We've all been at that proverbial fork in the road where we have to decide whether we'll listen to our head or our heart. I have to decide by the end of this week which path to take. A huge educational institution out of Washington D.C. sent me a contract for a story I wrote about a former colleague, a veteran teacher who made a tremendous impact on students, faculty and staff, especially me. My story is in the running. After all of the contracts are received, the publisher will make final determination as to which stories will go into the publication. It will then be distributed to public school teachers across the nation.
I have tried unsuccessfully for ten years to get this story 'out there'. Now the opportunity is here and I am wondering if I should give it away; compensation is a copy of the book in exchange for all rights. This goes against my better judgment, not the no stipend part, but relinguishing all rights. My heart tells me that this woman's story needs to be told. I know that her story will stop with me ( she is now deceased) if I decline to sign the contract, and I know that it will continue to impact others and have a wide reach if I release it. She was an inspiration to me, so in honor of Thurma Young, I think I shall sign the contract and allow her legacy to live on.
Thanks for listening late this evening while I reasoned with myself and wrestled with my conscience. Each of us has to do what's right for us. I work hard at my craft and I know that my words are valuable, but sometimes, money isn't the only payoff. How do you feel about this?