Contact:          Earl L. Goldmann, Manager

                        Brooks Goldmann Publishing Company, LLC

Address:          7970 E. Camelback Rd., 710

Scottsdale, AZ  85251

Cell                  (480-250-5556)

Email:              egoldmann@cox.net

Web Site:        www.brooksgoldmannpublishing.com

Blog:               http://blog.brooksgoldmannpublishing.com

JOIN US IN THE RED ROCKS

THE WELL RED COYOTE

BOOKSTORE SEDONA, AZ

to feature Scottsdale author with her

Memoir Writing Workshop

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona, August 22, 2010.    Do you want to learn what memoir writing is, what the memoir story can mean and what significance it can have in your life?  Do you wish to gain insight into how writing a memoir is an integrating experience that can lead to your wholeness?

If your answer is yes, then join us in the Red Rocks of Sedona for this inspiring two hour workshop.  You will come away with a lot of valuable information you can use immediately.

WHO:  Author, writer, publishing consultant, professional speaker and Scottsdale business woman, Patricia L. Brooks,  www.plbrooks.com and www.brooksgoldmannpublishing.com is the memoir writing workshop presenter you will not want to miss. 

WHEN:  Saturday September 18^th, 2010, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

WHERE:  The Well Red Coyote Bookstore, Hwy 89-A west, in Sedona.   

WHAT:  The Well Red Coyote Bookstore, and the Scottsdale Society of Women Writers, of which Patricia is president and founder, continue their speaker series with Patricia’s talk on memoir writing. Her workshop, Making Memorable Memoirs Magical, will feature her first memoir Gifts of Sisterhood in the discussion.

HOW:  Please RSVP to Kris at the store www.wellredcoyote.com

Patricia takes you down the path to writing a Compelling Memoir.  The journey will be a fresh and uplifting account of how to prepare to “dig deep” and trust your judgment.  Her perception on Retrospective Writing is both generous and worth noting. 

Patricia shares her inspirational portrait of the characters you want to develop – especially you the protagonist. Taking the theme you desire to produce your final manuscript, Patricia will show how to move from Point A to Point B to Point C, the desire and struggle and realization of your life. 

Through wit, courage and faith she offers tips and techniques to help you find the “emotional beats” in your life’s events.  Her insight into a philosophy of a writing life worth emulating inspires attendees regardless of the challenges to launch readable memoir.    

Making Memorable

 Memoirs Magical

Write  Compelling Memoir

THE WELL RED COYOTE BOOKSTORE

www.wellredcoyote.com  

Sept 18th, 2010

HWY 89A West - Sedona, AZ - RSVP

Getting from Point A to Point B to Point C

Desire to Struggle to Realization

·        Give us the Emotion and Drama

o   Face your issues directly

·        Give us your Revelations and your Regrets

o   Show us pain and suffering - your overcoming adversity

·        Give us the Vulnerable Moments

o   Demonstrate your authentic self in intimate details

·        Make it Relevant and Essential to our lives

o   Take us on an adventure or spiritual quest

·        Take Control of the story

o   Voice your opinions and thoughts

·        Dig Deep and Reveal yourself to us

o   Illuminate your transformation and renewal

THANKS TO WRITERS DIGEST MAGAZINE for some of these ideas www.writersdigest.com

Making Memorable

Memoirs Magical

The To Do List of RETROSPECTIVE WRITING

MYSTIC MOON BOOKSTORE

www.mysticmoonbookstore.com

August 17^th, 2010

6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

7119 E. Mercer, Scottsdale - RSVP

·       Anticipate the Journey - and take us there

o   How did you live your life – for you or for them?

·       Develop the protagonist – You

o   Will you tell your true stories completely?

·       Create the Artist of your Life

o   How will you write – with emotional beats?

·       Communicate to us Who you are

o   Will you change anything to protect yourself?

·       Sketch fully your Character Choices

o   Do you understand who they are?

·       Look to your Memories in a New Way

o   What I the significance of this memoir?

·       Weave Threads with Theme

o   Can you guide your life story to a compelling read?

·       Squelch in the end the anger, hatred and resentment

o   Can you express your feelings constructively?

·       Honor love, hope, joy, happiness

o   Do you understand what you believe and why?

·       Seek in the end Transformation – Your burst of Energy at the Close

o   What will lead to your transformation?

