Sticker Mule: “Merch” Made Easy

bronze finals - 01 — Okay, it has no sticker, but it is a mule! You’ll find Sticker Mule and much more info at the link provided.

Authors—or anyone marketing—are you looking for an awesome place to buy affordable printed “merch” for your books or products? You know… marketing merchandise, like stickers, buttons, labels, magnets, packaging, and such? Maybe something imprinted with the cover of your book?

Sticker Mule is your answer.

51CLcqldHIL._AC_US160_ — Haley’s upcoming book release.

One of my author friends, Haley Rose, uses them with relish to raise awareness for her darling, educational children’s picture books.

Direct from Sticker Mule’s website, here’s what they’re about: “We relentlessly focus on making it fast and easy to order custom products. Order in seconds and get your products in days. Free proofs, free artwork help, free shipping, and fast turnaround are why people love us.”

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

New book debuts at conference for savvy women business owners

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

October 8, 2018 0

Rugby intimidation and New Zealand magic

Magical New Zealand forms the backdrop for my Delfaerune Rhapsody series. The land of the Maori. Are you thinking, “Maori? Wha—?” They are the native people of those majestic and diverse islands in the southwest Pacific Ocean.

One way the Maori have become better known in our current culture is through the All Blacks’s “Ka Mate,” which they perform as a group before each rugby match. This “haka“—traditional Maori war cry, war dance, or challenge—incorporates bulging eyes, long tongues, threatening stances, and shouts. Intimidating, right?

That’s why I pull elements from the haka to liven up my battle scenes, especially by my burned-out-rock-star-esque Dark Fae.

Also, many of the words I use in the stories come from the native people’s language. To represent “bad magic,” I use the Maori term “mākutu.” Another is “karakia.” It doesn’t translate exactly to “good magic,” but you can see how my use of it captures the spirit when you visit the official online Maori Dictionary.

Yes, that is a thing, and, if you click on the links I provide, you can read the Maori definitions and hear the pronunciations, too.

If you want a real trip, look at all the words that come up under “spell.” Don’t be surprised if you find a few more of these terms in my future writings.

What other words/translations do you know for “spell or “magic?” Please share!

…………………..

Write on!
Ann Narcisian Videan
ann@annvidean.com

Author, Song of the Ocarina
Author/illustrator, Enchanted Faerie Portals Coloring & Creative Writing Pages
Co-founder, Absolutely Wild! Enchanted Faerie Portals & Other Whimsy

Write. Edit. Publish. Word-of-mouth strategy.
Check out my Book Shepherding consultations.

August 26, 2018 1

Book or movie? Choose your poison – ALWAYS.

Videan's Party Tree hug — The party tree—where Bilbo celebrated his eleventieth birthday—on the Alexander Farm film set in New Zealand. Is the tree described better by Tolkien, or more poignant in the screenplay/on screen in the *Lord of the Rings* movies? Come share your opinion. And, bring your own favorite adaptions to discuss. Hobbiton photo: ©2008 ANVidean.

Lord of the Rings: Tolkein vs. Jackson, which do you prefer?
Twilight saga: Book series or film adaptations?
Bridges of Madison County: Read or watch?

For something a bit different to discuss at our June meeting, let’s compare the writing and stories in book(s) versus movie(s).
Should there even be a debate? Join us for the roundtable discussion in our June 2018 gathering in Gilbert, AZ.

Here’s the usual agenda:
11:30 introductions with writing tips
11:50 order lunch
11:55 writing discussion/sharing
1 p.m. pay individual bills and adjourn (to go write!)

Next gathering:
Thursday, June 14, 2018
11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
(ALWAYS typically meets on the second Thursday of the month.)

Where:
Romeo’s Euro Cafe
207 N Gilbert Rd.
Gilbert, AZ 85234
(480) 962-4224

Cost:
A writing tip, and your own lunch.

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

June 11, 2018 0

Novel excerpt reveals fearsome Fae leader, plus blue suede shoes

In this excerpt from my upcoming book, Beat of the Pakiri, my protagonist Lark has just returned home from a near disaster, while out practicing her new unauthorized spell. As she faces the wrath of the realm’s leadership, you’ll find out why even the powerful teenaged protagonist fears this intimidating Fae leader.

You’ll also meet one of the little winged faeries… who has earned a king of a name.

The Acting Magistra of Karakia—among the most powerful spell casters in the realm—wasn’t someone Lark ever wanted to cross, let alone annoy. Summer Windish stalked forward, her elegant frame stiff, hazel eyes blazing, with energy wafting off of her like a sirocco wind. With her brunette hair lifting in billowy waves around her head, she engendered the dark queen Galadriel’s visage as she rejected the offer of The One Ring.

The human movie image playing through Lark’s mind cut off abruptly when the acting magistra stopped inside her comfort zone and leaned in.

