An author might tell you that writing a personal book isn’t easy. It’s not easy to describe how you feel and you’re never sure how what you write will be received.
Putting a name to a disability
As a small child, I was never supposed to do well. My concern was being able to put a name to something I didn’t know I had. Going to the grave without knowing, was always a distinct possibility.
It is not a 'Disability Book'
My book Cerebral Palsy: 'A Story' is not a disability book. The first two chapters explain my disability. When you hear the term 'Cerebral Palsy,' it's easy to think wheel chair.
But my book, part memoir, part motivational guide, Cerebral Palsy: 'A Story' is my open and honest journey. It is heartfelt. The book is centred around not knowing about my disability. My thoughts and feelings growing up in the dark not knowing; my non-understanding, needing to understand, wanting to understand.
A book of hope and courage
My book gives clarity and understanding not only to me, but to anyone who chooses to read it. It is a book of courage, a book of hope.
As it has changed my life, it can positively change your life too; by giving you a different way to perceive and think. 'It is A perfect read for Covid-19' - @heatherboisseau @RedDoorBooks
If you fancy reading either of my books, you can grab paperback and Kindle copies on Amazon, or through the following link https://linktr.ee/Ilana_Estelle
It has been incredibly difficult for me to put pen to paper. Right at this point, I do have a lot of understanding, but I'm not expecting closure seeing as both of my parents have already passed.
They blamed everything that happened on each other, and refused to apologize so that isn't going to happen. I should take the time to write my own book, but I'm not really sure of how to overcome that hurdle.
A leap of faith would be good. Now through the pandemic would also be a good time to do it.
Thanks Randy. Writing isn't always easy. Being able to remember your thoughts in the way they happened and in the order they happened isn't always easy, but making a start is always the first step.
I was thinking about my journey this morning. Your parents might have passed and therefore you haven't heard anything from them, but if you could work on universal truths, you wouldn't need your parents to corroborate.
Writing about your truths and from the heart is a good place to start. It's not easy knowing how your truths will be received, but it's not about that they're your truths, they're not a discussion point.
Tell your parents how you really feel and they will sit up and listen.
It's not always easy writing about personal experiences, in your case about a disability you didn't know you had.
In your case, you had good reason to write a book, it was the only way you would know about your disability, for you to bring closure and it's what you have done. It is a book, which has not only helped you on your journey of self-discovery, but it is also helping others too.
When it comes to personal writing, there will always be people who have an opinion, but no one has the right to have an opinion or comment.
Having read your book, it should be on everyone's bookshelf.
Thank you. I hope my book will be on everyone's shelf! I concur with your comment. Yes, my experiences growing up not knowing, has been enormously difficult.
I hope that if comments are being made, those comments will be made after the book has been read and not comments based on the fact that I wrote the book. It's not a 'kiss 'n' tell' book. It's a book that is based on 'universal truths.' There are no opinions, comments or blame attached to the book.
What the book allows me to do is understand my disability, so that I can come to terms and bring closure for the first time. Through readings, mum is happy to tag along with me, and that heartens me.