Calendar

Jun
10
Tue
June Tech Toolbox: PicMonkey and Canva
Jun 10 @ 9:00 pm – Jun 11 @ 12:00 am

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All Tech Tool Boxes are for Author U paid up members only and limited to 8 participants to allow for in-depth work with each and are led by Kelly Johnson and Judith Briles. AND … a limited number of participants can attend via remote.

 Turn Your Ideas into Eye-Catching Designs: PicMonkey and Canva

How would you like to turn your tips, quotes from your book or show your creative side by designing your own images? With PicMonkey and Canva, we’ll show you how you can use these free tools to develop your own ideas into fun, stunning designs!

Learn about PicMonkey and Canva through our demos and then you’ll have time to start creating your own designs!

Time: June 10th, 3 to 6 pm

Location: Judith Briles’ Office in Aurora (you will get directions the day before and what to bring for each session). If you are attending remote, you need to contact Judith directly to set it up. Please put in subject line: Remote Tech Tool Box and email her at Judith@Briles.com.

Cost: $60 each or 3 for $150

For ALL THREE Toolbox Workshops June 10th, July 15h, August 12th at $150:

Jul
15
Tue
July Tech Toolbox: How to Use Pinterest to Promote Your Blog, Services & Products
Jul 15 @ 9:00 pm – Jul 16 @ 12:00 am

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All Tech Tool Boxes are for Author U paid up members only and limited to 8 participants
to allow for in-depth work with each and are led by Kelly Johnson and Judith Briles. AND … a limited number of participants can attend via remote.

More Than Just Images: How to Use Pinterest to Promote Your Blog, Services & Products

With Pinterest having such a focus on images, we tend to forget that is just one aspect of how to utilize Pinterest.

This workshop will review various methods of using Pinterest for your book and business including:

  • How you can drive traffic to your blog through Pinterest.
  • Conduct a contest through Pinterest.
  • How you can add your Audioboo recordings to your Pinterest and not only grow your followers but offer “snippets” from your book.
  • How to monetize your book and other products with a Pinterest boost.

… and more!

This workshop will help you set up your Pinterest account (if needed) and then walk through examples and demos to learn methods for using Pinterest.

Time: July 15th, 3 to 6 pm

Location: Judith Briles’ Office in Aurora (you will get directions the day before and what to bring for each session). If you are attending Remote, you need to contact Judith directly to set it up. Please put in subject line: Remote Tech Tool Box and email her at Judith@Briles.com.

Cost: $60 each or 2 for $100

For TWO Toolbox Workshops July 15h, August 12th at $100:

Aug
12
Tue
August Tech Toolbox: Instagram and Infographics
Aug 12 @ 9:00 pm – Aug 13 @ 12:00 am

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All Tech Tool Boxes are for Author U paid up members only and limited to 8 participants to allow for in-depth work with each and are led by Kelly Johnson and Judith Briles. AND … a limited number of participants can attend via remote.

Capture a Moment: Instagram and Infographics—Share Knowledge or Tell a Story Through Images and Instant info to all things Cyberland and Beyond!

Instagram is a quick and fun way to share your life and stories using pictures and video.  Come learn about Instagram, and after a tutorial in setting up Instagram, we’ll start capturing those moments for you to share!

Information Graphics or Infographics is a method to share knowledge or tell a story about a topic through a graphic image. Since “a picture is worth a thousand words,” Infographics allow you to present details and content in a compact, easy-to-understand way. Demos of programs to create your own infographics will be covered in the workshop. Instagram is fast and fun. You will laugh and learn this afternoon!

Time: August 12th, 3 to 6 pm

Location: Judith Briles’ Office in Aurora (you will get directions the day before and what to bring for each session). If you are attending Remote, you need to contact Judith directly to set it up. Please put in subject line: Remote Tech

Cost: $60

Aug
11
Thu
AUG WEBINAR Create WorkBooks and Adult Coloring Books
Aug 11 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Get ready to create a variation of your book and expertise that Marvel Comics would be proud of! With the ability to tap into Amazon’s CreateSpace and IngramSpark, you too can join the crowd that had gotten the “how-tos” of creating workbooks, guidebooks, comics … even adult coloring books (not to mention kiddos). If you publish children’s books and adult coloring books or even if you publish nonfiction … OR, are thinking about doing it … you’ve got to see how this is done … and learn how quickly you can convert ANYTHING into a snappy and sassy new product.

