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.

BOOK REVIEW

Remnants – Ready for New Life

Kiki Swanson (Brooks Goldmann, $19.95)

This captivating volume will appeal to lovers of warm climates, active retirement communities, volunteerism, paying it forward and living life to the fullest in retirement.

In early 2004, Daisy Mac Duff moved into the active and well-appointed retirement community of La Ventura located in Scottsdale, AZ.  She left behind many friends over the years when she moved with her husband on many transfers, eventually moving to the desert of AZ.

Her children also live in AZ and, on occasion, keep her busy with their lives.  But Daisy needs the camaraderie of “soul” mates, friends her age who share happy memories of her past and her current pursuit of happiness.

Her grief for her husband had consumed several years of her life and now it is time to share her future with friends, new and old.  She seeks the companionship of her women friends from all parts of the country by writing and asking them to join her in Scottsdale. 

Soon a strong and steady flow of letters begin to appear in her mailbox.  Both the flamboyant red-head pianist Clarissa and the demure preacher’s wife Beth write immediately.  Others come in as quickly as you can say “out west”, such as Martha, the one seeking a new AA recovery group.

Daisy accumulates the letters, which often stretch into reminiscing of old places that bring back memories, such as with Mary Ann, Martha’s sister.  While some were meant to just read and smile or listen to what was really being said.  Beth is one of those with her quiet tone and gentle way.

From the window of Daisy’s retirement life at La Ventura you sense her yearning for the friendships she knew in the past with each of these women responding.  You will visualize Daisy with her friends enjoying their later years being productive in community while dealing with what life gives out. Practicing her mother’s philosophy, Daisy learns again how to accept life without losing her own character as some say yes and some say no to her suggestion to community life with her and the others.

You imagine the startling effects of a group of women coming together by one woman’s will to make them a family.  This joining of creative, active, senior women together in a new life with a fresh start from a divorce or widowhood, retirement alone or loneliness of any kind, gives them “wind at their backs”.  They go into the unknown of “later in life” friendships in a commune environment.  With Daisy behind them, pushing them with a force in the direction of giving back, serving God and enjoying every moment as if it were their destiny is their new life.

This is the story of a community formed and developed by a bunch of well educated, interesting, creative and productive caring women who with no real plans for their later years take a “leap of faith” and let a long time friend bring them together.  Because of this, they later will write their recipes for success, their ideas for mentoring, their last wishes, their obituaries and their insights and feelings about things they hold dear in their Tuesdays at Three writing group.

Some still have strong feelings and reservations about the success of the idea, such as the couple of men Daisy befriends early in the story.  But at the onset, the five of nine women who say yes “let’s just do it” are more than happy to reach out to others and not isolate elsewhere.  The men in turn become vital to the women’s friendships.

Here you will learn about many things, from loss and grief (incurred by all of them) to alcoholism (the elements of AA) to the medical issues too familiar to all of us.  The spring writing group for life’s philosophies gives many insights into all of them, and surely in to you too.

It is a satisfying and rewarding read and you get the feeling they are having a really wonderful time living out their lives together in a “village.” Being grateful for everyday, their mantra is to rise above the past, adjust to change and hear the music.  If humor and good taste can be a contradiction in terms, Remnants defies the idea and makes you smile as you look for the sunshine in life.

Kiki Swanson is fearless as she addresses real issues for all seniors (Baby Boomer types too) such as divorce, widowhood, alcoholism, dating, health restraints and life’s disappointments while believing resiliency is the key.  There is a lot of good old fashioned fun here that anyone considering a retirement community or living in one now can relate to on many levels.  Maybe the putting of these things in writing, including their last wishes, is more entertainment than any part of sadness and is what endears them to us.

One of my favorite parts of the story is the thread that weaves their leader Daisy and her perseverance in making things happen, sharing conversation with her dog Curly and learning late in life of her husband’s “secret life” and her son’s need for “care and understanding.” The mystery and unveiling is part of the intrigue.

Remnants-ready for new life acknowledges that it is not above the fray of recognizing the human frailty in all of us.  Everyone has moments of despair and sadness, coupled with anger.  Realizing in this read that it is in fact the ride of taking us “home” to our friends and faith in our “golden years” that sustains us, Kiki Swanson shows us it is possible to succeed to the end.

We have all spiraled out of the darkness of grief and divorce or alcoholism or life’s disappointments and up into something beautiful because someone listened.  We have all known love because someone cared, someone was there when we prayed about it and God answered.

Surely Remnants-ready for new life will be that kind of eye opening, heartwarming book you want with the memory of your life.  This work and these stories will help you put the past right where it belongs and your life ready for the surprises that lay ahead.

Respectfully submitted,

Patricia L. Brooks, MAOM

Publishing Consultant, Author, Speaker

BROOKS GOLDMANN PUBLISHING, LLC

 www.blog.brooksgoldmannpublishing.com

Cell 480-250-5556

The Journey from Grief to Gratitude - Patricia L. Brooks, MAOM

P. L. Brooks Seminars, LLC - Speaker, Author, Consultant, Faculty - www.plbrooks.com

In partnership with Gifts of Sisterhood - a book about sibling loss, grief and healing.

ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY - Osher Life Long Learning Program www.asu.edu

Thank you for allowing me to present this workshop to:

the ASU Polytech Campus and

the Sun City Anthem community center in Florence, AZ

§  Grief’s Meaning

§ It hurts uniquely during the Holidays

§ Seek supportive/understanding people 

REFLECTION: The Snowflake theory for me is important because……

§  Grief’s Mysteries

§ Everyone does not go through all the Stages

§ Take a break to compose yourself

REFLECTION:  The Grief Journey’s physical and emotional areas that surprised me were……

§  Grief’s Impact

§ Most areas of my life were affected

§ Stay busy but allow your feelings

REFLECTION:  I will begin to Do something I have always wanted to Do for me and that is……

QUOTE:            “Gratitude is something of which none of us can give too much.”            

A. J. Cronin

§  Your Perception

§ Death is a natural part of life

§ Grief stages are an integral part of living

REFLECTION:  I will feel Death by allowing myself to acknowledge the loss/process the pain by…………..

§  Your Response

§ Stop expecting others to understand

§ Don’t let Grief be your unfinished business

REFLECTION: I will build my Grief Space and allow myself time for silence by……..

§  STAGE ONE - Loneliness/Depression

§ Feeling all alone and depressed

§ Shock/Denial – emotional release

REFLECTION:  I will Reflect in my writing or Meditation positive thoughts that can help me find an emotional release by….

§   STAGE TWO - Your Possible Side Effects

–    Lack of concentration and Memory loss

–    Anxiety and Isolation from others

–    Fatigue and Reduced productivity

–    Increased accidents and errors - Disorganization

§  STAGE THREE - Your Anger/Hostility

§ Acknowledge your anger and hostilities

§ Panic attacks/anxiety – Guilt/Shame

REFLECTION:  I welcome a Grief Partner where my confidentiality will be honored by….

QUOTE:  “How happy a person is depends on the depth of his Gratitude.”          

John Miller

§  STAGE FOUR - Letting Go to Heal

§ Address the physical symptoms and get active

§ Forgive yourself and seek acceptance

REFLECTION:  I will learn to Journalize, identify my Triggers and address them by .….

§  How to Cope – Progress

§ Move along, let the tears flow

§ Allow for times of silence, honor yourself

REFLECTION: I will acknowledge the loss and that I am not 100% by ……..

§  How to Move Forward - Liberation

§ Accept the blessings of the relationship change

§ Know your experience is unique

REFLECTION:  I will not rush my Bereavement and be patient with myself and my timeline by……..

QUOTE:            “He who forgets the language of Gratitude can never be on speaking terms with

Happiness.”                                              

C. Neil Strait

• How to Search - Answers/Stages

§ Keep the faith, allow time to Heal

§ Believe in you – Gender differences

REFLECTION:  I will commit to my Faith and reject Fear as I work at the cost of grief by……..

§  How to Reach Within - Choice

§ Be willing to stop asking “why” - acceptance

§ Don’t isolate – significant dates matter

REFLECTION:  I will remember them always as the true impact comes later and it starts with……..

§   How to Move On – Pay it Forward

§ Search for meaning in your loss – give back

§ Be a comfort to others - awareness

REFLECTION:  I am willing to Learn to live again by attaching some meaning to the loss through……….

§   How to Grow Beyond – Celebrate a Life

§ Live each day for both of you - senses

§ Open doors when you are ready

REFLECTION:  I will show kindness, count my blessings; accept the opportunity of this special time by….

QUOTE:            “So much has been given to me; I have not time to ponder over that

which has been denied.”                       

Helen Keller

Surviving the Death of a Sibling – Wray, T. J. – 2003

The Year of Magical Thinking – Joan Didion - 2005

Connections – Clarke, Jean Illsley - 1999

When Bad Things Happen to Good People – Kushner, Harold – 1997

Hospice of the Valley www.hov.org

Living through Loss www.templechai.com

New Song Center www.newsongcenter.org

Hope for Bereaved www.hopeforbereaved.com

Crisis, Grief and Healing www.webhealing.com

§   P. L. Brooks Seminars, LLC

§   Brooks Goldmann Publishing, LLC

§   www.blog.brooks.goldmannpublishing.com 

§   www.plbrooks.com  480-250-5556  patricia@plbrooks.com 

§   Faculty Lecturer:  Arizona State University - Business

§   President/Founder:  Scottsdale Society of Women Writers

         Member:  AZ Authors Association – 2006 Award Winner

         Member:  AZ Book Publishers Association

         Award Winning Author: Gifts of Sisterhood www.plbrooks.com

         Do you need a SPEAKER for your group?

§  Gifts of Sisterhood - a journey on to your own

2006 AZ Authors Association

Literary Contest

Winner– non-fiction category  

§  Door prizes for you!!

