Category Archives: Village: You+Me+Us

Where we share and work together for mutual success.

Your Top Three Secret Words – ALWAYS

Posted on by
Reply
Sedona raindrop

What word would perfectly describe this photo? I call it “Blustery Sedona Raindrop.”  Does it bring to mind one of your favorite words? A secret word that always describes a mood or action, or brings to mind a special setting? Come share your perfect words at our next ALWAYS gathering in downtown Gilbert, AZ… you’ll help other established writers build their vocabularies.

 

Topic:
Let’s get some vocabulary growth going at our established writers’ gathering. What are your top “magic” words to use, or you would like to use, in your writing? Come share your favorites with other established writers.

Next gathering:
THURSDAY, Aug 14, 2014
11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
(ALWAYS meets on the second Thursday of the month.)

Where:
PLEASE NOTE LOCATION
Romeo’s Euro Café
(downtown GIlbert, AZ)
207 N. Gilbert Rd. #105
Gilbert, Arizona 85234
(480) 962-4224

Back-up location:
Joe’s Real BBQ
301 N. Gilbert Rd.
Gilbert, AZ 85234
(480) 503-3805

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 Ann know BEFORE the event so I can make the necessary adjustments for the group meeting. Cheers!
…………………………………………………………….

ABOUT ALWAYS

• Need contacts to help your writing?
• Want advice about your writing?
• Like 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 insider tips on formatting a readable book interior – ALWAYS author roundtable

Posted on by
2
interior book formatting on Rhythms & Muse. Photo: @2014 ANVidean

I did my own interior book formatting on Rhythms & Muse using MS Word, and can’t wait to gain some additional tips from Caren Cantrell, founder and CEO of 102nd Place, at our next ALWAYS meeting, May 8. Photo: @2014 ANVidean

Do you want a resource to help you with your book’s layout? Caren Cantrell, founder and CEO of 102nd Place, who formats book interiors using MS Word for clients self-publishing through Createspace or Kindle. She joins us at our ALWAYS roundtable discussion in May to share her insider tips.

Phoenix, AZ-area established authors, feel free to join us! Please RSVP.

Next gathering:
THURSDAY, May 8, 2014
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

(ALWAYS meets on the second Thursday of each month.)

Where:
PLEASE NOTE LOCATION
Romeo’s Euro Café
(downtown Gilbert, AZ)
207 N. Gilbert Rd. #105
Gilbert, Arizona 85234
(480) 962-4224

Back-up location:
Joe’s BBQ
301 N. Gilbert Rd.
Gilbert, AZ 85234
(480) 503-3805

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 ALWAYS Facebook Event page or contacting Ann Videan.
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!

So, what’s your best tip for creating an excellent interior book layout?

ABOUT ALWAYS

  • Need contacts to help your writing?
  • Want advice about your writing?
  • Like 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

What do John Denver and Fred Stobaugh have in common?

Posted on by
1

They both wrote touching music for their wives.

John Denver's guitar at the MIM

Though probably not on “This Old Guitar,” displayed at the Musical Instrument Museum,” Denver did compose “Annie’s Song” for his wife. Just like Fred composed “Sweet Lorraine.”

One of my all-time favorite John Denver songs, “Annie’s Song,” he wrote for his wife at the time, Annie Martell Denver. It became Denver’s second number-one song in the United States, so ranked for two weeks in July 1974. [It carries a specific connection for me, too, as it inspired a pivotal scene for my Rhythms & Muse novel.]

Fred Stobaugh wrote “Sweet Lorraine” after the passing of his wife of 73 years in 2013. He entered it into Green Shoe Studios‘ songwriting contest, by sending in an old-school, hand-written letter. Touched by the heartfelt lyrics, Green Shoe brought Fred’s song to life through its generous creativity and production. The song reached #1 in the iTunes singer/songwriter category in August 2013.

For the whole story, see the sweet little documentary, “A Letter from Fred,” on YouTube.

I simply needed to share this, even if it is a year old. Prepare for inspiration and subsequent tears.

Can you share a similar story?

…………………..

