Book Announcement!
Book Cover Mock-up
For the past few years, in between running my business, I’ve been working on a dream I’ve had since I was about ten – that is, to write a book about my life, about living with cerebral palsy. Egotistical? Perhaps. Although I look at it as my way of passing on the lessons I’ve learned in hopes of making someone else’s life easier.
First, and foremost, I am writing this book for youth and young adults with cerebral palsy to motivate, to inspire and to share how I have navigated life. Sometimes simply reading how someone else handled a particular situation gives the reader the encouragement and ideas for handling a similar situation.
I am also writing this for parents, who, after having their bundle of joy gently placed in their awaiting arms, are given the devastating news their baby has cerebral palsy. In an instant, their hopes and dreams for their child, as well as for their family, are smashed. I am hoping this book will offer a glimmer of hope for these parents, as well as for the siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles. I want to show that life can still be meaningful, despite cerebral palsy. I hope the book offers parents ideas when raising a child with cp; however, realizing that no two children with cp are the same, there is no guarantee these ideas will be appropriate for every child.
I am also hoping that Human Resources managers, who want to hire employees with disabilities but still have the heebee-geebees simply because they don’t really know anyone with a disability, will experience an increased comfort level being around people with physical disabilities.
Lastly, I’m hoping the book will help doctors see beyond the disability and the can’ts, and see the patient as a person filled with capabilities, potential and desires. But that may be expecting far too much from only one book!
The writing has been dragging on, often put aside when “real” work piles up. To keep myself on track, I have recently committed myself to launching the book on my 40th birthday - November 4, 2006! I figure that will be a great way to celebrate the big four-o! I think it is a very doable goal!
However, there is one minor glitch. I don’t have a publisher, yet. If you have any contacts in the publishing industry, I am all ears!
I will post updates on the book’s progress and as I search for a publisher or explore self-publishing options. One way or another, I will make this dream come true!
Glenda - SO glad to hear your amazing book will be shared with the rest of the world soon. Having been lucky enough to read excerpts I KNOW how valuable this information is to get out - both on a professional level and a personal level for families dealing with CP. I’ll be doing my best to help you find a publisher and promote this book!
Your friend (and HUGE admirer) always,
Wendy
Comment by Wendy McClelland — October 8, 2005 @ 9:16 am
Hi Wendy,
Thanks for your encouraging words. By publicly committing to a launch date, I feel like my lifelong dream is finally becoming reality! It is VERY exciting! And now we can start planning for the book launch / 40th birthday party. It’ll be one heck of a bash!
In the meantime, I’ll keep writing. My goal is to have the first draft complete by early spring. I’m currently writing the chapter on my university years. Did you know that by the time I completed my Bachelor of Arts degree, I had spent a quarter of my life at university? Amazing.
Talk with you soon, my friend.
Comment by Glenda — October 8, 2005 @ 10:41 am
Hi Glenda, I know that when you say you will do something by a certain date you will do your very best to do it! I have booked your special date ,November 4th 2006, on my calendar. Good luck with finishing your book. I am very proud of the ” I’LL DO IT MYSELF GIRL”. Love Mom
Comment by Heather Watson — October 8, 2005 @ 3:10 pm
Hi Mom,
This is so cool - I never imagined my technophobic Mom posting on my blog! Way to go, Mom!
I am definitely going to do my best to meet this date. I will do whatever it takes to make it happen! Assuming the weather cooperates, I’m hoping you can be here for the launch/bash!
Thanks for being my Mom!
Comment by Glenda — October 8, 2005 @ 4:09 pm
I will put it on my Amazon.ca wishlist as soon as I see it.
My publisher doesn’t normally do this type of book but perhaps she might have some contacts. Contact Ellenn at http://www.againsttheclock.com.
Comment by Jules — October 11, 2005 @ 8:33 am
Hi Jules,
Thanks for the lead. I appreciate it. I’ll definitely email Eileen. Wow, being listed on Amazon - that would be cool. Looks like I have work cut out for me!
Comment by Glenda — October 11, 2005 @ 9:09 am
Planning on being your midwest agent and tour guide. You put the WOW in life!
We’re eagerly awaiting your arrival in Michigan!
