FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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.    

 

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

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?

§  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!

 

 

ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY features

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. 

 

Robin Reynolds is hardly the first woman to write the self-help, feel good book for adults or children on life’s lessons, but this creative soul chose an unusual route to what appears to be publishing success.  She has taken the “traditional” self-help, life lessons concept and written it from the voice of her late pet Max who has personality to “the max” and keeps you turning pages.

By passing clichés she writes clear and concise messages with one-liners on lessons for all ages along with the story and experience of this lovable dog that could have only been in Robin’s household.  She has taken the children’s book genre to a new level by including the “big kids” like you and me.  With the reminders we love to remember and the lessons we hold dear, Life to the Max is a journey back in time and you should not miss it.

Originally awarded the “gift award” by the AZ Book Publishers Association this past year, this book has transcended that arena and catapulted itself into self-help.  By gently taking us on a path only a well-bred, sophisticated pooch like Max could take us, we travel all the way to his most critical lessons in life.

Many books about dogs are sappy, and I like dogs, many books for children are not educational, and I am a demanding teacher.  Many books in the self-help genre are insulting and I read about one a month, but this book Robin has written takes all of that to task and shines through a different view – that of a lovable family pet.

Robin has found her niche in children’s books by utilizing the voice of an animal to tell “big kids” and children about life.  Her work should be lauded for its fine writing, graceful lessons, good humor, beautiful illustrations, and fun photos and of course the philosophy behind it all.

I commend Robin and Max for doing an outstanding job, along with the other characters she developed to make this a family we would want to know and have as neighbors.   I recommend this book to any of you as a gift giving idea for any “big kid” or smaller child on your list – self-help genre is a natural for gift giving. 

We are in challenging times and many are seeking quiet and spiritual moments.  I was moved to tears while reading this beautiful book and all the issues it addresses and all the lessons it reminded me were possible to revisit and love again. 

Thank you Robin www.nicecreative.blogspot.com for rolling the dice and taking a shot at a new type of writing for you, we are all the better for it.  We appreciate your courage in telling this very personal and heartfelt story that needed to be out there to be useful to many readers young and “forever young.”

Writing and publishing the AZ Cardinals success story of “against all odds” is a privilege and an honor.  As the ghostwriter and publisher of this improbable success story, we know the history of their achievements will be forever documented, and their action plan on how to do it right and not falter when things get rough will always be in place as a benchmark for the next unlikely fairytale team.  

 

WHAT MAKES FOR A GOOD STORY?

• Some stories about sports teams are written to warm our hearts.
• Some stories that make the New York Times best seller list are written to get attention after a lifetime of hardship. 
• Some stories are written after years of fighting the uphill battle in corporate America to promote a consulting business later in life.

The AZ Cardinals success story is being written for publication because it is about never giving up, about not losing sight of the goal, about never quitting before the miracle happens and about supporting, trusting and believing in yourself, your team and your leaders. 

It is the story of team building and goal setting, camaraderie and good listening skills.  It is a story of loyalty and the things we should learn before we publish our book such as helping each other when the going gets tough by supporting fellow writers.

 

WHAT IS THE BOOK THEY HAVE INSIDE THEIR LOCKER ROOM?

• “Shock the World – the AZ Cardinals Story”
• “Keep the Faith – the Kurt Warner philosophy for the AZ Cardinals”
• “Red Rocks – the Cardinals rumble in the desert”
• “We are the Champions – the AZ Cardinals and their improbable journey”

Which book title do you vote for as the one that needs to represent of the AZ Cardinals team?  Remember:

• This team has a game plan and utilizes it to the fullest
• This team is on a mission and has a clear vision in sight
• This team has a sense of commitment even if nobody looks in their direction.

 

WHY IS THIS IDEA GOOD ENOUGH TO SUSTAIN A BOOK?

• The Cardinals get no respect but are spurred on to victory
  • Showing writers how to stay focused on their ideas and team up with their editor to fight for what they believe in to get out their voice and remove themselves from the naysayers
• The Cardinals are seen as the underdogs and thrive in that position
  • Giving writers the motivation to do the things they want to do with their writing regardless of how many times doubt enters regarding publishing a book
• With 62 years since winning a championship, the stars are aligned now for the biggest trophy to come home to them
  • Motivating the writer to keep their eye on the prize of an award for their work when many challenges and obstacles stand in the way
• The Cardinals  are going to the Super Bowl for the first time and it is their destiny, their fate, their turn and they know it
  • Inspiring writers to pursue big dreams in writing no matter how long it takes and despite the negativity that is on the long road to the publisher’s house
• Many coaches share the AZ Cardinals journey but left before the miracle happened, allowing the coach that was meant to be here at this time to emerge
  • Proving to any writer that the perfect match can be made with the strongest team coming together for the right synergy to finish your book
• Many good players moved on and opted out of loyalty and trust in the AZ Cardinals
•        Which is why writers learn dedication and perseverance are the keys to    getting the job done during long and lonely days of writing

