5 Video Clip Sources

A video should move. Lights, camera, action! Whether you're making a video for fun or for business, action--movement--should be part of it.

Nothing makes a book trailer or a video move better than video clips.

If you're using a website like Animoto and similar sites, they usually have a Video Clip library for registered users. Too often though, the clips just don't fit with the message you're creating in your video. That's when you need to find another source for video clips.

There are many royalty-free video clip websites, but make sure you read the License the site offers. You want the license for "personal and commercial use" or at least "personal and small commercial use" so read their Terms of Service and License. Many sites--especially those that offer free or low-cost video clips--restrict the license to personal.

Here are 5 Video Clip Sources, some of my favorite go-to resources that make their clips available for personal and commercial use.

VideoBlocks

VideoBlocks is one of the least expensive sources for video clips. They have over 21 million video clips. In the last 24 hours, more than 36,000 video clips were uploaded. Whoa! Now that's a lot of video footage. Not only can you download video clips, you can also download audio tracks if you have an account there. I've done both.

The easiest way, once you register for an account, is to sign up for email notices. You'll get 1 or 2 emails every 24 hour period with a list of the video clips that have been uploaded. Scroll down the list. If a title is something you think you might want now or in the future, click on it, go to the website to preview it. Either add it to a Project Bin or download it right then. They have a pretty good browser to help you find video by keyword search too.

When you first go to the website, a popup will give you a special free 7 day offer so you can try it before you buy it. If you want to go ahead and subscribe, it's $99.00 for the entire year.

Pond5 Stock Footage

This video clips site has an excellent search engine where you can use keywords like LOVE to search for clips. You can filter your search results by price. Since they don't offer an unlimited download plan like VideoBlocks, filtering by price is great. Their video clips range from FREE to hundreds of dollars. If you like a la carte purchasing, this is a good source.

Pond5 offers Video, Photo, Illustrations, Music, Sound Effects, After Effects, and 3D. Their FAQ explains all. Sign up for a free account and for their emails because they offer a free video to each week. Just select it and add it to your cart. Checkout is for -0- dollars.

iStockPhoto

In addition to Photos, Illustrations, and Music, iStockPhoto also offers video. Their subscription plans are priced for professionals. For most users, payment by credit packs is probably preferred. Their credit packs start at $20.00 US. Set up a free account and sign up for their email notices because they offer free files each week--photo, illustration, audio, and often, video.

MotionElements Stock Footage

This website's name says it all--Motion. That's what they offer in many different forms. Prices range from low to high. Their credit pack starts at $50.00 US for 50 credits. But, they too offer free video clips each week, and they're really good. So get that free account and sign up for their emails.

VidsPlay

Free! Really, the stock video clips here are free to download and use for personal or commercial. They just have limited inventory compared to other sites. To download from VidsPlay, right click on the Download link.

Takeaway Truth

Motion makes a video more compelling which makes it more viewable.

Thursday3Some: Tempered Dreams by Pamela S. Thibodeaux

Today on Thursday3Some, I have award-winning author Pamela S. Thibodeaux as my guest. Pamela is answering 3 questions about her book, Tempered Dreams.

Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder and a lifetime member of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Multi-published in romantic fiction as well as creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, “Inspirational with an Edge!” ™ and reviewed as “steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing the message.”

Find Pamela S. Thibodeaux Online

Website: http://www.pamelathibodeaux.com
Blog: http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/pamelasthibodeaux
Twitter: http://twitter.com/psthib -- @psthib

When did you write Tempered Dreams?

Tempered Dreams was actually the last book in the Tempered series to be written, but the 2nd book of the series. The first edition of Tempered Dreams was released as an ebook by Writers Exchange Epublishing in June 2001. Since then it has been re-released twice: in 2005 by ComStar Media when they contracted the entire series and then in 2012 under my indy imprint Temperance Publishing.

What was the spark that gave you the story idea?

When I wrote book 1, Tempered Hearts I had the idea for 2 books only. But I’d jotted down an auto accident scene with the idea of fleshing out the story at some later date. When Dr. Scott Hensley showed up in Tempered Hearts, I knew he would be the perfect hero for Katrina Simmons, the battered wife in the scene I’d written.

Why do readers buy Tempered Dreams?

Most of the readers I talk to who have bought any of my books, including Tempered Hearts say they enjoy the unique combination of sensuality and spirituality found in my writing. This is especially true about Tempered Dreams which deals openly and candidly with domestic violence and has been reviewed by Elizabeth Burton of Blue Iris Journal, 2001, as: “Undeniably Christian, without being dogmatic or insular.”

Buy Links for Tempered Dreams

Amazon Kindle

Nook

Smashwords

Takeaway Truth

Have you got your weekend book? If not, grab one today.

Lone Star Contest Opportunity

Today I wanted to remind you that there's only 1 month left to enter the 22nd Annual Lone Star Writing Competition, sponsored by Northwest Houston RWA©.

