I’ve wanted to write and publish a book for decades, always keeping the idea in the back of my mind.  “Someday,” I’d tell myself, “when my life isn’t as busy.”

While years passed, I never stopped believing it would happen. My passion for writing – and the joy it has always brought me – was as strong as ever.

I remember the exact day and moment it became real.  It was on Friday September 14, 2018, during a long Dover walk, on  a still hot, late summer day. I was 64 years old; my birthday was exactly one week away.

”Go for it,” the little voice inside shouted out, ‘the time is now Andy. Make it happen.”

Energized, I put a plan in place.  I spent the next nine months thinking about the angle of the book, researching ideas and brainstorming in person with people I knew in Boston, New York City, Naples, Florida and Washington, D.C.. The famous advice for authors –  “Write what you know” – helped me zero-in on the angle: I’d write a business book about companies doing “emotional marketing” (head and heart branding). The idea still wasn’t crisp enough; I knew it was too vague. I couldn’t figure it out.

In May, Grammy and I went to France, recharging batteries in Paris and Normandy. In June I had shoulder rotator cuff and bicep surgery at Mass General Brigham; my recovery was long.  I got caught up in the busyness of Fall and holidays but never stopped thinking about the best angle for my book; it was always in the back of my mind and I kept refining various ideas. I wanted to write a book that would inspire others, something meaningful.

When New Year’s 2020 dawned, I was refreshed, focused and energized. Something had happened over the last eight months: the book angle was now crystal clear.  I’d write about lesser known – but successful – companies making the world a better place, deeply caring about their people, the planet and community.  I’d make their stories come alive through the first person perspective of the inspiring founders, CEOs and sustainability leaders who made greater purpose happen. The book would inspire other businesses to make the world a better place, a noble mission indeed.

It was time to Do It.

I researched hundreds of potential candidates, narrowing down the list as the months passed.  My first interview was in March 2020.  One week later COVID-19 descended upon the United States as it spread across the globe. Everything shut down, communication was difficult, no one wanted to (or could) meet in person.  It wasn’t easy getting people to answer emails and care about being in my book.

2020 was a nightmare, but I kept my dream alive, working hard, pushing through barriers, never giving up. I built relationships with companies I didn’t know (except for one, RedRiver in Claremont, NH). I switched to Zoom to conduct real-time video interviews with business executives. By the end of the year, I had written five stories.

2021 was better than 2020, but still challenging. I found five new companies with great stories and built relationships, eventually conducting interviews and writing their stories. By late August, I had written 10 stories (one dropped out).

During a complicated and extremely difficult time in my life, I  found the focus and energy to get through the home stretch. With help from key people (Grammy; Amy Pattee Colvin, my editor; Fiona Wilson from UNH and the design company 100 Covers), I created a book cover, finished editing, secured “book blurb” quotes from people (for the back cover and Amazon page) and wrote six other book sections. There were endless readings and improvements. I secured approvals from each of the nine companies, the final step.

On November 9, 2021, on my son’s birthday, The Purposeful Nine was published on Amazon. I was proud of the final product.  My dream had become reality.