The Art of Writing Memoir – Desert Foothills Library welcomes Patricia L. Brooks

April 24, 2013 by Patricia Brooks

The Art of Writing Memoir

Desert Foothills Library – Writers Connection

Fri. May 3, 2013

1:00-3:00 p.m.

Cave Creek, AZ

Patricia L. Brooks, speaker, author, consultant [email protected]

www.blog.brooksgoldmannpublishing.com

for details 480- 250-5556

In this workshop you will immerse yourself in the art of powerful storytelling and take an unflinching look at your own stories.

You will learn to incorporate fictional techniques into your memoir writing to enhance your effort to share galvanizing events.

Objectives of this Workshop ü Learn to help your reader see and feel what you saw and felt. ü Understand the process and structure of memoir writing as a learned craft that will enhance your art. ü Appreciate the power of storytelling by being loyal to your truth. ü Further empower yourself to tell the truth. ü Take an unflinching look at your stories and share your galvanizing events. ü Bring your memoir writing to a new level with fictional techniques.

BOOK REVIEW Paper Children – an immigrant’s legacy

September 10, 2011 by Patricia Brooks

Marcia Fine likes to show-off her charming wit and skill at satire in her books about Scottsdale, but her narrative fiction based on her grandmother’s immigration to the United States prior to WWII is in my opinion her life’s work.

Such is this author celebrated for her award winning novel Paper Children: an
immigrant’s legacy claiming the Best Books Finalist Award, USA Book News; the Foreword Finalist Book of the Year award and the Eric Hoffer Independent Publishing competition finalist status.

The book is about a young aristocratic Jewish woman growing up in Poland in the early 20^thcentury in a sheltered and refined environment.
She lives within the walls of Jewish aristocrats in Warsaw oblivious to
the ominous changes going on in Warsaw with the beginnings of the Nazi invasion. The story continues its eventful trek with second and third generations.

Grandmother Paulina’s “matchmaker” marriage is one we all think we know from the little knowledge we gentiles have of Jewry. The story of the grandmother and the man of “her match” intersect through her father’s successful business. Although neatly arranged, the story winds
around years of an organized attempt on Paulina’s part to not go to America
with her new husband.

The bond of the Jewish family is beautifully illustrated, showing us both love and loss throughout the book.

Even when the gypsies predict she will marry an older man and go to America she questions why she would want to make the journey. But the day finally comes when immigration is eminent and the story moves to New York – not through Ellis Island but by cruise ship known only to the European aristocracy.

At 250 pages her novel is broken up into three books. First, is the Grandmother Paulina’s story, the aristocrat who learns the hard facts of Jewish life. Second, is the mother, Rachel, the rebellious
one who takes her own path to learn about her family heritage that she later comes to appreciate. And third is Mimi’s story that gives us the Jewish girl raised by two women caught in the middle of the old and new worlds of Jewry.

Being Jewish in America can be cultural or religious or both. Fine keeps
us fascinated with how old world religion can dissipate as the immigrant becomes more Americanized. It was exciting reading to learn how this happens and why it can happen.

Fine’s research into her culture, as well as her religioin and the Hebrew language, is a gift to the reader. She visited not only New York and Miami, but Warsaw, Poland where it all began.

Letters written on onion skin that belonged to her grandmother are beautifully constructed into the crux of the story. They’re from her great-grandparents
who wrote them in Polish and Yiddish in a loving and naive way as they
witnessed the Nazi takeover. Fine found the perfect person to translate the letters. They add much to the authenticity of the story.

Fine’s book is good enough to inspire a movie or a Lifetime TV show. Her
attention to detail is incredible and her use of dialogue and storytelling hit
the mark for this reader. She could easily weave the three women’s stories together even more and make a documentary about Jewish aristocracy that so many Americans may not know existed prior to WWII.

There are many visuals of the horrors of war and the beauty of wealth in this family’s dynamics portrayed in the book. They could be readily transferred to the big or small screen because of Fine’s quality descriptions of the characters, events and scenery of the time.

The title becomes clear as we learn of her letters and the importance of their communication to the story. Beautifully written by the great-great
grandparents back in the old country of Poland, and later analyzed by Fine, they’re a cornerstone to the story and differentiate it from the others out there today.

There’s no e-book, this book exists as a solid object; the physical turning of the pages reflect the passing of time, the generations living through decades of their lives. The weight of the book and the paper in your hands is a critical part of the understanding of the strength of the story that needed to be told properly and correctly.

Fine has captured her history and the cultural and religious aspects of her heritage and should be commended even further for her efforts.