Write on! (or in this case, “Far-r-r-r Out!)
Ann Narcisian Videan
Write • Edit • Self-publish • Word-of-mouth
avidean@videanunlimited.com

Coffee CommuniTea form: Add your own favorite tea/coffee shop

Posted on by
Reply

Add your favorite tea or coffee shop to this community! I’m looking for hot spots all over the world, so please share any place you truly enjoy.

Ann at Carmel's Cafe in Phoenix, AZ

Ann at Carmel’s Cafe in Phoenix, AZ

I created the Coffee CommuniTea blog  because I deal with a lot of indie businesses and authors, and — since I love connecting people and ideas — what better place to do it than a coffee or tea shop? Besides, I wrote most of my Rhythms & Muse novel and Delfaerune Rhapsody series-in-progress in such venues.

I already covered many of my favorite hot spots on this site, but want to include your favorites, as well. I would be delighted to add your perfect little meeting place for a “cuppa.”

Simply copy my “Coffee CommuniTea” form (below) into the comments, and fill it out. Or, you can print it out, complete the form, and email it to avidean@videanunlimited.com. 

I will follow up with the owner/manager to fill out any missing details, secure photos, and post everything to this site. Cheers!

…………………………………………………………………………….

Coffee CommuniTea Blog
Contributor Form

Contributor: (your name, city, state, and other contact info you wish to make available, even a mug shot – pun intended)

Today’s Cup o’ Tea (name of shop, its city/state location, its Web site and/or best online site, with its owners’ names and contact emails)

Perks (what I really like!)

Share a Cuppa (the stories about the owner, building, history, name)

What’s Brewing (coffee, tea, food)

Percolation Factor (the activity/environment/energy/service)

The Grind (what I would change)

The Grounds (location)

Tea Times (hours)

Yelp rating: ____ stars from ___ reviews

………..

Write on!
Ann Narcisian Videan, Book Shepherd
Write • Edit • Publish

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

Find me elsewhere online.

Authors, understand the legality behind your books, ALWAYS

Posted on by
Reply

TOPIC:
Do you know the legal ins and outs regarding your book? Let’s get together with Megan D. Scott with The Kleinman Law Firm, to learn more about keeping our content legal and protecting our work.

Josh Groban, Phoenix 2013

In your book, can you use photos of celebrities like the one my daughter took at the Josh Groban concert?
Can you even use their names? Can you use music lyrics and quotes?
Should you officially copyright your writing?
Find out by attending the Dec. 12 ALWAYS writers gathering in Tempe, AZ.

[In case you’re wondering, Josh is the guy in the shadows just to the right of the violinist
and behind the guy with his knee up.]
Photo: 2013 CEVidean

Next gathering:
Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013
11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
(ALWAYS meets on the second Thursday of each month.)

Where:
DAVE & BUSTERS
(private board room)
Tempe Marketplace
2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy
Tempe , AZ – 85281
480-281-8456

back-up location:
Tea Infusion
2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy # 1064
Tempe, AZ 85281-4927
(480) 967-1141

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

• Need contacts to help your writing?
• Want advice about your writing?
• Like 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.

Follow established authors’ tips to earn visibility online

Posted on by
Reply

ALWAYS authors:
Using Goodreads and other online resources

Do your social media work now. Find your book later in a library like UC San Diego's Geisel Library. This crazy cool facility in La Jolla, CA -- named in honor of long-time La Jolla residents Audrey and Theodor Seuss Geisel (better known as Dr. Seuss) -- houses more than 3.5 million books! Photo: 2013 CEVIdean

Do your social media work now. Find your book later in a library like UC San Diego’s Geisel Library. This crazy cool facility in La Jolla, CA — named in honor of long-time La Jolla residents Audrey and Theodor Seuss Geisel (better known as Dr. Seuss) — houses more than 3.5 million books!
Photo of Ann: 2013 CEVIdean

Topic for our gathering:

What is your favorite online tool for authors? Goodreads? Facebook? Pinterest? Blogs? Let’s get together and share what we know about making the best use of our time online for our books.

Next gathering:
THURSDAY, Nov. 14, 2013
11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
(ALWAYS meets on the second Thursday of each month.)