Please RSVP to Patricia L. Brooks, president/founder patricia@plbrooks.com

Ø  AUG 14^th WRITING CONFERENCE:  Write Now 2010, Wrigley Mansion, Phoenix, all day, register at  www.desertsleuths.com

Ø  SEPT 24-26^th WRITING CONFERENCE/CONTESTS:  Members Betty Webb and Patricia L. Brooks will be speaking at the Wrangling with Writing - Tucson Radisson Hotel, register with the Society of South West Authors www.ssa-az.org or Donna J. Young, Wrangling with Writers Facebook page.

Ø  OCT 2^nd – SEDONA BOOK FESTIVAL www.wellredcoyote.com

Ø  SCOTTSDALE LIBRARY – seeking locals authors for the library shelves – submit your books to www.scottsdalelibrary.org 

 Ø  CONTEST/AZ Authors Association: www.azauthors.com

Ø  MEMBER THANK YOU and CONGRATULATIONS:  art donation w/book:  Cay Randall May donated a piece of her art for the AZ Book Publishers May 1 Awards dinner - WIN award for books:  Dawn Fleming and Marcia Fine won Glyph Awards in their categories – congratulations!

Ø  MEMBER NEWS: Congratulations Marilyn Frazer and Joanne Deck are finalists/recipients of the Indie Excellence Award www.indieexcellence.com

Ø  MEMBERS speaking w/books - Sedona:  Two Members will be speaking at the Well Red Coyote Bookstore in Sedona - Kebba Buckley Button speaks: June 25, Fri. @7:00 p.m. with her book www.discoverthesecretenergizedyou.com and Patricia L. Brooks speaks on Sept. 18^th Sat. with her book www.plbrooks.com on the topic of Memorable Memoirs.

6:45 – SPEAKER:   DR. MARCIA REYNOLDS

SPEAKER:  June 30th - Wed. 2010    

My Journey from Publishing to Marketing my Books

I will share what I’ve learned on my publishing and marketing journey and what I am planning for the future. Come hear lessons learned to help make your journey more enjoyable.

Dr. Marcia Reynolds is currently marketing her new book called Wander Woman, on how today’s strong, restless women can find contentment and direction.  It was just published by Berrett-Koehler in June, 2010.       

Marcia is considered an expert on the brain, helping people to understand “why they do what they do.” Excerpts from Marcia’s book, Outsmart Your Brain, have appeared in major publications around the world.

She travels around the world speaking, training and coaching leaders and rising stars in major corporations. Excerpts from her books have appeared in many publications, including Fortune Magazine, Harvard Communications Newsletter, Cosmopolitan, The Los Angeles Times and The New York Times, and she has appeared on ABC World News and National Public Radio.

In addition to her doctorate in organizational psychology, she is also a Master Certified Coach and Certified Speaking Professional.  

·         JUNE 30^th            Dr. Marcia Reynolds www.marciareynolds.com speaker, award winning author of several books shares her expertise

·         JULY  28^th            Donis Casey – Historical Fiction Writer – published author - shares her success, ideas and habits www.doniscasey.com

·         AUG 25^th              Laura Tohe is Dine (Navajo) l.tohe@asu.edu ASU professor of English, award winning author and poet

·         SEPT 29^th              5^th Anniversary – be ready to celebrate!   Stella Pope Duarte www.stellapopeduarte.com author of several award winning fiction books, speaker, advocate, educator,

·         OCT 27^th              Vickie Mullins www.MullinsCreative.com author, speaker, creative consultant

·         NOV 17^th special holiday date

·         DEC 15^th special holiday date

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

7:30 NETWORKING – meeting ends by 8:00 – thank you for coming!

Goals of the Group

• Value all the professional women writers seeking to share their expertise
• Honor all genres and all forms of professional writing
• Attend monthly meetings  to move the group and its members forward
• Learn and share in the experiences of monthly professional speakers
• Grow the group to a membership of active and contributing women
• Encourage participation by members as presenters, mentors, judges and volunteers
• Support and challenge each other to always be writing
• Help members to stretch as writers and reach lofty personal goals
• Have fun, meet trustworthy women writers, share dreams

Patricia L. Brooks, president, founder  

SCOTTSDALE SOCIETY OF WOMEN WRITERS

480-250-5556 or patricia@plbrooks.com

SCOTTSDALE SOCIETY OF

WOMEN WRITERS

WHAT:          Scottsdale Society of Women Writers Monthly Meeting

WHERE:       The Marriott Old Town, 7325 E. Third Ave. and Scottsdale Rd., So of Camelback, turn E at the light, parking near hotel

WHEN:          5:30 to 7:30, Wed. APRIL 28^th Please RSVP*

WHY:             The Scottsdale Society of Women Writers gives members access to events of interest, a format for exchanging ideas, an opportunity to network with other women writers and authors, an alliance with businesses relating to writing and publishing, and camaraderie and support.  

