathering of the ALWAYS writers’ tribe: in Phoenix, AZ, on Thurs., Oct. 13, 2016, at 11:30 a.m.

Sa. Oct. 8 and F., Oct. 14: Rock The Drop

Young adult writers, learn from YA authors at the 5th Annual Rock The Drop Kick-Off Event on Sa., Oct. 8.

Then, join the Readergirlz (and guyz!) as they “drop” YA books with identifying bookmarks all over town on Friday, October 14, for other teens to find.

Learn more.

Sa., Oct. 15 and W., Oct. 19: “Key Editing Tips to Wow A Publisher”
My presentation explaining how to avoid the key writing issues I consistently change in manuscripts I edit.

12 p.m.-2 p.m., Sat., Oct. 15, 2016, at the Phoenix Writers Club,

Bluewater Grill, 1720 E. Camelback, Phoenix, AZ

6 p.m.–8 p.m., Wed., October 19, 2016, at Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, Desert Sleuths/Sisters in Crime writers group (4000 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85251)

What other event do you know of, coming up? Please comment.

Write on! Ann Narcisian Videan, Book Shepherd
Write • Edit • Publish • Word-of-mouth

P.S. Learn more about my novels on Google+.

Super, short-writing secrets re: magazine publishing

Posted on September 18, 2016 by Ann Videan

Alliance for Literary Writers, Authors & Yabbering Scribes (ALWAYS)

: My first foray into short story writing involves writing Faeries’ Tales to accompany hand-sculpted faerie portals. I can see my tales published in sci-fi/fantasy publications such as Faerie Magazine. Where can you see your short pieces published?

Established writers, would you like to see your short stories, essays, poems, or articles published in magazines? Windy Lynn Harris, founder of Market Coaching for Creative Writers, will give us tips on how to make it happen. At our next gathering, ask her how to categorize your work, write a stand-out letter, format your MS and find hundreds of editors looking for writers like you.

Next gathering:
Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016
11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
(ALWAYS typically meets on the second Thursday of the month.)

Where:
Old Spaghetti Factory
1418 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ

Cost:
A writing tip, and your own lunch.

RSVP:
PLEASE show the consideration of reserving your spot at the table by:
• RSVPing through the “Join” link on our Facebook Event page
or
• Contacting Ann Videan, avidean@videanunlimited.com

If you’ve RSVP’d, please show up. If you run into a conflict, please let me know before the event so I can make the necessary adjustments for the group meeting. Cheers!
…………………………………………………………….

ABOUT ALWAYS

Are you an established writer who:
• Needs contacts to help your writing?
• Wants advice about your writing?
• Likes to hang with other cool writers?

If so, our tribe – the Alliance for Literary Writers, Authors & Yabbering Scribes (ALWAYS) – is the place for you. We’re an informal group of established writers looking for camaraderie, ideas, enlightenment and connection with writers, especially in the Phoenix metro area, to talk about our craft and businesses.

Any established writer can connect with us online through our ALWAYS Facebook page, get listed in our directory of writers on our ALWAYS LinkedIn page, or you can meet with us in person at a lunch meeting. We’d love to have any experienced writer join us at our next meeting … anyone who spends a significant part of his/her week writing, and wants to rub elbows with other writers.

Key editing secrets to write a compelling story: Tempe library workshop

Posted on September 13, 2016 by Ann Videan

Here I am presenting last time at the Tempe Public Library… same topic, but I’ve added a few tips.

As an editor, I consistently fix a handful of writing issues as I read through manuscripts.

As a writer, if you knew about these issues, you could avoid them before your editor even reached for a red pen. You could create a much more vibrant manuscript to submit to a potential publisher… one that compels your reader deep into your story or message.

Allow me to give you the inside scoop at a free workshop, #2 in my series of four writing presentations: “Key Editing Secrets To Write A Compelling Story.”

Sat., Sept. 17, 2016
10 a.m.–12 p.m.

Tempe Public Library
Meeting Room A

Can’t wait to see you there!

Free writers’ workshops equal “magic elixir” to induce better writing

Posted on September 7, 2016 by Ann Videan

In one day, you can “magically” gain a wide spectrum of knowledge about writing more vibrantly in any genre.

Twelve local, multi-published authors will discuss everything from managing writer’s block and crafting romance to writing Native American characters and managing outrageous marketing. (That latter topic, I’m thrilled to say, will be covered by “yours truly.”) I will also contribute to the keynote panel discussion at the end of the day: “Communities, Conferences and Critique Groups.”

Where and when can you find all this “magic elixir?”

The Desert Rose Chapter of the Romance Writers of America sponsors its…

11th annual Free Writers’ Workshops
Scottsdale Civic Center Library
Sat. Nov. 5, 2016
10:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Learn a bunch, rub elbows with authors, buy books, and have fun with us!

Have questions? Contact Valen Cox at valencox3@gmail.com.

2016 Scottsdale Workshops Brochure (1).jpg

Ann Narcisian Videan: Book Shepherd/Editor/Author

A cyber village connecting writers, music lovers and creative folk.

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