Tagging Women Who Blog!

"I blog for a number of reasons. The primary reason, however, is to create interesting and engaging conversations with the hope that those conversations turn into long-lasting relationships." Duwad Miracle

Today, when I was reading my "Google Alerts" a great idea came into my email. It was called Women Bloggers Doing It For Themselves by CONNECTED INTERNET BLOG.

Roberta is encouraging bloggers to tag 5 female bloggers that they enjoy reading or who are Rockin’ Girl Bloggers. So I am doing the same and tagging 5 of my favorite female bloggers here!

Toby Bloomberg (Bloomberg Marketing)

Yvonne DaVita (Lip-sticking)

Holly Buchanan (Marketing to Women Online)

Mary Hunt (In Women We Trust)

Heidi Casswell (Connect Simply)

Each of these women taught me something important about blogging and friendship. So they deserve to be recognized. Please visit their blogs and say HI! And while you’re at it, subscribe to their blogs.

Oh, and one more thing, if you haven’t yet done so visit BlogHer – the community for women who blog. You can join the community, list your blog and join in the conversations.

Happy blogging… and then some!

Heidi Richards, Founder & Chief Visionary
The WECAI Network™


"The influence of blogging is overall a very positive force in the media." Garrett M. Graff

Women's Writing Summit Bad News, Good News

The Women's Writing and Publishing Summit is behind us and now the real work begins! Getting our books written, published and sold.

During this four-day event (started out as three days, and experts kept contacting me to speak to our guests) we had 15 women and men share their thoughts on writing books, getting over writers block, finding time to write, writing on the run, working with a literary agent, finding a publisher, planning your book tour, using the laws of attraction to find a publisher, working with a co-author, and so much more!

In case you missed it, here was the lineup:

Partnership Publishing - How and when to use the Combined Forces of Publisher and Author to Produce Your Next Book with Linda Radke

So You Want to Write a Book! with Ann McIndoo

What to Expect When Working With a Literary Agent with Sharlene Martin

Publishing Books - The New Book Model with Dan Poynter

How to Leverage Your Contacts to Promote Your Book with Lynn Waymon

Publishing Options – Which One Is Right For YOU with Sherri McConnell

Are you about to Be Published? Insider "Secrets" to Get into Major Publishing Houses and Into the Hands of Your Readers! with Kim Weiss

The Art and Science of Working with a Co-Author and Writing Children's Books with Debra
Shively Welch

Copywriting Secrets Every Author Needs to Know with Rosalind Sedacca

From Book Signing to Best Seller: An Insider's Guide to Conducting a Successful Low-Cost Book Signing Tour with Jo Condrill

The Busy Author's Guide to Writing on the Run with Linda & Allen Anderson

How to Set up Your Own Small Publishing Company with Betty Dobson

How to Use the Internet to Promote Your Book with Donna Gunter

Let the Universe be Your Guide - Using the Laws of Attraction to Get Your Book Written and Published and So Much More! with Marilyn Jenett

The bad news that it's over and you will have to wait until next year to attend our second annual event.

The good news is that we recorded all the sessions and they will be available as audio downloads early next week ($67) and on CD in the next month ($97). If you are interested in more information, contact heidi (at) wecai.org with "WWPS AUDIO Program" in the subject line.

In addition, we are hosting a couple of additional sessions (for free) to anyone who would like to attend either online or in our virtual conference room - the next one takes place on Wednesday August 1st. If you are interested in attending, leave a comment on this blog.

Wishing you much success in your writing career... and then some.

Warmest regards,

Heidi Richards, Founder & Chief Visionary
The WECAI Network™

DAY ONE of the Writing & Publishing Summit!

“Book covers sell books. Unfortunately, for most authors the cover becomes an afterthought. Your cover is your most vital marketing tool—maximize its power!"
Dan Poynter, Bestselling author of The Self-Publishing Manual (and more thn 100 other titles!)

Do you have a book inside you waiting to get out?

Do you have a manuscript just waiting for an agent or a publisher?

Do you want to learn what it really takes to self-publish?

Do you want to learn how to promote your book to bookstores and alternate venues?

Would you like to see your book become an Amazon best seller?

IF you answered “yes” to any or all of these questions, then you are invited to attend.

Join us July 19-21 & 25, 2007 for this Transforming Event!

