Chantal M. Roberts's Blog: Tilting at Windmills Press

As the golden leaves of October rustle and the air chills with the whispers of goblins, ghosts, and ghouls, we gather here one final time. On this magical night of Halloween, as shadows dance and mysteries unravel, let's bid adieu to our blog journey with a touch of enchantment.

Have you ever thought of insurance as a spell, a charm to guard your precious treasures? For our grand finale, let’s craft a whimsical Halloween spell together! A concoction that represents the essence of protection, assurance, and the legacy of stories we've shared.

Elixir of Protection

To a cauldron add:

- A pinch of fairy dust from Once Upon A Claim.

- The wisdom of centuries-old fables.

- A dash of daring from every adventurer we’ve met in our tales.

- The comfort of knowing our possessions is secured.

- A sprinkle of shared laughter, lessons, and literary escapades.

- The golden promises of insurance, shimmering with trust.

Stir thrice with a wand made of gratitude and memories.

As the potion bubbles, close your eyes and make a wish for future tales, for lessons learned, and for the safety net that insurance provides.

While this marks our last shared moment on this platform, the magic of our journey lives on. Let the potion you’ve brewed tonight be a symbol of the bond we’ve formed, the tales we’ve told, and the assurance that while chapters end, stories linger on forever.

On this bewitching Halloween night, as you revel in festivities and maybe even brew your own concoctions, remember the tales, the insights, and the camaraderie. And as you turn the page to a new dawn, know that new adventures, albeit in different forms, await.

Until our paths cross again in the realm of tales and insurance, have a spooktacular Halloween! Keep the stories alive, and don’t forget the magic they hold. Farewell, dear readers, until the next spellbinding tale unfolds. ✨

The world of writing, much like life itself, is a constant journey of discovery and growth. Each chapter penned, each idea explored, brings with it a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of purpose. As I stand at this juncture, I’m thrilled to share that a new narrative is taking shape, a tale where the intricate world of insurance finds its voice in the realm of fiction. Think about the compelling dramas of John Grisham, but set against the backdrop of insurance mysteries and revelations.

This new direction doesn’t mean a goodbye. Rather, it’s a slight shift in our shared journey. As I dedicate my energies to bringing this novel to life, I’ll be taking a brief hiatus from our weekly blogs. Rest assured; the spirit of our conversations will continue to thrive.

I hope our bond, cemented over tales and lessons, remains unbreakable. While the blogs might see a pause, the stories and interactions are far from over. Dive into the world of Once Upon A Claim and share with me your favorite story. Every insight, every feedback, continues to inspire me to do better.

Let’s also keep the dialogues flowing on social media. Connect with me on Instagram and TikTok (@kcmroberts) – it’s always a joy to hear from you.

When one thinks of fairy tales, images of enchanted forests, talking animals, and magical spells often spring to mind. But beyond these captivating scenarios lies the heart of every fairy tale: a story that imparts wisdom, values, or insights. Similarly, in the realm of complex subjects like insurance, a narrative approach can unravel what often seems complicated, transforming it into something relatable and, dare I say, enchanting.

Fairy tales and fables help children learn about dangerous and scary situations in a safe manner. Adults, too, can learn about complex subjects when they are interwoven with compelling narratives. The reason? Stories tap into our innate desire for understanding, offering a context that pure data or abstract concepts alone might not. Through stories, abstract ideas take on form and color, becoming vivid and memorable.

Drawing from this inherent love for stories, I chose to use fairy tales as a conduit to simplify and elucidate the intricate world of insurance in my book, Once Upon A Claim. By juxtaposing familiar fairy tale scenarios with insurance concepts, what once felt distant and complex becomes tangible. Take, for instance, the idea of unforeseen challenges. While in fairy tales, protagonists might face unexpected curses or magical dilemmas, in our world, these translate to accidents, property damages, or health crises. By paralleling these scenarios, the nebulous world of claims, premiums, and deductibles becomes as clear as the moral of a well-told fairy tale.

In essence, storytelling becomes a bridge, connecting the known to the unknown, making the unfamiliar familiar. Through the magic of storytelling, fairy tales can be a lantern, illuminating the often shadowy corridors of insurance. Like those ancient storytellers, I've discovered that fairy tales can shed light on the complexities of insurance, leading readers to a clearer understanding.

Once Upon A Claim is now available everywhere you buy books. Please let me know what your favorite story is. 

You might think that having intricate knowledge about insurance would make handling personal crises a breeze. Yet, life has its way of throwing curveballs, proving that experience doesn’t necessarily equate to immunity from the initial shock of the unexpected.

Take, for instance, a memory that’s still fresh in my mind: the sump pump fiasco. After a particularly torrential spring season, my husband and I returned home one night to a sight that no homeowner wishes to see. Our basement was turning into an indoor pool, with an inch of water—still ominously rising. The irony wasn’t lost on us; both seasoned adjusters, yet there we stood, paralyzed by panic for those initial moments. Those few minutes felt longer than they actually were, but then something clicked. Our years of experience in the insurance sector kicked in, guiding our subsequent actions.

