Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
I started writing at the age of 7. My father encouraged me, and even bought me my own typewriter.
A classmate told me, "You're a good writer, but you don't want to be good; you want to be great."
My first few books did fine but they didn't break the sound barrier, so I had to take odd jobs.
My first job was at a law firm. I didn't belong. I preferred the secretaries & mailroom employees.
A friend noticed that I "saw" people that most others overlooked.
I knew that was something I'd learned growing up with my sister, who has an intellectual disability.
I was inspired to write a book about my relationship with my sister; it became a bestseller.
I'd never thought of speaking as part of my career path, but it fell into my lap and now I love it.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Solebury School
Solebury School
Career
Author / Speaker
I write books that feature characters with disabilities and I give talks about disability / diversity.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Writing
Art
Upholding a Cause and Belief
Day to Day
It depends on the day - most days, I'll get up, have breakfast, and start writing. I always work standing up, using my ironing board as a desk. When I'm writing, I like to work in quiet places, and I try to work at home, where I can drink as much tea as I want. Other days, when I'm on the road for speaking engagements, a "perfect day" means that everything goes over smoothly...no flies in the ointment.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
Think about getting a degree in something other than writing or English. I think my degree in anthropology was more valuable than my MFA for a number of reasons. Anthropology educated me on different ways of thinking, encouraged me to value openmindedness, and taught me how to see the world through the eyes of people unlike myself. In addition, choose your friends carefully. Popular friends aren't as important as interesting ones. Be willing to be a weirdo, and to hang out with other weirdos.
Recommended Education
My career is not related to what I studied. I'd recommend this path instead:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Teachers:
"You need to edit this. This story could probably be better."
Challenges I Overcame
Family Issues
Learning Issues
