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Turning My ABCs of Life Letters Into A Book

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Education & Training with Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals.

"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you."
—B.B. King

As I wrote my "ABCs of Life" series of letters to my granddaughter, Michelle, I never imagined the positive feedback I would receive from the ActiveRain community. I have also sent a few of the letters to some trusted friends, who have also given positive feedback. What started as a personal project to share life lessons, values, and inspiration with her has resonated with many of you. Your feedback and encouragement have inspired me to take the next step: transforming this series into a book for a broader audience.

This book will involve some edits on the original letters, offering timeless wisdom and encouragement in an approachable, conversational format. Each letter will explore a keyword progressing from A - Z through the alphabet.  My hope is that it will become a meaningful gift, perfect for young people embarking on new chapters in their lives, such as graduations, milestone birthdays, or other celebrations.

To appeal to diverse readers, I will be editing the content to suit different audiences. One edition will incorporate biblical references, but mostly it will focus on universal values that transcend faith or culture. My hope is that this book will serve as a source of encouragement for anyone seeking inspiration.

I would love your feedback on this series! Are there specific topics or themes you'd like to see included? Other than young adults, what audience do you think this book will appeal to? Do you have ideas for making the book more appealing to a broader audience?  Please feel free to share your thoughts and ideas in the comments or reach out directly. 

This is my first entry into ActiveRain's 2025 Challenge: Planning For Success, hosted by Leanne Smith and Will Hamm 

Posted by

Carol Williams

"Information is FREE.
Knowledge, Experience & Integrity Are Priceless."

- Carol Williams

Retired: Real Estate Broker/Owner, Property Manager 
Coaching, goal setting, and marketing consultant

Active: Golf & Travel Blogger
"Golf isn't a sport. It's a lifestyle."
SeniorWomenGolfers.com
TopTeamCarol@gmail.com
 

Whatever You're Doing, Make It Fun!



Comments(25)

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Anna "Banana" Kruchten
Retired Broker/Owner - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Carol I think it's a fabulous idea but you know that all ready.  And your idea of making it suitable for a larger audience is great.  Look forward to seeing the final product!

Jan 03, 2025 11:50 AM
Carol Williams

Hi Anna "Banana" Kruchten 
I anticipate more than one edition, which would appeal to different audiences. We'll see how it all unfolds.

Jan 05, 2025 05:23 AM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thank you, Carol Williams, for sharing your inspiring journey with the "ABCs of Life" letters. Your dedication to imparting wisdom and life lessons will surely create a meaningful impact on many, and I look forward to seeing your book come to life!

 

I would love to see themes that focus on resilience, self-care, and emotional intelligence, as these are essential skills for navigating life's challenges. 

 

I believe this book will also resonate with parents, educators, and caregivers who are looking for ways to share life lessons and values with the children in their lives. Additionally, it may appeal to individuals who are facing significant transitions or challenges, such as mid-life crises, career changes, or health issues.

 

One idea to make the book more appealing to a wider audience is to include diverse perspectives and voices through guest contributions or interviews with experts in various fields. This could add depth and breadth to the book, making it more relatable and engaging for a wider range of readers. Another idea is to create a companion digital component, such as a mobile app or online community, where readers can access additional resources and support.

Jan 03, 2025 12:43 PM
Carol Williams

Hi Lew Corcoran 
Thank you for your thoughtful comment.  I think the topics of resilience, self-care, and emotional intelligence will all be covered within the letters. However, I hadn't thought of the "guest contributions" nor digital components as part of the book. I'll have to give that some more thought. Thanks again for taking the time to comment.  

Jan 05, 2025 05:27 AM
Patricia Feager
Flower Mound, TX

Carol Williams - I have no doubt you have already inspired your granddaughter Michelle or that she will also be an inspiration to others. There was a book I read many years ago about a Native American Indian Tribe of Women who were more than just relatives. They were teachers and caregivers to your children and grandchildnre. Too often in today's society mothers are so busy working they spend  little time with their children. Michelle is lucky to have you to be an inspiration in her life.

I wish all the best to both of you. 

Jan 03, 2025 04:26 PM
Carol Williams

Hi Patricia Feager 
Yes, sadly, the demands of these times restricts the amount of time mother's have to spend with their children. I am curious what the name of the book you referenced about the Tribe of American Indian Women.

Jan 05, 2025 05:30 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Carol... personally, I liked the approach of your letters for a young adult. I'm not convinced you need to be addressing a super-wide audience... it might dilute the entire concept. 

Jan 04, 2025 06:06 AM
Carol Williams

Hi Nina Hollander, Broker 
I agree with you. If I did expand into a wider audience it would be through separate editions of the book.  I had an interesting conversation with a neighbor here at the park about the book yesterday. I have shared a few of the letters with her. She thought the young people just getting out in the world (graduates from high school or college) wouldn't necessarily be "ready" for such a book. She felt it would appeal to a bit older segment of the population after they find out life is harder than they imagined. Any thoughts on that?

Jan 05, 2025 05:34 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Carol Williams hi Carol... I don't agree with your neighbor. The lessons you are "instilling" need to be instilled at an early age to take into adulthood. From our own grandchildren I've learned we should not underestimate their ability to learn, be open to new ideas, etc.

