S.K. Thomas's Blog, page 6
October 29, 2015
Spotlight: Faith and Motivation to Act on My Goals by Frank A Acosta
I met a man on social media, with a message I felt compelled to spotlight. He's a visionary, and a person who is determined to make this world a better place. Even though most of his struggles have been anything but ordinary, he is still more determined than ever to reach success.
So without further ado, I present:
Frank A. Acosta: How Watching a Movie Gave Me the Faith and Motivation to Act on My Goals
Do you have any important goals that you have been putting off?
I’m sure you do, even if you have never written them out or if you don’t have a “vision board” that self-help and law of attraction promoters carry on about.
We all have dreams and goals and they don’t necessarily have to be big or important in a “I’m going to change the world!” way. They just have to be important to you, but for one reason or another haven’t been acted on. Maybe it’s a lack of time because people have busy lives and you’re no different. Right?
Certainly there can be a dozen excuses for not working on what is important to you, and usually the “reasons” we have mostly have to do with a lack of faith in ourselves and the bigger picture and it can be challenging to remain motivated to act on them. It’s just easier to continue creating excuses to keep you chained back, away from pouring energy into anything that matters to you in a deeper sense.
I know, because I created a multitude of reasons to keep me from writing about my life, fears and dreams and anything that would actually lead me to truly connect with people and have a more fulfilling life.
The Roots of My Blogging Experience :
After I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in December of 2011, I really didn’t know what else I wanted to do with my life because the plans I had went up in smoke. It didn’t look like I would be going to Medical school and I had an identity crisis of sorts. I had always been a student and I had specific goals I wanted to reach by a certain age. I wanted to be a psychiatrist by the age of 30 (if you include the four years of residency after Medical school) but life seemed to have different plans for me and I just wasn’t sure what they were.
So, I read A Lot. I studied various topics, mostly to escape having to live with the bitter feelings I had regarding my experience with being accepted into and then ultimately denied, because of my physical limitations, by a Medical Program that would scholarship my four years of medical school. In addition to reading, I started several blogs and shared them with a few close friends but I never felt passionate about what I wrote. I wrote with no end goal, all the while secretly wishing that people would hear and care about what I had to say.
Although I knew that if I wanted people to care about what I had to share, I would have to be authentic; I would have to talk about things that mattered and what people could relate with, and I would have to help. But the problem is I didn’t want to help, especially not after the tragedy I felt had been done to me, and every time I had even the smallest desire to, I didn’t know how. Consequently I just wrote and wanted to be heard: I just wanted to be a rock star in the writing world and I wanted to have fun. Lots of fun. Period.
However, while the human ego may have its own desires, the human spirit has greater vision and understands the importance of living for more than yourself and on August 20, 2014, I had a vision of myself sitting in a boardroom. Even though I didn’t know exactly where I was I suddenly had the word “consultant” come to mind. The following day I received a message online from a marketing and branding consultant asking me if I had any interesting experiences and who talked about wanting to train associates. Now at that time I didn’t have a genuine interest in the offer because I still didn’t know what I wanted to do (other than to be famous and have fun).
After writing pointlessly and working on discovering who I am and what I am passionate about, I began to see that I actually am interested in helping people. In fact, I developed a new conviction that it is my duty to help others because I know what it feels like to be on the other side but the problem of not knowing how to help others remained.
So again, I wandered aimlessly, with little faith in myself and/or at least in my ability to be the help I wanted to be.
But then on September 10, 2015, I had another vision.
This time my vision seemed more detailed than the one that came to me a year before. In this instance I was being interviewed on TV about a consulting firm I owned and I was talking about how my team and I teach people around the world about leadership, motivation and productivity. I referred to my company as RWF Global.
It Takes Faith to Act and Faith to Remain Motivated :
When I came out of the vision or when it ended I felt enthusiastic and then the enthusiasm quickly became drenched in doubt. I began to consider where I am at and how it could potentially take years to become the version of myself that I saw. I wondered if I could even create a proper looking website (this was increased by the fact that an old acquaintance had mentioned that I wouldn’t be able to learn computer coding and how it was all just too much for most people). I also wondered if I could actually afford to even create a website because I had heard of stories where making a new website could cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
I’m not a gambler in that sense. I just didn’t want to invest a few hundred, let alone potentially thousands of dollars, to create a website and company that may not lead me anywhere except to eating a lot of Ramen noodles for any foreseeable future.
And then I heard about a new religious movie that I will always remember: War Room.
Although I am not the most religious person (definitely spiritual but not really religious) I felt like I needed to watch War Room and I am glad I did. Without giving the plot away because it’s definitely a movie I recommend, War Room reminded me of the power of prayer, the importance of faith and the need to remember why fighting for what you believe in is important to you and others. I realized that creating a website to motivate and encourage others to do what is important to them so that they can live a fulfilling life is not only necessary for me, it’s important for everyone else I meet because I have met too many people who throw away their potential and chance to enjoy life.
While a goal may seem insignificant at first, the potential positive effects for you and others of accomplishing that goal are great.
Filled with a renewed faith in my vision and goal, I then prayed to God and said “So if this is what I am supposed to be working on, then let it happen.” Within the next two weeks of having watched War Room and having prayed, I received $150 from family for my Birthday and I knew I no longer had an excuse to not create a website. I added the remaining $50 that I needed to launch a website through Bluehost and I am now on a course to checking more goals off my list and creating the life God has showed me.
Important Questions for You:
Now that you have heard my story, think about yours.
*What are your goals and what are you doing to accomplish them?
*If you’re brave enough, leave a comment and share this post with your friends and family. Let’s help get the world motivated into positive action.