Scottsdale Society of Women Writers partners with Barnes and Noble Booksellers

August 9, 2011 by Patricia Brooks

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SCOTTSDALE SOCIETY OF WOMEN WRITERS

Patricia L. Brooks, president/founder 480-250-5556 cell or [email protected]

Scottsdale Society of Women Writers partners

with Barnes and Noble Booksellers

WHEN: Tuesday September 6^th, 2011 – 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. – Free Event

WHERE: Barnes and Noble Booksellers

Scottsdale, AZ – 90^th St., Shea Blvd., W of the 101 freeway

WHO: Three award winning authors of MEMOIR Sue
Ellen Allen, Dee Horwitz and Dawn Marie Roeder

WHAT: Share their writing stories and sign books

The Slumber Party from Hell

Who Made My Bed?

It Doesn’t End Here

HOW: RSVP Patricia L. Brooks, [email protected] or 480-250-5556

SUE ELLEN ALLEN

What would you do if you suddenly found yourself in prison with advanced breast cancer at 57? How would you cope? It happened to Sue Ellen
Allen. This former University of Texas grad, former educator, former business owner, former community leader, former inmate at Arizona State Prison is a .current activist who found her purpose in prison. She is co-founder and Executive Director for GINA’s Team, an organization that brings educational
programs into prison to inspire and empower the inmate population to strive for a better future and a successful reentry. GINA’s Team is named for her prison roommate who died there of medical neglect. Gina’s death was the defining moment of Sue Ellen’s journey, giving her life a new purpose and passion. Her motto is Been there. Done that.

Now how can I help?

In prison, under harsh conditions, she survived breast cancer and learned to turn her pain into power. Despite incredible odds, she found her purpose. Now she works with prison officials, legislators, and interns from Arizona State University to serve the forgotten population behind bars so that upon their re-entry to society, they will join our community as positive, contributing members. The author of The Slumber Party from Hell, a memoir about her prison journey, Sue Ellen was awarded the Dawson Prize in Memoir
in the 2009 Prison Writing Contest for PEN American Center. Her writing was
also included in Serving Productive Time by Tom & Laura Lagana,
authors of Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul. Additionally, many of her poems have been published in Cosmopolitan magazine. An inspirational speaker, Sue Ellen has a unique story and powerful message.

__________________________________________________________________________

DEE HORWITZ

Who Made My Bed? is the story of Samuel Bronstien and his family, and the United States Bedding Co., better known as King Koil. Personal anecdotes and national and world history parallel the company’s growth from its founding in l898 to the time it became an international corporation. The authors discovered old documents that revealed the real name of the founder who was able to leave Russia at a time when Jews were being slaughtered. They also discovered that Samuel had a younger brother, a rebel rabbi who apparently was the black sheep of the family because no one in the family had heard of him.

Dee Horwitz has enjoyed a long career as a writer. She has been a columnist, reporter and editor for various publications, including the South Bend Tribune and Chicago Sun Times. Although retired, she still writes for bridge publications and recently wrote Who Made My Bed?
and her memoir, Finishing Strong.

DAWN MARIE ROEDER

Dawn Marie Roeder, a member of the AZ Authors Association, The Catholic Writer’s Guild and Scottsdale Society of Women Writers. She is a first-time author of the book It Doesn’t End Here: An Amazing Journey of Faith and Forgiveness, an incredible true story of faith, persistence and love. Her story has aired on CBS’s 48 Hours, local and national news outlets, including the front cover story of The East Valley Tribune and Jane Magazine. Dawn Marie lives in Scottsdale, AZ and cherishes a full life with her husband
Robert and her Maltese, Misty.

Book info: It Doesn’t End Here: An Amazing Journey of Faith and Forgiveness The unimaginable events that led to her son Nathaniel’s death could have broken her. Instead, Dawn Marie Roeder embarked on
a journey to help others avoid tragedy by warning them of the unusual side
effects of her ADHD medication. This story resonates with passion and faith and gives us comfort and hope that our own seemingly senseless tragedies can also be transformed with God’s love and forgiveness.