The WECAI NETWORK™ is excited to present the Women’s Writing & Publishing Virtual Summit- this three-day Webinar/teleconference Event to "Help Women Do Business On and Off the Web." Here is your chance to attend the Virtual event that is both educational and inspirational. Bringing together best-selling authors, top editors, agents, and publishers, the Women’s Writing & Publishing Summit offers writers the opportunity to meet the people who can make a difference in their writing career.

This Summit is sure to be an important learning experience for aspiring and seasoned writers alike. And Dan Poynter is one of 13 other guest experts who will be joining us. You can read the experts bios here: http://www.wecai.org/wwps/html/Speakers.html

This three (plus) day virtual event features interviews, workshops and networking led by some of the world’s most talented authors, publishers and literary agents. Our Summit is designed to help you develop your writing, stimulate your thinking and assist all stages of writers in the craft and the business of writing. During this summit you’ll get to meet, chat, network, and get to pick some of the best brains in the writing and publishing world.

One more thing, if you are unable to attend any, or all of the event, your registration gives you full access to the audio files after the program takes place.

Access after the summit these audio files will cost $97! Click here to REGISTER Today!

Looking forward to seeing many budding and seasoned authors online!

Warmest regards,

Heidi

Check out the article: PROMOTE YOUR BOOK BY COMMENTING ON BLOGS - Patrice-Anne Rutledge, author of THE WEB-SAVVY WRITER: BOOK PROMOTION WITH A HIGH-TECH TWIST (http://www.websavvywriter.com/) - and join us as 14 guest experts talk about Writing, Publishing and Promoting your BOOK! (as seen in Publishing Poynter's Dan Poynter's monthly newsletter)

Virtual Book Tour - with a GODDESS!

"Life is a rush into the unknown. You can duck down and hope nothing hits you, Or stand as tall as you can, show it your teeth, And say, "Dish it up, baby, and don't be stingy with the jalapenos." Grey Owl

Last month I had the pleasure to meet Anita Ryan-Revel, author of Selena's Crystal Balls, A Magical Journey Through the Chakras and just had to share her interview with everyone.

** Tell us why the book Selena's Crystal Balls, A Magical Journey Through the Chakras - is so fabulous???

AR> There are lots of reasons! Mainly because the illustrations are so "robust" -- they give me that feeling of "I want to fall into that scene" when I look at them. Children love the illustrations too -- they always reach out and touch the page as if they were touching a real crystal ball. The book is also fabulous because mothers pick the book up, flick through it, then say to me (with a cheeky wink), "I'm buying this for my child, but we both really know it's for me, ha ha"

** What was your inspiration for writing it?

AR> I have been sending out Goddess emails for 10 years that incorporate chakra energy tips to help women get back to "centre" and in touch with their authentic selves. Members who receive these emails often reply to me with requests that I write a newsletter or a book that would be suitable for them to share with their kids. Participants of my workshops inevitably ask for a kids book too, so I couldn't ignore the demand any longer.

I eventually sat down with my son and asked him what he knew about chakras (he'd accompanied me to enough expos to absorb SOMETHING by osmosis!) He gave me enough of an overview that I was able to glean that kids connect with colours of the rainbow, "magic and mystery" and fun things to do. So, I combined the colours with the divine magic of crystal balls, and "Selena's Crystal Balls" is the story that came out.

** I love the Chakra game. Tell us about that and what Chakra resonates with you today?

AR> The game is designed to help you "listen" to your body (your intuition) by looking at the seven colours and images and clicking on whichever image or colour resonates with you the most. You can read about the chakra you clicked through to and work out which issue in your life this represents. You can then deal with that issue in order to bring that chakra back into balance.

Because we are in the throes of planning a new home, my base chakra is going into overdrive -- it is trying to compensate for me feeling a little unsettled with the impending move. I'm OK with that though -- as long as I know where I'm out of balance, I can work with strategies to keep me calm during this time of transition. For example, I'm doing things like wearing red underwear, painting my toe nails red, playing my drum, carrying a bloodstone in my pocket, and repeating "Everything is exactly as it is meant to be" as my affirmation to help me settle down. (By the way, there are tips on how to balance chakras in my first book, located at: http://www.indigoconnections.com/galleria/chakragoddess/index.html.

** How can children and their parents get the most out of this book?

AR> By reading it together and using the story as a springboard for deeper discussion. There is a section at the back for teachers and parents so that they can prepare some leading questions in advance, and then slot them in at the appropriate time to generate meaningful discussion.