Reflecting on that event, an epiphany struck me: if two well-versed adjusters could be momentarily overwhelmed, how might a typical consumer feel in a similar situation? It’s a humbling realization and one that I use as a teaching moment. For adjusters under my tutelage, this anecdote serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion. Being an adjuster isn’t just about knowing the intricacies of policies; it’s about empathizing with clients, understanding their bewilderment, and guiding them with both expertise and kindness.

Moreover, I use this tale to stress the significance of consumer education. If more homeowners knew the immediate steps to take in the event of such a loss, the initial panic might be lessened. Offering guidance on proactive measures and practical responses can be invaluable.

In essence, our watery misadventure wasn’t just a test of our patience; it became a lesson in empathy and the undervalued power of preparedness, lessons I passionately pass on today through social media and Once Upon A Claim.

“A bride rode in a vermilion sedan, for it was her wedding day, and this was the color of celebration in her country, while white was the color of mourning. The bride’s mother tied small silver bells to the corners of the sedan’s canopy, which tinkled cheerfully and reminded her of her daughter, whose name was Liling which means ‘beautiful tinkling of jade.’ Liling’s mother drew the sedan’s curtains closed so that no unlucky influence on the way to the groom’s village could impact the marriage.”

This is the beginning of “The Practical Bride” a Chinese fable featured in Once Upon A Claim: Fairy Tales to Protect Your Ass(ets). In the story, the bride’s sedan, carried by four porters, falls apart. The Bride fixes the problem and makes it to her wedding with no one the wiser to the issues. The Moral of the Story concerns total loss auto claims. 

A total loss is when the insurance company has determined that the cost of repairing the vehicle exceeds its value, and it is more economical for them to settle for the cash value of the vehicle, rather than to repair it. Although total losses are not just for autos. It can also be for other types of property such as homes or contents. 

When there is a total loss, the resolution of the claim becomes more complicated. The next steps in claims resolution require delicate and well-timed coordination in order to minimize fees for the vehicle and to maximize returns for the carrier or the owner. Failure to complete any of the steps in a timely manner can equate to headaches for the adjuster and additional costs for the vehicle owner. 

Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey through the world of insurance and claims? Want to stay in the loop about the release of Once Upon A Claim: Fairy Tales to Protect Your Ass(ets)? Join me on this adventure by following me on social media at @kcmroberts on Instagram and TikTok. There, you’ll find bite-sized knowledge, engaging content, and updates on all things insurance-related.

In a world where fairy tales light up our imagination and take us on journeys to far-off lands, there’s a unique bridge that connects these enchanted stories to our everyday lives – the realm of insurance. Once Upon A Claim is more than just a collection of tales; it’s a tool that empowers readers to understand the intricacies of insurance through the magical lens of fables.

Imagine being lost in a dense forest, like many fairy tale protagonists, trying to find your way out. That’s how many feel when diving into the convoluted maze of insurance policies and claims. But what if there was a guide? A beacon of hope? This book serves as that guiding light, offering clarity amidst the fog of insurance jargon.

Fairy tales have always been about more than just the story on the surface. Beneath the engaging narratives lie profound lessons and morals. Similarly, Once Upon A Claim provides valuable insights hidden within delightful tales. While a prince might battle witches or face treacherous journeys, we grapple with unexpected accidents and unforeseen challenges. But with knowledge, both the prince and we can triumph.

It's fascinating how preparation is often the key to overcoming challenges in fairy tales. A hero might have a special charm or sage advice to aid them. In our world, understanding insurance and the claims process is our charm, preparing us for any accidents or mishaps.

With Once Upon A Claim, dive deep into a world where fairy tales and insurance intertwine, where every challenge has a solution, and where knowledge is your most powerful ally. Let these tales guide you, inspire you, and offer you the wisdom to navigate the world of insurance with confidence.

In the realm of storytelling, authors often start with a captivating tale and weave in lessons, subtly imparting wisdom to their readers. But when writing Once Upon A Claim, I embarked on a rather unconventional journey. The challenge? I knew the lessons I wanted to share, the pivotal “Moral of the Story,” but sometimes I had to find the right fairy tale to encapsulate each concept.

Imagine having a clear, vivid picture of a destination but needing to chart the path to get there. That was the essence of crafting some of the stories. “Bearskin” is a perfect example. I see the correlation clearly, but my proof- and beta-readers had more difficulty. It was akin to a puzzle, where the final image was crystal clear to me, but the pieces needed meticulous arranging for my readers to understand.

There were moments of doubt and frustration, of course. How do you find a tale that perfectly aligns with the nuances of, say, a specific insurance principle? But these challenges were also what made the writing process exhilarating. There’s a unique thrill in scouring through age-old tales, seeking that one story or character that clicks, resonating seamlessly with the lesson at hand. I relied on help, of course. My virtual assistant, Mary, helped identify some stories and possible themes. 

This “backwards” approach, while unconventional, led to some unexpected discoveries. Tales I’d overlooked or deemed irrelevant suddenly took on new significance. Stories from different cultures or lesser-known fables became goldmines of insights, waiting to be paired with the right “Moral.”

