Accolades
"I think you make a number of powerful points and weave your own father's story into them beautifully ("Daddy suffered in silence—Are you next?"). It's not easy reading, because it's so painful and widespread, but I feel you have a story to tell."
Jim Comer, Speaker, Author of "When Roles Reverse:
A Guide to Parenting Your Parents" WhenRolesReverse
Austin, Texas
"Lou Guckian writes a fascinating and personal account ("Daddy suffered in silence—Are you next?") of an experience that is affecting millions of Americans. Elder abuse is a little-reported and a little-recognized form of social harm. The one thing certain in life is death. We can go comfortably with dignity, or we can experience a prolonged experience of indignity and maltreatment on the way. This is an important topic of interest to many people. Lou Guckian writes sensitively and with deep knowledge on this important topic."
Mike Brogden, Author
International Policing Expert
UK
"I would certainly like to see your article ("Daddy suffered in silence—Are you next?") published somewhere that will cause it to get some attention. Overall, I think it is a good piece. It covers a topic that needs to be published more often. Of course it has more meaning to me than it might to younger adults because of my age (75) and my recent experience with my father (who died at 85), step-mother (who died at 93 in 2007), brother (who died at 58 in 2007), mother-in-law (who died at 94 in 2002), and father-in-law (who died in 2006 at 98). Fortunately, I cannot recall an instance of elder abuse, at least for which I was aware. Although, my step-mother may have been abused in the years before she died of dehydration in a nursing home. That certainly suggests abuse and neglect by nursing home staff."
Gordon Sanford
S.C.O.R.E.
San Antonio, Texas
"I first skimmed the article ("Daddy suffered in silence—Are you next?") and found it hard-hitting, direct and eye-opening. It provides a separate and unique perspective from what you normally see in similar subject matter. The 'first person' approach is a cleaner fit and allows the reader to enter the realm of the individual living the experience. With the substantive research material backing the piece, the professional yet personal approach keeps the focus in perspective. I like what I read and, more importantly, what it says."
Patrick and Judy Guckian, Accredited Marine Surveyor/Proprietors
Aquarius Marine Systems
Port St. Lucie, Florida
"I just read your article ("Daddy suffered in silence—Are you next?"). WOW! First, let me say, you are truly a gifted writer. I loved hearing your voice in the story and am heartbroken to understand the circumstances surrounding your sweet father's death. I can only imagine how difficult that was for you. Second, I am grateful to you for writing the article. It has so much substance to it and seems relevant to everyone in America (from my very limited experience). I feel certain that you will hear positive feedback soon and will be published in the near future. I also love that you included the sidebar information. The whole time I was reading the article I was thinking 'What would I do?' and 'How could I do this differently?' Thanks for trusting me with your hard work."
Kristin Ruffin, Teacher
San Antonio, Texas
"I read your article ("Daddy suffered in silence—Are you next?") and it is professional, passionate and profound. Congratulations and good luck with the publishing aspect of it."
Jim Fagan, Executive Director,
Research and Development Associates
Military Food Services
San Antonio, Texas
"B. Lou Guckian dba FishHook has just completed work for the Campaign to Establish a Department of Peace, a group I represent here in San Antonio. Ms. Guckian wrote a press release for us and distributed it to a wide swath of local media. She worked closely with me and with our National Training Director in Washington, D.C., guiding us through the process of “getting the word out,” keeping in constant touch each step of the way, and then crafting an eloquent piece of writing. I don’t see how Lou could have been more conscientious and thorough nor done a better bit of writing for us. The interest she took in this task broadcasted clearly that her heart was in the assignment and that she was determined to do as good a job as she could, which turned out to be excellent. Lou succeeded at that even though we had her on a tight—too tight—of a deadline.
"If your experience in working with Lou Guckian is like that of the local Department of Peace Campaign, you will not be disappointed."
The Rev. Dr. Phineas A. Washer,
Campaign to Establish a Department of Peace,
Congressional District Coordinator, Bexar County
San Antonio, Texas
"Thank you so much for all your work, energy, and most of all, your dedication. As Vice President of PET San Antonio, I know your efforts were a tremendous success, and PET San Antonio is reaping all the benefits of your efforts. On a personal level, I will never be able to express to you how appreciative I am of your patience, not only with me, but also with our organization. For me, this has truly been a learning experience, and another good example to be careful what you wish for.