Where:
DAVE & BUSTERS
(private room)
Tempe Marketplace
2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy
Tempe , AZ – 85281
480-281-8456

Back-up location:
Tea Infusion
2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy # 1064
Tempe, AZ 85281-4927
(480) 967-1141

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
• Need contacts to help your writing?
• Want advice about your writing?
• Like to hang with other cool writers?
The Alliance for Literary Writers, Authors & Yabbering Scribes (ALWAYS) is an informal group of established fiction and nonfiction writers in the Phoenix area who want to support each other’s work, share ideas and best practices, and just discuss writing topics. I’ve led this group since 2006.
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.

Authors, generate outrageous readership-building ideas, ALWAYS

Posted on by
Reply
Celestial Seasonings tea bags create this dress and its accessories. If you wore this, would people talk about it? Duh. So, what creative idea can you come up with to get people talking about your book? We'll brainstorm ideas together at our next ALWAYS authors lunch. Photo: ©2013 ANVidean

Celestial Seasonings tea bags create this dress and its accessories. If you wore this, would people talk about it? Duh. So, what creative idea can you come up with to get people talking about your book? We’ll brainstorm ideas together at our next ALWAYS authors lunch. Photo: ©2013 ANVidean

Topic for our gathering:
“Marketing Outside The Book: Outrageous Ideas to Build Readership:” a brainstorming session

At our next authors’ Alliance for Literary Writers, Authors & Yabbering Scribes (ALWAYS) gathering in Tempe, AZ, I’ll lead a mini brainstorm to generate unique ideas to entice readers to buy your book. I’ve conducted thousands of hours of marketing strategy sessions with entrepreneurs and authors to generate “out-of-the-circle” ideas to make people want to chat you up. I assure you, you’ll leave the meeting with at least one powerful idea to use immediately.
– Ann

When:
Thurs., Sept. 12, 2013
11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
(Due to a concentration of writers’ meetings the last week of each month, ALWAYS will meet now on second Thursdays.)

Where:
Tea Infusion
2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy # 1064
Tempe, AZ 85281-4927
(480) 967-1141
(I am taking suggestions for another meeting place at or near Tempe Marketplace.)

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
• Need contacts to help your writing?
• Want advice about your writing?
• Like to hang with other cool writers?
The Alliance for Literary Writers, Authors & Yabbering Scribes (ALWAYS) is an informal group of established fiction and nonfiction writers in the Phoenix area who want to support each other’s work, share ideas and best practices, and just discuss writing topics. I’ve led this group since 2006.
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.

Montezuma’s Castle: Living 100 feet up a cliff face

Posted on by
Reply

A word-of-mouth marketing example from the lens of Ann Narcisian Videan
to inspire your business tribe/village.
…………………………..

Montezuma's Castle, just off I-17 south of Flagstaff, AZ. @2013 ANVidean

Montezuma’s Castle, just off I-17 south of Flagstaff, AZ. @2013 ANVidean

On the way back from Northern Arizona University, where my daughter took a college tour recently, she and I stopped to play tourist at Montezuma’s Castle.

The Native American ruin lies just over 30 minutes south of Flagstaff, and a short jaunt down a narrow road into the desert. You think you’re in the middle of nowhere when suddenly the Visitor’s Center parking lot looms ahead.

Hand-packed mud holds the walls together. ©2013 ANVidean

Hand-packed mud holds the walls together. ©2013 ANVidean

Another ruin, probably housing 100 people, in greater disrepair lies at the bottom of the elevated dwelling

Another ruin, probably housing 100 people, in greater disrepair lies at the bottom of the elevated dwelling. ©2013 ANVidean

Along an easy 1/3-mile loop trail along Beaver Creek, you can witness how native Arizonans lived in a structure built 100 feet up in a cliff face. They made use of all the materials available to them: a natural cave, stones, soil, Arizona Sycamore trees, and nearby water to carve out an amazingly robust and protected life for themselves.

Humans are truly ingenious, are they not?

I totally suggest a visit, and a chat with the knowledgeable ranger staffing the center there.

What other impressive sights can you recommend in Arizona?

Secrets to choosing the perfect book marketing, ALWAYS

Posted on by
1

You’ve written and published your book. Now you must sell it. But how?

At the next authors’ Alliance for Literary Writers, Authors & Yabbering Scribes (ALWAYS) gathering, we’ll discuss this overwhelming topic with best-selling author and publicity guru Raleigh Pinskey.

