Reader Zaila explains how a physical disability triggered her determination to follow her writing dreams…
Zaila says:
I am thirteen years old and I was born with dislocated hips. I didn't have any hip sockets, and so even after many operations in my life so far, I still suffer pain every day. I cannot run, I can't walk long distances and I have never been allowed to do activities like ballet or horse riding. The thing is, I just live with the problem. I suppose it's not that bad, really. I am used to it. I might be limited in my options, but there is one special talent found from those limitations… writing.
I am writing my own book, and I even have a publisher who would like to see the finished manuscript. For me, writing is a good feeling - an escape. I honestly think that my hip problem inspires me to write more… perhaps it is my way of coping. I love to write. I get lost in my worlds, my new fantasy worlds where my characters are my family and my words are my speech. Recently I went along to a Cathy Cassidy book signing and arranged to meet Cathy for a coffee beforehand, as standing in the queue would have been difficult for me. It was great to meet Cathy and discuss writing issues and ideas - and get my books signed, too, of course!
So for all those girls out there struggling with disability of some sort, you are amazing. You too will have a special talent, you just have to find it. For all the budding authors, keep going. It may seem hard, but don't write something unless your heart is in it. It's also OK to slow down sometimes, as long as you don't stop. I know from personal experience that finding a good publisher can be hard. I found my perfect match, but only you know what and who will work for you. If I can do it, anyone can! I really hope that you will be inspired by my story - look out for me in the bookshops!
Cathy says:
It was lovely to meet such a determined and inspiring young author… Zaila is not the kind of girl to let physical failings get in her way! Does writing help YOU to handle your life? COMMENT BELOW to tell us how!
I am thirteen years old and I was born with dislocated hips. I didn't have any hip sockets, and so even after many operations in my life so far, I still suffer pain every day. I cannot run, I can't walk long distances and I have never been allowed to do activities like ballet or horse riding. The thing is, I just live with the problem. I suppose it's not that bad, really. I am used to it. I might be limited in my options, but there is one special talent found from those limitations… writing.
I am writing my own book, and I even have a publisher who would like to see the finished manuscript. For me, writing is a good feeling - an escape. I honestly think that my hip problem inspires me to write more… perhaps it is my way of coping. I love to write. I get lost in my worlds, my new fantasy worlds where my characters are my family and my words are my speech. Recently I went along to a Cathy Cassidy book signing and arranged to meet Cathy for a coffee beforehand, as standing in the queue would have been difficult for me. It was great to meet Cathy and discuss writing issues and ideas - and get my books signed, too, of course!
So for all those girls out there struggling with disability of some sort, you are amazing. You too will have a special talent, you just have to find it. For all the budding authors, keep going. It may seem hard, but don't write something unless your heart is in it. It's also OK to slow down sometimes, as long as you don't stop. I know from personal experience that finding a good publisher can be hard. I found my perfect match, but only you know what and who will work for you. If I can do it, anyone can! I really hope that you will be inspired by my story - look out for me in the bookshops!
Cathy says:
It was lovely to meet such a determined and inspiring young author… Zaila is not the kind of girl to let physical failings get in her way! Does writing help YOU to handle your life? COMMENT BELOW to tell us how!
I am sorry for your disability... but it is great that you write, and that it helps to keep you away from the hard stuff in life. I write as well, I get the beauty that you would see in it. It is my distraction, something i am good at myself. If you love something... don't stop doing it, it is a way to drift, to let go.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I hope you were all inspired by this story.
ReplyDeleteThis is so inspiring . . .
ReplyDeleteI LOVE IT!!!
I wrote an interview with Cathy Cassidy on my blog! :) :)
ReplyDeletehttp://bethmay75.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/interview-with-cathy-cassidy.html
Thank you all you guys!
ReplyDeleteKeep writing Zaila! ♡
ReplyDeleteI will, how can i stop doing the one thing that makes me happy. You're all awesome!
ReplyDeleteI've been housebound before because of an injury, and writing was something that helped me to not get depressed when I couldn't go out and do the things I wanted to do, like go shopping with my friends or go and play hockey.
ReplyDeleteNowadays I write because writing helps me to cope with the stresses and strains of life, and helps with my depression.
I just wish I had the attention span to be able to work on a novel...I di about six months worth of writing and loose interest, and then can't remember what it was I was writing about :(
Visions In Blue- I have some advice for you, work in short blocks, so it feels fun to be writing the novel. For example, write in short chapters, before you know it, you have a decent sized novel. It's a good idea to work on your focus, even if publishing isn't your thing.
ReplyDeleteI'm using the pen name A.L Meakin to publish, so if you want to read my book when it's published, feel free ;)
I feel sorry for you (about your disability) but i too love writing books. i love reading more, though. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteSe ya!
I must agree it's wonderful one! Lot's inspiration for another projects!
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I'm so sorry,Zailia, it's great you have found your talent! I have reduced stamina,....but I can walk, but I get out of breath easily when I'm running! I, too, am a buddding author- writing is my dream, as well as acting, and working for charity! For all girls with disabilitiesout there, you are very brave and awesome!:);)
ReplyDelete