HOW:             *RSVP now to Patricia at 480-250-5556 or patricia@plbrooks.com

SPEAKER:     Robin Reynolds will present Marketing to the MAX: What My Dogs Taught Me about Marketing My Book.  Packed with information on branding, developing marketing messages and marketing tools from press kits to Twitter, this presentation will discuss some of the things that have worked and not worked for Robin in marketing her book. Whether you’re promoting your book, publishing company or you as an author, you’re sure to find Robin’s insights funny, inspiring and heartfelt.

Robin Reynolds is a creative advertising and marketing professional who has helped brand and position the products and services of Fortune 500 companies and sole entrepreneurs alike. Her creative work has earned international recognition with Clios, Addys and New York Art Directors—Gold & Silver Awards. Currently, she is President and Head Noodler of her own creative marketing agency, NICE Creative.  In addition to developing marketing campaigns for her clients, she published her first book, Life to the MAX:  Maxims for a Great Life by a Dog named Max. 

?  WRITE STUFF-Editing Path to Publishing

Patricia L. Brooks, MAOM-Speaker, Author, Publishing Consultant, Faculty

Brooks Goldmann Publishing Co. LLC

ERNEST HEMINGWAY

? “There is no friend as loyal as a book.”

? Why do you want to write?

? Why do you want to publish?

REVISIONS are the Charm!

? CHECK - Do you inform, entertain or engage?

? CHECK - Do allow your voice to shine?

? CHECK – Is there flow to your work with a story line?

STAGES OF EDITING or Bust!

? Developmental stage – Organization and Structure

? Content Stage – Shape it up – needs/purpose

? Copy Stage – proof – grammar – punctuation

? “Book Shepherd” - collaborator – Ghostwriter – peer reviewer?

EDITORS make great partners!

? Bring the “eagle  eye” to MATURE the work

? Honor compelling, CLEAR copy

? Cultivate a MUST read book

? Craft your copy to stand as ART

The “HOTTEST” Selling Point

? TITLE - Succinct to Sell – 7 to 10 words - SIZZLE

? Dress it up - CLEAR and Curious – 6 feet away

? Make it Count - be Memorable  - COLORS

? What is your book about?  HOOK

?  The BACK Cover is Tops!

? Short testimonials – NO Bragging

? GENRE – Price – 10 Seconds to Sell

? Benefits – BUY on emotion – advocacy

? Your photo and Message - READ

?  INTERIOR Design and Layout

? Creatively ENHANCE your work

? Deliver a DELIGHT to Read

? Photos and illustrations  - HARMONY

? Play by the RULES – Guidelines

?  PRINTING Particulars

? Digital Printing  vs. Offset Printing

? Physical vs. Electronic books – or both

? Size, page count, paper weight, colors

? Soft cover or hard cover or both

?  MARKETING – You and Your Book – The Plan

? Social networking – Facebook, Twitter, Linked In

? Websites  and blogs, online articles and media

? Bookmarks - Biz cards – Fact sheet

? Posters and Banners for events – General Media

?  BOOK LAUNCH – You and Them

? Warehousing and storage - wholesale to retail

? Distributors  - to the wholesaler or bookstores

? Homework -Reputation - Strategy - Cost effective

? Catalogs – online – your inventory

?  TRADITIONAL – Publishing Plan

? Book Proposals for niche markets

? Agents to the publisher  - Prestige – Some advances

? Marketing and media control – Author’s Platform

? Rights – contracts - attorney

?  SELF-PUBLISHING – Independent Perspective

? In Control – keep RIGHTS

? Make MORE per book – your expenses

? Process much Quicker – out to market timely

? COSTS for book production/marketing

?  CHOICES – Physical – Electronic or Both

? FAD or profound change?  Unique Opportunities

? COMBINATION – print and electronic – FUTURE

? EMOTION – comfort – target new realities

? FREE – e-book trends – Marketing shifts in the industry

?  To E-BOOK or not to E-book

? GAME changing force  - book store closings

? Direct-to-Customer MODEL

? MORE good and bad books get published

? SPLITS – for author/publisher partnerships

?  Suggested Favorite READING for Writers

? Writing Down the Bones – Natalie Goldberg

? Your Life as Story – Tristine Rainer

? The Power to Write – Caroline Joy Adams

? The Right to Write – Julia Cameron

? Lessons of a Lifetime of Writing – David Morrell

Some Things I Learned at the

San Diego State University

Writers Conference – 2010

and more things I know and share with you!