Frank A Acosta has Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type II (SMA-Type II). But that hasn't stopped him from earning his Associate’s degree and was the Student of the Year in 2009, and then went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2011 with Honors. He has also founded RWF Global, as he states, "I just want to truly live, not merely survive, and my goal is to inspire others into doing the same for themselves."
To learn more, check out his website here: http://rwfglobal.com
SK Thomas is a writer, author, book reviewer and the curious creative complex brain behind this blog. Connect @skthomasauthor or http://www.skthomasauthor.com to learn more about her Pawned Queen Thriller Series.
So without further ado, I present:
Frank A. Acosta: How Watching a Movie Gave Me the Faith and Motivation to Act on My Goals
Do you have any important goals that you have been putting off?
I’m sure you do, even if you have never written them out or if you don’t have a “vision board” that self-help and law of attraction promoters carry on about.
We all have dreams and goals and they don’t necessarily have to be big or important in a “I’m going to change the world!” way. They just have to be important to you, but for one reason or another haven’t been acted on. Maybe it’s a lack of time because people have busy lives and you’re no different. Right?
Certainly there can be a dozen excuses for not working on what is important to you, and usually the “reasons” we have mostly have to do with a lack of faith in ourselves and the bigger picture and it can be challenging to remain motivated to act on them. It’s just easier to continue creating excuses to keep you chained back, away from pouring energy into anything that matters to you in a deeper sense.
I know, because I created a multitude of reasons to keep me from writing about my life, fears and dreams and anything that would actually lead me to truly connect with people and have a more fulfilling life.
The Roots of My Blogging Experience :
After I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in December of 2011, I really didn’t know what else I wanted to do with my life because the plans I had went up in smoke. It didn’t look like I would be going to Medical school and I had an identity crisis of sorts. I had always been a student and I had specific goals I wanted to reach by a certain age. I wanted to be a psychiatrist by the age of 30 (if you include the four years of residency after Medical school) but life seemed to have different plans for me and I just wasn’t sure what they were.
So, I read A Lot. I studied various topics, mostly to escape having to live with the bitter feelings I had regarding my experience with being accepted into and then ultimately denied, because of my physical limitations, by a Medical Program that would scholarship my four years of medical school. In addition to reading, I started several blogs and shared them with a few close friends but I never felt passionate about what I wrote. I wrote with no end goal, all the while secretly wishing that people would hear and care about what I had to say.
Although I knew that if I wanted people to care about what I had to share, I would have to be authentic; I would have to talk about things that mattered and what people could relate with, and I would have to help. But the problem is I didn’t want to help, especially not after the tragedy I felt had been done to me, and every time I had even the smallest desire to, I didn’t know how. Consequently I just wrote and wanted to be heard: I just wanted to be a rock star in the writing world and I wanted to have fun. Lots of fun. Period.
However, while the human ego may have its own desires, the human spirit has greater vision and understands the importance of living for more than yourself and on August 20, 2014, I had a vision of myself sitting in a boardroom. Even though I didn’t know exactly where I was I suddenly had the word “consultant” come to mind. The following day I received a message online from a marketing and branding consultant asking me if I had any interesting experiences and who talked about wanting to train associates. Now at that time I didn’t have a genuine interest in the offer because I still didn’t know what I wanted to do (other than to be famous and have fun).
After writing pointlessly and working on discovering who I am and what I am passionate about, I began to see that I actually am interested in helping people. In fact, I developed a new conviction that it is my duty to help others because I know what it feels like to be on the other side but the problem of not knowing how to help others remained.
So again, I wandered aimlessly, with little faith in myself and/or at least in my ability to be the help I wanted to be.
But then on September 10, 2015, I had another vision.
This time my vision seemed more detailed than the one that came to me a year before. In this instance I was being interviewed on TV about a consulting firm I owned and I was talking about how my team and I teach people around the world about leadership, motivation and productivity. I referred to my company as RWF Global.
It Takes Faith to Act and Faith to Remain Motivated :
When I came out of the vision or when it ended I felt enthusiastic and then the enthusiasm quickly became drenched in doubt. I began to consider where I am at and how it could potentially take years to become the version of myself that I saw. I wondered if I could even create a proper looking website (this was increased by the fact that an old acquaintance had mentioned that I wouldn’t be able to learn computer coding and how it was all just too much for most people). I also wondered if I could actually afford to even create a website because I had heard of stories where making a new website could cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
I’m not a gambler in that sense. I just didn’t want to invest a few hundred, let alone potentially thousands of dollars, to create a website and company that may not lead me anywhere except to eating a lot of Ramen noodles for any foreseeable future.
And then I heard about a new religious movie that I will always remember: War Room.
Although I am not the most religious person (definitely spiritual but not really religious) I felt like I needed to watch War Room and I am glad I did. Without giving the plot away because it’s definitely a movie I recommend, War Room reminded me of the power of prayer, the importance of faith and the need to remember why fighting for what you believe in is important to you and others. I realized that creating a website to motivate and encourage others to do what is important to them so that they can live a fulfilling life is not only necessary for me, it’s important for everyone else I meet because I have met too many people who throw away their potential and chance to enjoy life.
While a goal may seem insignificant at first, the potential positive effects for you and others of accomplishing that goal are great.
Filled with a renewed faith in my vision and goal, I then prayed to God and said “So if this is what I am supposed to be working on, then let it happen.” Within the next two weeks of having watched War Room and having prayed, I received $150 from family for my Birthday and I knew I no longer had an excuse to not create a website. I added the remaining $50 that I needed to launch a website through Bluehost and I am now on a course to checking more goals off my list and creating the life God has showed me.
Important Questions for You:
Now that you have heard my story, think about yours.
*What are your goals and what are you doing to accomplish them?
