Passing on the Torch shows you how to give your children an inimitable gift: a tangible, written legacy of what you believe in to pass on to them.

Sometimes called an ethical will, this values statement leaves behind for progeny what you believed in–what was important to you. It is a place to share your hopes, your advice, your opinions, your philosophies, and even your favorite recipes.

Passing on the Torch: The Presentation gives you an opportunity to reflect on the people and events that have made a difference in your own life, the rituals and religious observances that have meaning to you, the teachings and ideals that you hope your children will embrace.

Passing on the Torch guides you in writing your own ethical will, leading you step-by-step through six key areas of examination:

• Organize what you want to say
• Add anecdotes, favorite sayings, special words
• Describe people and events that had impact
• Consider religious observations or rituals that have meaning
• Share your ideals, suggestions, your philosophy
• Convey your ethical will to those you love

Hearing what others have included will trigger ideas in you of what you want to include–everything from exercise tips and “take care of your teeth” to moral injunctions: “let your word be your bond.” Writing an ethical will is a growth experience and you can do it at any age.

People take an inventory of their house for insurance purposes. An ethical will is an inventory of your life.

Whether it is for the joy of seeing your name in print, or because you have a message inside you that you are burning to share with others, getting published is a thrill. When you can sit in your corner of the world, and have your thoughts and ideas travel to places you have never visited, you know the power of publication.

Having a book or articles to your credit also boosts your authority (the word author comes from the Latin auctoritas, one who has expertise in a particular field). A published book is your calling card for promotion or when you are seeking a new position. When you have written a book, you have national prominence, sometimes international. It can take your work to the next level, or bring you to a place you never expected.

Article Writing

You will learn:

• How to research your market to find the best place to submit your piece
• How to angle a story to get an editor’s attention
• How to write a Query Letter to an editor
• What to expect after you get a “go-ahead”

Books

I will take you step-by-step through the submission process:

• The five points every proposal needs to include
• How to determine demographics of your audience
• How to assess your competition
• How to develop a marketing plan

I will help you explore the right answer for you to the questions:

• Do you need an agent?
• If so, how do you go about getting the best one for your type of book?

Note:
Breaking into Print, for articles and for books, is also offered in one-on-one consultation. Please see the Consultant/Editor Section for more information.