The next few years of Ted's life have since become subject of much biographical speculation. However, simple facts are that he and Plath had two children and moved to Devon in 1961. Their marriage began to disintegrate shortly thereafter and Hughes started an affair with Assia Wevill. He split from Plath and she committed suicide in her London flat in 1963. In 1969 Wevill also killed herself and their child. He married Carol Orchard in 1970 and spent rest of his life trying to protect his and Plath's children from media. Hughes published only children's poetry and prose in years following death of his first wife.

His next major work was “Wodwo” (1967), which took its title from a character in medieval romance “Sir Gawain and Green Knight”, and highlighted his increasing interest in mythology. He travelled to Iran in 1971, where he wrote verse/drama “Orghast” in an invented language. Some of his other collections include “Crow” (1970), “Cave Birds” (1975), “Season Songs” (1976), “Gaudete” (a long poem on fertility rites, 1977), “Moortown” (1979), “Remains of Elmet” (1979) and “River” (1983). Hughes was also one of originators of Arvon Foundation and was awarded an OBE in 1977. In 1984 he was appointed Poet Laureate and went on to publish “Rain-Charm for Duchy and other Laureate Poems” (1992). Then in 1995 he composed a poem about Elizabeth, Queen Mother, for her 95th birthday, likening her to a six-rooted tree. He also wrote many reviews and essays, some of which were collected in “Shakespeare and Goddess of Complete Being” (1992), “A Dancer to God: Tribute to T.S. Eliot” (1992) and “Winter Pollen: Occasional Prose” (1994). In addition to all this he also wrote many wonderful plays and books for children, including his remarkable fantasy “The Iron Man”. And when, just months before his death, Hughes released “Birthday Letters”, a collection of poems about his life with Sylvia Plath, it became an immediate bestseller throughout English speaking world and was widely praised for its searing honesty.

Ted Hughes died of cancer on 28th October 1998, having just been appointed to Order of Merit. Andrew Motion followed him as Britain's Poet Laureate.

6. Have a short, laser-sharp intro about yourself -- 20 words or less -- ready to go at all times. Be a graceful, yet tireless, self-promoter.

7. Commit to public speaking. Join a Toastmasters group for six months to increase confidence. Build positive relationships with everyone you play with.

8. Create an audio tape business card and give it away. This is an inexpensive, more three-dimensional opportunity to share an experience of you.

9. Involve yourself in your community on an issue you are passionate about. In giving you will receive.

10. Offer articles on what you’re doing to local media and professional newsletters. Write about where your passion comes from. Share who you are and why you aredevoting this stage of your life to this endeavor.

Watch for next month’s installment! Visit www.maggielichtenberg.com!

© Copyright 1999-2003 Maggie Klee Lichtenberg, PCC, Professional Certified Writing and Publishing Coach, and former publishing company executive (Beacon Press, Simon & Schuster, Bantam, Grove). Inspiring you to complete, publish, market, and distribute your work.