This year, a Romance Novella category, to include all sub-genres of romance, has been added.

What Makes This Contest Different

The Lone Star Writing Competition is one of the few contests where each first round entry is judged by 2 published authors plus 1 unpublished author. The Finalists’ entries will be judged by 3 industry professionals, agents, editors, and Epublishers.

Details

• Entry fee: $25
• Deadline: June 8, 2014, midnight CDT
• Finalists announced: August 18, 2014
• Winners announced: October 4, 2014, at Lone Star Conference in Houston, TX.

For The Rules, click here.

For the Entry Form, click here.

Final Judges

Contemporary Series: rica Thompson, coordinator

• Agent: Jill Marsal, Marsal Lyon Literary Agency
• Editor: Piya Campana, Harlequin
• Epublisher Tara Gelsomino, Crimson Romance

Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal: Emmly Jane, coordinator

• Editor Junessa Viloria, Random House
• Editor Brenda Chin, ImaJinn Books
• Epublisher Chris Keeslar, Boroughs Publishing Group

Historical / Regency: Christiana Tegethoff, coordinator

• Agent Holly Lorincz, MacGregor Literary Agency
• Epublisher Allison Byers, The Wild Rose Press
• Epublisher Debby Gilbert, Soul Mate Publishing

Inspirational: Anna Katherine Lanier, coordinator

• Agent Kimberly Shumate, Living Word Literary Agency
• Editor Raela Schoenherr, Bethany House Publishers
• Epublisher Nicola Martinez, Pelican Book Group

Romance Novella: Ruth Kenjura, coordinator

• Editor Lauren Plude, Grand Central Publishing
• Epublisher Alycia Tornetta, Entangled
• Epublisher Cindy Davis, The Wild Rose Press

Romantic Suspense: Robin Sweet, coordinator

• Agent Jessica Alvarez, BookEnds, LLC
• Editor Alicia Condon, Brava (Kensington)
• Epublisher Char Chaffin, Soul Mate Publishing

Single Title: Sarah Andre, coordinator

• Agent Pam van Hylckama Vlieg, Foreword Literary Agency
• Editor - Katherine Pelz, Berkley Publishing Group (Penguin Group)
• Epublisher Pat van Wie, BelleBooks

Young Adult: J.D. Faver, coordinator

• Agent Jenny Bent, The Bent Agency
• Editor Niki Flowers, BelleBooks Inc.
• Editor Annie Stone, Harlequin Teen

Questions

Need a specific answer or further information? Contact Contest Coordinator Patti Macdonald by email: PattiAnnMacdonald at gmail dot com.

Takeaway Truth

Take advantage of this chance to get your work in front of credible judges. Don't delay. Enter today.

Integrity of Online Reviewers

After I posted my recurring article about how to write a book review, I received several comments regarding the integrity of online reviewers.

I'm rather certain "integrity of online reviewers" is an oxymoron phrase. (Would that make it oxymoronic phrase?) Generally speaking, there is no overall online integrity when it comes to posted reviews. Some casual online reviewers post objective reviews; others post what amounts to personal attacks.

Here's how I answered one of the commentators.

IMHO

I know it's said that some authors create their own reviews or get their friends to write good ones, but I can honestly say I've never personally known this to happen. I'm sure it probably does, but fortunately most of the authors I know have enough integrity to not do this.

Now, I have known of a few authors who posted scathing reviews on another author's book. I guess they think this cuts down their competition. Well, bless their hearts. I guess they'll just get to hell faster than the other sinners.

Imho, life is too short to be so petty. Why make reviewing a nefarious business? I just don't believe any of this dishonesty is ultimately rewarded. In case you didn't know, Karma is a bitch, and she'll bite your head off when you least expect it if you keep behaving in such an underhanded way.

Be Kind; Don't Review

But back to the writers reviewing other writers. Yes, I think authors are tougher on fellow authors, not easier. We know that a book either works or it doesn't work. But, we also know that sometimes, despite having all the necessary elements, a book just doesn't come together. I tend to give an author in that situation a break by NOT posting a review.

I've been very honest about the fact that I do NOT post a review unless I can wholeheartedly give 4 or 5 stars to the book. My reviews are honest. You don't see reviews for the books I disdain because I don't post them.

I've been in the business more than 25 years, and I know too many authors. I also know how hard it is to write a book and publish it for all the world to take potshots at it. This is an incredibly hard business. It can crush your spirit, and make you weep.

I refuse to rain on another author's parade. This business is hard enough. Life is hard enough! I don't feel the need to show my superiority by trashing another author's book. Trust me, if an author wrote a crappy book, there are more than enough people who will delight in pointing that out.

Takeaway Truth

I'd rather be an uplifting force in an author's life and maybe help them to improve rather than be a destroyer or the Queen of Snark.

What to Read After 50 Shades: A Box Set

John Leonard said: "It takes a long time to grow an old friend." I guess that's why I value friendships--new ones and old.