** How did you become interested in Goddesses? Chakras?

AR> I had very little self-esteem growing up which escalated into crippling self-doubt by the time I was a young adult. Of course, my life was full of drama and pain until I attended a chakra workshop in my late 20s. The chakra workshop incorporated ancient goddess energy which was my first introduction to the goddess within every woman. I haven't looked back since -- in fact, I can honestly say I absolutely, thoroughly and completely love my life now!

** What's next for you?

AR> I'm putting the finishing touches to my next book, "The 7-Day Chakra Workout", a preview of which was featured in Spheres Magazine (http://www.goddess.com.au/store/products.php) The issue with me on the cover!

** How to buy the book: Selena's Crystal Balls, A Magical Journey Through the Chakras is available from http://www.indigoconnections.com/galleria/chakragoddess/index.html in the United States and Canada, or from - http://www.goddess.com.au/eBooks (Anita's site, Goddess.com.au)

Thanks Anita! You are such a joy and inspiration!

Heidi Richards

Be sure to Check out the Women’s Writing & Publishing Virtual Summit
July 19-21 & 25, http://www.womenswritingandpublishingsummit.com - We will be talking about Virtual book tours (among other things) during this 3+ day event.

Back to School - Grants and Scholarships for Women

I began to have an idea of my life, not as the slow shaping of achievement to fit my preconceived purposes, but as the gradual discovery and growth of a purpose which I did not know. Joanna Field, English Psychologist

Today on my RYZE Network, Rebecca asked about grants for women who want to go back to school to either start a business or further their career. I shared some resources I have compiled and thought they would make a good post her.

Here's my list:

Check out women's organizations in your community (especially those having a national presence) for a list of possible Grants and Scholarships.

Also another good place to look is the educational institution to which you will be applying. Most of them have a list of grants available and the criteria for applying.

In addition, do a "Google" search of grants and scholarships for women in your area - I would do a "google alert" so that when one does come available and it is posted somewhere online, you will get a notification about it.

And here's a few websites that may have just what you are looking for:


Small Business Administration (Office of Women's Business Ownership)- http://www.sba.gov/womeninbusiness - The SBA is doing more than ever to help level the playing field for women entrepreneurs, who still face unique obstacles in the world of business. Tehy have a great "Hot List" of outside resources.

Count-Me-In - http://www.count-me-in.org - This is a fairly new fundraising organization that raises money from women for women. Loans are given from $500 to $10,000 (for first time recipients the maximum amount is $5,000).

Federal Money Retriever- http://www.fedmoney.com - is the premier grants and loans.database software containing information on all U. S. federal government grant and loan programs. There is a cost for the software, but the site allows you to research some of the grant dollars that are available. They have a specific category for grants available for women at: http://www.fedmoney.com/grants/su0232.htm

The Women's Funding Network - http://www.wfnet.org - Promotes the development and growth of women's funds that empower women and girls by fostering strategic alliances among women, donors, communities and institutions.

American Association of University Women - http://www.aauw.org - One of the largest private sources of funding for graduate women in the world, supports aspiring scholars around the globe, teachers and activists in local communities, women at critical stages of their careers, and those pursuing professions where women are underrepresented.

The Ada Project for Women (TAP)- http://tap.mills.edu - Includes information on conferences, discussion groups, organizations, fellowships, grants, and notable women in computer science.

Financial Women International- http://www.fwi.org - Provides information on professional growth, information sharing, peer networking, mentoring, leadership development, and career advancement for women.

Womens-finance.com, offers two different kinds of grants offered. There is the New Business grant that is between $100 and $5,000, and there is the existing business grant that ranges from $1,000-$5,000. You do have to apply at this site and be accepted, but it is worth checking this site out below:
http://www.womensbusinessgrants.com/

Here is a site that lists quite a few women's sites and resources:
http://www.fundsnetservices.com/women.htm

Women’s Financial Fund is a non-profit private foundation which gives business grants to women who wish to start a business, or grow a business they have already begun.
http://www.womensbusinessgrants.com/


Heidi

Heidi Richards, Leader "HER Mastermind Network"
http://HERmastermind-network.ryze.com/
Check out the Women’s Writing & Publishing Virtual Summit
July 19-21 & 25, http://www.womenswritingandpublishingsummit.com

Women's Writing & Publishing Summit - July 19-21, 2007

"The only reward I look forward to is seeing the finished piece of writing in hand." Erskine Caldwell

Join me for the Women's Writing & Publishing Summit taking place July 19-21, 2007.