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Register here (even if you can’t attend live, you will get the replay the next day): https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1767883132402882306

If you could do this quickly and easily, you can increase your monthly passive income with a snap of a finger (well kind of).

Here’s your question: Are you ready to catch a new wave of ideas and repurposing for you and your books? One that coattails to a top selling trend for adults?

There are a lot of sticky details when it comes to publishing physical books and physical color books that you will want to throw your laptop into the ocean because it could be so confusing! This webinar will be your lifeline … learn how and discover how you can add income to your cash water-way.

NEW! SPEEDBOAT Printing and Publishing Webinar on Thursday, August 11th—it’s another freebie. There’s so much you can do to create new products that are a variation of what you currently have. The time is 4 PT, 5 MT, 6 CT and 7 ET. Expect a fast hour.

Even if you can’t attend “live”, register to get the replay: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1767883132402882306

Are you aware that adult and kid coloring books are hot in book sales? Would you like to know how to convert what you have written and create them? How about spiffy newsletters, guides, and workbooks?

Get ready for a speedboat of a webinar. We are going to show you how to make a full-color book fast. It’s all in this week’s WebinarGold on Thursday, the 11th.

 

Nov
8
Wed
WebinarGold: Why you should have a Coloring Book around your Expertise, or Something New
Nov 8 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Are you ready to tap into an ADULT craze that doesn’t to appear to have an end in the short-term horizon?

Did you know that adult coloring books are rocking it in book sales?

But consider this…

Adult coloring books and other low content types of books are easy to create and profitably publish IF you know how to use complicated graphics like Photoshop or Gimp Shop. 

But what if you don’t? As you like the idea … but where is the Dummies version?

Get ready … this webinar has that solution for you.

On Wednesday, November 8th, we’re going to show you a brand-new way starting at NOON Mountain time—11AM Pacific and 2 PM Eastern.

Here’s the other great thing you can use this to create:

  • Adult coloring books
  • Children’s coloring books
  • Maze Books
  • Game Books
  • Action Guides
  • Journals
  • Diaries

and much, much more!

Get ready to create new products that compliment what you have now. Create something spanking new. And have fun.

Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8441475619286147586

 

Jan
4
Sat
Heck Yes! YOU, too can write for children! + Book Marketing in 2020
Jan 4 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Part I. It’s about the Kids … Write and Publish a Children’s Book

Whether you are currently writing books for kids … or you hadn’t thought about it … January will kick off our Author Year of Possibilities. And why not start with books for kids? If you write for the adult reader, did you know that the book you have already written speaks to all ages when presented in another format?

  • What message is in your book that children need to hear?
    • Fantasy can be changed to be appropriate for all ages.
    • Villains and Heroes softened for younger audiences.
    • The plot and theme can be used to share life lessons
  • Because words change the world, you have an opportunity to change the lives of children. Changing your audience is simply talking to short people without big words.
    • The Giving Tree- teaches about selfishness and selflessness
    • Historical novels- teach about history (which our kids are not getting)
    • Oh the Places You Will Go- Can your novel teach about challenges
  • Your characters are already developed. By changing them to animals, dragons, trolls, or children- the novel takes a different approach
    • Trolls are grumpy
    • Butterflies are freedom
    • An older child is a good mentor for the younger one reading
  • Stories for the younger crowd are from one point of view
    • The cast of characters are fewer
    • Much will be shown in action
    • Shorter pieces of dialogue
  • Scenes you have written can be shortened and enhanced with illustrations.
  • Children’s books have the same conflict, climax, and resolution that your novel has.
    • The length of the conflict is sorter
    • The black moment will be midway through
    • The resolution is longer because you will explain more at the ending
  • Most people think that you are dumbing down the story to write for children, but you are actually going to crank it up a notch.
    • You have to fit more content in fewer words.
    • Every word has to work harder to get the meaning across.
    • Be conscientious about word choice

Show up, have fun, and learn with the guidance of multi-bestselling, award-winning children’s and adult author, Lisa Reinicke.

 

Part II: We will explore marketing strategies for the New Year.

It’s true 50% of book marketing works—most likely you don’t know which 50% it was. Judith Briles is going to increase your odds and identify a number of tips, tricks, and strategies to kickstart the year.

Who should attend the January 4th program? Authors who are already writing for kids. Authors who have been thinking about writing for kids. Authors who didn’t think they could or just hadn’t thought about it beyond their current book. Authors who want marketing tips and authors who just need to jet some “juice” to get back on track or get started in the first place.