Scottsdale Society of Women Writers welcomes Betty Webb – mystery writer of many novels

May 19, 2011 by Patricia Brooks

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Patricia L. Brooks, president, founder

SCOTTSDALE SOCIETY OF WOMEN WRITERS

480-250-5556 or [email protected]

SCOTTSDALE SOCIETY OF WOMEN WRITERS

Wishes you a Happy Summer of Writing

BETTY WEBB www.bettywebb-mystery.com

May Speaker for Scottsdale Society of Women Writers

WHO: Scottsdale Society of Women Writers

WHAT: Monthly Guest Speaker/Dinner Meeting

WHERE: 2011 LOCATION – Chaparral Suites Resort, 5001 N, Scottsdale Rd at Chaparral Rd light, NE corner. Enter off Chaparral Rd at the 4^th Floor Grill entrance, take elevator, exit and turn left to the Cactus Room

WHEN: 5:30 to 7:30, Wed. MAY 25TH, 2011

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: PLEASE – RSVP now to Patricia L. Brooks, president/founder

Cell 480-250-5556 or [email protected]

SPEAKER: Betty Webb www.bettywebb-mystery.com

Betty Webb, a former journalist turned mystery novelist, shares how she has turns real life cases into fiction without getting sued. She also discusses how to keep a series going after seven books, and gives tips on how to create a lead character who can carry that burden. Her bestselling mysteries include two very different series: “Desert Wives,” part of the Lena Jones mysteries; and “The Koala of Death,” one of the light-hearted Gunn Zoo mysteries.

BIO: A journalist for more than 20 years, Betty Webb interviewed U.S. presidents, astronauts who walked on the moon, and Nobel-Prize winners, as well as the homeless, the dying, and polygamy runaways. Her mystery novels have received rave reviews from the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, and Publishers Weekly. Betty is a member of the National Federation of Press Women, Mystery Writers of America, the American Association of Zoo Keepers and the Scottsdale Society of Women Writers.

See notes below for dinner fees, new format and new location, thank you.

There are changes to the menu, the cost of the meeting, and the way you pay for your meal at the meeting. Please note all our changes (as of 2011) – thank you.

MENU: Salad, dessert, beverage and roll or a sandwich/soup, dessert, beverage and roll – both with tax and gratuity included – make a CHOICE the night of the meeting.

COST: $22.00 for members – $25.00 for guests (able to visit twice before joining)

CHECKS: Please make your check payable to Scottsdale Society of Women Writers PRIOR to coming to the meeting to save time at the check-in table. Thank you.

CHECK-IN: Please check-in between 5:00 and 5:45 at the table at the door so we can start the meeting promptly at 6:00.

(1) Leave your check made payable to SSWW,

(2) Have your name checked off the RSVP list,

(3) Pick-up your name badge – your receipt for the food server.

AGENDA: The agendas will be on the dinner table and the format remains the same.

DIRECTIONS: Chaparral Suites is in Scottsdale at Chaparral Rd just north of Fashion Square Mall – Chaparral Rd has a light. Parking is in the rear – two large parking lots – best to enter from the middle elevator for the 4^th Floor Grille.

From the 101 freeway exit Chaparral Rd and go west. Just prior to Scottsdale Rd enter the side drive at 4^th Floor Grille and come up that elevator – it is in the center of the hotel complex. There is an awning marked 4^th Floor Grille. This is the easiest way in – not through the lobby. The parking lots are in the back on the north end of the complex.

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

Scottsdale Society of Women Writers welcomes Vicki Delany – Canadian historical writer

March 13, 2011 by Patricia Brooks

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Patricia L. Brooks, president, founder

SCOTTSDALE SOCIETY OF WOMEN WRITERS

480-250-5556 or [email protected]

SCOTTSDALE SOCIETY OF WOMEN WRITERS

Wishes you a Happy Spring

VICKI DELANY www.vickidelany.com

Speaker for Scottsdale Society of Women Writers

WHO: Scottsdale Society of Women Writers

WHAT: Monthly Guest Speaker/Dinner Meeting

WHERE: NEW LOCATION – Chaparral Suites Resort, 5001 N, Scottsdale Rd at Chaparral Rd light, NE corner. Enter off Chaparral Rd at the 4^th Floor Grill entrance, take elevator, exit and turn left to the Cactus Room

WHEN: 5:30 to 7:30, Wed. March 30^th , 2011

HOW: PLEASE – RSVP now to Patricia L. Brooks, president/founder

Cell 480-250-5556 or [email protected]

NOTE: *See notes below for dinner fees, new format and new location, thank you.

SPEAKER: Vicki Delany writes everything from standalone novels of psychological suspense to the Constable Molly Smith books, a traditional village/police procedural series set in the British Columbia Interior to a light-hearted historical series set in the raucous heyday of the Klondike Gold Rush.

