July 27, 2013
This week, Sparkle Press, the publishing division of Sparkle Presentations, Inc., based in San Diego, completed the compilation of a unique publication, Heart of a Toastmaster book. The 256-page, 15-Chapter inspirational collection is by, for and about members of Toastmasters International.
Sheryl Rush was encouraged by Chief Executive Director of Toastmasters International, Daniel Rex to compile the stories and produce the new title, to join the already popular Heart Book Series.
From the Call for Submissions were posted through social media, email, newsletters, ezines, blog posts, word of mouth, speaking engagements and flyer distribution. At the final tabulations, there were 210 submissions, accounting for over 60,000 words, and received from around the globe.
The electronic press-ready book cover and interior files went to the printer on Wednesday, July 24, on schedule for release on August 21st at the Toastmasters International Annual Convention at Duke Energy Center, downtown Cincinnati, Ohio.
Three members were selected by Toastmasters world headquarters staff for the front cover of the book: Naomi Takeuchi, Dilip Abayasekara and Jan Mills.
Sheryl Roush has been honored with the highest communication and leadership designations the non-profit organization has to offer, including: Distinguished Toastmaster (leadership); Education & Training Award; Accredited Speaker (professional caliber speaking); Brand Ambassador; and the Presidential Citation (global communication and leadership).
Passionate about the worldwide movement Where Leaders Are Made, Sheryl was an ideal choice for crafting this compilation. “Being a member of Toastmasters, and gaining from what it has to offer, I went from being a shy business owner–crying during introducing myself at networking events–to being a confident presenter on stages as large as 5,000, keynote closing addressing conventions” she exclaimed. “I found my voice, my tribe, my heart in this organization. I would not be who I am today, had it not been for Toastmasters. It’s an honor to give back to the membership in this way,” Roush added. She has opened on stage for Marie Osmond, closed for Geena Davis, and presented on programs alongside Olivia Newton-John, Thurl Bailey, Art Linkletter, Suze Orman and Marcus Buckingham.
Other books in the Heart Book Series by Sheryl L. Roush include Heart of a Mother, Heart of a Woman, Heart of a Woman in Business, Heart of the Holidays, Heart of a Military Woman, Corazón de Mujer, and eBooks including Heart of Thanksgiving and Heart of Christmas.
The first story in the book, entitled “Homer” by Helen Blanchard, the first female International President, is available for download here.
The Heart of a Toastmaster is available for order now from here.