Standing in front of shelves lined with Celestial Seasonings teas is very similar to standing in front of shelves (or Web pages) filled with book publicity options. Which do you choose to get the best bang for your book? How do you make yours stand out? Publicity, is one answer. This topic will be addressed at our August 2013 authors' ALWAYS gathering. Photo: @2013 ANVidean

Standing in front of shelves lined with myriad Celestial Seasonings teas is very similar to standing in front of shelves (or Web pages) filled with book publicity options.
Which do you choose to get the best bang for your book?
Photo: @2013 ANVidean

When:
Thurs. Aug. 15, 2013
11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

Where:
Tea Infusion
2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy.
Tempe, AZ 85281-4927
(480) 967-1141

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 page or contacting Ann Videan, avidean@videanunlimited.com.

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

ABOUT ALWAYS
• Need contacts to help your writing?
• Want advice about your writing?
• Like to hang with other cool writers?
The Alliance for Literary Writers, Authors & Yabbering Scribes (ALWAYS) is an informal group of established fiction and nonfiction writers in the Phoenix area who want to support each other’s work, share ideas and best practices, and just discuss writing topics. I’ve led this group since 2006.
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.

Coffee CommuniTea: Celestial Seasonings – Boulder, CO

Posted on by
Reply

Today’s Cup o’ Tea
Celestial Seasonings
Boulder, CO

P1270015

Perks (what I really like!)
An all-natural tea manufacturer, with a tea tasting room, art gallery, café, and gift shop in one of my favorite eclectic U.S. cities. What’s not to love?

Share a cuppa (the stories about the owner, building, history, name)
Celestial Seasonings, headquartered in Boulder, is one of the largest specialty tea manufacturers in North America.

What’s Brewing (coffee, tea, food)
My family and I dropped by the Celestial Seasonings facility, expecting to pop in to buy a few of our favorite teas at a discount. We ended up staying a couple of hours enjoying the flavors of many teas, buying presents, and learning about teas.

Tea-tasting room and art gallery.

Tea-tasting room and art gallery. @2013 ANVidean

I especially loved the tea tasting room. When you walk into the light, inviting room, a host hands you a small porcelain teacup. You carry it over to the tea station featuring a handful of featured pre-brewed teas. If the flavor you want is not available, you walk up to the counter, ask to try a particular tea, and they fill your cup with hot water and give you a fresh teabag to brew  your own.

P1270021

They offer so many delicious teas! @2013 ANVidean

My new favorite: Jammin’ Lemon Ginger. Yum!

The Grind (what I would change)
Not a thing. My family thoroughly enjoyed our visit.

Tea tasters. @2013 ANVidean

Tea tasters: Codi, Bob and Cutter. @2013 ANVidean

Percolation Factor (the activity/environment/energy/service)

  • Informative hosts are handy to provide answers to any tea-related question.
  • Free tours of the world’s most advanced tea production plant every day (except major holidays) show you how the finest all-natural ingredients from around the world become your favorite Celestial Seasonings teas. Tours leave on the hour and last 45 minutes.
  • A tea shop with discounted teas, all the tea-related supplies and gifts you can imagine.
  • The Celestial Café, serving fresh, delicious, home-cooked meals in a cozy atmosphere featuring beautiful Celestial Seasonings artwork. See Web site for special café hours.
  • My favorite surprise came in the form of tea art. The tasting-room and café walls, and lobby display cases, brim with beautiful packaging artwork and unique tea sets. The work is truly eye-popping.

    This is a teapot! @2013 ANVidean

    This is a teapot! @2013 ANVidean

The Grounds (location)
4600 Sleepytime Dr.
Boulder, CO 80301
(303) 581-1202

Tea Times (hours)
M–Sa.  9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Su.  11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Yelp rating: 4.5 stars from 165 reviews

……………………

I love connecting people and ideas, so I’ve been creating small villages my entire life. Really, what better places can writers and musicians find to create “village” than independent coffee/tea shops? I wrote most of my Rhythms & Muse novel and Delfaerune Rhapsody series-in-progress in coffee/tea venues, so it seemed natural to create this blog. Whether you came here to find a new favorite hangout, or suggest a spot not yet not posted, may you find Coffee CommuniTea exactly to your taste!