Having taken early retirement from her job as a systems analyst in the high-pressure financial world, Vicki is settling down to the rural life in Bucolic, Prince Edward County, Ontario where she rarely wears a watch. The next book in the Constable Molly Smith series, Among the Departed, will be published by Scottsdale’s Poisoned Pen Press in May 2011. Of Among the Departed, Library Journal says in a starred review: Delany gives us a breathtaking vista, in which she places her deceptively minimalist plots. Her exceptional ability to create characters, both realistic and sometimes creepy, makes this another terrific addition to her outstanding body of work

Canadian author Vicki Delany has eight published novels to date, with the ninth to be released in May and the tenth in the fall. She loves being a professional writer, but it’s been a long slog. Vicki began her career as a Sunday writer. As a single mother with three daughters and a full time job as a systems analyst Sunday afternoons were the only time she could find to write. It took time and planning and determination, but she is now a full time writer who publishes two books a year from two different publishers. She moved from the city to the simple life on a small property in rural Ontario, Canada, and says that she is now living her dream. Vicki will talk about what it took to get her there, how she maintains the simple writers’ life, and offers advice to those of you still struggling to find the time and energy to pursue your own passion.

Vicki Delany

Negative Image, From Poisoned Pen Press

It’s a crime not to read Delany.” London Free Press

Gold Fever: A Klondike Mystery, From Rendezvous Crime

www.vickidelany.com

Find me on Facebook and twitter @vickidelany

*There are changes to the menu and the cost of the meeting, and the way you pay for your meal at the meeting. Please note all our changes below.

MENU: Salad, dessert, beverage and roll or a sandwich/soup, dessert, beverage and roll – both with tax and gratuity included – make a CHOICE the night of the meeting.

COST: $22.00 for members – $25.00 for guests (able to visit twice before joining)

CHECKS: Please make your check payable to Scottsdale Society of Women Writers PRIOR to coming to the meeting to save time at the check-in table. Thank you.

CHECK-IN: Please check-in between 5:00 and 5:45 at the table at the door so we can start the meeting promptly at 6:00.

(1) Leave your check made payable to SSWW, (2) Have your name checked off the RSVP list, (3) Pick-up your name badge – your receipt for the food server.

AGENDA: The agendas will be on the dinner table and the format remains the same.

DIRECTIONS: Chaparral Suites is in Scottsdale at Chaparral Rd just north of Fashion Square Mall – Chaparral Rd has a light. Parking is in the rear – two large parking lots – best to enter from the middle elevator for the 4^th Floor Grille.

SCOTTSDALE SOCIETY OF WOMEN WRITERS

June 27, 2010 by Patricia Brooks

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – Marriott Suites Old Town, 3^rd Ave/ Scottsdale Rd.

Please RSVP to Patricia L. Brooks, president/founder [email protected]

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

Why not seize the pleasure at once, how often is happiness destroyed by preparation, foolish preparation.

Jane Austen

5:30 p.m. Network – Order dinner

6:00 p.m. Welcome – MEMBER introductions for 30 seconds ONLY – thank you!

6:30 p.m. Announcements

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

Book #1: What I learned NOT to do when self-publishing
Book #2: Self-published and over 6,000 copies sold
Book #3: Finding my voice WANDER WOMAN – just released June 2010

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.

SEE BELOW – UPCOMING SPEAKER SCHEDULE – 2010

· 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) [email protected] 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!

PLEASE RSVP in advance for the next meeting to Patricia [email protected] or 480-250-5556.

We appreciate your help in making this a special event for all of us and we look forward to seeing you again! THANK YOU!

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

EDITING PATH TO PUBLISHING – Patricia L. Brooks, the author’s partner

April 20, 2010 by Patricia Brooks

? 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

This coupon offers you one FREE hour of independent-publishing consultation and a “coffee break” on us at the coffee house of your choice – now or before the end of 2010.

Please call to make your date at 480-250-5556 or email [email protected] for more information see our blog or website

?www.brooksgoldmannpublishing.com https://brooksgoldmannpublishing.com

?Patricia L. Brooks, President Earl L. Goldmann, Manager

Book Review – Remnants/ready for new life by our author Kiki Swanson – congrats Kiki

December 9, 2009 by Patricia Brooks

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

[email protected] or www.kikiswansonbooks.com for more information or books

THE WRITE STUFF – publishing, editing, writing and marketing tips for writers and authors

September 8, 2009 by Patricia Brooks

The Write Stuff

Presented by the Scottsdale Society of Women Writers

Saturday, October 10, 2009, 10 am – 3 pm

Scottsdale Civic Center Library

3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd.

Scottsdale, AZ 85251-4452

Registrants please print legibly:

NAME_________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS______________________________________________________________

PHONE_________________________________________________________________

EMAIL _________________________________________________________________

WEBSITE_______________________________________________________________

WHAT YOU WRITE______________________________________________________

$10 box lunch – includes choice of veggie, ham or turkey sandwich, cookie, tax and gratuity.