*If you’re brave enough, leave a comment and share this post with your friends and family. Let’s help get the world motivated into positive action.
Frank A Acosta has Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type II (SMA-Type II). But that hasn't stopped him from earning his Associate’s degree and was the Student of the Year in 2009, and then went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2011 with Honors. He has also founded RWF Global, as he states, "I just want to truly live, not merely survive, and my goal is to inspire others into doing the same for themselves."
To learn more, check out his website here: http://rwfglobal.com
SK Thomas is a writer, author, book reviewer and the curious creative complex brain behind this blog. Connect @skthomasauthor or http://www.skthomasauthor.com to learn more about her Pawned Queen Thriller Series.
October 22, 2015
To Blog or Not
Life is funny. Not the laughing version of comical, but in the more strange and peculiar kind of way.
We start something new, and it seems downright thrilling. Inspired times, for the unknown is at your fingertips as ideas flood in with glorious anticipation. But after some time, alas, the adventures start to lose their sheen when over the long haul it becomes work. Even if it's something of passion, there are still those times when the excitement just isn't there. It can be difficult when creativity becomes responsibility.
It's human nature.
As I write this, my thoughts are consumed by this blog of mine. In the beginning, it was cathartic and I was excited. I took great pleasure in finding a way to speak or vent about what I encountered as a writer, and the unforeseen growth that took place while sharing. I have expressed many emotions and worked through obstacles. But sometimes, I have a hard time taking a seat to create an article. And some weeks, I even feel as if I have nothing to say. And that can create a tremendous problem. It's at that time I have to dig deep and find inspiration again. Reignite my spark to realize I do have something to say. It's not easy, but once I get rolling again, the work transforms itself back into the passion I once felt for the written word and this blog.
It's called freedom. I get to choose a topic for an article one minute and send it out into the world the next. I remind myself, I love what I do and in return do what I love. It's how I want to spend my precious time. After all, writing a book with all of its formal editing and forethought can take many long awaited years before seeing the light of day.
If you've ever been tempted to start a blog, do it. It can be immediate gratification and a way to share with others. Most times, it will bring on growth as a writer and inspire people in ways unimaginable. All the while your next masterpiece is being written behind the scenes.
Simply post a comment to start a conversation.
SK Thomas is a writer, author, book reviewer and the curious creative complex brain behind this blog.
Keep in touch with the blogger/author:
Website: http://www.skthomasauthor.com
Twitter: @skthomasauthor
Member of Goodreads, LinkedIn & Google+
We start something new, and it seems downright thrilling. Inspired times, for the unknown is at your fingertips as ideas flood in with glorious anticipation. But after some time, alas, the adventures start to lose their sheen when over the long haul it becomes work. Even if it's something of passion, there are still those times when the excitement just isn't there. It can be difficult when creativity becomes responsibility.
It's human nature.
As I write this, my thoughts are consumed by this blog of mine. In the beginning, it was cathartic and I was excited. I took great pleasure in finding a way to speak or vent about what I encountered as a writer, and the unforeseen growth that took place while sharing. I have expressed many emotions and worked through obstacles. But sometimes, I have a hard time taking a seat to create an article. And some weeks, I even feel as if I have nothing to say. And that can create a tremendous problem. It's at that time I have to dig deep and find inspiration again. Reignite my spark to realize I do have something to say. It's not easy, but once I get rolling again, the work transforms itself back into the passion I once felt for the written word and this blog.
It's called freedom. I get to choose a topic for an article one minute and send it out into the world the next. I remind myself, I love what I do and in return do what I love. It's how I want to spend my precious time. After all, writing a book with all of its formal editing and forethought can take many long awaited years before seeing the light of day.
If you've ever been tempted to start a blog, do it. It can be immediate gratification and a way to share with others. Most times, it will bring on growth as a writer and inspire people in ways unimaginable. All the while your next masterpiece is being written behind the scenes.
Simply post a comment to start a conversation.
SK Thomas is a writer, author, book reviewer and the curious creative complex brain behind this blog.
Keep in touch with the blogger/author:
Website: http://www.skthomasauthor.com
Twitter: @skthomasauthor
Member of Goodreads, LinkedIn & Google+
October 15, 2015
Things We Writers Do
Have you ever entered a writing competition? Is this you? Is it something you're proud to shout from a rooftop? I've heard a lot of chatter about this topic. Some writers and authors are all for it. While others think it's a complete waste of time. I, personally speaking, have been on both sides of this argument. It depends which particular contest we're talking about. So why would anyone throw their hat into this arena?
For some, it can be exposure and a feather in their cap if they place rather decent in contest rankings. Or better yet, lucky enough to win. Is it going to save them from other marketing headaches, and give their book that surge to skyrocket to the top of the best selling lists? Not likely, but anything is possible.
Another aspect can be some financial rewards and gains. This does help a bit, if only to stay focused and jump onto that next stepping stone in their career.
And then, the judges who are always willing to critique the next piece of work. Which can be very helpful or completely debilitating, depending on how someone looks at it. Contests are an experience all their own. But if an author doesn't try, how will they know whether it's right for them or not?
Once upon a time, I entered a certain contest that will remain nameless, and they allowed only part of my book to be submitted. Then as they read, they judged. Great! Until I actually tried it on for size. Some competitions are definitely not 'one size fits all' kind of competitions for all authors or books. I think the judges received mine near the end when they were exhausted and eyes weary. And a few comments didn't pertain to my book at all. Which made me question: were they even reading my book at that point? Not such a good experience. However, now I know not to enter that particular one again. Not to mention, I have had really good experiences in other competitions to make up for that lousy one.
Whether it can be beneficial depends on you. If you think it's worth the time and energy to fill out all the requirements asked for, throw some money into the pot (unless its free) and hope for the best results, then it hinges on you.