Patricia L. Brooks, author, writer, speaker, publishing consultant, faculty  www.plbrooks.com www.blog.brooksgoldmannpublishing.com

“Connecting readers to authors is the Primary Goal” here for this weekend!

TAKING A LOOK AT PUBLISHING:

·         You must have a good concept and/or a great story first.

o   Readers have a lot to choose from and demand good work.

·         You must have good writing skills.

o   Readers are an educated and intellectual – give them what they want!

·         You must know the market – our readers are a savvy bunch.

o   Research with interviews, online, library sources and personal observation.

·         You cannot quit – be resilient and persevere.

o   If you write, you have to write.

·         You must be open to suggestions from various sources.

o   The best information comes from surprising voices – be open.

·         You must be professional in all you do.

o   Do not take short cuts; take time to do it correctly up front.

·         You must be genuine in the writing and promotion.

o   You get what you give out, give it your all.

TAKING A LOOK AT YOUR MANUSCRIPT:

·         It must be clean and revised several times before the editing process.

o   Don’t throw your book together in haste, show the editor respect.

·         It must be enough for a book - consider first a short story.

o   Take a hard look at your topic then do your outline and table of contents.

·         It must be more than a regional piece if you have lofty goals.

o   Honor our global society and allow yourself all the opportunities out there.

·         It needs goals, objectives and strategies in a well written plan.

o   Write out the steps you will take to your destination and the action needed.

·         It needs an author who is willing to take risks to make it a success.

o   Remember launching a book means always believing in your project.

·         It needs to find a place beyond its initial comfort level on your blog.

o   Respect the audience is looking for what you have to say – so say it!

TAKING A LOOK AT YOUR MARKETING:

·         Research every aspect of the niche, primary and secondary markets.

o   Understand you have readers you may be unaware of, give it some thought.

·         Prepare a synopsis of the book chapter by chapter.

o   Be prepared to share your work when called upon by an agent or the media.

·         Write an Author’s Platform for your book – regardless of genre and topic.

o    See my blog for a sample – a good practice for all of us!

·         Prepare a Book Proposal – regardless of how you plan to publish.

o    Decide if it will be independently or traditionally - this helps you get organized!

·         Always have a couple of fully revised chapters ready for review.

o   Remember, somebody may agree to do a peer review for you – be ready.

·         Develop a full Marketing Plan – this is your product.

o   Request this outline from me and get started; no one else will do it for you.

·         Read reviews of books currently coming out regardless of genre.

o   Peruse the newspapers everyday – you will learn from these commentaries.

·         Compare your book to current titles to know where to position your book.

o   Don’t be afraid of the 300 books published every day – just be ready.

·         Determine immediately what is unique and different about your book.

o   Practice your 30 second commercial so it rolls off your tongue easily.

·         Extol the virtues of your book and how it will entertain, inform or educate the reader.

o   Do something to be competitive – readers want value for their time.

·         Toot your own horn - no one else will do it as well as you will.

o   Forget shyness – you are now promoting a product and yourself.

·         Be fully aware of who is the reader/buyer of your book.

o   Do surveys, interviews or give away chapters for feedback to learn more.

·         Be very clear on the angle and/or twist of the book.

o   Be sure it is clear to you, so it is even clearer for the reader – keep it simple.

·         Be unwavering on why we “need” to buy your book and read it.

o   Remember you want readers to read the book and tell their friends about it.

·         Be absolutely sure of where the “hole” is that you can fill in the market.

o   Address this quickly, step back and take a strong approach to your plan.

TAKING A LOOK AT A MARKET ANALYSIS:

·         Who is the true audience for this book?

o   Is it broader than first anticipated; has a new trend come to light?