"Yes, we wanted to tell the story to San Antonio, hoping for volunteers and a little money, and yes, I really thought we were ready and long overdue on both needs. But never did I realize what all went into 'telling the story,' much less how unprepared I was for the surprising results. It has truly been a 'GOD THING' in bringing focus not only to me but also to our organization. With focus comes success, and that is what is happening now.
"We were busy before, and as I look back, busy to be busy. Today, with an onslaught of volunteers and money, we are now focused and busy being successful. Again, thank you, and please know that if there is anything that PET San Antonio or I can ever do for you, we are both as close as your phone. Thank you, again."
Sid Martin, Vice President, PET San Antonio
Helotes, Texas
"Lou Guckian of Fishhook did a wonderful job preparing an eye-catching, response-provoking press release for our Personal Energy Transportation ministry. Her masterful use of words communicated our goals, plans and needs to the targeted media outlets in a way that generated immediate results. Lou was flexible yet forceful, which ensured the completion of the project within the needed timeframe. I would recommend Lou to anyone needing a professional writer. I hope to have the privilege to work with her again on many projects."
Chris Bunch, PET San Antonio Volunteer, IT Research Consultant
San Antonio, Texas
"I was introduced to Lou Guckian by a mutual business friend. I engaged Lou to write and edit internet content. I found her to be a true professional and someone committed to finishing the project on the agreed-upon deadline, even though she had to constantly remind me to provide her with necessary information in order to do so. After the project was successfully completed on time, we engaged Lou to write and edit client spotlights for our quarterly newsletter and produce a marketing brochure."
Steven Bankler, CPA, PFS, Cr.FA
San Antonio, Texas
"B. Lou Guckian is a gifted, motivated writer and editor, a combination of pragmatic skill and a highly developed artistic flare. Her work is excellent by definition."
Author Lou Reyes
San Antonio, Texas
"Lou has such a gift for writing precise and engaging material that I find her to be a match for many of our assignments. She always meets or beats deadlines."
Sheri Rosen, VP, Employee Communications, Frost
San Antonio, Texas
"Lou Guckian did a tremendous job preparing important press releases for ENTRUST and our new division 'ENTRUST Labs.' Her press release engendered interest in our business and resulted in a featured article in a local business journal. But after the article appeared, I realized that Lou's press release was more informative and better written than the article was! So, now whenever anyone wants to know about ENTRUST Labs I send them a copy of the press release instead of the featured article!"
Mitchell R. Sowards, Consulting Services Manager
ENTRUST Technology Consulting Services
San Antonio, Texas
"Lou, I have really enjoyed working with you. You seem to be able to write in several different styles that meet the needs of our different clients. Whenever we send our clients to you, I know they will be taken care of. Thank you for being so easy to work with."
Tami Benson, Co-Owner, Benson Design Associates Inc.
San Antonio, Texas
"As a fast-growing company, we recognize the importance of having an 'expert writer' to assist all levels of our management team in creating our corporate procedure manuals and newsletters as well as helping to collect historical data of our 60-year old company.
This leaves valuable time for management to concentrate on the business of running day-to-day operations. Lou has been very professional and had great input in helping us complete projects in all of these areas that otherwise would still be sitting on our to-do list. Lou is a great asset to any organization."
Sherry Keller, Facilities Director; Pat Egger, VP, CCC Group Inc.
San Antonio, Texas
"We were faced with the task of combining several procedures manuals, all written in differing formats and writing styles. Lou efficiently redesigned and rewrote the manuals and highlighted areas that needed further development. This
allows us to focus on the actual procedures, rather than fumbling with structure and syntax. Thanks, Lou!"
Donna Rice, Internal Audit Manager, CCC Group Inc.
San Antonio, Texas
"Lou provided us with quality editing and top-notch service. Her professionalism and expertise exceeded our expectations. We would not hesitate to recommend her services."
Esther Foster, Foster Creative Inc.
San Antonio, Texas
"Lou's suggestions on the layout of our website coupled with the content she wrote for us gave our website a very professional look and feel. Lou did an excellent job of expressing our services.
I feel that anyone who visits our website gets a true understanding of what we are about. Thanks for your hard work."
Alicia M. Navarro, Owner, Bookkeeping Solutions of San Antonio
San Antonio, Texas
"Lou turned my real estate website into a great marketing tool that allows me to generate clients, who thanks to Lou's work perfectly understand the business I am in."
Brannon Wood, Realtor
San Antonio, Texas
"Lou, please give my name as a reference to help you obtain more business. Your work is excellent. Thank you."
Rosemary Flores, Owner, Federal Court Reports of San Antonio
San Antonio, Texas