Hot Chocolate Also Wins Gold Seal International Book Award!
Below, Jan (center) is pictured receiving her 2012 Indie gold medal at ceremonies held at The Plaza Hotel, New York City, with Marilyn Allen (left), Literary Agent & Co-Founder, and Catherine Goulet (right), Chairperson & Founder of the Next Generation Indie Book Awards.
Here Jan is shown being honored by the Southern California Motion Picture Council with “The Golden Halo Award for Outstanding Literary Achievement” at recent ceremonies held in Studio City, CA.
Hot Chocolate for Seniors features more than 100 heartwarming, humorous, inspiring stories written by seniors, for seniors, and about seniors! Available now in bookstores everywhere, as well as on the Internet, it carries stories by Harold Kushner, John Gray, Ph.D., Bernie S. Siegel, M.D., Lance Armstrong, Byron Katie, and many more… ( Balboa Press, a division of Hay House ).
Hot Chocolate for Seniors is an inspiring anthology of heartwarming, touching and often humorous true-life accounts of real people from all walks of life. Because this engaging, inspiring book carries so many uplifting messages, it is a popular gift book which delights mothers, fathers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers and friends on Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries, national holidays, and other special occasions.
View the Chapter Titles and the Table of Contents
Front Cover
PRESS COVERAGE:
Anthology earns recognitions
Jan Fowler lines up talks, trip to N.Y. to attend ceremony
For the Redlands Daily Facts
Posted: 05/30/2012 04:39:43 PM PDT
Jan Fowler’s book “Hot Chocolate for Seniors” has received two awards. (Courtesy Photo)
Redlands resident Jan Fowler has a lot to sweeten her attitude these days.
And it’s not just chocolate.
Fowler is author-editor of “Hot Chocolate for Seniors” (Balboa Press), an anthology of 120 heartwarming, humorous, inspiring stories written by people from the U.S., Israel and Canada. About two weeks ago, Fowler was notified that her book was named a gold medal and gold seal 2012 Next Generation Indie Book finalist and soon after that she learned it was also named an award-winning finalist in the nonfiction anthologies category of the 2012 International Book Awards, which also comes with a gold seal.
Fowler will attend red carpet ceremonies at the Plaza Hotel in New York City on Monday to receive her Indie gold medal and certificate.
“Oh, the magic of chocolate! Who says that dreams can’t come true in your senior years?” Fowler said.
“I am so thrilled with these awards and share both honors with all my wonderful authors, supportive editors, devoted staff and valuable help of RedFusion Media. It really does take a village to prepare an anthology,” she said.
“I have five talks to give the week of June 3, plus this surprise trip to New York City, so it will be one never-to-be- forgotten whirlwind week for me. I’ll be taking a red-eye following my Sunday program at Loma Linda University’s annual Celebration of Life to acknowledge cancer survivors for 200 people,” Fowler said.
“I will arrive in New York City Monday for the awards ceremony that night, and just wish I could linger on Tuesday to meet with library and marketing representatives and distributors at the Book Expo America, but must head right back to California so I can get some sleep before emceeing the Senior Dating `To Love Again’ Conference for 300 people in Rancho Cucamonga on Wednesday,” she said.
Fowler said she speaks Thursday to an Optimist Club, speaks Saturday at the Golden Future 50+ Senior Expo at the Hollywood Park Casino in Los Angeles and presents a program Sunday at an afternoon tea at the Hollywood Women’s Club.
“These are all happy fun-filled events for me. I love meeting seniors everywhere I go and never tire of hearing their stories. I feel we still pack a powerful punch and have so many wonderful contributions to make to today’s world,” Fowler said.
“And if you don’t believe me, just look around. We still rock!”
Those who have purchased “Hot Chocolate for Seniors” may request the gold seals for the two awards by sending mailing address to Jan Fowler Senior Productions, 1554 Barton Road, #251, Redlands, CA 92373, or calling 909-793-6419. The seals will be mailed in about four weeks.
