Motivational speaker and author of “Pieces of a Life” Judith Kaye is scheduled to appear at the Tyrone-Snyder Public Library on Saturday, May 3 at 1 p.m. in person to share the wisdom and humor she gained from years of writing her memoirs.
During the presentation titled, “What I learned about life while I wrote my book,” Kaye will share with the audience her background, the explanation and concept of her book, and if time permits, she will read a short excerpt from her memoirs.
Along with the presentation, she will also do a booksigning for those who have already purchased the book over the Internet or at Barnes and Noble. Copies of the book will also be available that day at the Tyrone-Synder Public Library for purchase. Kaye will donate a portion of the profits from the sale of her book to the Library.
Formerly Judith Eckroth, Kaye graduated from Tyrone High School in 1960. She now resides in Naples, Florida. She uses her background as a former beauty shop owner, Weight Watchers instructor, businesswoman and homemaker as the basis of her memoirs.
“I kept diaries from the time I was nine-years-old,” said Kaye. “I always liked to express myself on paper.”
She was a reporter and feature editor for the Tyrone High School newspaper, The Spokesman. She also used writing throughout life as communication skills in her businesses and as a Weight Watchers instructor. However, it wasn’t until Kaye started taking college writing courses that she finally received the encouragement and recognition she needed to begin writing her memoirs.
Currently, she is a member of the Naples Writing Workshop, which consists of a group of talented, published writers. Each year this group has a writing contest, and Kaye has won first prize three years in a row. She is also a board member of the Francobello Press, which is a small publishing company in Florida.
For her first book, Kaye does not yet have an agent or publicist. On her own, she has sold nearly 1,000 copies, which she feels is quite an accomplishment.
“I’m amazed that my story has connected with others. I’ve received over 300 letters of people who have read my book all over the country,” she said.
Kaye also served on the Grand Jury in Florida for six months and felt saddened to see so many young lives lost as a result of drugs and bad choices. She has made it her mission to share her own story with young people and encourage them to follow their dreams.
In the fall of 2002, Kaye traveled to several states on a booksigning and speaking tour. She spoke to creative writing classes at Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh and Harrisburg Community College in Harrisburg. She also traveled to Arizona and California where she gave presentations at country clubs, women’s groups and bookstores.
“I really want to encourage young people to follow their dreams,” said Kaye of why she enjoys speaking at high schools and colleges all around the country.
As for the future, Kaye is going to continue as a motivational speaker and as a docent for the Collier County Historical Society in Naples. As for another book, she believes anything is possible.
“I do have some ideas,” she said. “I have a hundred books in me.”
