Tuesday, November 26, 2019
This week is a personal favorite of mine. Thursday is a family day and a break from the massive cooking and planning from my Annual Authors’ Tea where 140 author and book lovers gathered in my home to eat, sip, greet authors and buy their books. The following day, was a brunch celebrating my new book and Mara Purl’s with another 35 friends. Whew!
I’ve lost count in the sticks of butter used in baking mega dozens of cookies; the spread of food; the yummy quiches made; and the refilled pots of six teas served. It was lots! So I’m grateful for Steve as he helped me set up, kept the food filled, and whisked away empty plates. And for Bobby and Ian who helped “shoppers” with their book purchases.
On Thursday, with just family, we have games, football, family, and food. For me, I have the Macy’s Parade in the background for the kid in me and the National Dog Show, wondering “which one” will get the grand prize—I don’t own a dog now, but I love those sassy pooches as they parade around.
I’m grateful for the freedom we all have and too often assume it’s ours– in my home hangs an oil painting of a still life of flowers; a gift on my 50th birthday from a dear friend, Nicole Schapiro and her mother. As a pass it several times a day, it’s a reminder of our freedom. I have no idea what the value of the art … yet the story of is one that should never go silent. WW II … It was stolen by the Nazis from her home: Nicole’s parents were taken to the concentration camps; infant Nicole was rescued by a nun and taken to a convent. The family’s art disappeared. Her father died, her mother survived and eventually was reconnected with her young daughter. Some of the art was brought back to the family. Both Nicole and her mother knew how I loved flowers. On my 50th, Nicole came to dinner with a brown wrapped item. Within it was what now hangs in the entry way for all to see.
As I unwrapped it, an awe followed with tears as Nicole said, “We wanted you to have this. The Nazis took everything, this is one of the pieces we recovered. In the lower left corner is a blacked out section. Underneath it is the name of the artist that the Nazis covered and painted in another name on the right side (it reads Drew). You can take this to a restorer and have the name removed to find out who the artist is if you like.”
I listened to her words and immediately knew that I would never do that. I have no idea if there is a monetary value to the piece. What I do know is that it is priceless and I’m eternally grateful for Nicole and her mother for this extraordinary gift that I think of each day. And an everyday reminder that Nazism was not long ago. Be grateful for your freedom to do what you do … it … can … be … lost.
I’m sooooo grateful for all the wonderful publishing colleagues I get to work with every day: Rebecca Finkel of F&P Design and Nick Zelinger of NZ Graphics for the fantastic creativity and art they bring to each book book concept placed in front of them and also to Rebecca for the eBooks that are added to the author’s mix for formats for buyers. To Richard Rieman and Mara Purl who make authors’ voices and words sparkle within their the land of audiobook creation. To the many printers who deliver the printer word–making covers jump and interiors soothe and delight as pages are turned–especially Sandy Gould with Color House Graphics, Charlie Tlapa with Total Printing Services, George Dick with Four Colour Print Group and Kathleen Brown with Sheridan. Other eyes and their “red pens” join me in editing the many books I’m honored to work with as The Book Shepherd: Peggie Ireland and Barb Wilson. I couldn’t do what I do without the daily support I get from the my amazing virtual assistant Leah Dasalla as well as Kelly Johnson. Websites come alive with Michelle Renee of Streamline Your Biz and Kelly Johnson at Cornerstone VA. Plus the fun that I have every Friday with my early AM Author Friendly Fridays with authors I coach as we all are joined together via Zoom.
I’m grateful for wonderful friends who are there for quick phone calls, face time calls, Skype catch-ups, fun meals together and of course, hugs—you name it, it’s so important … essential to stay connected.
And of course, HUGE thanks to the many authors I have the esteemed pleasure to meet and guide through their authoring journey. I’m grateful to the many clients and authors that I’ve had the pleasure to touch since my first book was published in 1981. What a gift.
I’m grateful for the relationship I have with my kids and grandkids. This week is always led with the two birthdays of the two youngest in the family: Ryan and Bella–as they said around my dining room table–this is epic! I’m grateful that I can work with hubby still on the publishing sign as he still dives into Indexes when authors need them and actually like to sit down over dinner with him in the evening; I’m grateful for the silly TV shows I allow myself to indulge in once in a while; and friends who show up when I reveal: it’s guinea pig time–I’m playing around with food ideas. Come over for dinner and see what you think …
AND, I’m grateful for all of YOU.
For a very SPECIAL treat … here’s a short video (2 minutes) that makes me smile everything time I think of Buster the dog and other critters … you will too! I promise: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jt6bg2nl908
Wishing you a wonderful day with your family and friends,
Judith Briles is a book publishing expert and coach. She empowers authors and is the Founder of Author U, a membership organization created for the serious author who wants to be seriously successful. She’s been writing about and conducting workshops on publishing since the 80s. Judith is the author of 37 books including How to Create a $1,000,000 Speech, The How to Avoid 101 Book Publishing Blunders, Bloopers & Boo-Boos. Author YOU: Creating and Building Your Author and Book Platforms (ForeWord IndieFab Book of the Year), Snappy Sassy Salty: Wise Words for Authors and Writers and a speaker at publishing conferences. Book #37 was published this year: When God Says NO. Get your copy now.
Each year, she holds Judith Briles Unplugged-Speaking, Publishing, Book Marketing, two-day intensives limited to a small group of authors who want to be seriously successful. In 2020, the dates will be in March (speaking), June (book publishing) and October (book marketing). Join Judith live on Thursdays at 6 p.m. EST for “AuthorU – Your Guide to Book Publishing” on the Toginet Network at bit.ly/PublishingShow .
Follow @AuthorYOU and @MyBookShepherd on Twitter and do a “Like” at AuthorU and Judith Briles – TheBookShepherd on Facebook. If you want to create a book that has no regrets, contact Judith at Judith@Briles.com.
Author U is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to the author who wants to be seriously successful. Monthly education programs delivered face-to-face and online, The Author Resource ezine, BookCamps and the annual Author U Extravaganza are tools designed for authors pre, during and post publishing of their books. Join AuthorYOU.org today.
Judith Briles can provide background, commentary and story ideas related to writing, book publishing and professional speaking. She responds quickly to interview requests. Call 303-885-2207 (cell), 303-720-668-8927 (land) or email Judith@Briles.com.