goal sisters

What Are the Latest Happenings, Sister?!
1st Edition

Did You Finish Writing the Book?

Yes, we did!! After several months of toiling, creating, and riding the waves of our emotions, we emailed our introduction, eleven chapters, and references to our editor, Georgia Hughes, at New World Library on August 4th. The manuscript’s about 132 pages, single-spaced. Georgia tells us that she loves the organization, stories, and exercises! So, high fives all around!!

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After You Finished the Book, Did You Go to Disneyland?

No, we went to the 2003 Maui Writer’s Conference! Ann flew to Oahu and stayed with Michelle and her family for 3 days of beach walking, mountain gazing, sightseeing, and souvenir shopping. Then Ann and Michelle flew to Kahului, Maui, and spent 5 days in Kihei at the 11th annual Maui Writer’s conference. Highlights include:

· Meeting Georgia! We met her in front of the conference ballroom, hugged one another, and started chatting when Ann noticed Georgia glimpsing at her nametag. “Ah, I’m Ann and that’s Michelle.” We got so caught up in meeting her that we forgot to introduce ourselves! To celebrate finishing the manuscript, Georgia presented us with a bottle of champagne and chocolate-covered macadamia nuts. What more can a girl want? We honored Georgia as our newest Goal Sister by giving her charms and a new bracelet.

· Having Sam Horn, author of Tongue Fu! and What’s Holding You Back?, endorse our book. After reading bits and pieces of our manuscript, here’s what she wrote:

“Read this book with a friend and hold each other ‘gently accountable’ for your dreams and goals. This book is the difference between wishing something will happen and making it happen. Read it and reap.”

· Introducing ourselves to Jack Canfield, co-author of the Chicken Soup series. Ann gave him a 2-minute pitch and he responded by saying, “I really want to help you with your book.” Ann calmly and collectively said, ‘Thank you’ and went back to her seat. She introduced Jack to Michelle, who shook his hand and said, ‘Hi, thanks for your interest in our book.” By the way, Jack, don’t hit the road ‘cause we’re not done with you!

· Thanking 2 New York agents who gave Michelle great feedback about the book at last year’s conference. They’re thrilled to be connected with an upcoming bestseller!

· Sitting in on terrific keynote addresses, including one by Sherman Alexie that brought us both to tears, and informative sessions on marketing, the writer’s life, and writing fiction.

· Meeting a top-notch publicist from Denver named Tami DePalma. She loved the Goal Sister concept and took Ann out to lunch to learn more about the book.

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Speaking of Goal Sisters . . .

The original Goal Sister group, facilitated by Ann, is still going strong in Joplin, MO. Cindy, Deborah, Joy, Karen, Michelle J., and Nelda meet once a month to share their accomplishments, problem solve obstacles, set goals, eat and drink, and have fun. Way to keep going, Sisters!

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Goal Sister Sighted!!

Yep, it was none other than Michelle J., of Kalaheo, Kauai and Carthage, Missouri, who was spotted having a drink poolside at the Maui Writer’s Conference in Wailea and later, talking story and eating dinner with Ann, Michelle Pillen, and Georgia at Kimo’s Restaurant in Lahaina. She’s everywhere, she’s everywhere! And she showed Georgia that the Goal Sister process works!

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Could Goal Sisters Really Be a Best Selling Book?

Yes! After hearing the presentations and talking to folks at the conference, we believe the book has what it takes. Or, as they say in the biz, it has legs. You play a BIG part in making the book leap to success. Ann read that if we each told every person in our network about the book and they told one other person, we’d have about 65,000 contacts aware of Goal Sisters. If all those people bought the book in the same week, we’d make the New York Times bestseller list! Since that’s one of our goals, we’d appreciate your help in getting our book’s legs moving!!

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How Else Can You Be a Part of Creating the Goal Sister Phenomena?

One way to do that is to send us your complete mailing address so that we can include your contact information on the New World Library’s postcard extravaganza list. Another way to help is by sending us the names and complete mailing addresses of your favorite independent bookstores, boutiques and catalogs that cater to women, spas, and any other retail outlets whose wares complement the Goal Sister style and message. We’re ready to receive those contacts as soon as you take a few minutes to jot them down and email them to us.

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What’s Next, Sisters?

Plenty! We’re in the process of designing the book cover and illustrations, and developing a marketing plan in conjunction with New World Library. Soon we’ll be putting our marketing plan in action, creating our Web site, updating our contact database, reviewing feedback from the copy editor, figuring out how to get onto the Oprah show - while keeping it all real as we proceed!!

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Parting Words

We’re so grateful for your support and interest regarding the book. Your thoughts and prayers mean a lot to both of us!!! Thanks for cheering us on and being a part of our lives. As we like to say to each other during those moments of “oh my gosh, we’re actually doing this” - it’s all good and we’re ever so grateful you’re a part of it!

Onward and Upward,
Ann and Michelle

Copyright © 2003 by Ann Leach and Michelle Beaulieu Pillen, Ph.D. All rights reserved. No part of this Web site may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise.