If this were a fantasy, I could let my imagination run free. I do that when I write for young kids, and I love it. However, since I wanted this book to be as realistic and accurate as possible, I did a lot of research.
I attended a presentation by Karen Trolan, a woman who lost the use of her legs in a small plane crash and still downhill and water skis. She’d written a short biography about her experience as a paraplegic, and I read that to get a first-hand account of what it’s like to go from someone with the use of all limbs, to one who has to rely on a wheelchair. The image of the sit-ski on her cover is one that helped me describe this adaptive equipment.
Of course, I did a lot of Google searches. The world of paraplegia is well represented, and so I was able to find excellent information about a subject I knew little about.
I also interviewed one doctor and a clinical specialist in spinal cord injuries when I started to draft this book. They both gave me some very Real Facts about what paraplegics face. They also made it clear that Hollywood hadn’t gotten it right, hinting that they hoped I would.
Making the story real and yet making it appealing for readers was my biggest challenge in writing this story. How could I avoid the Hollywood cliches, yet keep a reader reading? And most importantly, how could I give an honest portrayal so that anyone who experienced what my main character did would identify with her?
I was fortunate that these very busy experts were willing to give me so much of their time. After I’d spent several hours talking to them and asking questions, I had no choice but to finish the project and see it into print. I felt as if I couldn’t let them down.
The biggest test is going to be my paraplegic readers. Will they think I got it right?
I’m in countdown mode and hope to see this book in print before long. If you haven’t already offered to lend a hand with my launch, just leave me a comment if you’d like to add your name. Any help is appreciated!
Hi Lee - that’s great that you’re trying to get all the information you need for your book - Karen sounds amazing. The competitors in the ParaOlympics and others we see always amaze me at what can be accomplished … but how difficult it must be to achieve what they do. Congratulations - and all the best as you move towards publication. Take care - cheers Hilary
Karen’s story is certainly real. And inspirational. All those things she does. Wonderful.
When I read stories like Karen’s, it is a great reminder that there are true heroes among us who tackle life. It always makes me pause and remind myself not to be a whiner about my little life hassles.
I am happy to help!
I am glad you did the research -so glad. 🙂
I don’t know enough about paraplegic life, but my dad has a prosthetic leg and I pay attention to books with prosthetics and physical disabilities in them. Some are written really well - as I’m sure yours is because you did the research!
I’m looking forward to reading it.
I am in countdown mode too, but we had a vacation…so I am back at it today.
Congrats on the countdown, Lee! I know this one has been a long time in the works….
You chose a challenging subject for sure and one that needs all the light shined on it, it can get. Kudos.
Hi, Cheryl-Lee!
Congratulations on accepting the complex challenge posed by this topic, the world of paraplegia, to accurately tell a story based on cases like Karen Trolan, a woman who triumphed in the wake of a disastrous, life altering accident. I admire you for doing your homework, conducting painstaking research, exhaustively asking questions that needed to be asked and answered, so that you could feel confident that you got it right, when Tinseltown invariably gets it wrong. The truth, the real facts, can inform a work of fiction and make it more interesting and inspiring than pure fantasy when brought to bear by a gifted author with heart and soul. That would be you, Cheryl. Once again, congratulations on doing the hard work to bring to press your inspiring fact-based story.
I’m still a bit on edge because I don’t have personal experience to draw from on this book, and in most of them, I do. Thanks for the vote of confidence, Shady. That is very helpful.
Your hard work and research will pay off. I’m sure it’s good.
I’d be happy to help with this launch. These sorts of survival stories really appeal to me. Just let me know what I can do to help.
Of course. I’d be very happy if you’d give me a hand. Thanks, Jacqui.
Karen Trolan’s story sounds inspiring and it’s great that you take the time to do the research for your books. I’m sure Hollywood doesn’t get it right.
Enjoy your weekend!
Thanks so much for the visit and the comment. I haven’t seen too many Hollywood rendetions of the paraplegic experience, but I’m guessing they romanticize it more that show it for what it is.
This sounds like a great book and a way to inform people about those who overcome so much. I have watched folks ski on those seats—it’s amazing.
I haven’t seen people use the sit-ski in person, but I’ve watched them on Youtube. It’s darned amazing, and it takes practice, even for those who used to ski using two skis. This book has taught to be impressed by the human spirit and the body’s adaptibility.
I can’t even ski with working legs, so I tend to be impressed by anyone who can.
I hear that! I always spent a lot of time with my head in a snowbank, and I have four functional limbs.
Making it real and still appealing is a fine line. We all think reality should stand on its own but sometimes it needs help. Non-fantasy is a tricky thing.
Right. You just can’t make it up and leave it.
Glad to hear you did the research. There are so many people out there who hope you get it right, and I’m glad to hear that you put in the effort. So many don’t.
I don’t like to put something out that’s supposed to be “authentic” unless I have some experts in my corner.
Hollywood doesn’t get it right? Shocker.
Amazing she can still ski.
She sky dives, uses a jet ski, and runs a sucessful business. Very impressive.