§  Event price – Gifts of Sisterhood - $10                    

§  www.plbrooks.com to review FREE chapters of Gifts of Sisterhood

§  FREE one hour consultation on writing or publishing - 2010

THANK YOU for coming – Happy Holidays!

            In today’s political firestorm over health care alternative forms of medicine are overlooked.  Brooks Goldmann Publishing, LLC announces a new book and CD by Rev. Cay Randall-May, Ph.D., Healing and the Creative Response: Four Key Steps Shared by Healers and Artists which explains how to use prayer, laying-on-of-hands, Therapeutic Touch, Reiki and Energy Medicine to promote well-being.  In addition to reducing the emotional and physical distress of illness and injury, Randall-May asserts that applying the steps in her book can enhance self-expression through a process she calls the Creative Response.

            Randall-May, who represents prayer healing and medical intuition on the national Council for Healing and serves on the American Board of Scientific Medical Intuition, is a faculty member of the Energy Medicine University where she teaches natural approaches to healing.  She shares examples of natural healing from her more than 30- year career as well as from the experiences of many other healers and artists.  Readers who sample this richly illustrated book and CD online by visiting www.HealingCreativeResponse.com will be opened to the possibility of achieving greater well-being while engaging more than the usual senses. 

ART FEST of Scottsdale

BOOK STREET

BROOKS GOLDMANN PUBLISHING, LLC – features their authors:

·       Kebba Buckley Button – book signing: Sat. 10-12 noon

o   Discover the Secret Energized You

·       Cay Randall May – book signing:  Sat. 1-3 p.m.

o   Healing and the Creative Response

·       Michael J. Lyding – book signing: Sun. 10-12 noon

o   Gratitude a Verb

·       Mia Pratt – book signing: Sun 1-3 p.m.

o   The 100 Golden Keys

SATURDAY and SUNDAY

NOV. 21^ST and 22^ND

For more information on the event:       www.bookstreetaz.com  

FREE – ONE HOUR CONSULTATION w/attendance at this event – just pick up a card from Patricia L. Brooks.

For more information about publishing consultation and book shepherds see:             www.brooksgoldmannpublishing.com

Marketing for Less

Success in 2010

§  M            IS FOR MISSION STATEMENT

§  Make it your own – Memorable – position yourself/your product

§  A                        IS FOR ACTION PLANS

§  Action Plans are the Strategies – Goals/Objectives w/Vision

§  R                        IS FOR RESEARCH

§  Rule #1 – Know the competition - Rule #2 – Know who you are

§  K                        K IS FOR KEEPING TOUCH

§  Kindness in building relationships – use of “viral marketing”

§  E                        E IS FOR E COMMERCE

§  Explode the marketplace - Electrify you/your product

§  T             T IS FOR THE (30) THIRTY SECOND COMMERCIAL

§  Teach and Tell - Take time to prepare to win

§  I              I IS FOR THE INTERNET

§  Success is not an accident, take advantage: social media

§  N                        N IS FOR NEGOTIATE

§  Negotiate – Make a commitment to be an industry partner

§  G            G IS FOR GIVING THANKS

§  Give thanks - Grace the marketplace, Build a better brand

ü  What makes you a Success with your personal Brand?

ü  How will you target to Compete when 85% of business is done Online?

ü  How Committed are you to Selling what they want and need?

ü  Are you Prepared and Willing to attract what you need in 2010?

ü  Are you able to act like an Entrepreneur and think like a Customer?

SUGGESTED READING:

v  Seven Habits of Highly Successful People – Stephen R. Covey

v  Hot Leads…Cold Shoulders – Robin Craig and Norma Ory

v  Who Moved my Cheese? – Spencer Johnson, MD

v  Good to Great – Jim Collins

v  The Tipping Point - Malcom Gladwell

v  Blink – Malcom Gladwell

v  Don’t Worry, Make Money – Richard Carlson, PhD

Patricia L. Brooks, MAOM – speaker, author, publishing consultant and

ASU associate faculty 

patricia@plbrooks.com and www.plbrooks.com

www.brooksgoldmannpublishing.com and cell 480-250-5556 cell

The Journey from Grief to Gratitude

making the most of the holidays

November 16^th, - Monday – 9:30-11:00 a.m.

ASU Polytech Campus - Williamsfield and Power Roads, Mesa, AZ

PRESENTATION DESCRIPTION

The Journey from Grief to Gratitude

making the most of the holidays

Speaker:     Patricia L. Brooks, MAOM

*************************************************************

In an encouraging presentation, Patricia shares her Journey from Grief to Gratitude to allow you to make the most of the holidays.  With her story, ideas and suggestions, she will honor the unique stages of grief and their impact on us.

Powerful truths for the holidays:

·        Trust yourself

·        Listen to your heart

·        Keep their memory alive

·        Know they are here

Patricia will send you to the New Year with insights inspired by a philosophy of gratitude!

Patricia is the author of Gifts of Sisterhood, the beautiful story of her relationship with her sister Roberta who passed away from lung cancer. She is also the grateful sibling who healed through this writing.