It’s America’s Birthday…
Celebrate the Freedom of Writing and Being an Author

Today is the 4th of July … a huge day in America. It’s America’s birthday. For some, the celebration of America’s independence started days before the 4^th—stretching it over many.

Last Friday was the get-away day for many and was in full view. Flags were out. Families and friends planning gatherings for picnics, barbecues, movies, and or just a layback and take a few days off. All a good thing, celebrating a long weekend into the new week.

But there’s more to think about.

• What happened within the walls of what became known as Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was life-changing. The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were both debated, adopted, and birthed. 
• Within the Constitution lies multiple Amendments. The First Amendment is essential and critical to what authors do: Freedom of Religion, Speech, and the Press.

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Amendment 1

Freedom of Religion, Speech, and the Press

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press, or the right of people peaceably to assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. 

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Value greatly that the Founding Fathers lit the author’s writing path with … freedom. Freedom for words and the creation of books. True independence.

ALL authors and writers globally should be joining in a universal cheer and celebration of the power of words. Their meaning … their impact … their ability to make a difference … to create change … to solve problems … to relieve pain … to entertain.

That’s a tremendous amount of power and ability to practice. It’s a very cool thing to think about this 4^th of July week—wouldn’t you agree?

Many in the literary community see and experiencing clouds growing for censoring, even banning of words … of books. More books. In bookstores I visit, I see tables filled with books that are on the banned book lists. On the 14^th of this month, I have the privilege of presenting author Avi, winner of the Newbury Medal for Crispin: The Cross of Lead in 2003 to an online chat and Q&A. For middle school kids, Crispin is an amazing, creative book with twists and turns based in medieval England from Avi’s imagination that hit the banned book list.

I know this topic will be hot where I’m heading next month. I have the privilege of speaking at the annual meeting of the Florida Authors and Publishers Association and will be interacting with authors, librarians, and publishers.

Honor this day. Embrace the power of your words and that you can still write what you do and publish and get it published and available. There are avenues to make it happen.

Think of the symbolic sparkler of the 4^th. It’s in your hand representing your words, your passion, and your vision. Hold it high for the freedom to write what you can and do.

I’m celebrating with you. And speaking out for the ability to write what I want.

Dr. Judith Briles is a book publishing expert and coach. Often, she must roll up her writing sleeves and become a Book Doctor, juicing up storylines and author words. She empowers authors and works directly with authors who want to be seriously successful and has been writing about and conducting workshops on publishing since the ’80s. Judith is the author of 44 books including Author YOU: Creating and Building Your Author and Book Platforms, Snappy Sassy Salty: Success for Authors and Writers, and How to Create a Million Dollar Speech. Her personal memoir When God Says NO-Revealing the YES When Adversity and Loss Are Present is a #1 bestseller on Amazon and her historical fiction debut Secret Journey. Collectively, her books have earned over 45 book awards. Judith speaks throughout the year at publishing conferences. 

Throughout the year, she holds Judith Briles Book Unplugged in-person and online experiences: Publishing, Speaking, Marketing, and Social Media. All are two-day intensives limited to a small group of authors who want to be seriously successful. Join Judith live for the “AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing” podcast on the Toginet Radio Network HERE. 

Follow @AuthorUYOUBooks and @MyBookShepherd on Twitter and do a “Like” at AuthorYOU, and join the Facebook group Book Publishing with The Book Shepherd. If you want to create a book that has no regrets, contact her.

©2023 Judith Briles – The Book Shepherd™ All Rights Reserved.

AuthorYOU is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to the author who wants to be seriously successful. Ongoing education programs delivered face-to-face and online, the weekly Book Publishing Tips ezine, webinars, member-only events, monthly live programs, and the mini one-day Extravaganzas are tools designed for authors pre, during and post publishing of their books. Become a VIP AuthorYOU member at AuthorYOU.org.

Latest posts by Judith Briles (see all)

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AuthorYOU is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to the author who wants to be seriously successful. Ongoing education programs delivered face-to-face and online, the weekly Book Publishing Tips ezine, webinars, member-only events, monthly live programs, and the mini one-day Extravaganzas are tools designed for authors pre, during and post publishing of their books. Become a VIP AuthorYOU member at AuthorYOU.org.

Latest posts by Judith Briles (see all)