The end result? A book that not only educates about the intricacies of insurance but does so through carefully curated tales, each chosen for its precise alignment with the lesson it imparts. It’s a testament to the idea that sometimes, to move forward, we might just need to think a little backward.

To all aspiring authors and storytellers, I leave you with this: Embrace the challenges. Sometimes, the most unconventional methods lead to the most rewarding tales.

In the realm of storytelling, authors often start with a captivating tale and weave in lessons, subtly imparting wisdom to their readers. But when writing Once Upon A Claim, I embarked on a rather unconventional journey. The challenge? I knew the lessons I wanted to share, the pivotal “Moral of the Story,” but sometimes I had to find the right fairy tale to encapsulate each concept.

Imagine having a clear, vivid picture of a destination but needing to chart the path to get there. That was the essence of crafting some of the stories. “Bearskin” is a perfect example. I see the correlation clearly, but my proof- and beta-readers had more difficulty. It was akin to a puzzle, where the final image was crystal clear to me, but the pieces needed meticulous arranging for my readers to understand.

There were moments of doubt and frustration, of course. How do you find a tale that perfectly aligns with the nuances of, say, a specific insurance principle? But these challenges were also what made the writing process exhilarating. There’s a unique thrill in scouring through age-old tales, seeking that one story or character that clicks, resonating seamlessly with the lesson at hand. I relied on help, of course. My virtual assistant, Mary, helped identify some stories and possible themes. 

This “backwards” approach, while unconventional, led to some unexpected discoveries. Tales I’d overlooked or deemed irrelevant suddenly took on new significance. Stories from different cultures or lesser-known fables became goldmines of insights, waiting to be paired with the right “Moral.”

The end result? A book that not only educates about the intricacies of insurance but does so through carefully curated tales, each chosen for its precise alignment with the lesson it imparts. It’s a testament to the idea that sometimes, to move forward, we might just need to think a little backward.

To all aspiring authors and storytellers, I leave you with this: Embrace the challenges. Sometimes, the most unconventional methods lead to the most rewarding tales.

In a world where magic meets the mundane, fairy tales with their whimsical characters and enchanted lands might seem worlds apart from the practical realm of insurance. Yet, in the creative juxtaposition of Once Upon A Claim: Fairy Tales to Protect Your Ass(ets), these two seemingly disparate worlds intertwine, revealing captivating parallels and insights.

Consider the unpredictability of life. The fairy tale characters navigate unexpected curses, mysterious forests, and unplanned adventures; we, too, face unforeseen challenges. Insurance stands as our real-world safeguard, protecting us when we have losses.

Each fable within Once Upon A Claim delights with its story and imparts valuable morals. These aren’t the everyday lessons of childhood tales but deeper insights into the often complex world of insurance. Through engaging narratives, readers glean understanding and clarity on topics that might otherwise seem daunting.

Think about the importance of preparation. Our favorite fairy tale protagonists often triumph because they have the foresight to prepare, whether with a magical potion, sage advice, or a secret weapon. I’ve written Once Upon A Claim so you can understand insurance and be equipped with knowledge of the claims process should an accident occur. And of course, every tale has its challenges or ‘villains. Whether it’s a wicked witch, an evil stepmother, or an unexpected accident, with knowledge as our armor and insurance as our shield, we can face these challenges head-on.

Dive into the enchanting world of Once Upon A Claim, where fairy tales and insurance converge in a symphony of lessons and tales. By intertwining wonder with real-world wisdom, this unique book promises a reading experience that enlightens as much as it entertains.

#FairyTalesMeetInsurance #OnceUponAClaim #ModernTwists #LifeLessons

Tomorrow is National Read a Book Day for all the bibliophiles and budding readers out there! ✨ Today, we embrace the joy of diving deep into the pages of a book, getting lost in its world, and emerging transformed. Whether you’re a seasoned bookworm or someone looking for the perfect book to rekindle your love for reading, tomorrow is your day.

But why not make this day even more special? Dive into a unique blend of fairy tales intertwined with enlightening insurance concepts in Once Upon A Claim: Fairy Tales to Protect Your Ass(ets). The tales in this masterpiece offer both whimsical entertainment and insightful knowledge, ensuring every reader finds something to cherish.

Moreover, in the spirit of National Read a Book Day, let’s show some love to our local independent bookstores. These gems in our communities provide not only books but a sanctuary for readers, a place to connect, discuss, and discover new treasures. ❤️ 

So, here’s your call to action: Head to your nearest independent bookstore and grab a copy of Once Upon A Claim. Not only will you be treating yourself to an engaging read, but you’ll also be supporting local businesses, ensuring they continue to thrive and bring joy to readers everywhere.

And for those who’ve already dived into the world of Once Upon A Claim, share your favorite tales and insights with others. Let’s spread the magic!

End your day cuddled up with a great book, and let the tales of Once Upon A Claim guide you through a journey of enchantment and wisdom.

#NationalReadABookDay #OnceUponAClaim #SupportLocalBookstores #ReadingMagic #BookLoversUnite