Shortly before Bob Yehling died in October, 2024, I promised him that Write Away Books would establish a scholarship at Carlsbad High School to encourage graduating seniors entering journalism or pursuing writing.
Bob and I started Write Away Books together, and I was always impressed with his prolific writing and editing abilities as the founder and president of Word Journeys Literary Services (245 books over his 45-year career).
This all started with a career that began at 16, when he became a sportswriter for a daily newspaper in Oceanside and covered amateur and professional surfing.
As a Carlsbad High School graduate, Bob credited much of his initial motivation to the lessons he learned there and the lifelong friends he made.
Since this scholarship was announced, I’ve witnessed family, friends, fans, and strangers alike stepping forward to donate. Businesses, the Carlsbad Rotary Club, and authors with whom Bob worked over decades all want to be part of this effort.
It’s both touching and impressive to see the outpouring of support in Bob’s name. I’d encourage you to also get involved.
Naturally, spreading the word was helped by my setting up and contributing to a Kickstarter fund; discussing it on various social media platforms; speaking at his celebration of life; and promoting it in newsletters and other channels.
We’ve also had discussions with the San Diego Foundation about establishing a perennial scholarship once we raise more money.
Regardless of what you sell, you may also have someone in your life whom you wish to honor. Having someone important enough to your personal or professional life who you believe deserves this sort of legacy is good for their memory, your sense of involvement, and those who benefit from you paying it forward.
We’re planting seeds today, and it will be years before the results are seen. Still, my team is willing to make that investment. We have enough for five scholarships, and may be helping a future star reporter jumpstart their career with our act of generosity.
I’m willing to take that chance.
Let’s face it: it’s a rough world out there right now, and teenagers need every advantage we can give them. So listen to the words of director Spike Lee, who advised: “Do the right thing.”
With that said, I wish you a week of profitable marketing. Help a youthful journalist. https://tinyurl.com/yehlinghelp
