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Changes Happening in 2012

Quote: “There are thousands of thoughts lying within a man that he does not know till he takes up the pen and writes.” ~Wm. Makepeace Thackeray
 
I wanted to share some changes happening with me and SFC Publishing. Some of you may have already heard about some or all of these changes through my newsletter, blog talk radio shows or via email, but beginning January 2012, SFC Publishing and its many divisions will be moving to a new network server/host. This means our websites will be going through a change over so if you try logging on and get a message, know we are just in the middle of a website move. We are hoping everything will go smoothly and readers will not even notice the switch, but I just wanted to make you all aware of it. Also, SFC Newsletter for Writers and Stories for Children Magazine will be cutting back to 6 issues a year. A choice I, and the rest of the SFC Team, did not make lightly. We hope you can understand and support our changes here at SFC Publishing.

Secondly, the SFC Team and myself will be switching email accounts. We will be notifying our contact lists of this change as well. However, if you want to contact me about the World of Ink Network, WOI Virtual Tours or anything related to SFC Publishing, I can be reached at vsgrenier AT gmail DOT com. If you would like to contact me about my personal writing, editing services or this blog, email me at virginiasgrenier AT gmail DOT com.

Besides focusing on the changes at SFC Publishing, I have been busy with networking. I find this time of year is one of the easiest times to put my marketing/networking foot forward. If you think about it, how many opportunities have you had to meet new people and share about your writing at company, writing and community parties/events? 

I started the month of December off by helping and hosting my local writing group (The League of Utah Writers – Heritage Writer Group) holiday party. It was a blast as you can see from the picture below. I not only hosted the party as the chapter president, but I also worked with my workshop committee chair (a few months prior) to offer a contest. What made the contest so much fun was our judges where from our local school district (teachers) and we invited them to the party so they could be there when the winners were announced. I also went one-step further and purchased trophies for our 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners.
I followed this party up with a nice little get together with the S.O. (Sheriff Dept.) that my husband was invited to attend. Now I could have played the quite wife, and in most conversations--I did as much, but when the opportunity presented itself…I jumped at it and shared about my writing. Let me tell you, there is nothing like watching a bunch of law enforcement officers pulling out their smart phones to type up my websites to learn more about my books and Stories for Children Magazine. The best part…some of the officers either work at schools or have spouses who did. Now that is marketing.

These are just two of the opportunities I had with holiday parties. I also gave my picture book, Babysitting SugarPaw away to teachers and librarians my children received helped by or classes they have attended. I even dropped a few books by my family’s doctor and dental offices. Most likely, my book will be added to the other books in the lobby for kids to read while waiting for their appointments. Some may go home with workers, who will share the book with others. 
The point is, this time of years gives many opportunities to market your writing/book in a way that is not bold and screaming…buy me! Building network connections is the softer side to marketing and one that can pay off later down the road.

Lastly, the SFC team and I want to say “Thank You” for everything. We wish you all a very Happy Holiday Season and New Year with your families and friends. Wishing you all a very success 2012!

Also, don’t forget to check out the January SFC World of Ink Tours. We have some great authors touring with us every month. You can learn more about our World of Ink Tours and the authors we are currently hosting and have hosted at http://storiesforchildrenpublishing.com/WorldofInkTours.aspx. 

In addition, tune in to blog talk radio’s World of Ink Network every other Friday where I’ll be hosting the “What is Success” show on Fridays and the “Stories for Children” show on Mondays. You can also catch me monthly on the “Families Matter” show, which airs live on the 3rd Wednesday of every month. You can learn more about BTR’s World of Ink Network, our guest and hosts, and our shows at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/worldofinknetwork or on our blog http://worldofinknetwork.blogspot.com. 

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