·         How big is that audience?

o   What are the demographics, the statistics to back your information?

·         Who is the target market for the book?

o   Have you considered all options for the first line of readers?

·         How will you find them?

o   Are they online, in bookstores, at events, in organizations or in corporations?

·         Are you being brutally honest with yourself about your market impact?

o   Is there more that you can do to make yourself successful?

·         What genre will this book fall into first?

o   Have you had a peer review to be sure you are seeing the big picture?

·         Where will bookstores shelve this book for the best sales?

o   Peruse bookstores and visualize your book on the shelves and ask booksellers.

·         Are you willing to role play your approach to bookstores?

o   Practice with a book seller; tell them your book will be out soon.  Take notes.

·         Do you have all the questions and objectives, all the answers prepared?

o   Practice dealing with “no” and with “yes” – anticipate the situation.

·         Do you understand the market trends playing a part in your book launch?

o   Read the newspaper – research online – understand the book business now.

TAKING A LOOK AT THE PR/MARKETING PLATFORM:

·         How will you create “Book Buzz” – word-of-mouth FREE marketing?

o   Can you write a Hot 100 Hit List of close friends and contacts?

·         How will you share your expertise to enhance your book’s PR?

o   Do you have a credibility statement on yourself?

·         How have you become an authority in your writing?

o   Why did you choose your topic?  What made you knowledgeable?

·         Are you willing to speak to groups with your book?

o   Be preparing a talk – even 20 minutes for a non-profit to boost sales.

·         Are you willing to blog faithfully about your writing or your book?

o   Be keeping a log of blogging ideas that relate to your topics.

·         Do you have a current bio, website and/or business card to enhance your image/PR?

o   Start collecting these from other authors and visualizing the same for you.

·         What is the angle you will use to get good PR immediately?

o   Review PR and media releases on other author websites in your genre.

·         What is distinctive about you and your book that would make for good PR?

o   Begin journaling while writing the book or promoting it – talk to yourself.

·         Do you have a critique partner you trust to read all your PR/marketing materials?

o   Join a writers group and critique group - trust other writers.

·         Are you willing to attend writing/publishing conferences to improve yourself?

o   Do at least one or two a year – and be a writer/author.

·         Do you read at least a dozen or more books a year in your genre?

o   Read to write – no excuses; if you don’t read, your readers won’t read either.

·         Are you willing to show your passion for your book by doing all of the above?

o   Pace yourself – pick three for the first month and add as you go – good luck.

GENERAL REMINDERS FOR ALL OF US:

·         Think of your book as a business or commercial entity.

·         Pick a subject you have expertise in and write on it with fierce abandon.

·         Inform yourself on how many books are written on your topic.

·         Create an audience for yourself.

·         Understand what your book means for other people.

·         Study “smaller” competition too – not just the best seller list.

·         Write what you know.

·         Listen to advice you hear again and again.

·         Trust your writer’s path, the stories that haunt you, the unique stories.

·         Believe these stories pick you; you are here for a reason, so write to some degree daily.

ENJOY – AND HAPPY WRITING - PATRICIA

}  PUBLISH YOURSELF AS THE EXPERT!

}  Patricia L. Brooks, MAOM – www.BrooksGoldmannPublishing.com

}  ENTREPRENEURIAL WOMEN’S BUSINESS BOOT CAMP – FEB 6th, 2010

}  Chaparral Suites – Scottsdale, AZ 10:00-3:00 p.m.