Books may be ordered by visiting janfowler.com or by calling 909-793-6419.
By Naima Ford
Being a senior citizen is not what it used to be, not if Jan Fowler has anything to do with it. Fowler, who is a Redlands resident and a nationally syndicated columnist, has recently released a book and will soon launch a television show. She is also a motivational speaker and founder of a nonprofit organization.
“I never dreamed I would be doing this,” said Fowler.
Her mission is to help seniors realize that they are in an exciting time of life, but her career did not start out this way.
She worked for many years as a licensed speech pathologist working with stroke victims. During that time she gained a passion for seniors.
After she retired she decided she wanted to use television as a platform to help seniors. Someone then suggested that she begin writing a column in order to gain a following. She did and eventually newspapers and websites across the country began featuring her column.
From there people began asking her to speak at events and as she has spoken at different venues she has heard many stories form many seniors. This is when she decided to stop writing and speaking to focus on her book. This was the inspiration.
There are stories from people about doing everything from volunteering to finding true love. The ultimate message Fowler tries to convey is that it is never too late to fulfill your dreams.
“We are no different from people in their 20 and 30s,” said Fowler. She is an example saying that her life “took off” when she was in her mid-sixties.
She stays active by exercising four to five times a week, gardening, ballroom dancing, and collecting clothing for her charity, Starburst Inspirations. In fact she recently returned from a zip lining vacation in Puerto Vallarta.
Besides all of this she continues her work writing columns, speaking at events and working on her television show.
“I have retired twice and I decided I am never going to retire again,” she said.
She is also hoping to write a second book that is about something close to her heart, senior dating. As people are living longer and learning to take better care of themselves she believes it is important for them to have companionship. Fowler says it is not important to remarry but dating can be healthy for seniors.
Interest has already been shown for her new show “The Jan Fowler Show for Baby Boomers and Others” in major markets around the country including New York, Chicago and Atlanta. It will be a talk show featuring seniors who are pursuing their passions and making the world a better place for others.
“I have felt for a long time that [seniors] deserve our own show, and we finally got it,” said Fowler.
Fowler will be speaking at the Golden Future 50-Plus Senior Expo at the Pomona Fairplex on April 21 on “Finding Love at Any Age.”
For more information about Jan Fowler visit www.janfowler.com.
READ RAVE BOOK REVIEWS:
“Your delightful book is a treasure! It sparks wonderful memories of my past, and inspires me for the present and future.” Dottie
“Easy and great read. Hard to put down.” Anne
“Hi Jan, Congratulations on all your truly wonderful endeavors! I am really excited to surprise my family and friends with this book. Thanks Jan for your help. My best wishes to you and your family.” Donna
“Such a heart warming book…thank you.” Sue
“Hi Jan , I wanted you to know I received your book, HOT CHOCOLATE FOR SENIORS. Thank you! It’s positive, inspirational, and filled with hope-which all seniors need today. Blessings to you, Jan!”- Cheri
“Thank you for this great website it is very informative.” B.C.