Contests can be helpful as well as fun. But they can also push your last nerve to the breaking point. Take into consideration your personal goals and what you're looking to get out of the experience. You never know, it could produce a boost of confidence needed to keep pushing forward as an author/writer and onto the next leg of your writing adventure.
Simply post a comment to start a conversation.
SK Thomas is a writer, author, book reviewer and the curious creative complex brain behind this blog.
Keep in touch with the blogger/author:
Website: http://www.skthomasauthor.com
Twitter: @skthomasauthor
Member of Goodreads, LinkedIn & Google+
For some, it can be exposure and a feather in their cap if they place rather decent in contest rankings. Or better yet, lucky enough to win. Is it going to save them from other marketing headaches, and give their book that surge to skyrocket to the top of the best selling lists? Not likely, but anything is possible.
Another aspect can be some financial rewards and gains. This does help a bit, if only to stay focused and jump onto that next stepping stone in their career.
And then, the judges who are always willing to critique the next piece of work. Which can be very helpful or completely debilitating, depending on how someone looks at it. Contests are an experience all their own. But if an author doesn't try, how will they know whether it's right for them or not?
Once upon a time, I entered a certain contest that will remain nameless, and they allowed only part of my book to be submitted. Then as they read, they judged. Great! Until I actually tried it on for size. Some competitions are definitely not 'one size fits all' kind of competitions for all authors or books. I think the judges received mine near the end when they were exhausted and eyes weary. And a few comments didn't pertain to my book at all. Which made me question: were they even reading my book at that point? Not such a good experience. However, now I know not to enter that particular one again. Not to mention, I have had really good experiences in other competitions to make up for that lousy one.
Whether it can be beneficial depends on you. If you think it's worth the time and energy to fill out all the requirements asked for, throw some money into the pot (unless its free) and hope for the best results, then it hinges on you.
Contests can be helpful as well as fun. But they can also push your last nerve to the breaking point. Take into consideration your personal goals and what you're looking to get out of the experience. You never know, it could produce a boost of confidence needed to keep pushing forward as an author/writer and onto the next leg of your writing adventure.
Simply post a comment to start a conversation.
SK Thomas is a writer, author, book reviewer and the curious creative complex brain behind this blog.
Keep in touch with the blogger/author:
Website: http://www.skthomasauthor.com
Twitter: @skthomasauthor
Member of Goodreads, LinkedIn & Google+
October 9, 2015
Spotlight: Guest Bloggers
The Spotlight this week is on many fabulous Guest Bloggers that have contributed their time and stories within massive growing social media waters. So kick back and click on all the links below to enjoy wisdom these hardworking writers have shared.
The Dreamer: Richard Steinitz
https://lnkd.in/bswc3hH
Life is Too Short: KD Forsman
https://lnkd.in/bT49YuU
Indie Dependency: Christina McMullen
https://lnkd.in/bHcXs_i
What’s Next: Katherine Dell
https://lnkd.in/bZ2S9hA
Doubt is a Gift-Trust It: Harley King
https://lnkd.in/b5K9wDe
Thanks for your insight Guest Bloggers and keep contributing.
"With guest posting, you should absolutely try your hardest to write something where people demand you come back... -Quote from Tommy Walker
SK Thomas is a writer, author, book reviewer and the curious creative complex brain behind this blog. Connect @skthomasauthor or http://www.skthomasauthor.com to learn more about her Pawned Queen Thriller Series.
The Dreamer: Richard Steinitz
https://lnkd.in/bswc3hH
Life is Too Short: KD Forsman
https://lnkd.in/bT49YuU
Indie Dependency: Christina McMullen
https://lnkd.in/bHcXs_i
What’s Next: Katherine Dell
https://lnkd.in/bZ2S9hA
Doubt is a Gift-Trust It: Harley King
https://lnkd.in/b5K9wDe
Thanks for your insight Guest Bloggers and keep contributing.
"With guest posting, you should absolutely try your hardest to write something where people demand you come back... -Quote from Tommy Walker
SK Thomas is a writer, author, book reviewer and the curious creative complex brain behind this blog. Connect @skthomasauthor or http://www.skthomasauthor.com to learn more about her Pawned Queen Thriller Series.
October 1, 2015
Quirky Writer
They say writers are quirky. One of the definitions of quirky is: a person that has a way with words and spends a lot of time articulating thoughts and emotions whether in a car or writing in a journal. How about writing a book? But close enough for me anyway.
We all have our ways about us. What is your daily routine? What makes you different or bizarre to others?
Do you have peculiar character traits that stand out from a crowd? Does normal exist?
Society with all of its measurements and expectations are just that, a way of trying to keep some type of order in a rather chaotic world. But our loved ones and schools teach us these rules and expectations from a young age. Then we grow and learn and either accept what we've been taught or we don't. Sometimes I think people just have to shake things up a bit.
Victor Hugo locked away his clothes to avoid any temptation of going outside and was left with nothing to wear except a large gray shawl. -- If I did this while writing and so deep in thought, I might forget to dress before walking outside and I'm pretty sure my neighbors would not be amused.
Other headlines have also manifested over the years:
-TS Eliot wore green makeup and lipstick when he wrote - oddly enough, this isn't such a quirky situation anymore.
-Edgar Allan Poe would only write on strips of paper - editing would be atrocious.
-Ernest Hemingway wrote standing up - some corporations are actually starting to implement this as new and innovative for their employees.
There are so many stories out there of quirky and interesting writers, who according to legend insisted on rituals and superstitions to make sure their stories didn't suffer. But were these stories started as rumors and over time became something of folklore? And as curious as these habits are, we need to remind ourselves that public figures often engineer their own myths, which means the quirky behaviors recorded in history should be taken with a grain of salt.