}  www.businesswomensbootcamp.com

}  Understand What Moves You

?     Don’t think about the READER as you write

?     Don’t think about your past SUCCESSES

?     Envision what you want the BOOK to be

}  Understand What Moves Them

?     Remember it’s not what they HEAR in your work

?     Remember it’s what they are EXPERIENCING

?     Remember they want a passionate TEACHER

}  Develop a Book Proposal/Outline

?     Get out of your COMFORT zone

?     Learn to deserve your AUTHORITY

?     Make it VIABLE

}  Honor for Whom you Need to be a VOICE

?     Evaluate your ideas in terms of your AUDIENCE

?     Note how they will be impacted in a POSITIVE Way

?     Show your PERSONALITY, let them get to know You

}  A Winning Writing Plan – THE DO’S

?     Remember the opening is the immediate HOOK

?     Begin in the right place with the BEST material

?     Give them good stories - include your EXPERTISE

}  A Winning Writing Plan – THE DON’TS

?     Don’t open with anything but the TRUTH

?     Don’t bore us – get to the POINT

?     Don’t push HUMOR, let it flow naturally

}  A Winning Writing Plan – THE BRAIDING

?     Do an element of SURPRISE for the reader

?     Use THREE topics or approaches in Braiding

?     Allow for “NATURAL” organization in your structure

}  Five W’s of Good Reporting - the Five P’s for SUCCESS

?     Who, What, When, Where, Why

?     Patience, persistence, perseverance, perception, perspective

}  GOALS – steps to consider

?     Write a book that is VISUALLY appealing

?     Produce a GOOD Product then GOOD Marketing

?     LISTEN to advice you hear over and over again

}  OBJECTIVES – destinations to seek

?     Develop a STRONG Author’s Platform

?     Connect to your readers with HEART and SOUL

?     Think commercially and KEEP them

 }  STRATEGIES – action plan ideas to ponder

?     Consider a co-author for COLLABORATION

?     Be both analytical and emotional – LEFT/RIGHT

?     Keep a distinct TONE and PACE

}  Research for YOU

?     Look to the Future – and observe TRENDS

?     Seek RISKS – but stay true to your voice

?     Press Ahead – yet MONITOR your plans

}  Develop a Pre-marketing PLAN

?     Get a “BRAND” – situate your work

?     Get a business “MINDSET” – make comparisons

?     Be “CREATIVE” - where is the hole in the market?

}  The FINAL Analysis

?     Why are you the EXPERT – the authority?

?     What is your EXPERTISE – the topic?

?     Are you willing to be AUTHENTIC to create “buzz”?

REFLECTIONS on our Published Books of 2009         

Patricia L. Brooks, MAOM

speaker, author, publishing consultant

Brooks Goldmann Publishing, LLC

www.blog.brooksgoldmannpublishing.com

THE INITIAL CONTACT:

Meeting our authors for the first time is usually serendipity through my knowing another woman writer or a contact from one of my speaking engagements.  Some come from our website and many have my card when they call, given to them by a friend or found in a coffee shop.  We immediately start talking about writing, usually sitting in a coffee shop.  Our relationship is cemented.

Some of our potential clients share mutual acquaintances with us and know our coming together was meant to be.  They seek us to help them independently publish their book.  I write this reflection of 2009 as part of a greater plan for both their books and our time together.  We help writers in various ways and are eager to give back to the community. 

THE FIRST MEETING:

Our first meeting with the budding author is to discuss taking their manuscript or notes (if a ghostwriter is needed) through the independent publishing process and launch their work as a tangible book to enhance their goals and purpose.   Most writers ask me to help in the post-marketing of the book too with a book review and media release.  While being available to them early on with a peer review and commitments in our proposal and contract, we pledge to our author to continue with them long after the initial launch. 

While answering the writer’s inquiries into what needs to be done to make this all happen, and their determination to get the book out, we accept the challenge.  To look at all the opportunities available in the many facets of publishing, we make this experience function exceptionally well by setting up a team and selecting the best vendors (ghostwriter, editor, designer, printer to name a few) for the client.  All plans are in writing, including the proposal and contract with us and the contacted vendor.

THE INTERVIEW:

The writer relates their creative side by sharing their experiences as a professional or novice writer.  They elaborate for us how they opted for a traditional career in life “to earn a living”, but now want to be a writer first, and “to have a life” as a published author.  Using a more avant-garde approach to their creative life today, they relate to us over and over again that they write first for themselves and then for the reader.

We talk in our first meeting about their childhood and young adult encounters with writing so I can have a full picture of their writing life and commitment, as well as how writing has sustained them.  Most of these writers are eager for us to give feedback on their manuscript (first 30 pages or first three chapters) before we embark on a contract.  Since our paths could easily have crossed earlier in our writing life, our souls have some stories that resonate with each other in all of the manuscripts we select.  I enjoy the peer review process and give a full report to them after reading their submission.

THE DECISION:

When asked to be their publishing consultant and to read their manuscripts or chapters as a peer reviewer prior to the proofreader, editor or designer, I am honored and accept immediately (my partner husband also does peer reviews).  Although I am flattered about the peer review, I know it will be one of the most difficult aspects of our relationship and I do not take it lightly.  My feedback must be honest and sensitive.  Being the publishing consultant enlists my expertise, but to accommodate the author’s voice and honor their vision in a peer review I know I will be challenged. 

