I have always tended to write non-fiction stories, generally about things that have happened in my life that I have learned from. They are not necessarily about me, but at this point the two books I have written have been memoirs, about situations that have affected myself and my family’s lives. I think that we all learn from each other along the way in life. I also find that sharing experiences can be a powerful motivator and can help someone going through a challenging situation to overcome the odds and triumph over adversity. So yes, I like memoirs, but who knows what’s next.

I had a very hard time, especially early in the process of writing this book. I would have no recollection that I had written about a particular idea already. I wasn’t able to retain any information whatsoever for many months, so if I didn’t write it down, the idea was gone. Sometimes I even forgot that I had already addressed the situation at length. It was like Writer’s Ground Hog Day every day.

An enjoyable part for me though was watching as words kind of flowed out of me. I had no idea what day it was, couldn’t walk steadily, and was unable to type, text or use my left arm, but I was able to write with a pen and paper like it was my job. It was also awesome when by writing about the chain of events, I could see that I was making improvements.

My interest in writing began in my early teens. I initially took up journal writing as a way of reflecting on what was going on in my life. I have always been the introspective type and I found that it was kind of a neat way to bounce ideas around with myself. It was also a great way to get concerns out. I used to find that I was less likely to overthink when I would write my worries down; it would take it outside myself. I increasingly enjoyed writing and gradually branched out to writing stories.

I have done more than a few speaking engagements in the past. In the months following the release of my first book, ‘To Dance in the Rain’ I was invited to do author talks, speak about the book as well as about the topics of head injuries and strokes at a handful of senior centers, support groups and a local library. I would be more than happy to speak about my latest release, Thinking of Better Days. My goal is to raise awareness of the 5th leading cause of death in the US today and to help others learn about the risks, prevention and how to deal with life following a stroke.

Interestingly, authoring this book involved an entirely different process than most writing I have done in the past. I used to have to be a bit more relaxed. Would usually go for a long ride and when my mind quieted down would be able to write easily. I wrote To Dance in The Rain almost entirely in the car or at the side of a river or lake after a relaxing scenic drive. The first chapter was written at a rest
stop up on the Taconic parkway in Upstate NY.

This time I was a little more restricted, with not driving at first and then less than in the past. (Not to mention the gas prices!) Life has been slower moving, though, and I have nothing but time, so that lends to being more relaxed inside. In that place where the words can be found.

Anyway, all I need to do is have nothing pressing on my mind. I can only imagine then that if I were a Buddhist monk I would have written countless titles by now.

Incidentally, I used to write almost all my work on paper with my favorite gel pens. The gellier the pen the easier thoughts would flow. Now I am moving more into this millenium and typing the majority of my projects. (Don’t sell your stock in Staples just yet though; The gel pens are still used on a regular basis for my countless to-do lists and pads filled with ideas.)