If you think you are weird and quirky, chances are you are absolutely correct. However, take solace that those who came before you have probably done something similar and you're far from being the first to ever do such. So you're not as odd as you think. In fact, you could possibly categorize yourself with the great legends of the writing world.
Simply post a comment to start a conversation.
SK Thomas is a writer, author, book reviewer and the curious creative complex brain behind this blog. Connect @skthomasauthor or http://www.skthomasauthor.com to learn more about her Pawned Queen Thriller Series.
We all have our ways about us. What is your daily routine? What makes you different or bizarre to others?
Do you have peculiar character traits that stand out from a crowd? Does normal exist?
Society with all of its measurements and expectations are just that, a way of trying to keep some type of order in a rather chaotic world. But our loved ones and schools teach us these rules and expectations from a young age. Then we grow and learn and either accept what we've been taught or we don't. Sometimes I think people just have to shake things up a bit.
Victor Hugo locked away his clothes to avoid any temptation of going outside and was left with nothing to wear except a large gray shawl. -- If I did this while writing and so deep in thought, I might forget to dress before walking outside and I'm pretty sure my neighbors would not be amused.
Other headlines have also manifested over the years:
-TS Eliot wore green makeup and lipstick when he wrote - oddly enough, this isn't such a quirky situation anymore.
-Edgar Allan Poe would only write on strips of paper - editing would be atrocious.
-Ernest Hemingway wrote standing up - some corporations are actually starting to implement this as new and innovative for their employees.
There are so many stories out there of quirky and interesting writers, who according to legend insisted on rituals and superstitions to make sure their stories didn't suffer. But were these stories started as rumors and over time became something of folklore? And as curious as these habits are, we need to remind ourselves that public figures often engineer their own myths, which means the quirky behaviors recorded in history should be taken with a grain of salt.
If you think you are weird and quirky, chances are you are absolutely correct. However, take solace that those who came before you have probably done something similar and you're far from being the first to ever do such. So you're not as odd as you think. In fact, you could possibly categorize yourself with the great legends of the writing world.
Simply post a comment to start a conversation.
SK Thomas is a writer, author, book reviewer and the curious creative complex brain behind this blog. Connect @skthomasauthor or http://www.skthomasauthor.com to learn more about her Pawned Queen Thriller Series.
September 24, 2015
Happy Birthday
Even though most works are automatically protected just by writing it, it seems there are many loopholes in the system. And the remedies available for copyright infringement are broad.
A federal judge ruled Tuesday that Warner/Chappell Music's claim to the 120-year-old song wasn't legal, therefore freeing it from copyright. The ruling came amid a lawsuit challenging Warner/Chappell's attempt to fine a group of filmmakers $1,500 for the song's use.
None of the companies that have collected royalties on the "Happy Birthday" song for the past 80 years have ever held a valid copyright claim to one of the most popular songs in history, a federal judge ruled on Tuesday.
Let's start from the beginning, the music for "Happy Birthday" was written by a pair of sisters, Mildred and Patty Hill, sometime before 1893 when they assigned their rights to the music to Clayton F. Summy. The original lyrics Patty wrote were: “Good morning to you / Good morning to you / Good morning, dear children / Good morning to all."
Patty later said that she had worked with her sister to compose a simple melody to match the words that could be easily sung by young children. The sisters published the song in a book called “Song Stories for the Kindergarten,” and assigned the copyright to their publisher, Clayton F. Summy Co., in exchange for a cut of the sales.
That was only the start of this tangled web of copyright law, as various attorneys have argued may or may not apply to one of the world’s most famous songs.
Summy's company was bought by Warner Music Group in 1998, according to the lawsuit. Since then, the lawsuit claims, Warner/Chappell has claimed copyright of the song and earned more than $2 million a year on fees.
U.S. District Judge George H. King ruled: "Because Summy Co. never acquired the rights to the Happy Birthday lyrics, Defendants, as Summy Co.'s purported successors-in-interest, do not own a valid copyright in the Happy Birthday lyrics," he wrote.
Judge George H. King ruled that a copyright filed by the Summy Co. in 1935 granted only the rights to specific piano arrangements of the music, not the actual song. "The origins of the lyrics to Happy Birthday ... are less clear," the judge continued, adding the first known reference to them appeared in a 1901 article in the Inland Educator and Indiana School Journal. The full lyrics themselves, King said, didn't appear in print until 1911.
One of the co-plaintiffs, Ruypa Marya of the music group Ruypa & The April Fishes, also praised the decision as momentous, saying "I hope we can start re-imagining copyright law to do what it's supposed to do — protect the creations of people who make stuff so that we can continue to make more stuff."
A tangled web from the copyrighting arena has led to freedom of the song and that means "Happy Birthday," the world's best-known English-language song, is now legally everyone's to use, especially in commercial productions and broadcasts without paying an astronomical fee.
Simply post a comment to start a conversation.
SK Thomas is a writer, author, book reviewer and the curious creative complex brain behind this blog. Connect @skthomasauthor or http://www.skthomasauthor.com to learn more about her Pawned Queen Thriller Series.
A federal judge ruled Tuesday that Warner/Chappell Music's claim to the 120-year-old song wasn't legal, therefore freeing it from copyright. The ruling came amid a lawsuit challenging Warner/Chappell's attempt to fine a group of filmmakers $1,500 for the song's use.
None of the companies that have collected royalties on the "Happy Birthday" song for the past 80 years have ever held a valid copyright claim to one of the most popular songs in history, a federal judge ruled on Tuesday.