When: Saturday, January 4, 2020
Where: Smokey Hill Library, 5430 S Biscay Circle, Centennial, CO  80015
Time: 9 am to Noon
Cost:  $25 for AuthorYOU members, $35 for NonMembers. Price increases $ 10 on December 31st.

AuthorYOU Members $25 (Only Register here if you are a paid VIP AuthorYOU Member)

 

General Attendance $35

Apr
23
Thu
Webinar Gold: Author Influence and Marketing: Discover Your EXISTING Demand
Apr 23 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Author Influence and Marketing: Discover Your EXISTING Demand

Thousands of people search the Internet every day for what you sell.
Are you connecting with them?
We’ve discovered that 95% of Authors aren’t!

Your takeaways include:
• How to get in front of the existing demand for your goods, services or book.
• Discover the keywords that people search on when they look for your book.
• Spy on Your Amazon Competition
• What you need to do to increase your website visitors, leads and book sales.
• Tips on Using Amazon Marketing Services (AMS)

Presenter Dave Westfall is an internet marketing expert and consultant. He has helped hundreds of small businesses (author publishing would fall in this category) grow by providing solid advice and proven solutions that work. 

When: Thursday, April 23 at 10 PT, 11 MT, Noon CT, 1 ET

 

Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2770078115399103246

Apr
7
Thu
Extravaganza – Author and Book Publishing Fest @ Doubletree Denver Hotel
Apr 7 @ 4:00 pm – Apr 9 @ 12:00 pm

Calling ALL Authors and Authors-To-Be!
It’s an Author and Writer 1 ½ Day

 

Did you know that over 80% of the public thinks there is a book in them? Are you part of the 80%? Want to learn what your options are in getting yours from your head; from all those loose notes that have piled up over the years; want to add “published author” behind your name this year?

Is this your COME BACK Year? Is 2022 the year that makes the difference for you? Are you ready to:

  • Jump into your publishing dreams, turning them into reality?
  • Create a new book or repurposing an old one?
  • Do a refresher on what’s happening in publishing today?
  • Or do you need to just hang out … to mingle with other writers and authors?

Part of AuthorYOU’s mission is to educate emerging authors on how to write, publish and market their books. Part is two take achieving authors to a higher level of success. And part is to create a support community of networking and information streams. AuthorYOU is for the author who wants to be seriously successful.

Today’s publishing is a journey loaded with twists, turns, and potholes. AuthorYOU will prep, guide, and demonstrate:

  • The latest in marketing strategies that will create your tipping point.
  • Essential information about editing your book that will turn your head.
  • Master the “art” of story writing for both fiction and nonfiction that creates “the opening grab”.
  • Ideas to spin you, your book and expertise to the viral sphere.
  • How to create a hero, not a zero, when it comes to book cover design.
  • Website designs with a twist.
  • How to propel yourself and rise above the publishing marketplace with social media and metadata.
  • Tips on avoiding the mistakes most authors make.
  • The ABCs of eBooks.
  • How to say “Bye-Bye to BORING” presentations and trainings.
  • Write and publish a book that grabs your reader.
  • What to expect when you are expecting—the dollars, cents, and sense of publishing is today.

+++ THREE special ticketed items. Barb Wilson will deliver an “early arrival” workshop Thursday afternoon fueled by the stellar results 9 Cube Plotting Techniques, a writing workshop delivered at the Breckenridge Extravaganza in 2018. For those who want to join in for dinner Friday evening—there will be a special dessert: humor entertainment.

You can, and it’s happening when October kicks off. Get registered NOW to grab your seat. Space will be limited.

Participate in The Gong Show!

Does lightning strike within the first page of your book? Will your readers keep reading.
Are your words magic?
Do they grab the reader within the first paragraph?
Our team of experts have their ears ready to hear your words read out loud and give you instant feedback.

Your Presenters Are:
IP Attorney Julie Bernard, Book Designer Nick Zelinger, Book and eBook Designer Rebecca Finkel, Book Marketing Expert John Kremer, Virtual Presentations and Webinar Guru Jaclyn Kostner, Wordsmith and Editing Expert Barb Wilson, Audiobook Expert Richard Rieman, Storyline Visionary Mara Purl, and Book Publishing and Marketing Expert Judith Briles.

WHEN: Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 7th to April 9th

WHERE: Doubletree Denver Hotel, 13696 E. Iliff Place, Aurora CO
 *** Free Shuttle from Denver International Airport. Save Money on your room by Reserving your hotel at the link below. 

