First Word

It's Saturday ... it's almost July ... my blog stats dropped. Why? Because July is vacation month -- the heaviest traveled month outside of the holiday season. I'm blogging on a Saturday night. What a life, right? Ah, it's not that bad. I went out earlier today to meet one of our authors. Now my daughter is yelling over the balcony rail at other children. I won't let her go out into my apartment complex to play. I'm so mean yet very protective. It's not like when I lived in a house. You can't send an eight-year-old out to play without supervision, and I'm not just going to sit in the courtyard, so I guess I'm so mean LOL. I can smell BBQ, too. I miss BBQ. (I am stream of consciousness blogging here.) And for the record, I could be dating if I wanted to. I don't want to. I have an important relationship in a holding pattern until I have completed the divorce process. In my personal, aged and "saged" opinion, it's not a good ide...

Anyone out there going through a divorce? Now say with me all at once, "Divorce sucks!" I think that is an understatement, but hey! I don't use profanity on the blog, so there you go! Actually, I am making myself chuckle here. It's good to laugh when laughter seems so far from reach. The changes on my script California Girl Chronicles written by the script doctor just made me laugh till I wanted to cry. He is so gifted, but I can't use his name for a number of very good reasons. It reminded of me of a bawdy Friends episode ... and that says an interesting comment on our combined skills. I was told by a little bird, he thinks I'm an excellent storyteller. Thank you! I think he is an excellent screenwriter ... just calling a genius a genius is all. Like my blog love-fest or what?! Well, in sharing I am cheering myself up, and I'm letting you know that the script is progressing. And I'm taking my despair over a terrible, brutal and divorce air out int...

I have a really big question. I visited your Mattel headquarters store in Los Angeles. Well, I as an indignant eight-year-old girl realized that you sell all of your Polly Pockets alone in each package. Well, I object! How can you sell my poor girl Polly all zipped in a sealed plastic container with no one to talk to? Polly deserves a friend on her voyage, and you have left her all alone. You didn't even put in a Paul. She can't even start a family! Ah! So upsetting. And let me point out, she hasn't had a friend since you invented her. I am so upset. I think I need to start a "Give-Polly-a-Friend" movement. Everyone should have someone even if it's an hermetically sealed plastic package. Your Upset Friend, Cambria

The following is an excerpt from Vanity Circus published by 3L Publishing in 2010. If you would like a copy, go to Amazon or the 3L website at www.3LPublishing.com .  There is one thing we consistently see across the board. We constantly educate our authors on how their book is not a singular passive revenue stream; but we inform them how their book can become a business with multiple revenue streams. When our clients come to us with such tunnel vision we educate about the “business-in-a-box” business model and slowly light up the tunnel until, “ta-da,” the realization of a business opportunity hits them smack on the side of the head. They finally understand the concept and then they run with it. When you write a book, it is a platform and opportunity to do many other things such as speaking engagements, workshops, and increase your current business activities. Smart Girls “ The answer is out there, Neo, and it's looking for you, and it will find you if...

The following is an excerpt from my book on publishing titled Vanity Circus , which is available on Amazon and my website at 3L Publishing ( www.3LPublishing.com ).  Want to know a way to absolutely ruin an utterly brilliant day? Be forced to read a tragically and poorly written manuscript (fiction or non-fiction … doesn’t matter). In my opinion, nothing is worse than being forced to read a manuscript that for all intents and purposes is utter drivel to the extreme – and perhaps the most pain I can possibly experience is also to be subjected to horrible, horrible dialog. Nothing makes a reader wince more than weak dialog written in a stilted and idiotic manner. I promise you that forcing a reader to strain through inane and meaningless dialog will drive them mad. So with that said, it’s time to tell you about The Good, The Bad and The Brutally Ugly when it comes to sifting through and reading a pile of manuscripts. The Good The Good manuscript while it has a handful of...

Wow! I must be totally devoted, tireless or just nuts ... I am not up to posting this blog at all ;). But here I go anyway. Last night, my favorite show True Blood episode three aired. I've loved this season very much, but now I have to say the part of the story that just was sort of the "ew" factor: the chancellor bedded three men in one night. Who exactly was the whore in that episode? Pam who slept with Eric and actually displayed genuine affection or the chancellor who bedded Bill, Eric and the supreme one whatever his name is? Mind you, the chancellor is drop-dead gorgeous (obviously) and quite seductive (obviously), but here is the slang for that: really ? And the "sloppy seconds" comment from Bill, hilarious, poor taste and true. What about that just didn't work for me? Story lines working just fine: Jason comes to his sexual reckoning that maybe he did have a big "hole" that he was unsuccessfully trying to fill with sex. His ability to ove...