• The fans’ broken hearts are mended and they believe in the promises of this team
  • Which is what all writers seek to do when they finish their manuscript and “birth that baby” by giving it to a trusted editor to prepare it for the publishing process
• The fans who were not committed have come in to the fold and now the volume is turned way up for the world to hear
  • Which can be our decision too if we have doubted ourselves and left our writing project behind for a long time to collect dust
• The fans who were not loyal have been forgiven and now have a chance to share in the glory days
  • Just as any writer is forgiven for a bad first draft and a mediocre second draft it takes at least three drafts to make the work begin to sing and  your voice known
• The transient community of the past is pulling together as one Arizona
  • Just as the writer’s audience will come together once a platform is built and shows who the writer is and what they are about and that they believe in their work and their message
• The AZ Cardinals losses have faded into memory and the victories are even sweeter now that the stars shine on the field ever so brightly
  • Just as the writer will experience the positive attitude that they  have something important to contribute and that there are people out there that need to read their work
• The exceptional talent on this championship team has replaced the players who moved on before the sun rose in the desert and “we were raining men”
  • Just as the writer’s talent will grow and flourish, development will occur further by pursuing the writing craft with each new day 

HAS THIS IDEA EVER BEEN DONE BEFORE?

Developing old ideas with a new spin is what writing is all about and what publisher’s pursue.  The idea of the improbable win and the unpredictable victory is a story line in many books.  We have seen it with the Chicago Cubs and the Boston Red Sox.  The AZ Cardinals success story will be one for the record books too.  The story of Big Red is a winning attitude story that needs to be told and we’re making it happen.

They had so many obstacles to overcome, including the fans, the media, the competition and their own attitude.  They do not get respect, even when they earn it, and that does not deter them from bonding together and doing their job well.  This is a story of motivation.  From this we learn that they are “the team nobody thought they were” and that they have staying power. Now it is an inspirational story by fine young men we can emulate and use for good measure.

They knew their chance would come, and like any good writer and would-be author, they ignored the skeptics who said they were losers and with a quarterback who was too old.  They reinvented themselves like so many artists and musicians, and like a creative writer they tried many things.  They never stopped believing in themselves which is what every writer needs to do as they progress from one project to the next reaching for new experiences. 

 

WHAT IS THE MARKET (S) FOR THIS BOOK?

• There are Cardinals fans throughout the country because the franchise is one of the oldest in the country (secondary market)
• There are Cardinal fans in at least three major cities where they have moved the franchise – Phoenix, St. Louis and Chicago (primary market)
• There are football fans who love the underdog (audience on the fringe)
• There are those who love a motivational and inspiring story (niche)
• There are those who love a “good guys” finish first story (niche)
• There are those who believe in team building, camaraderie and family (niche)
• There are those who are faith based and appreciate a team with good people who give back to the community (niche)

 

 WHAT IS THE THEME AND FOCUS OF THE BOOK?

(1)   Could focus on the three team franchises in the three major cities they have represented  where they have grown with each move

(2)   Could focus on the 20 plus years they have been in Arizona and how they built up a fan base with a new stadium and a trip to the Super Bowl with a “never give up” theme

(3)   Could focus on the 60 plus years since they have won a title with a persistence theme and a we will “overcome” mentality

(4)   Could focus on the team’s attitude and goals, their underdog status that perpetuates a philosophy of we can do it, and their motivation to inspire theme

(5)   Could focus on the behind the scene stories of how they came together as a team and developed into “good guys” with camaraderie on the field and in their locker room that should be emulated with a theme of the “new football” in the NFL

(6)   Could focus on their improved work ethic that helps them execute better to achieve greatness with a theme of striving and thriving in adversity

 

WHAT ARE THE PIECES OF THE PUZZLE THAT WORK FOR THIS PUBLICATION?