Let's start from the beginning, the music for "Happy Birthday" was written by a pair of sisters, Mildred and Patty Hill, sometime before 1893 when they assigned their rights to the music to Clayton F. Summy. The original lyrics Patty wrote were: “Good morning to you / Good morning to you / Good morning, dear children / Good morning to all."
Patty later said that she had worked with her sister to compose a simple melody to match the words that could be easily sung by young children. The sisters published the song in a book called “Song Stories for the Kindergarten,” and assigned the copyright to their publisher, Clayton F. Summy Co., in exchange for a cut of the sales.
That was only the start of this tangled web of copyright law, as various attorneys have argued may or may not apply to one of the world’s most famous songs.
Summy's company was bought by Warner Music Group in 1998, according to the lawsuit. Since then, the lawsuit claims, Warner/Chappell has claimed copyright of the song and earned more than $2 million a year on fees.
U.S. District Judge George H. King ruled: "Because Summy Co. never acquired the rights to the Happy Birthday lyrics, Defendants, as Summy Co.'s purported successors-in-interest, do not own a valid copyright in the Happy Birthday lyrics," he wrote.
Judge George H. King ruled that a copyright filed by the Summy Co. in 1935 granted only the rights to specific piano arrangements of the music, not the actual song. "The origins of the lyrics to Happy Birthday ... are less clear," the judge continued, adding the first known reference to them appeared in a 1901 article in the Inland Educator and Indiana School Journal. The full lyrics themselves, King said, didn't appear in print until 1911.
One of the co-plaintiffs, Ruypa Marya of the music group Ruypa & The April Fishes, also praised the decision as momentous, saying "I hope we can start re-imagining copyright law to do what it's supposed to do — protect the creations of people who make stuff so that we can continue to make more stuff."
A tangled web from the copyrighting arena has led to freedom of the song and that means "Happy Birthday," the world's best-known English-language song, is now legally everyone's to use, especially in commercial productions and broadcasts without paying an astronomical fee.
Simply post a comment to start a conversation.
SK Thomas is a writer, author, book reviewer and the curious creative complex brain behind this blog. Connect @skthomasauthor or http://www.skthomasauthor.com to learn more about her Pawned Queen Thriller Series.
September 18, 2015
Just Breathe
Now that the kids are back in school and the spouses are off to work...it's back to writing, editing, blogging, appearances and just about anything else you can think of. Those characters in your head are insisting you get back to work. Some of us are in a race against the clock with more writing plans hoping to strike while the iron is hot.
Whatever the reason we are in such a rush and time seems to evaporate weeks into a quick day, all the while days seem to shrink into a few simple hours...always remember to just breathe. Put down that cup of java for a moment and relax.
Breathe-by Leo Babauta
If you feel overwhelmed, breathe. It will calm you and release the tensions.
If you are worried about something coming up, or caught up in something that already happened, breathe. It will bring you back to the present.
If you are moving too fast, breathe. It will remind you to slow down, and enjoy life more.
Breathe, and enjoy each moment of this life. They’re too fleeting and few to waste.
Our writing will get done in its proper time. So whatever obstacle you're facing right now as a writer or author...
Just Breathe.
Simply post a comment to start a conversation.
SK Thomas is a writer, author, book reviewer and the curious creative complex brain behind this blog. Connect @skthomasauthor or http://www.skthomasauthor.com to learn more about her Pawned Queen Thriller Series.
Whatever the reason we are in such a rush and time seems to evaporate weeks into a quick day, all the while days seem to shrink into a few simple hours...always remember to just breathe. Put down that cup of java for a moment and relax.
Breathe-by Leo Babauta
If you feel overwhelmed, breathe. It will calm you and release the tensions.
If you are worried about something coming up, or caught up in something that already happened, breathe. It will bring you back to the present.
If you are moving too fast, breathe. It will remind you to slow down, and enjoy life more.
Breathe, and enjoy each moment of this life. They’re too fleeting and few to waste.
Our writing will get done in its proper time. So whatever obstacle you're facing right now as a writer or author...
Just Breathe.
Simply post a comment to start a conversation.
SK Thomas is a writer, author, book reviewer and the curious creative complex brain behind this blog. Connect @skthomasauthor or http://www.skthomasauthor.com to learn more about her Pawned Queen Thriller Series.
September 10, 2015
Spotlight: Transmedia Storytelling by Katherine Dell
The Spotlight this week is on Katherine Dell. Katherine takes every opportunity to hone her skills as a writer, including courses from Mount Royal University, workshops and reading anything she can get her hands on. She is also a member of the Alberta Writers Guild. She has called Alberta home her entire life and currently resides in Calgary with her husband and two sons.
So without further ado, I present:
Transmedia Storytelling by Katherine Dell
It’s been a while since I’ve written a blog. I figure it’s time I put pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard so to speak.
So what should I write about? I went to this awesome writers convention last weekend, When Words Collide! It was the first time I’d ever been to a writers conference, so I didn’t really know what to expect. Everyone was there and by that I mean; there were big name authors, writers hunting for agents, avid readers, and everyone else in between.
The choice of sessions to attend were numerous and widely varied. The one that I found most interesting was on transmedia storytelling. Finally, I have words for what I’m trying to achieve! Little did I now that there are actual classes taught at a University level on this very subject! Perhaps you’re all wondering what transmedia storytelling is? Here’s a definition I found on Wikipedia.
Transmedia Storytelling (also known as transmedia narrative or multiplatform storytelling, cross-media seriality) is the technique of telling a single story or story experience across multiple platforms and formats including, but not limited to, games, books, events, cinema and television. The purpose is not only to reach a wider audience by expanding the target market pool, but to expand the narrative itself.
