The Flag and General Officers' Network

So You Want To Write A Book: FlagOPS Publishing

Fellow Flag & General Officers:

If you've ever thought about writing a book about your military career or your life, this will be of interest to you.

TFGON has been in discussions with Dennis Lowery and Jim Zumwalt for a few months on this idea ever since the topic came up about Flag Officers writing their memoirs and most not knowing "where to begin". I've known Jim Zumwalt for well over 25 years--- he's the son of Former CNO Admiral Bud Zumwalt and is a retired USMC LTCOL, as well as a published author and writer doing current-day OP-ED's on military and national defense subjects. Jim and Dennis are already collaborating on several books and they have a small company already in place, and they indicated to me that they'd be willing to set up a division of their company to provide for special handling for Flag & General Officers [TFGON Members] having an interest in writing a book. The following is their e-mail message to TFGON setting up that structure and then explaining what it's all about. I'm forwarding it to the TFGON membership so you can see what they are proposing and punch up their website for details and systemics and how it all works. If you have any questions, please contact Dennis Lowery direct at DMLowery@FlagOps.com Who knows, with this level of assistance in place, I just may have to write my own book----- my wife and daughters have already told me THEY will buy a copy-------------------------

With all good wishes,

Rear Admiral [Ret.] Jim Carey, National Chairman THE FLAG & GENERAL OFFICERS' NETWORK www.FlagAndGeneralOfficersNetwork.org

"The right of commanding is no longer an advantage transmitted by nature; like an inheritance, it is the fruit of labors, the price of courage." ~ Voltaire

One does not achieve flag rank without courage.

"A nation’s character is the sum of its splendid deeds; they constitute one common patrimony, the nation's inheritance. They awe foreign powers; they arouse and animate our own people." ~ Henry Clay

One who has achieved flag rank could not do so without accomplishing splendid deeds that each in their own way, resulted from their strength of character.

By the very nature of their accomplishments while serving our country, retired high-ranking officers, such as yourself, have a great amount of experience and knowledge that should be leveraged, tapped, promoted and disseminated both for their continued benefit to the United States of America and the public but, also, commercially for businesses.

Our Premise

Ben Franklin said, “Write things worth reading, or do things worth writing”.

We believe in this and have done just that in our personal lives and professional careers. The philosophy behind that statement serves, with a slight twist to it, as a thought to present to retired Flag & General Officers of the U. S. Armed Forces (for their consideration):

"You’ve done things worth writing, which are worth reading"

We feel that military professionals, especially senior officers … unless they go into politics or pursue a high-media-profile post-military career … are an under-served and under-heard voice and resource.

Our Mission

To provide “Staff” support service for these professionals to help them bring their writing to life (and to light) and if it is one of their goals, to help them build a forum for their voice” as an author, speaker, professional or consultant on any manner of topics and subjects. Retired Flag & General Officers who have an interest in writing and publishing books & articles (for whatever purpose important to them) deserve access to this level of support. As they have served this country with dedication & professionalism, we are here to serve them in the same manner and focus. We welcome and appreciate the opportunity to talk with any that have interest in how we can help them.

We want to thank you for this opportunity to share our Premise & Mission with you and it its own way, perhaps what we have to offer is an opportunity for you as well. That is in keeping with our philosophy that success in any endeavor (or relationship) comes from exchanging value and building upon mutual benefit.

We'll close with this: "Small opportunities are often the beginning of great enterprises" ~ Demosthenes

Please contact us with any questions; or just to talk about plans or objectives you may have for your writing projects. You can also find out more about us (including our contact details) online at our website, http://www.FlagOps.com.

Respectfully,
Dennis M. Lowery and James G. Zumwalt
Flag Officer Publishing Systems

Writing & Publishing Assistance and Services for the Highest Rank Retired Officers of our Armed Forces

FlagOps

Tel: 904.223.0355
Fax: 904.212.0137
Email: DMLowery@FlagOps.com
Site: www.FlagOps.com

Updates from FlagOps

“Finding the Time to Write” (how to create a 90,000-word manuscript, in 30-days, working 30-minutes per day, 5-minutes at a time)

Time. It is sometimes used productively; it is sometimes wasted; but, more often than not, time is always wanted. There is a finite amount given to us each day and infinite ways to spend it. For those who are busy—who want to write a book but do not feel they can as they feel they lack the time; there is hope.

Read more online at:
http://flagops.com/index.php/component/content/article/5-articles/11-finding-the-time-to-write

In my previous article on "Finding Time to Write", I showed you one way to use even small chunks of time to write your book(s). Now I'd like to share with you my new article:

"Getting Started" How to Plan & Organize your Writing

You have to have a plan on how to approach the project in an effective manner so that the time spent is on the "first things, first", to get your footing for the project. And more importantly, once you have the right plan, you have to execute it so that you put those chunks of time to good use.

The following game plan for getting (and keeping) a project rolling has worked for me and perhaps it will help you too.