All Categories - The20Project

Unlikely places...

9/20/2015

I don't know what it is but The20Project keeps popping up in the most unlikely places! I had another order off of the website last week and someone emailed me out of the blue the other day to say it showed up on her search results! Love it!

Thank you for supporting us!

Yet another book review!

5/12/2015

While we wait to hear how things went down under today, Heather Stafford sent me an email to let me know that we have another review up! Thanks Andrea!

Check it out on her blog: Good Girl Gone Redneck

The 20Project is a book filled with a collection of stories of individuals who are reflecting back on their lives prior to turning 20 (or so) and sharing with us, the readers, the points of that time period that they deem the most critical, important and possibly life-changing.

When you hear that you're intrigued, right?

I definitely was when I came across an opportunity to review this book (a copy of the book has been provided to me to facilitate this review).

The 20Project sounded like something I'd enjoy reading. Something that would leave me reflecting back on what I might choose as my most important words of wisdom to someone much younger than I am right now.

And to some extent it did. It had me laughing, thinking, wondering, questioning.

I don't know that I found the perfect advice within this book - but I think that's the whole point of it. The point of compiling these stories is that everyone's turning point, everyone's reflection, these pivotal moments in the lives of the contributors and people in general? They're all going to be different. They're going to resonate with some and not others. Because people are unique - even with the similarities between us.

What I did find a reminder from contributor Margaret. The reminder is simple - but so very important. DO WHAT YOU LOVE.

Do what you love.

How very simple, right? And yet - it's something that we fall behind on. Something that, especially in our early years of working and figuring things out, that we forget about.

If you're a college graduate you feel like you MUST work in the field you studied. What would be the point of your education if you didn't do that? If you're in a job that you've been at for a long time it's the stability you don't want to let go of.

But what if you don't love the work you're doing? What if you dread dragging yourself out of bed in the morning, your commute is awful and you're counting the minutes til lunch for the first half of the day just to get out of the building?

I'm going to go out on a limb here and assume you're not doing something that you love if you're experiencing all of these things. Or even one - for an extended period of time.

Start asking yourself questions. Figure out what you WANT to do. It's never too late to find what truly interests you and turn it into your chosen profession. I'm actually an example of that!

After four years of undergrad for Communication Arts and nine years in publishing - yes, NINE YEARS - I switched paths. I found myself taking courses one at a time towards my Masters of Social Work. Once I took the four I was limited to without officially enrolling in the Masters' program I decided it was what I needed and wanted to do. And so I did it.

I found my way.

The contributors of this book offer so many examples of how they found their way. Whether travel was the answer, a job in a new field, a new country, even - they've got stories you'll sift through until you find the one that resonates with you most. Or you'll do like I did and find bits and pieces of each story that mean the most to you.

My list from this book for those of you looking to find your way towards your next journey is as follows. Take notes. Or just pick up a copy of the book for yourself.

Margaret - Do what you love.
Michelle - The learning moments are important.
Tosh - Sometimes we can't see the answers that are staring us in the face.
Sébastien - Don't follow advice.
Dave - ... embracing change is positive.
Stephanie - Your journey is also a process of trial and error ... failure is only a lesson on how to be better on the next try.

For more info on this book, check out the trailer below. I kind of love that books have trailers now. There's something about SEEing it all in front of you that helps people who have ore visual tendencies, and surprisingly enough - I fall under that need now and then.

The 20Project is donating proceeds to Makomborero - a charity in the UK that helps to relieve poverty in Zimbabwe, Africa through the education of children. Head to their Giving Back information page to find out more.

* I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review. I was not compensated for posting this review. All expressed opinions are my own.

Book Launch 2.0 Aussie Style!

5/8/2015

Last night I attended a networking dinner where I met a young girl studying Business. She is at that part of her life where she has no idea what to do. Her study is a disappointment so she is considering changing course but is not sure to what.

Queue The20Project. A reflection of those who have dredged themselves through that part of their lives.

It made me think back to that part of my life. The absolute terror of uncertainty. Knowing I wanted to do something but having no idea where something resided.

