In late 2013 my first book The Joy of Financial Security was published. My goal was to provide practical advice about managing money wisely, spending it wisely, and unraveling the relationship between money and happiness. I was thrilled with the media attention that followed—including print and online articles, TV appearances, radio shows, speaking engagements—and three book awards. I greatly appreciated that we worked together in the past, which is why I am contacting you now.
I am currently writing a second book titled Becoming Mildred. It opens with the story of my grandmother—Mildred—who became a widow at age 62 and decided to “blossom” at that point. Rather than continuing along the expected path, she made deliberate changes to her life, which resulted in her becoming much happier for the remaining 20 years of her life. She was an inspiration, and I am eager to share her story with readers.
Michele Obama’s book Becoming was published in 2018, and twelve million copies have been sold. I am hopeful that Becoming Mildred may engage women with a positive message, and sell five million copies.
Becoming Mildred addresses many of the potential upheavals women may face as we age, such as widowhood, divorce, illness, being in a sandwich generation of caregiving, and settling a parent’s estate. These are all great topics for print articles, TV interviews, and radio interviews.
Although Becoming Mildred is not finished, I want to invite you to join me on this journey and share in the conversation. I will be publishing a chapter from my new book once a month, and I would appreciate your comments—both positive and negative. Part One, Mildred’s Story is attached via the link below. This link takes you to the chapter on my donnaskeelscygan.com website, so please know that clicking on the link is safe.
Becoming Mildred opens with my grandmother’s story, and then leads into Part Two, which provides a summary of the latest research from psychology and neuroscience—and how to apply it to our lives so we can become happier. Part Three covers how to prepare proactively for potential upheavals. Part Four covers many aspects of financial security, including creating a net worth statement, wise tax planning, designing and managing an investment portfolio, and planning for retirement. Part Five is titled “Blossom into a Happier You!” It leads the reader through many proven strategies for becoming happier, and encourages the reader to determine what changes she would like to make.
Becoming Mildred opens with my grandmother’s story, which is inspirational in terms of happiness and money. Part Two is titled “Create a Healthy, Happy Relationship with Money.” It covers the latest research from psychology and neuroscience. Part Three is titled “Prepare for Inevitable Upheavals”. Many potential pitfalls are addressed, with tips for how to prepare proactively before they occur. Part Four is titled “Protect Your Finances”. It covers many aspects of financial security, including creating a net worth statement, wise tax planning, designing and managing an investment portfolio, and planning for retirement. Part Five is titled “Blossom into a Happier You!” It leads the reader through many proven strategies for becoming happier, and encourages the reader to determine what changes she would like to make.
This book is targeted to women of all ages, especially those between ages 40-65. It may also appeal to men. I would love to help you with articles, radio interviews, and TV interviews on any of the topics in Becoming Mildred. I have been running my financial planning firm for the past 20 years, and I plan to continue working full-time. However, just like I did in 2014-2016, I can fit interviews into my schedule, and I would love to work with you again.
If you know of an agent or traditional publisher who may be interested in publishing Becoming Mildred, please let me know. I have been busy writing, but I need to direct my attention soon to selecting a traditional publisher.
If you do not wish to receive future emails, please unsubscribe below. My plan is to send you an email once a month with a link to a new chapter. I welcome your feedback. Please feel free to contact me at dscygan@joyoffinancialsecurity.com or at 505-298-4040.
Sincerely,