So, how am I incorporating transmedia storytelling in to my world of writing you ask? Well – first comes the foundation, my young adult novel titled, Harmless. Once I’ve submitted the manuscript for this, I’ll be working on my Harmless prequel in graphic novel form. The graphic novel been on the back burner for a while now. I can’t wait to get started on it again. While I’m waiting for my most talented artist (Brianna Schretlen) to draw the frames, I’ll again be switching gears again, typing away at the sequel to Harmless in novel form.
Oh, but my transmedia storytelling doesn’t stop there! I’ve got big dreams! A book trailer is in the works for Harmless. I am so excited to show it to you all when it’s finished. The trailers is a collaborative effort between me, Brianna, and a vary talent musician (whom I’ll wait to name). Let me tell you… The rough draft, gives me goose bumps! It looks like it’s a movie trailer!
More transmedia ideas… Someday I would like to create a fandom type website, that centers around the characters and mythology I’ve created. It would be a place where fans could interact with other fans and geek out about all things Harmless.
Other transmedia storytelling I’d love to happen… It would be crazy awesome if someone wanted to make my book in to a movie or TV show. A video game version is also on my dreaming about list. I could go on and on about this… but I shall cut it short. I need to get back to the editing of my manuscript.
Learn more about Katherine Dell and her young adult fiction:
Author Website- www.katherinedell.com &
Facebook Page- https://www.facebook.com/katherine.dell
Simply post a comment to start a conversation.
SK Thomas is a writer, author, book reviewer and the curious creative complex brain behind this blog. Connect @skthomasauthor or http://www.skthomasauthor.com to learn more about her Pawned Queen Thriller Series.
So without further ado, I present:
Transmedia Storytelling by Katherine Dell
It’s been a while since I’ve written a blog. I figure it’s time I put pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard so to speak.
So what should I write about? I went to this awesome writers convention last weekend, When Words Collide! It was the first time I’d ever been to a writers conference, so I didn’t really know what to expect. Everyone was there and by that I mean; there were big name authors, writers hunting for agents, avid readers, and everyone else in between.
The choice of sessions to attend were numerous and widely varied. The one that I found most interesting was on transmedia storytelling. Finally, I have words for what I’m trying to achieve! Little did I now that there are actual classes taught at a University level on this very subject! Perhaps you’re all wondering what transmedia storytelling is? Here’s a definition I found on Wikipedia.
Transmedia Storytelling (also known as transmedia narrative or multiplatform storytelling, cross-media seriality) is the technique of telling a single story or story experience across multiple platforms and formats including, but not limited to, games, books, events, cinema and television. The purpose is not only to reach a wider audience by expanding the target market pool, but to expand the narrative itself.
So, how am I incorporating transmedia storytelling in to my world of writing you ask? Well – first comes the foundation, my young adult novel titled, Harmless. Once I’ve submitted the manuscript for this, I’ll be working on my Harmless prequel in graphic novel form. The graphic novel been on the back burner for a while now. I can’t wait to get started on it again. While I’m waiting for my most talented artist (Brianna Schretlen) to draw the frames, I’ll again be switching gears again, typing away at the sequel to Harmless in novel form.
Oh, but my transmedia storytelling doesn’t stop there! I’ve got big dreams! A book trailer is in the works for Harmless. I am so excited to show it to you all when it’s finished. The trailers is a collaborative effort between me, Brianna, and a vary talent musician (whom I’ll wait to name). Let me tell you… The rough draft, gives me goose bumps! It looks like it’s a movie trailer!
More transmedia ideas… Someday I would like to create a fandom type website, that centers around the characters and mythology I’ve created. It would be a place where fans could interact with other fans and geek out about all things Harmless.
Other transmedia storytelling I’d love to happen… It would be crazy awesome if someone wanted to make my book in to a movie or TV show. A video game version is also on my dreaming about list. I could go on and on about this… but I shall cut it short. I need to get back to the editing of my manuscript.
Learn more about Katherine Dell and her young adult fiction:
Author Website- www.katherinedell.com &
Facebook Page- https://www.facebook.com/katherine.dell
Simply post a comment to start a conversation.
SK Thomas is a writer, author, book reviewer and the curious creative complex brain behind this blog. Connect @skthomasauthor or http://www.skthomasauthor.com to learn more about her Pawned Queen Thriller Series.
September 4, 2015
Digital Age
Angela Maiers said it best: Writing is something you live, and it doesn't matter how you get it written as long as it gets done.
I came to the realization, in this day and age, how spoiled we truly are. We live in a digital age where everything is instantaneous. Life is moving at an expeditious rate.
Imagine, for a moment, those authors who paved the way before us on their trusty typewriters. And then imagine receiving your manuscript back from an editor with all those bright red marks we accumulate during a typical editing session. I’ll do one even better, go back even before whiteout was invented. No wonder the suicide rate for authors was at an astronomical rate, as they were secluded away from civilization or drank themselves into an early grave.
Now, in this digital age, we can switch paragraphs around and add an excerpt to our liking with simple cut, copy & paste techniques. A quick click of a delete button can remove errors as we navigate any written obstacle with ease.
We are also very privileged to connect with other authors and writers any time we want.
Writer Cory Doctorow once said: The single worst piece of writing advice I ever got was to stay away from the Internet because it would only waste my time and wouldn't help my writing. This advice was wrong creatively, professionally, artistically, and personally.
Our words, are our power; the stories we tell and how we tell them will define our place in the digital age.
Simply post a comment to start a conversation.
SK Thomas is a writer, author, book reviewer and the curious creative complex brain behind this blog. Connect @skthomasauthor or http://www.skthomasauthor.com to learn more about her Pawned Queen Thriller Series.
I came to the realization, in this day and age, how spoiled we truly are. We live in a digital age where everything is instantaneous. Life is moving at an expeditious rate.