I'm intensely loyal to friends and try to support them whenever I can. Since most of my friends are authors, one way I offer support is by shining a spotlight on their new books.

My friend Elaine Raco Chase who has made a name for herself with erotic romance is in a new box set collection: What to Read After FSOG: The Gemstone Collection. If you haven't been living under a rock, then you know that FSOG stands for Fifty Shades of Gray.

The cover reveal was yesterday so I can display it here today and give you the Amazon Pre-Order Link in case you want to reserve this collection.

Takeaway Truth

Box sets offer a lot of books for a little expense. Readers rejoice.

Friendship

A friend is one of the nicest things you can have, and one of the best things you can be. ~ Douglas Pagels

I value my friends, and I try to be a good friend. I've been doing favors for friends lately. Doing a favor for a friend is like giving a gift.

Scientific studies have found a physiological response when one gives. The beneficiary of the gift experiences an endorphin release.
Guess what? The giver also experiences an endorphin release. When you give, the endorphin response occurs even if you don't know the person.

This release of "feel good" hormones has been validated whether you're giving a buck to a homeless man, an unexpected generous tip to a waitress, a gift to a loved one, a donation for disaster relief, or an hour of your time to a soup kitchen.

I think giving a favor to a friend can also provide this endorphin release for both giver and recipient. I know when I'm able to do something special for a friend that I feel good inside.

Takeaway Truth

Have you done a favor lately for a friend? If not, give a favor today. Now isn't that a nice way to start a week?

5 Music Sources for Videos

Today, I'm visiting with Lily Bishop. We're talking about videos on Lily's website, and I'm giving a couple of video tips. Please drop by and read my tips on Lily's website.

I thought I should offer some more tips here on SlingWords too, right? So let's talk music. A good example of matching the right music to a video is shown by two videos I produced recently. The first is Write Club Rules, my takeoff of Fight Club.

After Write Club premiered, a viewer emailed me and asked if I would take my Write Club theme and create a video for his writers' group to promote their annual contest which they call WRiTE Club. I wanted different music, but I wanted it to be upbeat and aggressive also. I hope you'll watch each video and tell me if you think the music works. Leave a comment on the YouTube page for the videos.

So today, I'm wearing my hat labeled...

Sound Editor

No movie is complete without a soundtrack thus no video is complete without the same. Music hath charms to soothe the savage video viewer I suppose. But where do you get the music?

If you are using a video service like Animoto or Vimeo, they offer music libraries to registered users. There are some good music tracks available for your videos. Oh, and once you license an audio track, if the license allows it, you can use it for any number of things. I've used purchased audio tracks in my videos and also as the background music for the introduction and closing credits on my audio books.

Something Different

Sometimes though, the music in the free libraries just don't do it for you. You can find music clips on other websites for free or for a cost that can run from low to astronomical.

Note: When you download art, video, or music, be sure to save the License Notes file or print it for each site from which you obtain the files. Save it on your computer or print it so you know how you are authorized to use the material

Music Sources for Videos

1. iStockPhoto

iStockPhoto was once just photos and illustrations. Now they offer video and audio clips. Register a free account and sign up to receive their emails. Once a week, you'll receive an email with the free download of the week for art, audio, and video. Some of the music clips you can get this way are suitable for video background music.

If you don't find some free music you want, then check out the ones that are for sale. Most are around $49.00 for royalty free music.

2.YouTube Audio Library

Chances are you're going to upload your video to YouTube. Did you know YouTube offers a free music library? Their Audio Library is found under Creation Tools if you lose the link.

3. VideoBlocks

This has got to be one of the best bargains when it comes to video and audio. VideoBlocks is a wonderful resource for the video producer. Not only do they offer video clips with a low annual membership of $99.00 but also they offer production music, sound effects, etc. All the music you need for a soundtrack can be had here. You pay the one time $99.00/year fee, and you can download unlimited numbers of video clips and music files. What a bargain! Once you download the clips, they're yours forever.

4. ccMixter

Musicians who put their work on ccMixter, do it under a Creative Commons copyright. Creative Commons, a new system, built upon current copyright law, allows you to legally use “some rights reserved” music, movies, images, and other content — for free.

(Find out more about Creative Commons.)

ccMixter offers a wide range of excellent music.

5. Free Music Archive or FMA

"The Free Music Archive is an interactive library of legal audio downloads directed by legendary freeform radio station WFMU. This project wouldn't be possible without our curators, who select and upload all the music you'll find here. Curators come from all over the world, and have a wide range of experience with good music. They include freeform radio stations, netlabels, artist collectives, performance spaces, and concert organizers. If the FMA were a radio station, the curators would be our awesomely obsessive DJs."

FMA has a well-organized site that makes it easy to search for the kind of music you think you want for your video.

Takeaway Truth

Music can make or break your video. Like the dying Knight Templar in Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade advised: "Choose wisely."