An Apology

Last summer I started work on my next retirement-based book. After the reaction to Building a Satisfying Retirement I decided to write a follow up. Based on feedback from blog readers, I thought a book built around answering the most often-asked questions by both those who are retired, and those close to retirement would serve a real need.

Instead of depending on me to answer those queries, I turned to the experts: you. Over 50 folks responded to my request for help by answering a dozen questions about their satisfying retirement journey: all about their hopes and plans, problems and disappointments, joys and fears.

The answers were tremendously insightful. Each one of the 50+ who responded gave me an in-depth look at their lives. I was honored to be allowed to see what folks were really feeling about the whole subject of retirement. The material for the book was just waiting to be put together.

I had originally promised to complete the book by late fall. It seemed as though the finished product might make a good holiday gift for many folks. My question-answering collaborators were anxious to read their words in print, along with everyone else's.

Why the apology?

Because, the book remains unfinished. For a variety of reasons I stopped work on the new book in late summer and didn't get the spark back to work on it again until just a week ago. I re-read some of the answers and realized how helpful the material would be.

So, out came the files and I have begun again. While I hope to have the e-book published by late Spring, I may be better off this time to not set a deadline but simply buckle down and finish what I started.

For those of you who took the time and energy to share your thoughts and concerns with me, I apologize for not finishing when I said I would. Be assured the book will happen and your participation will have not been in vain.

For everyone else, I can promise you the book will be one you will want to read. The answers and life stories are a treasure trove of helpful information and insight. Frankly, I have been re-examining my life based on what I have been reading. It is that powerful.

Whether you have been retired for less than a year or more than a decade you will learn something new. If retirement is still in your future you will better understand the process involved in getting from where you are now to where you want to be.

Now, back to work.