I try to blog every day, and some days it's just not that easy. As I am a woman in habitual transformation with a mind that, according to close friends, goes 10,000 miles an hour (and they are right), I am always ready to change and move forward if it's for the best. So today's topic of infamy boundaries ... or shall I say the lack thereof (LOL). I am generally assertive and then soft, too. Bo, our operations manager, said, "I have watched you do both right in front of me." For about two years now, I have struggled with setting better boundaries in all facets of my life and business. Now the cool part is that Bo works the hard line boundaries on the business. She does things I consider essentially unpleasant (collections anyone). Now I am asserting some personal boundaries, too. And I want to say that it's super important that you draw some lines in order to get what you need and want in this life. I have been terrible at getting what I need. I ask, and then I...

I want to promote and support Sara Grace, who does what is called "energy work." Sara is a healer, and she is very gifted. I went into the process not really knowing what to expect or how it would be done from a distance. It's a deeply personal process so I won't get into the particulars, but I did want to share it with my readers. She had warned the next day I might be sick and prone to some unexpected emotional moments. Well, I actually felt super clear the next day, but I did get a few odd emotional, unexpected moments and at odd times. The clarity and grounded feelings real kept me in a peaceful place and enabled me to identify and move through some necessary things. I will tell you, she didn't tell me exactly when she was "going to go in on me," she just said she would about a certain time. I am not kidding here, I knew exactly when she went on me. It was impressive! And it was rather unpleasant in a good way. I felt so great yesterday, and I stil...

I have to tell you, I'm just all skewed with this summer stuff. After spending a lifetime in 100-plus-boiling-my-behind-off Sacramento weather, these tepid Marina del Rey temperatures throw me off. I keep expecting the flowers to bloom into spring, and then I realized, "Hey! I think I missed spring all together - and it's summer!" I will have to adjust to this new-found steady, unchanging temperature thing. I do have to secretly tell you I am so happy to never have to turn on my heat or A/C - that saves a heap of money for sure. And speaking of things throwing me off, OMG I have learned a huge, huge lesson on herding 10 Powerful Women aka lionesses not cats! First, let me just make you laugh: you know you don't herd lions, right? And enough said ... In other really amazing news the book Under the Sycamores came out, and I'm just pleased as the punch and bowl combined with how great it looks. We did this special soft-cover edition thing with ...

The new book Under the Sycamores , written by first-time novelist Michael Perrotta, asks many deep, spiritual questions about love, fidelity, and the choices we make when we come to a fork in the road and have to decide which direction would best serve us. Sometimes we choose the obvious right choice that will take us deeper and into the next level of our lives, and sometimes we stay the course and may wonder if that was the right one. Now during 2012, which is considered a major transition year, many people are taking hard looks at their lives and making these choices — so this book is very timely and will resonate with many people who stand at similar forks. Under the Sycamores is the deeply personal heartfelt love story about Emilia, a married woman, who meets her “anima gemella” or “twin soul” Nicholas, and over a long weekend they form an inexplicable, unforgettable bond. Emilia must deal with morals, obligations and responsibilities as she fights her true desire to be with...

Every author has his/her process. I've spoken to some authors who outline their stories. They did a "cast" list and figure out each character's role. They try to identify their characters' arcs and development. Other writers do index cards, which in some ways is kind of old fashioned, don't you think? We're in the digital era, but for these writers that makes sense. I actually don't question the process, because it's different for everyone. If you're a new writer and want some great advice on getting started, here are some fabulous ideas: Non-fiction and the Table of Contents -- I always recommend that authors whether they are new to their crafts or old dogs should start non-fiction books with a well-thought-out table of contents. The table of contents becomes your roadmap and guide for how you will organizationally write the book. I encourage new writers to have an outside person review their table of contents. You will notice that all books...

I am telling you, Season 5 of True Blood is hitting them right out of the ballpark. Finally! Instead of focusing on non-vampire-related story lines, Alan Ball reigned it back in. Now we're cooking with bloody good, silver-infused torture! Oh yeah baby rock that storyline with the Authority and torture no less. What creative and demented minds came up with the silver concoction to torture vamps into submission? Yeah, you writers knock yourselves out. I am duly impressed. Now add the nice touch of finally filling in the blank of how Pam and Eric Northman met in San Francisco, 1905, and you've just got this one being hit out of the ballpark. Anything Pam and Eric ... all good. Now follow this up with Tara's insane outrage at having been turned against her will, and you've just got the makings for a fantastic, hyper-fueled romp into True Blood land. I had driven home last night after nearly eight hours in the car and not feeling well, but I tell you this episode managed t...

Identity -- I started letting other people's comments about things like my blogger picture that I thought was fun up-end my confidence. How silly of me. I liked my blogger picture, as I felt it reflected my out-there personality and fun-loving nature. Who would you rather work with? An uptight corporate suite or fun me? I think fun me is way, way better ;). I took those photos to reflect the author of California Girl Chronicles , because let's just say if you're going to write a fun, racy book, your image should at the very least match. I mean come on now sexy for sexy ... just saying. I do find it really funny when you see a clearly introverted author who has a racy book, though -- now that is ironic. Well, the last few months have weighed me down quite a bit. But it's time to shift, get ready and go! We've got a very exciting summer ahead I must say. We're re-tooling the California Girl Chronicles pilot with the goal to make it a top five cable show ... lo...

I've had a rich and full life. I've been fortunate, blessed and talented enough to follow every passion and succeed probably because it is my passion. I successfully blazed my own trail into publishing because I love it -- every aspect of it. I have to say the only element I don't like is paperwork ;). Who does, right? My whole life, though, is about passion. People who either are close to me personally or professionally always feel like I center my energy on them. I do in the way that when you're in my space, I'm 200% invested in how I can help you. Your success matters to the 3L team. We believe that your success is our success and your failure is our failure. I had clients shocked at how responsive I am when they send requests for service. My whole team operates at that level. I'm like that personally, too. I go out of my way to do everything at 200%. There is a book called The 1 Percent that suggests that if you give it just that one extra percent you will s...

So last night I came home from an errand. I now park in a parking garage, and my space is very tight. I managed to bump my neighbor's car. I was not pleased because I have nothing on my insurance record in like six years. Now my bumper corner is in need of repair ... well, I had a pretty good day yesterday and I shook my head. I decided my cup is half full ... maybe the guy who fixes my car will change my life! You never know. I had a brief chuckle that maybe he's my Prince Charming or something (for the record, highly unlikely), but that made me laugh and cheered me up (I hope I already met my prince ;). Well, so then I had insomnia really bad last night, which I was hoping I had licked. Guess not. I didn't fall asleep until 2:00 a.m. I ended up eating Ruffles and re-watching the season premier of True Blood and looking for the clues indicated by the reviewer Unreconstructed Fangirl provided in her show analysis. Um, didn't find all of them ... did Pam really tilt he...

Last night the long-anticipated True Blood Season 5 started with some fantastic and fast storytelling. Alan Ball, who is still at the helm of the campy vampire show, pushed every single story forward from the conclusion of Season 4. I don't think the season opener missed a single beat. From the pick-up where Sookie shoots Debbie and Eric and Bill go on the lamb from the Vampire Authority, it moved from scene to scene and from continuation to continuation. I have to say I think it was the best season opener I've seen so far. The only story line not ringing true is the Eric-Bill sudden alliance and friendship. Eric's sudden loyalty to Bill ... huh? Eric hates Bill. He's normally very cool toward him and the "not without Bill" statement just fell on the side of ... huh? The animosity disappeared when exactly? Additionally, Eric's blithe reaction to Sookie's fear and his statement that "she dumped both of us" and his ignoring her peril ... not r...

Some clients but not all are surprised when I say this, “Did you know that having a book is better and even costs less than a full-color brochure?” Some color brochures can cost up to $10 a copy while a standard-sized book can cost anywhere from $1.50 to $3.00 a copies, depending on the page count and quantity ordered. Here are three very good reasons you should consider writing or having a book ghost written for your business. Speaking opportunities – a book makes you an instant expert. Yes, even if its mere perception, people believe those who have written a book are now experts on whatever subject and will ask you to come speak to their groups, organizations or associations. Speaking equals cash in the door . The opportunity to speak in front of a group equals more business. You are perceived as an expert in your business, and people will want to know more about your business and ask for meetings, which often leads to more business and more cash in the door to sustain b...

I can't believe it's Friday already. I have no idea where the week went. Now that I am living in Southern California, I am adjusting to my new world. LA is so LA ... that is the most accurate statements. It's a whole other culture here, but most people know that already, as it has been so well depicted in classic movies like the hilarious LA Story , which is still one of my favorites. I was out last night with a girlfriend, and I am one of these people who typically gets engrossed in conversations and quits noticing everything around her. I got to the restaurant a little early and was texting back and forth with my friends when I looked up and really started to notice the crowd. A mixture of familiar faces, as many of them I'm sure were D-level actors and actresses, and just the "artist" scene. Lots of guys with chiseled cheekbones or long hair that they would flip like girls over their shoulders. I just had to laugh. You know I consider myself an artist, to...

Blog, blog ... blah, blah ... I sort of feel that way about it when I can't think of anything to say that will scintillate your reading pleasure and make it worth a repeat trip to read First Word . When I'm not sure what I'm going to say for the day, I just start typing and here we are. We are going to be taking California Girl Chronicles on a pitch go-round with the networks that seem ripe for the project. I am working with producer Scott D. Roberts on that project. Being completely confident in his producing skills, he was grounded in the statement that he will sell it -- and I believe him. One thing I have always liked about him -- and as is the case with the true professionals in this town -- is that he has this open sincerity, generosity of spirit, and willingness to share and help, which is why he makes an excellent script and book coach for 3L Publishing . If you have a book or script that you would like: A thorough one-page analysis of the story, characters a...

I read yesterday on my Google Alerts that the popcorn flick Battleship tanked. The $200-million budget coupled with the reality that it did not soar to no. #1 on the box office charts makes it one of those movies that I'm sure executives pray DVD and Blu Ray sales will help recoup some losses. Now no offense to  my favorite Swedish actor Alexander Skarsgard, who plays the more solid brother to the wayward rogue brother, but I just have to say a movie about battleships and aliens isn't exactly how I might have envisioned this "board game" turned movie. The only reason I will eventually see it is because I am a Skarsgard fan and will support his work. Otherwise, I would never have bothered. I really don't know why there was a need to deviate from a traditional story about "sinking battleships" to aliens vs. ships. Right from the get-go, I thought the premise was sort of an odd combination kind of like popcorn and steak. So it comes as no surprise that tha...

Most authors have big dreams about receiving a major advance and winning the lotto big time with their best-selling book. It's a nice dream, right? Well in today's ever-changing publishing world, you now have many options to chose from, but realize that hitting the NY Times Best Seller list is just as difficult as it is to win Lotto no matter what method you chose. I thought I would take a moment to distill three important things every author should know about going the traditional publishing route: 1. You have to get an agent -- and that is just the first layer of qualification. It can be quick and easy to get a literary agent or it can be just as tough as getting a publisher. You might be weeks or months away from getting an agent. 2. Once you get an agent, you're still playing the time game -- the agent then has to shop your manuscript to the publishing houses. This is a game of waiting for one person to read and vet and pass to the next person to read or vet. Then...

First a little side note about getting a little mental assist with some good prescribed drugs. I was always anti-psyche drugs. No thank you and when people would suggest things like Zoloft and Paxcil. I've never taken anything on the premise that my positive-thinking brain can do it on its own. Well, anyone going through not one but two but three major life changes in one year who finds their minds racing like it's on the track in Daytona, let me tell you something, you might have a change of heart. My cousin, who also had a similar experience, urged me to try one pill ... just one and see what I thought. After weeks of sleeplessness and what one could only describe as completely erratic behavior, I woke up the next day and guess what? I felt like my old self. My mind was settled. I was rational. I slept beautifully. Even today when I'm not sure what the status of a certain situation is, I usually would start asking, "Hey what's up?" Nope! I'm in a sort of...

It's Friday, and I'm already trying to think of something fun to entertain you with. Let's start with the wacky submissions I get to 3L Publishing that make me scratch my head. Every now and then I will have authors who just don't understand submission protocols. So, before I share the good, the bad and the atrocious, let me first share the right way to submit. If you have a manuscript, please send the following to info@3LPublishing.com: A sample chapter (preferably chapter 1) A 300 word synopsis that explains the summary of the story If it's a non-fiction book, your synopsis should explain what topic is going to discuss, how it will do it, and why it's unique If you've really gone deep enough on the business side, a marketing plan is welcome, too Here is what I don't want to see: A full manuscript with that 400 maybe 500 words long with the expectation from the author that essentially demands: please read my entire book and give me feedba...