• The second generation of ownership is at the helm innovating
• The coach is the leader with a new philosophy and attitude
• The teammates are comrades in arms on a mission
• The players are succeeding because they trust the coaches and believe in each other
• This is a team with talent and heart that has improved mentally
• This is a complete turnaround due to more confidence being instilled
• The no nonsense mode of operation has channeled their makeover
• Their main goal is to be in the zone while focusing on the job
• The players are out to help the new generation of ownership with loyalty for the big picture and what they came to do
• Their team leader’s faith and courage has sustained the team and by instilling faith
• Their other team leaders have been there for them are willing to give and share their vision too
• Talented players are stepping up in big games and reaching high

 

 HOW CAN WE CRAFT A REALISTIC MARKETING PLAN?

• MESSAGES
  • Glendale – the happiest place on earth has now replaced Disneyland
  • Move over Disneyland
  • The die-hard Cardinals are overcoming decades of futility
  • Victory is in the cards, deal them in
  • They played their cards right and held a full house
  • Big Red has roared and the country is noticing
• TAGLINES
  • The Arizona drought is over
  • The drought is over, tears of joy rains down in the desert
  • The second longest drought for a championship will be broken
  • Tears of joy for long suffering fans quench the AZ desert
  • Brilliant games, flawless execution, shows the heart of champions
  • Overcome with emotion, tears of joy
  • You have got to believe
  • Savor the moment, this is what life is about
  • Stunned, jubilant and grateful
  • They stood up like men so the purity of the moment can never be taken away
  • They busted the glass ceiling and soared into uncharted territory

 

Good Morning!

Memoir writing is personal and intimate.  It is for you first.  It can be for family, for friends, to heal, to leave a legacy or to tell a story, to educate, to inform, but many times to serve a unique purpose.  Here are ideas I use in my workshop - Memorable Memoirs.  They should be helpful to you.  These bits work for me and were accumulated from various sources that I deem reliable. 

My first memoir - Gifts of Sisterhood - was to honor my sister and celebrate her life that impacted me with gifts for a lifetime.  Little did we know the book would take on a life of its own and the workshop Journey from Grief to Gratitude.  It was first to take us through the grieving process after she passed away from lung cancer, and later to carry our mission:  Share her courage and wit through her many gifts. 

The ultimate goal was to bring attention to lung cancer and the 70,000 women who die from the disease each year, thus the Stop Smoking Sister campaign was born.  Your journey will be different.  Mine took me home to Ireland and a chance to write about it in my last chapter, about taking my sister’s spirit with me to County Tipperary.  Yours will be the same in many ways, and unique to you. 

Best of luck to you as you prepare to launch your Memorable Memoir.  Take what works for you and let me know your questions or comments - we will work together.  I am at the third revision stage of my second memoir - this one on my two-times experiencing violent crime and now thriving after the journey through PTSD.  SEE handout below - HAPPY WRITING! 

n What is a Memoir Story?

n Telling us about your MYSTERY in a new way - who are you?

 

n What Memoir Writing is all about

n Being courageous, compassionate  - enduring personal frustrations

n Sharing wisdom, private truths, INTIMACY – making sense of life

 

n What is the Memoir’s significance?

n Express experience with FEELINGS - Show us who you are and what you believe

 

n Who do we Write for and Why?

n Family, friends, ourselves, those lost - To heal ourselves or others

n Because we must - our VOICE must ring – truth and clarity

 

n  How do we Write and about What?

n  Inner truths, REJOICING - Adventures, spiritual quest - Injustices or overcoming adversity

 

n The Journey of Writing for Yourself

n Personal fulfillment - Spiritual experience - Anticipate the journey

n See yourself as the “HERO” of the story – not the victim or angelic

 

n You as the Protagonist/Hero

n Know something must die, to be REBORN -End with a burst of energy, transform

 

n The Journey of Writing for Healing

n Guide your own life with empowerment – be profoundly human – explore you

n Know yourself, your uniqueness – REVELATIONS of important moments

 

n The Passion of Writing for Others

n Share yourself - reap REWARDS and spirit of community – not for revenge or self-service

 

n Consider the Story to be Told

n Don’t just write down everything - Invent and create your story from natural sound

n Input EMOTIONS and meaning - Do your research – Know characters intimately

 

n Ending with Happy or Sad Impact

n Always an opportunity for book #2 - Beginning and ending are YOURS inconveniently

 

n OPTION #1 - The Yellow Brick Road

n Sections of maturing - Life is in cycles – linking KEY events – Interrelated stepping stones

 

n OPTION #2 - The Critical Piece of the Pie

n PIVOTAL events - Any place in time – Learned - Realized – Desired – What changed?

 

n OPTION #3 - Weaving the Web

n Use of a THEME - passion and/or purpose - Play with time – Conflicts and/or struggles