The WECAI Network™ is excited to present this three-day Webinar/teleconference Event to "Help Women Do Business On and Off the Web."

Here is your chance to attend the Virtual event that is both educational and inspirational. Bringing together best-selling authors, top editors, agents, and publishers, the Women's Writing & Publishing Summit offers writers the opportunity to meet the people who can make a difference in their writing career. This Summit is sure to be an important learning experience for aspiring and seasoned writers alike.

This three-day virtual event features interviews, workshops and networking led by some of the worlds most talented authors, publishers and literary agents. Our Summit is designed to help you develop your writing, stimulate your thinking and assist all stages of writers in the craft and the business of writing. During this summit you will get to meet, chat, network, and get to pick some of the best brains in the writing and publishing world.

Here is a sampling of the things you will learn:
- How to get the book inside you on paper.
- How to promote your books all around the globe ... for free!
- How you can effectively sell more books. - How to expand the audience for your book by utilizing radio, TV, Internet, and print media.
- How to get on the top of the charts at Amazon.
- All this and more!

You will also have an opportunity to attend our Virtual Reception where you can share your book ideas, network with peers and professionals and even win some great prizes!

When you register for the Women's Writing & Publishing Summit you will receive more than a dozen resources including GET it WRITE! How to write, publish and promote the book inside you - as well as a workbook complete with interview questions, outlines, forms and other valuable information to help you capitalize on the information gleaned from this event . . . and more!

Do you have a book inside you waiting to get out?
Do you have a manuscript just waiting for an agent or a publisher?
Do you want to learn what it really takes to self-publish?
Do you want to learn how to promote your book to bookstores and alternate venues?
Would you like to see your book become an Amazon best seller?

IF you answered YES to any or all of these questions, then you are invited to Join us July 19-21, 2007 for this Transforming Event!

Here is the schedule . . . (all itmes are Eastern Daylight Time)

Thursday, July 19, 2007 (5pm to 9 pm)5:00 pm

- Opening remarks and 1st session Partnership Publishing - How and when to use the Combined Forces of Publisher and Author to Produce Your Next Book with Linda Radke

6:30 pm - So You Want to Write a Book! with Ann McIndoo

8:00 pm - What to Expect When Working With a Literary Agent with Sharlene Martin

Friday, July 20, 2007 (12 noon to 7:30 pm)

12 Noon - Publishing Books - The New Book Model with Dan Poynter

1:30 pm - How to Leverage Your Contacts to Promote Your Book with Lynn Waymon

2:30 pm - Publishing Options - Which One Is Right For YOU with Sherri McConnell

3:30 pm - Are you about to Be Published? Insider "Secrets" to Get into Major Publishing Houses and Into the Hands of Your Readers! with Kim Weiss

4:30 pm - The Art and Science of Working with a Co-Author and Writing Children's Books with Debra Shively Welch

6:00 to 7:30 pm - Networking Reception - be sure and join us for networking, your chance to meet other authors and publishers and take part in our prize drawings!

During this time we will acknowledge sponsors and a prize will be given away every 4 minutes!

Saturday, July 21, 2007 (10 am to 5 pm)

10:00 am - Copywriting Secrets Every Author Needs to Know with Rosalind Sedacca

11:30 am - How to Make Your Book an AMAZON.com Best Seller with Kathleen Gage

1:00 pm - From Book Signing to Best Seller: An Insider's Guide to Conducting a Successful Low-Cost Book Signing Tour with Jo Condrill

2:30 pm - The Busy Author's Guide to Writing on the Run with Linda & Allen Anderson

4:00 pm - How to Set up Your Own Small Publishing Company with Betty Dobson

4:55 pm Closing remarks and acknowledge sponsors, thank guest experts and attendees

To read the presenter bios and to register visit: http://www.womenswritingandpublishingsummit.com

Serious writers in all genres are invited to attend our summit - meet the people who can make a difference in your writing career! Twelve individual workshops (PLUS two bonus sessions with Marilyn Jennet and Donna Gunter) are being presented by noted authors, educators, and trade professionals who will share their secrets, talents and literary visions with you.

To register visit: http://www.womenswritingandpublishingsummit.com

Looking forward to seeing you at the summit!

Sincerely,Heidi

Heidi Richards, Founder & CEO - The WECAI Network™

"We MastHERmind Network" Leader on Ryze