Please make $10 check payable to Old Town Marriott Suites and mail to by Sept. 30th:
Patricia L. Brooks
Brooks Goldmann Publishing Company, LLC

7970 E. Camelback Road, 710
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

The Write Stuff speakers:

Patricia L. Brooks, MAOM

Patricia is the president and founder of the Scottsdale Society of Women Writers and will be sharing her expertise on Marketing You and Your Book for Less and the Path to Publishing.

Patricia is the published author of Gifts of Sisterhood – a memoir – www.plbrooks.com. She owns Brooks Goldmann Publishing Company, LLC with her husband – www.brooksgoldmannpublishing.com – offering publishing consultation and book shepherd services. She is working on a non-fiction/self-help book and a memoir at this time.

Marilyn McGrath

Marilyn is the author of the novel All You Know On Earth and will be teaching a creative writing workshop. Great fun for writers at all levels.

Marilyn is also a published poet and has written non-fiction for magazines and newspapers in Florida and Arizona. She taught English at Arizona State University and worked as copyeditor for a national golf magazine knowing nothing about the game. Currently, she offers creative writing workshops at local community centers. She lives in Fountain Hills, Arizona, with her husband Mac. Visit her website at www.marilynmcgrath.com

Barbara Nixon

Barbara is an instructional designer who has experience editing books, educational materials, as well as corporate trainings. She will share editing steps for writers as well as provide advice when searching for an editor to hire.

Barbara is a 2003 Telly Award winner for writing Understanding Weather Concepts science video script. She is currently working on her first book for children.

Dana Davis

Dana will share the pros and cons of eBooks and ePublishers as well as anecdotes about her own writing research.

Dana is a four time award-winning author of fantasy and science fiction. Her published books include Desert Magick: Superstitions, Breach of Worlds, and The Mask of Tamirella. Her adult fantasy Deadly Fate: Book One of the Teadai Prophecies is scheduled for release September 2009 from SynergEbooks Publishing. Visit her website at www.danadaviswriting.com

*The Scottsdale Society of Women Writers meets the last Wed. night of the month.

*Any and all women interested in the camaraderie of a women’s writing group are welcome.

*Please feel free to join them at their monthly dinner meetings at the Old Town Marriot Suites.

*Also, please RSVP to [email protected] to attend the upcoming meetings – space is limited.

*Use the same email for any questions.

THREE TIPS FOR WRITING SELF-HELP – get published and make a difference

April 25, 2009 by Patricia Brooks

PATRICIA L. BROOKS, MAOM

Speaker, author, publishing consultant, business owner

and ASU faculty-associate

www.plbrooks.com

[email protected]

480-250-5556 cell

www.brooksgoldmannpublishing.com https://brooksgoldmannpublishing.com

Three (3) Tips for Writing Self-Help

“Most people become writers because they are haunted by secrets they need to tell.”

David Morrell, Lessons of a Lifetime of Writing

Ø Why do you want to be a writer?

Why do you want to write self-help?

Ø Writing Inspiration for Self-Help

o Can you be an instrument for change?

o What is our purpose?

o Is your goal to have others follow you?

o Do you have objectives and strategies?

o Will your stories grab your audience?

o Do you understand good writing is not enough?

o What is your passion?

o What moves you?

o What is the cause and effect for you?

o For whom do you need to be a voice?

o What makes you who you are?

o Do you understand it is not about you?

Ø How serious are you about being prepared?

Ø The Importance of Research for Self-Help

o Practice strict research rules – Primary and Secondary

o Stay focused on the goal at hand

o Have a vision for success to stay motivated

o Do your homework and study history

o Realize there is no easy way and no basic formula

o Take copious notes in interviews and lectures

o Carry a notebook and camera everywhere

o Listen to people and ask questions

o Read ferociously on your topic for complete understanding

o Learn everything you can about your topic

o Understand yourself completely

o Have a follow-up plan, but don’t be obsessed

“Research is the reward not the penance to be able to write.”

David Morrell

Ø What gnaws at your soul?

Ø What incident in your life has motivated you to write this book?

Ø The Voice and Structure of Self-Help

o Rely on ideas coming spontaneously from within

o Pay attention to your subconscious

o Don’t doubt yourself, write daily

o Involve all of your senses in your writing

o Be mindfully aware of who you are

o Be clear on your goals, objectives and strategies

o Harness a distinct subject matter

o Secure a specific approach and be original

o Remember the five W’s of reporting

o Give yourself a timeline

o Emulate others you admire

Ø Ask yourself why would anyone care if you wrote this book?

Ø Ask yourself if it will hold interest?