Imagine, for a moment, those authors who paved the way before us on their trusty typewriters. And then imagine receiving your manuscript back from an editor with all those bright red marks we accumulate during a typical editing session. I’ll do one even better, go back even before whiteout was invented. No wonder the suicide rate for authors was at an astronomical rate, as they were secluded away from civilization or drank themselves into an early grave.
Now, in this digital age, we can switch paragraphs around and add an excerpt to our liking with simple cut, copy & paste techniques. A quick click of a delete button can remove errors as we navigate any written obstacle with ease.
We are also very privileged to connect with other authors and writers any time we want.
Writer Cory Doctorow once said: The single worst piece of writing advice I ever got was to stay away from the Internet because it would only waste my time and wouldn't help my writing. This advice was wrong creatively, professionally, artistically, and personally.
Our words, are our power; the stories we tell and how we tell them will define our place in the digital age.
Simply post a comment to start a conversation.
SK Thomas is a writer, author, book reviewer and the curious creative complex brain behind this blog. Connect @skthomasauthor or http://www.skthomasauthor.com to learn more about her Pawned Queen Thriller Series.
August 28, 2015
Growing Up Author
Here we are, inundated with quotes within the writing world. It helps us to feel at one with our fellow authors on social media to inspire, motivate and keep a love of writing ablaze, even when we feel we’re not worthy.
As a rogue writer myself, I like these quotes to tell me: there are NO rules.
One of my favorite sayings is by Chuck Wendig, and it goes something like this:
I am the Commander of these words.
I am the King of this story.
I am the God of this place.
I am a Writer and I will finish what I started.
I will not whine. I will not blubber. I will not make mewling whimpering cryface pissypants boo-hoo noises. I will not sing lamentations to my weakness.
Yes, all correct. Until one fateful day when an editor gets a hold of your shit and tells you otherwise!
I brazenly put my works out there for all to behold encased in gold, believing I had something special. I wanted to be that author bouncing her way to the top without much need for editing. Why would I possibly put myself through such a painful process? I am a complex & rogue creative individual after all. I even won an award for both novellas doing it my way.
But one word came into my play echoing in my mind relentlessly. Every one of us has heard this dirty word we all love to hate. It drives some authors batty, makes some of us want to grab a bottle and drink until we can't remember what we were doing in the first place. Windows are not our friend at this juncture as manuscripts can be thrown out on any given whim. We procrastinate, jog around the issue, and as I did in my past, even refuse to do it.
That miserable four letter word: edit.
I am the worst offender. My attitude is simple: let me write, create my story and love the art of writing. Is a canvas for an artist perfect and gorgeous without flaw? Absolutely not. It's filled with emotional chaos, messiness and splatters.
Unfortunately, as an author, we're not allowed to do the same. Somewhere within sentences and paragraphs, if not properly edited, the story can get lost or confusing as words are splattered on our brilliant canvas.
Life being what it is, tells us we must grow and learn as authors. The most rogue of authors must sometimes conform (as much as possible) forcing ourselves through a tedious editing process. We need to share our stories and editors just happen to be there to help craft those stories in the best way possible.
I'm still in my editing process and have come to the realization that it's a positive stepping stone in the right direction.
Simply post a comment to start a conversation.
SK Thomas is a writer, author, book reviewer and the curious creative complex brain behind this blog. Connect @skthomasauthor or http://www.skthomasauthor.com to learn more about her Pawned Queen Thriller Series.
As a rogue writer myself, I like these quotes to tell me: there are NO rules.
One of my favorite sayings is by Chuck Wendig, and it goes something like this:
I am the Commander of these words.
I am the King of this story.
I am the God of this place.
I am a Writer and I will finish what I started.
I will not whine. I will not blubber. I will not make mewling whimpering cryface pissypants boo-hoo noises. I will not sing lamentations to my weakness.
Yes, all correct. Until one fateful day when an editor gets a hold of your shit and tells you otherwise!
I brazenly put my works out there for all to behold encased in gold, believing I had something special. I wanted to be that author bouncing her way to the top without much need for editing. Why would I possibly put myself through such a painful process? I am a complex & rogue creative individual after all. I even won an award for both novellas doing it my way.
But one word came into my play echoing in my mind relentlessly. Every one of us has heard this dirty word we all love to hate. It drives some authors batty, makes some of us want to grab a bottle and drink until we can't remember what we were doing in the first place. Windows are not our friend at this juncture as manuscripts can be thrown out on any given whim. We procrastinate, jog around the issue, and as I did in my past, even refuse to do it.
That miserable four letter word: edit.
I am the worst offender. My attitude is simple: let me write, create my story and love the art of writing. Is a canvas for an artist perfect and gorgeous without flaw? Absolutely not. It's filled with emotional chaos, messiness and splatters.
Unfortunately, as an author, we're not allowed to do the same. Somewhere within sentences and paragraphs, if not properly edited, the story can get lost or confusing as words are splattered on our brilliant canvas.
Life being what it is, tells us we must grow and learn as authors. The most rogue of authors must sometimes conform (as much as possible) forcing ourselves through a tedious editing process. We need to share our stories and editors just happen to be there to help craft those stories in the best way possible.
I'm still in my editing process and have come to the realization that it's a positive stepping stone in the right direction.
Simply post a comment to start a conversation.
SK Thomas is a writer, author, book reviewer and the curious creative complex brain behind this blog. Connect @skthomasauthor or http://www.skthomasauthor.com to learn more about her Pawned Queen Thriller Series.
S.K. Thomas's Blog
- S.K. Thomas's profile
- 57 followers
S.K. Thomas isn't a Goodreads Author
(yet),
but they
do have a blog,
so here are some recent posts imported from
their feed.
