Down Economy Breeds Aspiring Authors

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, over the past 12 months (as of March), unemployment has grown by some 5.3 million people, and the unemployment rate has risen by 3.4 percent. Some of the jobless are nervous -- they need an income to live. Others, who have a little bit of money squirreled away, are seeing their opportunity to finally turn to projects they dream of -- like writing a book.

Even those who still have a job are re-evaluating their priorities and, for many, that means dropping expensive leisure and entertainment activities and using the free time to work towards a desire to write and publish.

Saunderstown, RI resident, Lisa Tener, a book coach who serves on the faculty of Harvard Medical School's CME publishing course and offers private coaching in writing and publishing books, has only seen an increase in business since the downturn. "People are deciding it's time to focus their energies on the things they feel most passionate about," says Tener. "Many people want to feel more of a sense of purpose and excitement in the work they do."

Says Tener, "For some folks, writing a book is about fulfilling this lifelong dream. For others, like small business owners and solo practitioners, they see the book as an opportunity to set them apart from their competitors, to bring in more work and attract ideal clients." Many of them are looking for a writing coach or book coach to de-mystify the writing and publishing process and help their chances of getting published.

A Rhode Island teacher who doesn't know if she will have a job next year recently contacted Tener to help her understand the publishing process and help with her book proposal. "Taking the steps to get a publisher has empowered her so that she doesn't feel like a victim of fate, but rather is taking her destiny in her own hands and feeling excited about the possibilities in her future," say Tener.

Four of Tener's clients--a nationally recognized psychologist, a philanthropy consultant, an international mediator and a psychoanalyst and professor--are under contract with major publishing houses and three of those will have their books published in January of 2010. A handful of others have signed contracts with top agents.

Tener has several local offerings for Rhode Islanders this month who want to write a book, or just explore writing:

Express Yourself in Writing and Transform Your Life
An interactive presentation that is part of
Aspire Media's Inspiring Women Speaker Series

May 13, 7:00 – 9:00 pm

Crowne Plaza, 801 Greenwich Ave. Warwick RI

Tickets: $30 advance; $35 at the door.

Group discounts available.

Registration and information: www.InspiringWomenSeries.com
Contact: Linda Joy Events@aspiremag.net; 508-265-7929


Write Your Book: First Draft, an 8 week course

Starting May 15, Fridays from 9:00 – 10:30 am
Sponsored by University Professional Development Center
237 Robinson Street, Wakefield, RI

Registration and Information: Tim Armstrong


Writing in the Zone

Free Workshop: May 7 6:30 pm
Half day workshop: May 16 12:30 – 4:00 pm
Sponsored by All That Matters

315 Main Street, Wakefield, RI

Information and registration: http://www.allthatmatters.com/, 401-782-2126