So I just went about living; filling myself up with people and places. Eventually things started to coagulate into concrete ideas. Decisions were made. The terror abated.

My story built itself into a tower of paragraphs and pages.

Perhaps then, as much as The20Project is advice for those on the light side of 20, it is also validation for the contributors that our lives have moved beyond those days of empty pages to become something that can be shaped into a whole book full of words.

- Amberley

Please join us:
12 May - 18:30–19:30
Jeffreys Books
140 Glenferrie Road
Malvern, Victoria

Someone else got around to reading our book!!

4/21/2015

Love hearing what other people think of The20Project!!!

A review by and angel.....
Plum Crazy Life Blog.

At 33 years old I am at my busiest. I have 3 children, a husband, a part time job that I do VERY early in the morning, I run errands and I basically act as a personal secretary for the members of my family. I am on the other side of “20″ now. I am living a different life from before. That is something I have in common with the 21 contributors in “The 20 Project”.

The 20 Project is basically a collection of stories, thoughts and lessons from people who made it through their 20′s and lived to tell about it. Many contributors share important lessons they had learned about life up into their 20′s but didn’t realize how important they were until later on in life. As I am reading through the book I sit back and think “Huh you know what…they are right!” or “OMG I totally get where they are coming from”. It is so very easy to find a connection with at least a few of these contributors even though they are from all different countries, races, religions and backgrounds. I am going to list some of my thoughts on 2 of the contributors, Alma and Heather. These are two that I connected with the most.

~~Alma~~

Alma writes about a lesson her grandfather taught her. He basically tells her not to get old. She goes on to explain what she thought it meant at the time and then years later what she realized it really meant.

I connected with her story because my grandfather also played an important part in my life. He had his own snippets of wisdom and her story really made me sit back and think those over. After finishing her section I couldn’t agree with her more! I totally got the lesson and could apply it to my current life. I am striving now to Never get old.

~~Heather~~

Heather is one of the co-contributors here on the Plum Crazy Blog. She has her hand in many different projects, works a full time job and runs her home side business at Gemini Red Creations. Having gotten to know Heather over the past few years I knew she had a great work ethic and an amazing support system. I felt I knew her well enough that I wouldn’t “learn” anything new from her entry. I was wrong.

Heather speaks about how an important work ethic is important from the very beginning. She also speaks of how you should never give up on your dreams or ambitions even if they are as unattainable as owning a bank. She touches on the importance of your parents even if you feel they are the enemy and that you WILL work with people you can’t get along with. These are all relate-able points. I have NEVER worked a job that I loved everyone 100% and couldn’t wait to get to work and be around them. There is always that 1 person that just doesn’t gel with my personality. My mother was my “enemy” in my late teens and early 20′s. She is the reason I packed up and moved to New Jersey. Looking back now, especially since I am now a mother, I realize she was just doing what she had to do so that I could be the best person I could be. I find myself acting more like my mother every day. I am hoping my children can pick up some of these lessons from me.

Over all I am really enjoying “The 20 Project”. I recommend it to anyone looking for a quick read and something worth reading. When you read the book you get a sense of warmth and realization.

Life advice in your 20s

4/10/2015

Aaaannnnndddd.... another!

Check out the review from Pink Paper Doll -> Life advice in your 20s

Wish you had a good source of life advice in your 20s? Who better than those who were somewhat recently in your 20-something shoes? The20Project is a collection of stories, wisdom and advice from life on the other side of 20. The20Project Book Review I received a copy of The20Project to review. As I pored over the stories, I looked for common themes in the authors’ stories. Travel emerged as a theme–make sure you travel in your 20s, peeps–as nearly every author mentioned travel as a turning point in their young lives. Winding career paths is another theme. So take heart, young professionals, if your career journey has some surprises. The biggest theme I saw was that there is only one way to live your life–your way. Each person featured in the book had to discover their own path, some with more struggle than others. If this book teaches anything, it is to be fearlessly yourself.

The essays are unpolished at times, but that adds to its realism and honesty. These aren’t professional writers, they are real, relatable people. Authors of varying ages beyond 30 from around the world share what they learned in life through their 20s. The diverse backgrounds of the writers offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of others through their life advice in your 20s.

