I Didn't Get Old Being Stupid-Wisdom From Our Elders

The concept is simple:

Anyone can give advice. But as we all intuitively understood generations ago, people learn best from a good story. And people like you, who've lived through a particular challenge, can tell exactly how they did it—and what they learned.

By sharing your story, you'll leave a lasting legacy for others. Your family and friends will surely want to read about you. But beyond that, your story and its message will be included in a professionally published, high-quality book that you'll see in your local bookstore.

As members of younger generations turn the pages, they will gain insights and inspiration from your own experience. You can be proud to be a contributor to this project and, in doing so, you become a member of a very small but prestigious community: published writers!

We've included Sample Stories as a general guide. Your own story may be touching, cautionary, or even hilarious—that's up to you. To help you get started, we’ve created a list of Idea Starters, essentially the kinds of questions young people might want to ask their elders. Could you pick just one of these ideas, and tell us a real-life, personal story that answers it? And remember, your story doesn't have to be the whole book (Whew! That's a relief, isn't it?). As a general guide, each story should be between 300 and 700 words (two to four type-written, double-spaced pages).

Please don't worry about spelling or grammar. It's your story—the wisdom you have to share—that matters most. Professional editors will give every story all the attention it deserves to shine in its best light. If you have any physical limitations, feel free to dictate your story to a friend who can transcribe it for you.

We also encourage non-seniors to participate by "ghostwriting" stories for the Elders in their lives.
If you haven't yet reached your Golden Years, consider spending time with a parent, grandparent or another person whose wisdom and insights have been especially meaningful to you. You might begin by recalling a story they've shared with you in the past, and inviting them to retell it while you take notes or use a recording device. Or consider discussing some of the Idea Starters with your Elder, looking for one that sparks a memory or a personal story. Then, writing in the "voice" of your subject, tell their story as if you are preserving it to be passed along to another generation of readers who will benefit from the Life Lessons it illustrates.

You can send us your story several ways:

• Email it to mystory@elders-wisdom.com
• Fax it to our toll-free number: 1-877-AN ELDER (877-263-5337)

• Or mail to: Elders Wisdom, P.O. Box 588, 249 N. Brand Blvd. Glendale, CA 91203.

Our publisher has previewed some of the stories we’ve already received, and we’re hoping to get the "green light" to publish very soon. For your story to be considered, we urge you to submit it quickly. If our publisher chooses your story, you'll receive an honorarium of $100.00, plus a copy of the book from the very first printing. Please do not send the only copy of your submission, originals of photos or anything of great sentimental value. Due to the quantity of submissions we receive, we cannot return any materials.

Also, ten percent of the net proceeds of book sales will be donated to the National Council On Aging, to support their continued efforts on behalf of seniors.

We thank you in advance for your participation, and for your help on behalf of the young people who will benefit from your experience.

If you have any questions, call us at 1-877-263-5337 between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM (PST). You can also email us anytime at questions@elders-wisdom.com

Yours sincerely,

FFrank Miles

-
Dave Egan-


The concept is simple: Anyone can give advice. But as we all intuitively understood generations ago, people learn best from a good story. And people like you, who've lived through a particular challenge, can tell exactly how they did it—and what they learned. By sharing your story, you'll leave a lasting legacy for others. Your family and friends will surely want to read about you. But beyond that, your story and its message will be included in a professionally published, high-quality book that you'll see in your local bookstore. As members of younger generations turn the pages, they will gain insights and inspiration from your own experience. You can be proud to be a contributor to this project and, in doing so, you become a member of a very small but prestigious community: published writers! We've included Sample Stories as a general guide. Your own story may be touching, cautionary, or even hilarious—that's up to you. To help you get started, we’ve created a list of Idea Starters, essentially the kinds of questions young people might want to ask their elders. Could you pick just one of these ideas, and tell us a real-life, personal story that answers it? And remember, your story doesn't have to be the whole book (Whew! That's a relief, isn't it?). As a general guide, each story should be between 300 and 700 words (two to four type-written, double-spaced pages). Please don't worry about spelling or grammar. It's your story—the wisdom you have to share—that matters most. Professional editors will give every story all the attention it deserves to shine in its best light. If you have any physical limitations, feel free to dictate your story to a friend who can transcribe it for you. *We also encourage non-seniors to participate by "ghostwriting" stories for the Elders in their lives.* If you haven't yet reached your Golden Years, consider spending time with a parent, grandparent or another person whose wisdom and insights have been especially meaningful to you. You might begin by recalling a story they've shared with you in the past, and inviting them to retell it while you take notes or use a recording device. Or consider discussing some of the Idea Starters with your Elder, looking for one that sparks a memory or a personal story. Then, writing in the "voice" of your subject, tell their story as if you are preserving it to be passed along to another generation of readers who will benefit from the Life Lessons it illustrates. You can send us your story several ways: • Email it to mystory@elders-wisdom.com • Fax it to our toll-free number: 1-877-AN ELDER (877-263-5337) • Or mail to: Elders Wisdom, P.O. Box 588, 249 N. Brand Blvd. Glendale, CA 91203. Our publisher has previewed some of the stories we’ve already received, and we’re hoping to get the "green light" to publish very soon. For your story to be considered, we urge you to submit it quickly. If our publisher chooses your story, you'll receive an honorarium of $100.00, plus a copy of the book from the very first printing. Please do not send the only copy of your submission, originals of photos or anything of great sentimental value. Due to the quantity of submissions we receive, we cannot return any materials. Also, ten percent of the net proceeds of book sales will be donated to the National Council On Aging, to support their continued efforts on behalf of seniors. We thank you in advance for your participation, and for your help on behalf of the young people who will benefit from your experience. If you have any questions, call us at 1-877-263-5337 between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM (PST). You can also email us anytime at questions@elders-wisdom.com Yours sincerely, FFrank Miles - Dave Egan-

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