AGENDA

Author YOU Extravaganza 2022

THURSDAY

3 pm to 6 pm   The Ultimate Writing Workshop using the 9 Cube Plotting Technique with Barb Wilson

Dinner on your own

FRIDAY

8.00 am                     Welcome

8.05 – 9.30               Get Your Swagger … Your BOOK, Inc … Covers, eBooks, Swag, and Interiors with Rebecca Finkel  

9.30 – 10.45            The Audiobook Revolution with Richard Rieman

10.45 – 11.00          Break

11.00 – 12.30        The Power of Syndication with John Kremer

12.30 – 2.00            LUNCH and Author’s Gong Show

2.00 – 3.30               Copyrights, Trademarks and the New Rules with Julie Bernard

3.30 – 5.00               Cover to Cover: the Ins and Outs of Successful and Sales-Worth Book Design with Nick Zelinger

6.15 – 8.30               Dinner & Comedy

SATURDAY

7.00 – 8.30               Firestorm Sunrise Marketing with Judith Briles

8.30 – 10.00            The Color of Your Characters with Mara Purl

10.00 – 10.15          Break

10.15 – 11.45          Powerful Presentation that DAZZLE! with Jaclyn Kostner

11.55 – 12.00          Wrap up and THANK YOU!

FRIDAY April 8th 8 am – 5 pm General Session Workshops
The Author Gong Show
at Noon. There is Friday Evening Dinner & Entertainment.

SATURDAY April 9th 7 am to Noon General Session Workshops
Sunrise Workshop at
Bonus EVENTS

For early arrivals: THURSDAY April 7th 4 – 6 pm  –  9 Cube Plotting Techniques, a writing workshop with Editor and Author Barb Wilson $35.

REGISTRATION:

For AuthorYOU Members Extravaganza Full Access Package (Includes Dinner & Entertainment, and the Writing Workshop) – $312 (Only Register here is you are a paid member of AuthorYOU)

For Non-AuthorYOU Members/General Admission Full Access Tickets (Includes Dinner & Entertainment, and Writing Workshop) – $412

Early Bird ends March 26th ticket prices increase $100 after March 26th

Ala carte Sessions

FRIDAY Night Dinner and Entertainment
$50

General Session, AuthorYOU members$227; (AuthorYOU Members Save $100)

General Session, Non Members/General Admission Tickets$327;

Author Gong Show – $5

HOTEL ROOMS: $115 
Call: 1-800-445-8667 and ask for the AuthorYou group block at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Denver-Aurora.

Book your hotel room here: bit.ly/EX2022Hotel

It’s a YES … YES, YOU CAN publishing event. Get ready to dump any beliefs that you can’t publish a book successfully. And sell books. And make money.

AuthorYOU and The Book Shepherd will deliver to you the “how-to”. The how-to create a book cover that grabs a viewer from the get-go. The how-to of creating a book that the reader “falls in” between the covers. The how-to in becoming successful in a very crowded field.

Apr
26
Tue
Webinar: Creative Juice for Writers and Authors
Apr 26 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Creative Juice for Writers and Authors

Feeling stifled? Uninspired? Tired of the blank page?

Feeling as if writer’s block is an unwelcome houseguest that never leaves and eats all the ice cream?

It’s time for a little creative juice!

In this webinar, Melody Jones, Writing and Creativity Coach, will help you move past the writing blahs by tapping more deeply into that creative core we all have.

Tuesday, April 26 at 4 p.m. MT … REGISTER: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2465273717260940558

What we’ll talk about and you will learn:

  • What is creativity – exactly?
  • A dog’s life, and what that has to do with creativity.
  • Artistic expression, and no, being able to draw a stick figure is not a prerequisite
  • Your body as a creative tool.
  • Valuing creative energy in the ordinary.
  • Structure as a framework for creativity.

You’ll leave with a refreshed mind and new ideas and tools for moving past the writer’s doldrums.

Interaction and questions are encouraged!

Melody will send all participants handouts, and everyone who attends this special AuthorYOU webinar hosted by Judith Briles qualifies for a special discount on an upcoming creativity event. Join us!

REGISTER: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2465273717260940558

Melody Jones is a published author and poet and loves all things creative. She was an early adopter of Etsy, selling numerous handcrafted paper and jewelry items. Melody has worked with hundreds of writers and authors since 2011 as a social media consultant. After 30 years in the Denver metro area, she moved back home to Colorado’s Western Slope last year and is now the President of the Western Colorado Writers’ Forum. Visit her website at www.MelodyJonesAuthor.com.