October 2008

It's here!

Thursday October 9, 2008

It was a long and winding journey, but I’m finally holding a copy of my first book in my hands! Who knew when I set out on this writing adventure in the autumn of 2006 that I would end up breaking my contract and designing and publishing the book myself! It’s been challenging and terrifying and quite the endurance test at times, but having the finished copy makes it all worthwhile. And now it’s going out into the world, which is even more scary in a way :-) A new journey begins...

The blessed bee

Sunday October 26, 2008

I thought long and hard about a name for my little publishing empire :-)
I wanted it to reflect me, and this book, but also be relevant for future books I will write. And so “Blessed Bee” was born.
It comes partly from “Blessed be”, a magical charm and pagan blessing. Witches and other magical practitioners say “Blessed be” as a form of welcome and of farewell, and within rituals. It has a similar meaning to the eastern blessing Namaste – “The divine within me recognises the divine within you.” It is a reminder of how beautiful each person, and the world, is, how blessed we are to be here, and a reminder to appreciate every sacred moment. It encapsulates love, forgiveness, gratitude, inner strength and power... Some consider it a wish for good health, love and happiness, others that it’s encouraging you to be a blessed person and to find the sacred within your self.
And one of Justin’s nicknames for me is “Cute Bee”, because when we walk through the streets of our neighbourhood I always stop to smell the flowers (the star jasmine that’s blooming everywhere right now is so beautiful).
They seemed to fit well together, hence Blessed Bee. And now when we watch Charmed together we always smile when their grandma arrives, and farewells the girls with “Blessed be.”

The Fivefold Kiss
In some pagan rituals the Fivefold Kiss is performed, as a way to recognise the inherent beauty and divinity of each person...
Blessed be thy feet, that have brought thee in these ways.
Blessed be thy knees, that shall kneel at the sacred altar.
Blessed be thy womb, without which we would not be.
Blessed be thy breasts, formed in beauty.
Blessed be thy lips, that shall utter the Sacred Names.

Queen of Merch :-)

Tuesday October 28, 2008

Self-promotion and marketing isn’t really my strong suit – I’m much happier writing, alone in my little office – but I’ve been having so much fun designing postcards, bookmarks, magnets and even a t-shirt or two! Originally I just planned to create a single bookmark to give away with copies of the book, but then I couldn’t decide which one of the several designs I’d done I liked best, so I made two. Then I played around with a postcard design, and liked it, so I decided to order some of those. And then I made three different versions. And then an oversized one. And some notecards. And some large fridge magnets. And then some small ones. And another new design. And now, a t-shirt for Juz to wear at the Mind Body Spirit Festival with me. Of course, as it runs over four days, in the end I gave in and made four different ones. Reminds me of my days writing for music magazines. No self-respecting band would be without some merch, so I figured that could apply to authors too...

Shadow Forest Authors

Thursday October 30, 2008

I got an email today about the Shadow Forest Authors, a fellowship of authors for charity. Their mission is to get writers from around the world and from all genres to donate a copy of their book to one of the affiliated beneficiaries, literary foundations that fill a much needed void in books.
SFA authors donate a copy of their book to an SFA beneficiary, who places the books in much needed hands. And everyone can help – supporters can adopt an author from those listed on the SFA website (which now includes me), buying a copy of their book to donate to the cause.
I am donating to the Australian Literacy & Numeracy Foundation in Sydney, a wonderful charity that organises amazing programs dedicated to raising language, literacy and numeracy standards in Australia. They not only distribute books where they are needed, but also develop, teach and train others in sound methods of teaching and supply appropriate services to those in need. Their website is www.alnf.org, and they gratefully accept books as well as donations that will help them carry out their valuable work. They have created libraries in the Northern Territory and Elcho Island, and are developing literacy programs across the nation. If you can spare a few dollars, or have any books you no longer need, check them out...
Other beneficiaries around the world include the Anthony Robbins Foundation and Got Books? in the US, Book Aid International in London, which provides books to libraries, hospitals, refugee camps and schools, and e-book supporter World Public Library.

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Seven Sacred Sites and A Magical Journey are available from bookstores across Australia, distributed by Brumby Books, and through this website.

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