Fall Update: A New Direction
Fall is in the air! While putting up my autumn decorations, I realized it's time to update you on what I've been up to. This past year has felt like a metamorphosis- like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon.
My legacy writing business has taken a new direction. Marketing, whether in person or on social media, isn't my strength, and I found that many people prefer telling their stories rather than writing them. I am thankful that I discovered Evalogue.Life and mentors Rhonda Lauritzen and Rachel Trotter introduced me to oral history and family storytelling. I use a small recorder or Zoom to capture personal stories over several sessions, transcribing them with Happy Scribe and creating memorable legacy books, complete with photos, letters, and other digitized memorabilia.
So far, I have self-published five legacy books, including an anthology of my English Language Learners' inspiring journeys to America, with their stories in both English and their native languages. I'm also proud to have helped my 12-year-old grandson publish his second adventure novel, Unleashed: The Viral Uprising, about a virus that turns dogs into aggressive animals.
This journey made me realize that while my legacy writing business won't be financially lucrative, it offers something far more rewarding- helping- others preserve their stories. Elizabeth Gilbert's Big Magic helped me see that creativity and financial pressure don't always mix, allowing me to embrace teaching to support my creative work.
Over the summer, I focused on finding online teaching opportunities for English Language Learners. I revamped my LinkedIn, updated my CV, and applied for various jobs. Many "remote" ESL positions had state restrictions, but I eventually found a role with TST Prep, teaching TOEFL to international students. TOEFL is a difficult English exam (writing, reading, speaking, listening) that ESL students must pass (scoring high) in order to apply and attend English Speaking Universities for education and professional licensing. My first week was extraordinary, and I am thrilled to be helping students worldwide pursue their goals.
Looking ahead, I'm excited to balance my work in legacy writing and TOEFL teaching. I also plan to start writing a memoir about my caregiving journey with my mother-in-law, Kate, who battled dementia. Her story inspired my passion for legacy writing, and I feel I've genuinely uncovered treasures in teaching and storytelling.
Empower Your Voice, Unlock Your Story!