Jan 05, 2025 06:43 AM
Eileen Burns 954.483.3912
Trans State Commercial Realty Inc. - Fort Lauderdale, FL
FLorida Real Estate Connector

Love, love your feature photo Carol Williams

I suggest Keeping your original plan as it is specific for your Michelle and should remain as your special moments in time with her.

One book at time GF - stay focused on the path

Also suggest sending it to Patricia Feager for her input and maybe her newly formed book club.  

Jan 04, 2025 06:30 AM
Carol Williams

Thanks for the comment, Eileen Burns 954.483.3912 
I agree. I'm eating an elephant here... one bite at a time.

Jan 04, 2025 06:59 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Carol- a lofty, and for you, a very attainable goal!!!! I can't wait for the finished product. 

Jan 04, 2025 03:22 PM
Carol Williams

Hi Kathy Streib 
As I talk to more people about it, I get more ideas about how to expand on the original concept. I have to reign myself in and remember how to eat an elephant... one bite at a time.

Jan 05, 2025 05:35 AM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
The best agent in Southern Utah!

Who knew thast your labor of love would turn into something bigger? Congrats Carol on getting published, how exciting!

Jan 04, 2025 04:48 PM
Carol Williams

Hi Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can! 
We will see how it all turns out, Wanda. I'm excited about the possibilities.

Jan 05, 2025 05:36 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Carol Williams 

*Your next project could focus on saying goodbye and dealing with the loss of someone you care about. 

*Create a separate series about widowhood. 

*You might also think about adding the songs you write for each book or making a special jingle using the ABCs. 

I'll be watching your success!

Jan 04, 2025 10:36 PM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 
I do think my next edition will be focused on working through the grief process of widowhood. And, the other day, I had the brainstorm to add a poem to the end of each letter. It's similar to what the lyrics to a song would be, but is conducive to book format.  I added one to the last letter I published on AR December 30th. Check it out in the comments section of the Letter N.  What do you think about that idea?

Jan 05, 2025 05:40 AM
Aura Alex
Seattle, WA
Retired Real Estate Pro

Hey Carol,

My thought about your book was sent via email to you a day or so ago. It was a very late response to your email before New Year. 

Jan 05, 2025 09:55 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

I love this series and like you plans for a book.

Keep us posted on your progress!

Jan 05, 2025 10:34 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Carol - I don't know how I missed this post but "miss" I did, until now.  And I think the idea of turning your life letter posts into a book is an excellent one.  I look forward to hearing about the process too as you have a can do/will achieve kind of approach to anything you tackle.  Best of luck.  

Jan 09, 2025 06:53 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

This is BRILLIANT, Carol! You could actually create a 'special' hardbound edition for your neice so that it is extra special for her. Then, open the floodgates to the masses! I love Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543's idea about leaving space for notes - perhaps at the end of each letter (26 pages of notes inserted throughout the book). Maybe title those pages "My own notes of inspiration" or something more creative than that.

This book is fabulous for all ages. A good friend in my bookclub has a HS graduate this year - she is wise beyond her years but, I'm thinking it would be a fabulous gift for her. It speaks to college graduates, newlyweds, first-time parents, people who are lost in attempting to start their own business or even finding a job...your book speaks to a broader range of people than you'll probably ever know! 

I would 100% publish this book for the world to see and begin your journey in writing about dealing with widowhood and the grief therein. No doubt, you have a rare talent that should totally be shared with the world, Carol!

Jan 28, 2025 07:38 AM
Steffy Hristova
HomeSmart Elite Group Tempe AZ Tel: 602.710.8161 - Tempe, AZ
Tempe AZ Realtor - Your Home Close to Your Work!

Carol Williams , what a wonderful idea to turn your letters to your granddaughter to a book. Last year I read a book by Ben Lyttle, The Potentialist, who started writing notes for his children, and the notes grew into a wonderful book. I look forward to your book!

Jan 28, 2025 07:48 AM
Lisa Friedman
Great American Dream Realty - Manchester Center, VT
37 Years of Real Estate Experience!

I love this. Congratulations and best wishes with this interesting endeavor!

Jan 28, 2025 10:17 AM
Ginger Harper
Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage~ Ginger Harper Real Estate Team - Southport, NC
Your Southport~Oak Island Agent~Brunswick County!

What great fun.  Loved your blog.  Have great luck in your endeavors.

 

Jan 28, 2025 10:26 AM
Faye Y. Taylor
StepStone Realty, LLC - Floresville, TX
Country Living with City Convenience -Wilson Co TX

Wonderful idea.  I had been thinking about writing my kids and grandkids but this is much better.  Growing up on a farm there were so many practical everyday life lessons that maybe I thought my kids would learn by osmosis.  NOT.  I think they need to actually be taught in words. 

Jan 28, 2025 03:09 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Carol,

I love this! What a wonderful idea to turn your letters to your granddaughter to a book. I too agree with Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543 about leaving spaces for notes that way people could add their own comments, enhancing the experience of reading your book for themselves. A special bound book for your niece and then go for it to the public. It will appeal to all ages and would be a meaningful gift for so many. What a spectacular way to gift your talents to so many!

Jan 30, 2025 03:57 AM
Paddy Deighan MBA JD PhD
http://www.medicalandspaconsulting.com - Vail, CO
Paddy Deighan J.D. Ph.D

Good evening Carol...it is truly a beautiful project that will memorialize a special relationship for many years

Jan 31, 2025 06:40 PM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

What a treasure for your granddaughter and the rest of the world.

Feb 01, 2025 09:45 AM