I love how so many people shared their stories. I love them all. D. Johnson
“Jan, I enjoyed your column in “Not Born Yesterday!”. Carol
“This looks amazing! you just can’t be a senior!!! When can I appear on your show? Call me and we can do lunch.” JW
Congratulations on your book!! I think it is superior to similar-sounding books in this genre. I don’t find it sappy, overly religious, or “preachy”. The stories provoke thought and seem truly real, not fabricated. I think you’ve done a marvelous job of collecting and organizing these vignettes. MB
Please send testimonials to jan@janfowler.com
PRESS RELEASES:
May Day News Clip 5-01-12
In celebration of May Day, Jan Fowler of Redlands sent a May Day story from her book “Hot Chocolate…
Press Enterprise 2-05-12
Throughout her career as a speech pathologist, Jan Fowler heard a multitude of personal stories from her older clients. After she retired, she decided to give such stories a permanent forum in her newly published book, “Hot Chocolate…
Good For The Soul 3-11-12
Chocolate is now more than a food. Redlands resident Jan Fowler, an award-winning columnist on senior topics, is going in a new direction…
Not Born Yesterday Jan 2012
When we finally caught up with Jan, she confessed: “I am on serious overload, between booksigning programs, mailing books to fill orders, and writing scripts for my…
Seniors Still Pack A Punch
With her trademark smile wide and her happiness showing, Jan Fowler signed copies of her book, Hot Chocolate for Seniors, in Redlands in November.The Redlands woman, who has a local…
Champion For Seniors 1-27-12
REDLANDS - Jan Fowler, an award-winning columnist on senior topics, is going in a new direction, she says, doing things she never dreamed of. “My career has been six years in the making, but I’m still the authentic me,” says Fowler, a former licensed speech pathologist. She has sung in the rain, fallen in love, played in the sand…
Seniors Share Their Stories 3-04-12
UPLAND - Bobbie Jordan had always dreamed she would move to California, meet a handsome movie star and live happily ever after. And she has. The story of how the 71-year-old Upland resident met her lifelong…
Jan Emcees Senior Dating Conference
Whether you are looking for the love of your life or just want to understand your current relationship, this conference provides tools to help you love and be loved again. Mistress of Ceremonies, Jan Fowler, an award-winning columnist on senior dating, will be your guide on this journey of love and. ..
DENISE COOK, Host of The ORACLE, Hollywood Live Radio Interview January 22, 2012:
The ORACLE Speaks with Jan Fowler, the foremost expert on things “Being Senior”. Energetic and spunky, a women with a head on her shoulders and wit to boot! I want to be like her when I grow up. That’s what I’m talking about. (my alter Ego Speaks) It’s going to be a great show. Jan’s new book: “Hot Chocolate for Seniors” sizzles. Denise Cook
Listen to Jan’s Interview with Denise Cook on “Blog Talk Radio”:
“One of my choice picks is “Vovochka ” on page 100. The author’s accounts of her relationship with elephant of the past and that of the present successfully linked the two, creating an excellent contrast of despair and joy. “Three Strings” on page 187 “struck a chord” with me. It was an amazing lesson in life. “You Gotta Laugh!” on page 253 - the surprise ending was a prizewinner! “I Believe in Facebook” page 285 - I found this heartwarming - a genuine feel-good tale.” Sarah
“Think Chicken Soup for the Soul but even more heartfelt.” PRBookgirl
“This book is a breath of fresh air with positive and entertaining stories to read and share with others. I like to pick up “Hot Chocolate for Seniors” and read one or two stores at a time that make me smile. Not only are the stories special, but the short bio about the contributor gives them a more personal meaning. I hope there will be more “chocolate” in the future!“ Healthy attitude
Listen to Jan’s Interview with Dr. Letitia Wright on “Blog Talk Radio”:
“The stories in this book remind me of one of my favorite foods - chocolate! Like chocolate, they immediately provide warmth from within and promote an overall sense of good feelings! Each one is enjoyable, enlightening, and entertaining! Thank you for assembling such a wonderful collection of heartwarming stories for us to read!! onal meaning. I hope there will be more “chocolate” in the future!” Michael Riddle
“I love chocolate and I love this book!! Easy, wonderful reading. Open it on any page and you can feel the warmth of each story! I am definitely buying this book as gifts.” Drama Queen
“I have enjoyed reading each story with laughter, smiles and just feeling good. You have done a great job and hope there will be another book. I have even re-read some stories as I enjoyed them so much. Thank you.” Positive Attitude