Love from the Librarians and their children
Comment by Carol — October 11, 2005 @ 8:00 pm
Hi Glenda
WOW!! I am so excited for you! I know that your dream will come true. Good luck finishing your book. Your positive attitude is an encouragement to all!
Love Auntie Fern
PS I like the book cover mock up. I will put November 4, 2006 in my calendar.
Comment by Fern Sutherland — November 7, 2005 @ 6:40 pm
Merry Christmas Glenda Watson Hyatt!
I just read your top 3 wishes for Christmas on the IVWCC site -
which brought me to your blog - and I just may be able to make
your dreams come true.
I admire your TAKE ACTION attitude, and putting your BIG Goal up
there on your blog and in the IVWCC room for all to see what your BIG
DREAMS are. And I’m a Huge Believer in “telling everyone you can
about your “impossible” dreams” because THAT’s the way BIG things
happen!
I recently got connected with a New York Publisher who is
interested in publishing my book - and, Lord willing, by the New
Year - this will be a dream come true for me! (and if I didn’t
“put it out there” and make it a goal for myself, I wouldn’t now
be in this position to help you get a leg up in the publishing
arena.) So - now I’m here to pay if forward - expecting positive
things.
I believe I can pitch your book to a New York Publisher, who
would be interested in your story, and get him to publish it.
So - Here’s your Christmas gift from Coach Deb at RPM Success
Group - to help make your BIG Dreams come true - this year:
3 Private consulting / coaching sessions to review your book,
create a plan to get your book picked up, and discuss proven
marketing strategies to get your book out there.
A Personal introduction to my New York publisher - to get that book
of yours published!
3 months in the Business Owner’s Coaching Club -
http://BusinessOwnersCoachingClub.com where you’ll learn the
secrets of Influence and create a plan to get people to say YES
to YOU and your book (and book proposal.)
2 scientific assessments - to accelerate your progress of being a
powerful person of influence.
Mele Kalikimaka &
Hauoli Makahiki Hou!
May ALL your Dreams come true!
Deborah Cole Micek
“The Communication Coach”
RPM Success Group Inc. (R)
Learn… Laugh… Profit! (TM)
http://BusinessOwnersJournal.net
Comment by Coach Deb — December 16, 2005 @ 4:04 pm
Dear Deb,
Thank you so much for your most generous Christmas gift! I was nearly in tears [the good kind] as I read your post. It is so awesome that you, who don’t really know me, would be so supportive of my dream - a dream I’ve had since I was about ten, a dream that WILL come true next year! Mahalo.
I need to finish this current project by mid-January, then I can dive into finishing writing my book and make it a reality in time for my fortieth birthday next November. I’m so excited! And, with your generous gift, I just KNOW this will happen. Thank you.
Mele Kalikimaka!
Comment by Glenda — December 16, 2005 @ 8:29 pm
Wow - hi Glenda,
Just came across this entry now… That’s exciting news, and congratulations! Please do post more to keep us all up to date, ok?
Cheers,
Derek.
Comment by Derek Featherstone — February 1, 2006 @ 7:53 pm
Hi Derek,
Thanks for stopping by! I definitely planning on blogging about my journey from dream to published book. Also, be sure to sign up for updates about the book and any pre-launch specials at my newly launched website.
Comment by Glenda — February 1, 2006 @ 8:35 pm
Oh - nice stuff… Looking forward to reading more, and I’ve signed up for updates!!
Comment by Derek Featherstone — February 1, 2006 @ 9:52 pm
Thanks Derek! I appreciate that. Please be sure to your friends about my book and to sign up for the updates. I’m hoping that more people express an interest in the book by signing up, the more interested publishers will be. At least, that is my current plan!
Comment by Glenda — February 1, 2006 @ 10:43 pm
I also read your top 3 wishes for Christmas on the IVWCC site
which brought me to your blog - and I just may be able to make
your dreams come true also !
Comment by Mike — December 11, 2006 @ 2:40 pm
[…] ceived once I became serious about finishing the book and announced a deadline on my blog (http://webaccessibility.biz/blog/?p=16). That support, much from strangers online, continued on thro […]
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