Although the book is written for readers in their 20s, it would also be useful for high school students or anyone at a life crossroads.

Giving Back
Another theme I saw in the book is the importance of giving service through one’s chosen career path and activities. One of the reasons I was excited to write this review is that the books’ purpose isn’t to make money, it’s to share and help others with life advice in your 20s. All proceeds from the book go to Makomborero, a UK charity that helps with poverty relief in Zimbabwe through the education of children.

Life Advice in Your 20s
What is your advice for twenty-somethings or the best advice you’ve gotten? Join the conversation in the comments below!

Wine in Mom - Book Review!

4/8/2015

They are starting to come in fast and furious....

Check out our latest review -> There's no wine in mom!

Wednesday, April 8, 2015
The 20 Project
I had the opportunity to review The 20 Project, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Some days it's hard for me to remember that my 20's are long gone. Because most days I don't feel any older than 25 but alas those days are nearly 10 years ago. And the older I get the more I find myself thinking, "if I only knew then, what I know now". Would I change things, no. Would I do things differently, yes. Like paying way more attention in my New Media Studies course that basically was Intro to Blogging and Social Media.

While we can't turn back time, we can learn a lot from our 20's and that is what The 20 Project is all about. The 20 Project is a collection of stories, wisdom and advice from life on the other side of 20.

The book was compiled by Hilary A. Curry with the hope that it could help young adults through the quarter-life crisis, though the messages and themes of the story will resonate with readers of all ages.

The 20 Project takes readers on a journey beyond their 20's. There seems to be a misconception that life ends at 29, that we are a culture so obsessed with youth and that nothing exciting happens after yours 20's. But I don't believe that and these stories show that life can be so much more, despite of or because of your 20's.

The stories that spoke to me the most are those where people lives took them to new cities and countries. And while the stories are full of missteps and struggles, the authors still end up living a fulfilled life. I think these type of stories can serve as an inspiration to anyone who is unsure of what to do next in life.

What I took away from these stories was that life is about taking chances, not just in your 20's but throughout life. You need to make mistakes, take risks, and leap for something new because you never know where it will bring you.

Oh the places we will go.....

4/7/2015

Yea!!! WE have another review. Please click on the link but I have also posted the content below. Thanks Angela!!!

In other news The20Project book launch in Australia is coming up. Details will be posted here shortly. Watch this space!!!

http://clutterboxread.blogspot.ca/2015/04/the-20-project-compiled-by-hilary-curry.html

I received this book for free in exchange for review. Originally I was thinking it would take me a few hours to devour and read. Except that I do that only with fiction. Anything outside of fiction I take 4 to 5 times longer to read. In the case of this book. Each story would take me a half hour to read but then three or more days to reflect on. There is such wisdom in this book.

I have greatly enjoyed reading this. To review I decided to take each story and share my favorite line from each person.

Alma
"Whatever you do. Don't. Get. Old

Amberley
"But I want to play amongst the stars"

Dave
"One thing for sure; it affected my sister and me in totally different ways. She is a devout Catholic and a devoted mother to 11 fantastic kids, is enjoying a long and happy marriage and has never felt the urge to ever set foot outside Australia. Conversely, I'm a single man, an atheist, and a frenetic traveler. Yet, we also love each other to death, despite the many differences. Go figure, as they say!"

Flavio
"The good thing, though, was that as soon as I began the trip, they then believed in me. It was the moped that they doubted more."
"The hardest obstacles are the ones you create for yourself in your mind."

Heather
"When one dream ends in the way you didn't expect, just pick a new dream, new path, or a new passion. It doesn't have to be the end of your life as a dreamer!"

Hilary
Scuba diving sounds fun

Juan
Where do you see yourself in five years
"if you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time " Zig Ziglar

Julia
Don't write something off, whether a career path, a person, a city, or a new bottle of hot sauce, until you've tried it.