“I thoroughly enjoyed and savored the beautiful life stories brought out in this book. Jan this book helped me appreciate every moment in life from the everyday amazing miracles that are always waiting to happen in our lives. Thanks so much for reminding me to savor each moment.” Barbara Berg
“I enjoyed every bit of the book and will read it over and over. At a time when so many people seem worried about my health, I pick up the book and in no time at all I am smiling. I think humor and positive attitude is the answer to healing...” June
“By virtue of age alone seniors have already been where most of us are yet to go. They’ve seen it all from the valleys below to the mountain tops above. ‘Hot Chocolate for Seniors’ is an anthology of human experience that speaks to the better side of human nature from the perspective of seniors who have special memories to share, not just with other seniors, but with people from all generations. A quick glance at the Chapter headings provides a road map for the reader to jump in where ever he or she pleases to learn a life lesson, to smile, to pray, to be surprised, to laugh, to imagine, to be inspired and to ponder a the meaning of it all through the eyes of those who have walked the walk, not just talked the talk. Recommend that you buy a copy of ‘Hot Chocolate for Seniors, for your own library as well as a gift for friends and loved ones who will much appreciate your thoughtfulness.” Donald
San Diego Jewish World: “An anthology of Positivity” - December 10, 2011 Hot Chocolate for Seniors compiled by Jan Fowler, Balboa Press of Hay House, 2011, ISBN 978-1-4525-3945-4, 319 pages, $21.99 By Donald H. Harrison
- Donald H. Harrison
SAN DIEGO –This is an anthology of positivity with more than 100 short stories, most not longer than three pages–covering such topics as unexplained but happy mysteries; love the second time around; remarkable pets, wartime occurrences, sports and outdoors adventures, sacred moments, successful aging, nostalgia, and life’s wisdom. It’s a book you can pick up for a quick pick-me-up. Among the authors represented in Hot Chocolate for Seniors is Dora Klinova, a San Diego county resident who offers us three noteworthy tales. One called “The Little Messenger” tells of a bird that kept trying to get into the house through an upstairs window — the very window that soon would become the room for the newborn baby. The day the baby was born the bird disappeared. Was this coincidence, or a soul trying to reach its next incarnation ahead of schedule? Another story tells of her experience with the late and still missed weekly newspaper, San Diego Jewish Times, whose leaders sent her a small gray elephant, unleashing memories of a toy she had as a Jewish refugee child in Uzbekistan. The third, “The Pacifier,” tells of an infant who found a remarkable way to get her sleeping mother’s attention. According to the book jacket, the anthology’s compiler Jan Fowler had a long career as a speech pathologist before becoming a columnist, Los Angeles-area television producer, and speaker on senior topics, as well as the founder of a nonprofit organization supporting Drug Court. Some of her stories also are included in the volume. One is “I Remember How The Fiddle Played,” in which she tells of a surprising encounter resulting from a poem that she clipped from a newspaper some decades before and carried around in her wallet. The poem by Pegasus Buchanan was called “Night Song.” Another of Fowler’s stories, “The Rummage Sale,” tells of persuading her children to donate their unused toys and clothes for the YMCA Rummage Sale. Their acquiescence earned them some money to buy any items they wanted at the sale. Can you guess what happened? A concluding piece “Senior Savvy” shares some of her wisdom. Of 14 points, I’ll quote three so you’ll get the flavor: “Mother was right — a smile may be your best asset.” “Avoid portion-distortion like the plague.” “Don’t ‘over-think’ problems. Instead, dive into solutions”… and for seasoning, there are contributions written by such celebrities as Rabbi Harold Kushner, former astronaut and U.S. Senator John Glenn, former California First Lady Maria Shriver, Tour de France bicyclist Lance Armstrong, and former TV anchorman Tom Brokaw. Regarding the popular excitement that greeted the announcement that at age 77 he would return to space aboard the shuttle Discovery, Glenn commented that “older people have just as many dreams and ambitions as anybody else and …they should continue to pursue them.” They also have wisdom, humor, whimsy, wit, knowledge, and reverence — as this anthology clearly demonstrates. * Harrison is editor of San Diego Jewish World. He may be contacted at donald.harrison@sdjewishworld.com