“Lady Lark, what in the realm do you think you are doing? Throwing new spells around without appropriate clearance or support. As if we don’t have enough elemental upheaval already! And, doing it in the lap of our enemies and kidnappers of your parents, our leaders. What were you thinking?”

Lark drew back, grasping for the confidence to deal with her situation. She remembered how her father handled conflict, even among the most powerful Fae in the realm, when he was the Magistrate of Karakia. The mental image of his fierce frown and piercing brown eyes buoyed her inner strength. Feigning a calm demeanor, she turned her father’s adopted stare on the acting magistra.

No matter what Summer Windish said, trying the unauthorized elemental spell was the right thing to do. And, it had almost worked. If the blasted Stones family hadn’t shown up to interrupt her, she and The Earth Mother might have actually helped to partially reverse Delfaerune’s elemental devastation.

She tightened her lips and continued to stare levelly at the acting magistra, who clearly waited for a response. Allowing the silence to stretch, Lark took the moment to compose the emotion vibrating through her body. How better to diffuse a heated accusation than to change the topic?

“How do you even know what happened? I’ve just returned.”

“You can’t possibly know of the machinations the Division has in place to keep the realm, not to mention you, safe, M’Lady. Do you think we’d just allow you to go running around the realm alone and unguarded?”

Lark’s gaze moved to her bodyguards, who stood among the security contingent in formation around River. She thought she’d been so smart to escape her Bulky Boys before dawn this morning. Guess not. When her gaze caught Leif Derrick’s, he hung his head. Next to him, Sonny Wattyr turned an alarming shade of red as a little winged faerie, sporting a bedazzled white cape, flew over their heads. The creature landed his little blue suede shoes on the guard’s broad shoulder and stared at Lark, his wide grin spreading between long sideburns.

What in the realm is the notorious “Elvish” doing here?

Let me know what you think, will you? 🙂

…………………..

Write on!
Ann Narcisian Videan
Write. Edit. Publish. Word-of-mouth strategy.
Check out my books on Amazon and Kindle.
ann@annvidean.com

March 6, 2018 0

Call for young writers’ and artists’ creative works

P1370699 — Art and writing by James A. Owen grace the first three pages of our hand-bound leather book.

Writer and artist friends, we have received only ten synergy arts entries (out of the 84 needed) to fill The Storytelling Book of the Ancient Traveler, and we’d love to see your work in it! There is no entry fee, plus we are open to writing or art from “youngsters” of any age.

Simply visit AbsolutelyWild.net, the project’s sponsor, and pick one of the Ancient Traveler’s “objects” to write about or draw. Your submitted work will appear in the book with the incomparable James Artimus Owen and Gini Koch. [Look them up if you’re not familiar… excellent company!]

We plan to auction the finished hand-bound book to benefit young writers and artists with a scholarship or some other charity support.

Check out, below, some of the outstanding entries we received.

Thank you for sharing this post with any creatives who might be interested.

P.S. The deadline for submitted writing and art is Jan. 31, 2018. Cheers.

“Demigod” writing (excerpt)
by Summer Barbaro

As The Ancient Traveler hiked through the forest, he was overwhelmed by what he saw. Enormous pine trees towering over him like downtown skyscrapers. Among the pine trees, were white trunked aspen trees covered in leaves the color of roses. He was enchanted by the sight but then realized the trek through the forest had made him very thirsty.

Not far away, he heard water rushing. Following the sound, he came upon a river cascading into a waterfall. The water was crystal clear teal blue against the red and green of the trees. As he reached for the water, The Ancient Traveler was caught off-guard by two glowing beings.

The one splashing in the water appeared to be a girl with jet-black hair falling to her waist and dressed in pure white. The other, a boy built like an ox, was high on a boulder keeping watch over the girl. His hair was blonde and he looked ready to pounce like a lion if threatened.
…

1a.Marble.AmbrosiaJones — **“Marble” object art by Ambrosia Jones, age 20**

“The Comet” writing (excerpt)

by William Edgmon, age 25

It was known that the Opus were reaching their ascension. Prophesized by the etchings of creation, the sacred comet foretold their purpose. Carved in the Comet’s surface were the hieroglyphics of past and future. Pressing away moss and grime revealed the birth of a species. Born immortal, they grew together. Nothing short of an eternity to find love, then together they’d float across the dimensional plane.

Their eyes were on each other. The goal was to listen, to receive, to offer. No one dwelled on the carving’s end, and the single figure draped in studded lines.
…

AW Web site
Facebook
Pinterest

January 8, 2018 0

Knitted Fabrication – Stories and Ugly Holiday Sweaters, ALWAYS

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

23794757_10155202387937711_5716435114819563951_n — “Don we now our gay apparel?” The better to tell stories in, my dear. Excuse the mixed metaphor and come share something meaningful at our Dec. ALWAYS gathering.

