“Never Give Up” – Guy Kawasaki

In his keynote speech Saturday at uPublishU, former Apple evangelist Guy Kawasaki talked about his personal journey from traditionally published writer to indie author.  He also provided 10 great self-publishing tips to the packed house (although, personally, I believe #10 – “Never give up” – should be #1!).  Kawasaki is a prolific author of 12 book, including APE: Author, Publisher, Entrepreneur-How to Publish a Book.

In the Publishers Weekly article, he talks about the pros and cons of self-publishing:

On the pro side, Kawasaki cited editorial, sales, and marketing control, quicker time to market, and increased royalties. “APE sells for $9.99 as a Kindle e-book and we make $7,” he said. “And that is remarkable. That is like four times traditionally published…These are good numbers.” The drawbacks, Kawasaki said, include no advance, increased responsibility for all aspects of the publishing process, and loneliness.

You can read the whole article HERE.

You can pick up a copy of APE: Author, Publisher, Entrepreneur from Amazon HERE.

California State Parks Foundation Calling For Volunteers

The California State Parks Foundation’s Park Champions Program is seeking volunteers for the Park Champions Program.  The Park Champions Program holds volunteer work days in state parks across California, and was created in response to the unprecedented budget cuts and closures that California State Parks have been facing. The Park Champions program provides consistent, sustainable volunteer support in the areas of park maintenance and beautification.

From the California State Parks Foundation website:

Park Champions projects improve the quality, safety and preservation of our state parks. Projects in the past year have included trail repair, invasive plant removal, habitat restoration, the rehabilitation of an historic orchard, fence construction, bridge construction, and re-painting park structures. If you enjoy volunteering outdoors, want to work with a fun group of people, and you want to make a difference in our state parks, then become a Park Champion and join us for the next work day happening near you!

You can find upcoming volunteer days on the CSPF website HERE.

New Fire Restrictions at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Due to high fire danger, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are instituting fire restrictions inside the parks starting today.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks lie side by side in the southern Sierra Nevada, east of the San Joaquin Valley. Visitor activities vary by season and elevation (1,370 to 14,494 feet).

The restrictions are:

  • No wood or barbecue fires are permitted below 6,000 feet, except in designated campgrounds. This includes Ash Mountain Picnic Area, Hospital Rock Picnic Area and backcountry travel below 6,000 feet. Gas or propane stoves may be used at all elevations.
  • No smoking below 6,000 feet is permitted, except within a developed area, a campground, an enclosed vehicle, or a building that allows smoking.

You can see a list for park alerts HERE.

Ten Early Michael Crichton Books Set for eBook Release

Michael Crichton, who passed away in 2008 at the age of 66, wrote a number of books under pen names while studying at Harvard Medical School back in the sixties. While a student, he wrote eight books as “John Lange,” one as “Jeffery Hudson,” and he co-wrote another with his brother Michael as “Michael Douglas.” The guy had the enviable ability to write 10,000 words a day, and because of that, he needed multiple pen names.

From the press release:

“These early Michael Crichton novels foreshadow the talent that made him one of the most successful novelists of his time,” said Jane Friedman, co-founder of Open Road, announcing the deal. “I was fortunate enough to work with him for more than 30 years. What a joy it is to bring the young Michael Crichton to life for his millions of fans and to introduce him to a generation that has not as yet discovered him.”

The eight Lange novels will hit the eShelves on July 23.

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Yosemite Conservancy’s Yosemite Falls LIVE Video Feed Is Up!

The Yosemite Conservancy has switched on a live streaming webcam of Yosemite Falls.

Yosemite Falls is, arguably, one of the most beautiful tall waterfalls in California. With a fall of 2,425 feet, it is the tallest waterfall in North America.

For the live stream, click HERE.

To view all the webcam options, click HERE.

To visit the Yosemite Conservancy website, click HERE.

To support the Yosemite Conservancy, click HERE.

(live cameras by Pixelcaster).