Getting famous is all about who you know...

I’m happy to post this mini interview with Glenda Watson Hyatt who is an author with cerebral palsy. Her autobiography’s terrific (I got it for Christmas) and her story’s just as good. Read and enjoy….

1. Why is it important to you that others benefit from what you have experienced in your life?

By sharing my experiences and lessons learned from living with cerebral palsy, I hope it may make others’ lives easier or it may ignite some spark in their life. I see my autobiography I’ll Do It Myself as part of my legacy, as my way of passing on the lessons I’ve learned in hopes of making someone else’s life easier, as my way of showing that having cerebral palsy is not a death sentence, but rather a life sentence. Sometimes simply reading how someone else handled a particular situation gives the reader the encouragement and ideas for handling a similar situation. Other times knowing others have had similar experiences – to know one is not alone – can be so comforting, and can offer strength and hope. Offering that strength and hope is important to me; I feel it is part of my life’s purpose.

2. Are there any central messages in your book? What were your personal challenges in writing this book?

By intimately sharing my life story, I show others that cerebral palsy is not a death sentence, but rather a life sentence. Although I can’t walk and my speech is very difficult to understand, I still have a meaningful life. With determination and perseverance, I can accomplish so much, despite my limitations - or what others perceive to be my limitations. I am very much alive, leading a meaningful and fulfilled life.

I must confess that my biggest internal challenge when writing was that I’m so easily distracted. Checking my email or googling something on the internet was easier than writing seriously; writing is such a solitary and lonely activity at times. And new opportunities and ideas frequently popped up, as if testing my commitment to writing this book.

My other personal challenge was my typing speed (http://webaccessibility.biz/blog/?p=28). Plunking away on my keyboard with only my left thumb resulted in 500 words in an hour, which was a good, productive writing session for me.

3. What or who has given you encouragement to write your book?

First, my husband Darrell [www.enablingabilities.com] was, and continues to be, a wonderful source of support and encouragement. He enabled me to take the time necessary to write, which meant he often cooked dinner or did the grocery shopping. He always had an encouraging word when the task felt impossible and he gave me a well-intentioned kick in the butt when I became too distracted.

My family, particularly my Mom, and my close friends have also been supportive once they realized I was serious about making my dream reality.

Messages that I picked up from Oprah and Dr. Robert Schuller [from the Hour of Power, Crystal Cathedral] were the impetus in turning my thirty-old-year dream into reality by saying someday is now and by setting my fortieth birthday as the launch date, which forced me to get serious about writing my book I’ll Do It Myself.

I was also amazed by the support I received from the virtual world, particularly as I was soliciting votes for the Mega Marketing Makeover. People were so positive and encouraging, freely offering advice and suggestions, and assisting me in spreading the word. That support continued as I was finishing the manuscript, and I am feeling it now as I complete the first week of my eight-week virtual book tour “40 Blogs in 40 (Business) Days”

Suzanne, thanks so much for hosting this appearance along my virtual tour. I truly appreciate it.

I would like to invite your readers to join me for the rest of the virtual book tour by visiting www.doitmyselfblog.com and signing up to receive blog updates right in their email inbox. How cool is that!