Margaret
Life has not been a smooth ride where everything is in perfect alignment.
Out on a limb by Shirley MacLaine
I have always searched for calm, patience, and serenity; however when I am stressed, in pain, or angry I recognize this as something in my life is not in alignment.

Michelle
Over the years, I've learned to try to have as little expectation as possible, so that I'm less surprised when things go differently than planned, and more importantly, I'm less disappointed when I go to a new place.

NJ
Success does not come overnight, and while this might seem cliche, the journey is more important than the destination.

Nicky
What is the worst that could happen? What is the best that could happen?

Rob
How does a marriage lat 20 years in this world? And why is that a question?

Russell
"They deem me mad because I will not sell my days for gold; and I deem them mad because they think my days have a price" Khalil Gibran

Sandie
Take time to listen to your inner self and get comfortable with who you are.

Sebastien
It's better to regret something you did than regret not doing it.

Shannon
To those 20-year-olds out there, from the sum of my life experience, I say, follow your heart. Be humble; try not to be egotistical and self-serving by finding a way to use your talents, intellect, skills and creativity to serve others. In doing so, you will find peace, happiness, purpose, and love.

Stephanie
Being aware of what you bring to every situation will ensure that no on ecan tell you what you're worth.

Terri
Some of the most important decisions in your life will require a lot of reflection, but this is not the only time when self-reflection can be beneficial. As you reach milestones, take a moment to look back and decide if this is still what you want, if this is still what makes you happy.

Tosh
Wisdom comes when you least expect it, and when you're most in need. The challenge is recognizing and doing something with wisdom when it comes.

NOTES: My favorite story was of Dave. I very much can relate to what he wrote about his sister and himself.
I am passing this book around to a few friends. I enjoyed it so much it definitely needs to be shared!

Blogger Reviews have starting coming in!

3/7/2015

The last time I touched base with you was January and since then, I have moved to Dubai and as you may surmise... it has been busy.

However, before I moved I shipped out a bunch of books to bloggers and they have started posting! Have a look at the first one: http://www.savingssarah.com/2015/02/20/listening-to-those-ahead-of-us/

Very exciting stuff. Stay tuned!

All quiet on the western front....

1/25/2015

I have a confession.... It has been almost a month since my last post on here! I am feeling a little bit guilty but to be honest there is only so much one person can do! On the personal front I am balancing job stuff, moving house and I started my PhD during the first week of January! To say the least I am swamped.

However, I have taken a few actions to move The20Project forward!!!
#1 - I am shipping books to Nicola Holden in the UK for Makomborero to sell directly from their site. Hopefully this gives them direct income!

#2 - I enlisted the help of Heather Stafford to enlist bloggers to read The20Project and post reviews. I prepped the parcels and this week and Margaret Ebrecht is helping me with shipping them out!

So, that's it for now - hopefully these stir up some more interest in the project. Thanks for your continued support!

Cheers, Hilary

What a year!!!

12/28/2014

January 1st 2014 I decided that I was going to create a project where people could share their stories with young adults who could learn from our mistakes (and publish a book!). It is now the end of December 2014 and we have not only met but surpassed this goal! In the beginning of this particular journey I was quite naïve about the process and the energy that it would take to complete. I had no idea that wrangling 19 other people and figuring out how to exactly 'self-publish' was going to be so much work!

A journey of a thousand miles must begin with one step.
Lao Tzu

Success by the numbers:

11 months from concept to published
20 contributors
47 people at the Vancouver Book Launch
54 hardcovers shipped
78 kickstarter backers
115 paperbacks shipped
5000 dollars raised by our kickstarter campaign
countless hours of admin!

Even though it has been a ton of work, I am so grateful for the participation of all of the contributors including the writers, designers, editors, and other very skilled people who have helped with The20Project. We are currently just passed 'break even' and it is my hope to make a donation to Makomborero in the Spring of 2015 with any profits.

What's Next?

Quite simply, we are looking for a publisher. This has been an amazing experience but the amount of marketing that is required is quite considerable and unfortunately I don't have the capacity for everything - but I will continue to sell and ship everything from this site in 2015 until all of the stock is gone.

Thank you so much for your continuing support for The20Project!!!