Established writer, do you have a favorite mini story or holiday tradition to share? Don your favorite “ugly holiday sweater” and come share with us something book related, or simply meaningful to you, over a delicious meal. What better way for writers to get into the season’s spirit?

Here’s the usual agenda:
11:30 introductions with writing tips
11:50 order lunch
11:55 writing discussion/sharing
1 p.m. pay individual bills and adjourn (to go write!)

Next gathering:
Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017
11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
(ALWAYS typically meets on the second Thursday of the month.)

Where:
Romeo’s Euro Cafe
207 N Gilbert Rd.
Gilbert, AZ 85234
(480) 962-4224

Cost:
A writing tip, and your own lunch.

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

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?

December 5, 2017 0

Novel-inspired faerie art and books = November featured artist at Birt’s Bistro

Our Absolutely Wild! Faerie’s Tales and portals are on display during November 2017 in the Birt’s Bistro gift shop in Surprise, AZ. You’ll discover faerie portal note cards, magnets, our coloring book with writing prompts, and Song of the Ocarina, book 1 in the Delfaerune Rhapsody series—my fantasy novel that inspired it all.

Sculptor Cherie Scott, my business partner, hand created every original numbered and signed piece. You’ll discover themes like Halloween, autumn, and Christmas; plus books, s’mores, and Trufaela trees.

I wrote all the Faerie’s Tales and the novel, and illustrated the faerie portal coloring book and the coloring note cards, and other fantastical whimsy, including a few fractured Faerie’s Tales. (In one, Cinderella breaks free from Grimm’s and is running around placing one shoe on each eligible bachelor’s doorstep, trying to find a better life.} Delightful and whimsical, trust me.

I also promise Birt’s will surprise you. It’s worth a stop in to shop, browse the book store, and enjoy a scrumptious lunch—their chef is amazing. You’ll find Birt’s at 16752 N. Greasewood St. Surprise, Ariz., 623-584-0065. It’s open seven days a week, 7 a.m.–3 p.m. with Happy Hour on Fridays only from 5 –7 p.m.

P.S.
Every purchase benefits young writers and artists, per Absolutely Wild!’s mission statement. Come on out to support local art, local business, and young creatives.

…………………..

Write on!
Ann Narcisian Videan
Write. Edit. Publish. Word-of-mouth strategy.
Check out my Book Shepherding consultations.
avidean@videanunlimited.com

October 29, 2017 0

Needed! Creative pros to inspire young writers & artists

Requesting professional creatives’ participation in a unique synergy arts book
to support young writers and artists.
Do good! Please share with the creatives you know.

We owe HUGE thanks to James Artimus Owen, author/illustrator of the Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica series for contributing his brilliant work (partially shown above) to jump-start our Storytelling Book of the Ancient Traveler.

It took only one small moment for each of us to decide to become a “creative.” Perhaps it involved a teacher or mentor, simple words of advice, or an unexpected opportunity. You can serve as such a catalyst for an emerging young writer or artist through our creative “synergy arts” book project.

Absolutely Wild! invites you to contribute one piece of writing or art to our one-of-a-kind, hand-bound, leather-covered book to benefit emerging young creatives. We are compiling writing and illustrations for The Storytelling Book of the Ancient Traveler with opening pages drawn and written by James.

We are inviting selected professionals like you, and also put out a call to young writers and artists to submit their work. Once all entries are selected and compiled into the original book, we will auction the volume and, if feasible, also print a paperback edition through Amazon.

Absolutely Wild! will use proceeds to benefit young creatives in unique and beneficial ways: perhaps scholarships or internships, or through viable charities supporting creative youth such as 826 National site, Young Authors of Arizona, or the AZ Consortium for the Arts.

You might consider one of these contributions:

A simple line or two of advice to inspire young creatives, above your signature.
A short story.
An illustration.
Both a story and an illustration.

Submission guidelines and other details are available on the AbsolutelyWild! “Fantasy With Purpose” webpage. Submissions may be emailed before our first deadline on Oct. 1, 2017. Subsequent entries will be considered in a rolling acceptance process with priority given to early submissions until Jan. 15, 2018.

With appreciation for your consideration and my warmest regards,

P.S. The “synergy arts” project concept is the brainchild of Joanne de Biasi, and will be brought to fruition through Absolutely Wild! Enchanted Faerie Portals & Other Whimsy, whose mission involves supporting young creatives of all ages.

With gratitude,

Ann Narcisian Videan

Author, Song of the Ocarina
Author/illustrator, Enchanted Faerie Portals Coloring & Creative Writing Pages
Co-founder, Absolutely Wild! Enchanted Faerie Portals & Other Whimsy

September 17, 2017 0