Please
tell us something about yourself.
I'm 53 years old, going on 21 <big smile>, and enjoy my
work, my family, and my friends. God has blessed me a lot!
How did you react to the situation as a child when you
realized your shortcomings?
It never hit me so much when I was a child - that I had a
physical handicap- because my parents always surrounded me with
things I could do, like pencils and crayons, chemistry sets and
model clay.
Who helped you to overcome those feelings? How did your family
support you through this?
When I became a teen I realized I would have to cope with
discrimination in the area of dating. Then later employment. My
family always encouraged me to keep my dimples polished. In other
words, concentrate on my strengths.
You have completed several Bible courses. How were you able to
attend university? Would you like to mention any person/persons who
put themselves in the way to help you with this?
I attended all Bible Colleges through distance learning programs.
But I attended and graduated from Salisbury State University with a
BA in psychology.
There was no significant person in Bible Schools. I just wanted to
do it.
When
did you start writing and painting? What were the difficulties you
faced with it? How did you overcome them?
I started doing both since I was born. I couldn't use my hands,
so I held the crayon between my teeth and got shavings between my
teeth, but I loved every minute of it! In writing, I often created
stories in my mind, trying to decide if I should make the character
tall or short and had a ball with it.
When did you discover the internet? Did it bring about a
change in your life? Please tell us about it.
I discovered the internet about 8 years ago. WOW! It sure did
change my life! I could talk to people around the globe, join
writer support groups, shop (big smile), conduct research, and I
could go on and on.
How was the behavior of other people towards you?
Very favorable. Of course, I can be a chatty cathy, so I warm up
quick to others.
Did your birth defect affect your position in Society?
It would have done so, if I had let it, but I'm very focused. I
know where I want to go and what I want to do.
How did your family and other people in society react to your
decision to write and paint despite your shortcomings?
I have a lot of education. At first, some people didn't see why I
would forego a job for writing, but writing is my calling, and so is
art. Now, with some success in my past, everyone sees the light.
As
a quadriplegic woman writer/artist, did you find the competition
with other writers/artists tough?
No, not at all. You see, in the arts, I have experienced no
discrimination.
Please tell us more about your work. Your books and art. What
inspires you? Publishers and Printers - how did you manage
everything?
I've authored 6 books. One of these (a how-to book for authors)
is co-authored with my good friend, mentor, and publisher (co-owner
of Ebooksonthe.net), Arline Chase. My first three books were
published by White Oaks Creations Christian Publishing in
Virginia. They no longer publish books.
Two of the three are
e-published (electronic) at http://www.ebooksonthe.net.
My last three are paper (print) published by Cambridge Books, part
of Ebooksonthe.net. Christmas
In The Country is a collection of stories from writers
around the globe. I'm the editor and illustrator. It comes out this
month. I have a good working relationship with the owners of
Ebooksonthe.net, Arline Chase and Sandra List, and am really into
marketing my books.
Your poems have a distinct touch of Motivation and Inspiration
in them. Your life itself to others. What inspires you to write
them?
God inspires me through the spirit speaking to me and through
what a person may say or do.
Who are/were the people who were instrumental in your success?
My career mentor has been Arline Chase. She walks the walk.
Please tell us about your future plans?
Write! Write! Write! It all boils down to that. I definitely plan
to integrate more of my art in my writing.
What are your goals in life?
To do everything I can to work with authors in the EPIC at http://www.epicauthors.org
, continue my close association with the International Womens'
Writing Group at http://www.iwwg.com
, keep writing books on whatever I become inspired to do, and enjoy
the little things along the way -- deer in the field, geese flying
over, etc.
What would you advise others with physical defects and all
women in general?
Never give up on your dreams!