 In accepting the job of peer reviewer whole heartedly and with fierce abandon, I begin reading daily 10-15 pages each morning.  Doing the exercises and questions I prepare for myself will be part of my final report to the writer.  While opening my heart to the possibilities of their work and learning more about my new writer friend, I forge ahead enjoying each new day.

Although I realize as I proceed through their writing, which can be daunting due to unedited drafts, that their views and ideas are not necessarily mine I enhance my life with the read.  We are very selective about the types of books we publish, so I set aside an hour early each morning for this reading time.  My days are enriched because I view their work as a gift and value it greatly.

THE PROCESS:

My goal is to help another up-and-coming author. My objective is to take their work through the step-by-step process for a quality book and visualize the reader involved in this endeavor as well.  Transforming their life as the author did only a few years earlier, the reader will be forever changed from the experience of the book.  Good and honest work in the peer review is part of our strategy for success.

Possibly spanning the course of several years, the author may have ended suffering and challenging experiences with a wonderful turn of events that tells a story of inspiration with ideas for the reader’s life too.  A book well worth reading has to play a role in saving the life of the author and/or protagonist in some way while allowing the reader to hope they too can witness a transformation.

Most authors are bold and courageous in their telling of their stories and are not afraid of the risk if it means helping another soul on a spiritual search.   The self-help and memoir genres are alive and well.  Most people today are on a spiritual quest.  I realize in my morning readings that the books we review and publish are similar creatures in many ways.  Being completely involved in the manuscripts in doing the peer reviews, I see them as an opportunity for me too and take the review to fruition in a positive manner.

THE INSIGHT:

None of us, me, my husband or the authors we work with, takes rising above the “ashes of life” lightly or looks past the obvious to realize a happy life.  Reading and critiquing our authors’ manuscripts or chapters is a responsibility taken to heart.  It is the sweetness of the process and a critical area on the successful journey of what we can offer the author.

Just as the author’s philosophy shines in their book, it also chooses to thrive in the challenges and opportunities of launching a book to market.  Our authors look to us for intuitive and creative ways to find solutions to the questions they pose for themselves in their writing plan.  Their positive attitude is paramount when we accept them into our program and take responsibility for making the book launch happen for them.  We share a common belief with our authors that there is something larger than ourselves involved in the creative and writing process, and that creativity is as much a part of healing as a pen is to paper. 

We published three wonderful books in 2009 in the genres of self-help, spirituality and new fiction.  They are written by creative and artistic souls who love their art and admire other’s art too.  They come to see their life’s worth sharing in writing as well as in art.

As stated throughout many of the books we publish, the path of life is sometimes simple; it just isn’t always that easy to achieve. We help you break-out and launch your first book or another book quickly and easily.

THE FEEDBACK:

Our peer reviews captivate an approach to faith and love, courage and the science to saving the voice of the writer’s work.  Most of our authors share their mind, body and spirit experiences in a mix with creativity and a love for the written word.  This philosophy and attitude carries forward. 

Having experienced our latest author’s work for many weeks, this philosophy is enhanced, and I have learned a lot.  All of the books (listed below) have pushed me to places I have neglected overtime.  It has been a wonderful journey.  Thank you, Mia, Cay and Kiki for an enlightened 2009.

It has been a privilege to meet Mia, Cay and Kiki as writer clients.  We have become friends through our working together and I encourage them to get their message out to the public with appointments on Internet Radio and online social networking, speaking to women who are in need of their message and blogging to the general population who in these difficult times needs to be part of the psychology of hope.

THE APPRECIATION:

We are pleased to be a part of three more important and inspiring books.  Each one of these women truly touches a chord for anyone who needs to know life can turn for the better with a slight change of attitude, a chance with faith or the courage to try new things.  Cay and Mia’s books are especially for the “baby boomer” generation that feels so many times to be in a poor light.  All three books show us how to appreciate our lives just the way they are and to be grateful for what we have and give back.

All too often, this “baby boomer” generation of mine finds itself lost and confused when in fact we continue to make a tremendous impact on every aspect of our society.  These three women author’s books should be part of Wellness Community and Life Long Learning programs for early retirees and third career people who need to take stock in just what they are worth and where they can go from here. 

