Writing is an activity guaranteed to keep one mentally fit," says Alan Canton, the author of The Silver Pen: Starting a Profitable Writing Business From a Lifetime of Experience -- A Guide For Older People. The author maintains that writing is made to order for older people. These are people who have tons of experience, knowledge and expertise. How can they use this knowledge to best advantage? How can they "be part of the action" without working? "Writing," says Canton.

Many retired people suffer from chronic boredom. "What shall I do today" is the most question older people most often ask themselves. Many newly retired people have difficulty adjusting to not only so much leisure time, but also to the lack of mental stimulation they received from their jobs.

While researching retirement business opportunities, Canton spoke with individuals who wrote articles for trade magazines and journals. Most used their knowledge of a specific industry, job, charity, or vocation to do pubic relations writing, such as press releases and "ghost" articles. While earning a supplemental income is one advantage, the writers Canton cites in his book mention the fact that writing about their past jobs helps keep them mentally active. "No matter what you did during your working life, there is a trade publication that wants your knowledge.

Or there is an opportunity to do commercial writing. Either one will keep you up-to-date on whatever interests you," says Canton. Canton believes that retired people have the ability to capitalize on their know-how and he provides a step-by-step methodology. "A writing business is simple to start and run. It’s not get-rich-quick plan," says the author. "It’s a dignified way to earn an extra $5,000-15,000 as well as stay mentally alert." And you will never be bored.

To purchase The Silver Pen, send a check for $22.95+$4 (shipping), CA add $1.78 for tax to, Adams-Blake Publishing, 8041 Sierra Street, Suite 101, Fair Oaks, CA 95628. To order by phone, call 1-800-368-ADAM (Tel/Fax (916) 962-9296). VISA, MC, AMEX accepted.

The Silver Pen: Starting a Profitable Writing Business From a Lifetime of Experience -- A Guide For Older People, ISBN 1-883422-11-6, 380p, 6x9 paper, 1996.

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SOME MORE INFORMATION ON SILVER PEN:

Audience: Retired people, baby boomers with retired parents

High concept: New book for older people showing step-by-step methodology on starting a small business based upon what they already know from their life experience.

Contact us for complete media kit, photo, review copy etc.

Contact: Jennifer Church, Publicist Adams-Blake Publishing, Inc. 8041 Sierra Street Fair Oaks, CA 95628 TEL/FAX (916) 962-9296

The Silver Pen Starting a Profitable Writing Business From a Lifetime of Experience - A Guide for Older People - Alan N. Canton (ISBN 1-883422-11-6, 380p, 6x9 trade paper, $22.95, LC 95-79412, 1996)

The Book

The Silver Pen is a complete guide for the older person who desires to use his or her life experience to start a profitable writing mini-business to not only earn from $5,000 to $15,000/yr. but also to keep mentally fit and stay active in a field of interest. The Silver Pen is a step-by-step, no-fail, methodology for the older person to become a freelance writer, a commercial writer, a grant writer, or a ghost writer. This is new information!

Importance of Book

People need to work at something. Even after retirement, there is only so much golf one can play, only so many hands of bridge one can deal. In addition, many older people desire to earn a bit of extra money, but don't wish to flip burgers or sell Amway. There are very few places in our economy for people who are "post-employed." This book helps them develop writing skills, based on job, hobby, career, or parenting experiences. By writing and selling their work, older people will keep their minds active, make some extra money, and stay current with a field of interest. They will live longer and better.

Let's Retire the Words "Senior Citizen"

The Silver Pen defines a new term for older people. Instead of "senior citizens" this educated, active and knowledgeable group are referred to as being "post employed" or PE for short. PEs come from all walks of life. They were professionals. They worked in services. They were in sales. Teachers, civil servants, factory workers, clerks, as well as the millions who worked in volunteer positions, are all PEs. Also included are the millions of woman who raised families (these too were jobs, but without pay.)

Why Writing?

Today's active older people may be the last generation that "knows" how to write. It's a skill all of them have developed. PEs have the time and the work-ethic necessary to become writers. And writing is not difficult. Anyone with good reading skills can learn the craft... and master it. It's not difficult.

The Concept

Older people have a wealth of experience to draw upon. It only has to be channeled in a direction that can be used to earn income. By starting a small writing business, PEs can use their past experience to write for trade publications in a subject they already know. In addition, The Silver Pen teaches how to determine their area of expertise and how to market it. It teaches how to create written material that trade publications, businesses, professional people, nonprofit organizations, and the mainstream media will pay for. The book reveals the secrets of successful older writes who "write as a business."

Commercial Writing?

While freelance writing for trade publications is a good way to start, a very viable option for PEs is to sell their writing skills to businesses that they know about from experience. PEs can create press releases, do copy writing, work on grant proposals, and write ghost articles for busy professionals and executives. There is good money in this and it is not hard to do or start.

A Business?

Starting a small writing business is easy to do. There are also many tax benefits to be gained. By working 10-20 hours a week, it's not difficult to earn from $5,000-$15,000/yr. From buying a computer and setting up the mini-business, to dealing with editors and deciding on topics, The Silver Pen brings together all the elements needed to create a dignified and profitable writing business based on existing knowledge.

The Author

Alan Canton is the author of the popular business book, ComputerMoney, and one of the principals of Adams-Blake Publishing. In addition to his duties at Adams-Blake, he is a syndicated writer, speaker, and much published commentator on national small business issues. He worked for over 20 years in the computer industry as a high-level independent consultant to Fortune 500 firms. He spent over two years researching the business concept and methodology for The Silver Pen.