I’m going to propose…a book on eldercare! Am I scared? YES

In a couple of days, I’ll be at the Northwest Christian Writers Renewal Conference, a two-day conference for writers.  I’ll be at the mercy of an editor, who will tell me,”Yes, your book proposal on eldercare has merit, but there are no promises.  Continue to work on it.” or “No, try something else other than writing.”  No binding agreement, at least for now.  And yes, I’m a little scared.

A book proposal is much like a marriage proposal.  A writer puts heart and soul, hours and hours, into this package of papers that represents his life, or at least much of his life.  I’ve been working with families of seniors and seniors themselves for 25 years, helping them with transitions to independent living, assisted living, adult family homes and skilled nursing.  Along the way, I’ve met many heroes who sacrifice themselves on behalf their parents. I’ve also learned from older folks who despite their years, take their journey one step at a time, banking on the spiritual, physical and emotional strength, they receive from God and others.  Oh yes, I’ve met a few scoundrels, too, in both generations, but not many.  And a few cranky old men.

My working title is “Eldercare Journey:  Help and Hope for your Aging Parent and You.”  I’ve  read comparable books, and I’m starting to look at marketing very seriously.  Who will read this book?  Good question.  And what will they learn from its pages?

During my personal journey in eldercare, with my own parents, who died in 2003 and 2004, I’ve learned to see the losses virtually all elders face, and to understand myself, and what I bring to the relationship, both positive and negative.The book will tackle the hard questions we deal with:  “Safety at Home and on the Road, ” Leaving Home?”, “Many Care Settings:  Who Goes Where?” “Advocacy 101:  How to do it?”  and “Saying Goodbye,” plus more.

Those of you who read this blog will recognize some of the words in the book.  Much of it is taken from the posts I’ve published since 2010.  I’ve appreciated your questions and questions.

.I’ll keep you posted on the outcome of my Friday appointment with the editor. I’m bringing “my ring,” in the form of an idea and some chapters.  We’ll see what happens.  For better or for worse.