My husband and business partner Earl, and I, would especially like these three beautiful books  The Secrets of the 100 Golden Keys, Remnants-ready for new life and Healing and the Creative Response to be compulsory reading for the many displaced “middle aged” workers who feel they have nowhere to turn and no solutions for a life interrupted.  Whether you are a “baby boomer” considering a new career or a “young-at-heart” senior person seeking answers and spiritual truths about yourself and your life, these books stand out like the artwork featured in them.

Happy New Year and enjoy the reading. 

Recommending this year’s books launched fall 2009:

Media Release

Scottsdale Author launched by

Scottsdale Publishing Firm

in time for your Holiday Reading List

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Patricia L. Brooks, president/founder

Brooks Goldmann Publishing, LLC

info@brooksgoldmannpublishing.com cell 480-250-5556

December, 2009 - You may not know the name Kiki Swanson, but chances are her books have been in your midst.  Right where the lump in your throat meets the place in your heart, she gives us hope that retirement living in Scottsdale can be rewarding with her new book Remnants – ready for new life.

WHO:  Kiki Swanson, author www.kikiswansonbooks.com discovers for us five women coming together in Scottsdale after a life time of joy and heartbreak to rekindle their lifelong friendships in their senior years with her new fiction release. 

WHAT: Swanson writes about these unsung heroines in her new book Remnants – ready for new life.  Those humble types who live ordinary lives until circumstances such as divorce, death widowhood or alcoholism force them to rise above the grief and pain to discover greater truths such as “life is for the living to the end.”

WHEN:  Remnants - ready for new life, recently released by Brooks Goldmann Publishing, LLC of Scottsdale, AZ, is being launched now in time for your holiday reading list.

WHERE:  www.kikiswansonbooks.com Kiki Swanson, Scottsdale, AZ author kikiswan@cox.net

ISBN#     978-0-981-7881-4-2

WHY:  People are yearning for earnest heartfelt stories they can relate to and learn from and Swanson delivers.  Our society discounts the importance of the senior community in our society, while other cultures admire and honor them.   Swanson kikiswan@cox.net aims to change all that with the 2010 launching of her book Remnants – ready for new life.

HOW: Swanson seeks to find the extraordinary in what appears to be ordinary lives.  Her lead character has gentle courage, a spunky and funny demeanor, while quietly doing the “right thing”, to make us smile.

Her readers will see themselves in her subjects; their strength, love and courage too.  Swanson understands it is people’s lives she is dealing with and that they are important to the storyline.  She peaks our interest often in short chapters that tie together nicely.

AUTHOR INFORMATION:  As a minister in senior issues at her church, Swanson was an “advice source” for many.  Now her advice is on paper in a loving and humorous fashion.  She never forgets that even in this fiction work, she is writing about real people in some way. 

Many told Swanson about their stories of loss and grief in her church ministry with seniors.  She heard hundreds of stories – probably thousands – over the years.  It was almost a relief to write Remnants so people would come up to her and talk more about friendships.

Swanson did not want to write a personal “tell all” and feels honored by those people in her life who trusted her to use their stories.  She knew she had to be sensitive, a trait she honed during her many years as a practicing minister.

This is a book about women with friendships that span a half century, says Swanson, because these women have too much to offer at this age: love, friendship and wisdom.

She fills in critical details and emotions needed as she weaves the lives of Daisy and her friends together like Remnants onto a warm winter quilt.  With the permission of her friends to embellish their stories and change names to produce a “new fiction” work, Swanson is cautious but strong in her pursuit of a good read.

PUBLISHERS COMMENTS:  Swanson’s goals were met.  She is emphatic, sensitive and touching in her portrayal of the women and their connections to each other.  She’s both girlish and womanly in her revelations of these women and their issues later in life.

Are Swanson’s books good? (See www.kikiswansonbooks.com for others) Yes, some are dramatic, or inspirational, some spin a life into an engaging narrative, and another is oddly entertaining.  Her books reflect our hopes of the world we want to know latter in life; filled with love and friendship, happiness and “busyness.”

With our country in two wars, a floundering economy and horrible stories on the evening news, we can get inside Remnants for 60 short chapters about women who have stayed friends forever, men who love and support them and a dog named Curly who teaches them the importance of loyalty one more time.

It is with earnestness that Daisy bonds with her friends at La Ventura and reminds us to stick to our convictions in laughter and in tears.  Thank you Kiki Swanson for a fine read.