Ed. Note: I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado.  When my husband and I married, we moved to a small town in NW Colorado.  The last winter we were there, temperatures consistently dipped to forty degrees below zero. 

Planning retirement often consists of finding an oasis that allows you to enjoy the best of a community without the disadvantages that most localities possess.  Welcome to the world of the snowbird.  If you dream of a retirement haven, snowbirds manage to have it all, without much of the disadvantages that come from living in only one location.

Len Schritter has written a delightful book describing the Secret Life of a Snowbird.  
 
Why did you write this book?
 
    It was a perfect storm of two divergent happenings that put me on the path of writing my first book at the age of 57.   1) Always wanting to be a writer but never doing anything about it.  2) Being a part of a unique lifestyle and culture that seemed to be a well kept secret to the rest of society. 
 
 What do you want your readers to learn or take away from this book?
 
     Most of all, I want my readers to smile.  At our age, life should not be taken so seriously.
 
 
What research did you do for your book?
 
     I lived it.  Every story is taken from a real life experience.  You can’t make this stuff up. 
 
 Who was the book written for?
 
     Everyone,  Snowbirds, snowbird wannabees, children and grandchildren of snowbirds, neighbors of snowbirds,  etc.  This book is a fun read for anyone who is old or going to get old, or knows someone who is old. 
 
What problem does this book solve for your readers?
 
     I try to make my readers feel what I feel as I go through my day as a Snowbird in Arizona.  When you get done reading my book, you should be able to say that you know what it feels like to be a Snowbird. 
 
What has been the reaction to your book?
 
     Those who have read it love it.  Readers tell me that they felt like they were right there with me, relating to the snowbird experience and they can’t wait for my second book. 
 
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your book or your experience in writing it?
 
     This book was not just thrown together quickly and sent off to a publisher.  I took my time.
 
     Realizing that I knew nothing about the process, I first read all the books I could find on the subject of writing books.  I also took in many seminars and writer’s conferences, learning from and talking to other writers and professionals.
 
      I wrote and rewrote and reworked every chapter over and over again.  Only when I felt that I had done all I could to make this my very best effort, did I consider showing it to a publisher.  It took two years from start to finish and I can truly say that I’m proud of the finished product.   
 
 
Purchase The Secret Life of a Snowbird: An Inside Look at
Retirement in America s Sunbelt (HINT: It s humorous, poignant and
warm!) at Amazon.com.  Visit Len’s website www.secretlifeofasnowbird.com