13.2 Glenda Watson Hyatt, published author

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A Life Changed by a Book

I'll Do It Myself Book Cover

Yesterday, Glenda gave us glimpse into the business she began as a web accessibility specialist, Soaring Eagle Communications, and she shared her feelings about a future filled with possibilities.

Our conversation, at that point, had turned to the how the act of writing a book had an effect on Glenda’s life.

Glenda, as a publisher, I know that the book we start is hardly ever the book that gets written.

What was the most unexpected thing you found while writing your book? How did the book change? How did the book change you?

When I first began writing the book several years ago, I envisioned a collection of short stories and memories from my life. I then found myself filling in the gaps between the memories. The book evolved into my autobiography, or, at least, the first installment! The book cover also changed, thanks to Nancy Cleary of Wyatt-MacKenzie Publishing. I had designed a simplistic cover, which she turned into something amazingly beautiful. I was emotional the first time I saw it.

Once I started telling people that I was writing a book, I was surprised by the support and encouragement that I received, even from people I did not know. One such person is Debbie Fierst, of Logical Imagination . who generously volunteered to edit my manuscript. I was also surprised by the number of people who would like to write a book, but haven’t made it happen for a variety of reasons.

My book I’ll Do It Myself confirmed to me that I am a bona fide writer and that writing is my gift, which I am meant to use and to share with others. I sense my book will continue to change me by opening new doors for me, and by taking my business/career and my life in a whole new direction.

I remember the feeling of seeing my words in print for the first time. How did you experience that feeling? Where were you when you opened the first copy of your book? What was the feeling and thoughts you had at that time? Have you captured them to call them up later?

Since I self-published, the boxes of books were delivered to my home on December 5th. I anxiously awaited their delivery until they finally arrived mid-afternoon. I was trembling with excitement and anticipation while the delivery man wheeled in the boxes in two loads. When I opened the first box and saw my book for the first time, a wave of emotions came over me. Thirty years of dreaming, preparing, researching, visualizing and writing became real in that moment. I had done it! My dream became reality in that moment. I had written and self-published my book. And they were beautiful! There were a few happy tears. I can only imagine that it is similar to giving birth and holding your baby for the first time. I captured the moment on my other blog.

Thank you, Glenda! I can identify with those moments. You made them real for everyone. That’s a writer’s gift.

See you tomorrow with another question.

–ME “Liz” Strauss

Related
13.1 Meet Glenda Watson Hyatt
A 4-Part Series: An Interview with the Amazing Glenda Watson.Hyatt

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13.1 Meet Glenda Watson Hyatt

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Glenda Watson Hyatt’s Virtual Book Tour

Glenda Watson Hyatt's photo

It was the photo, Glenda’s photo, that led me to write to her.

After Wendy suggested that Glenda would be someone Successful Blog readers would love to read about, I went over to Glenda’s blog. I poked around a bit. I read some posts about Glenda and her book. Then I did a Google search, and I read a few other interviews from her Virtual Book Tour.

But I kept coming back to the photo at the top of Glenda’s blog. It was what I saw and what I felt in that photo. I’m right there when it comes to meeting someone who knows the feeling of joy.

Joy that’s what I saw.

Glenda Watson Hyatt has achieved incredible things. She made a life as an author with cerebral palsy, typing with only her left thumb — hey, becoming an author is no small feat for us with two hands to type. But that’s not why I introduce you to Glenda Watson Hyatt.

I want you to meet her, because she is a woman who has felt joy.

Hi Glenda! First let me tell you, one reason that drew me to write was your photo. I take photos of people very seriously. I look in their eyes. In yours I saw intelligence, but more than that I saw joy to match the smile on you face.

So, darn it, how are you? and who are you?

Hi Liz, thanks for the warm welcome and for conversing with me in this manner. This is great because the written word is my best means of communication. I’m awesome, and extremely busy with my virtual book tour, promoting my autobiography I’ll Do It Myself.

To introduce myself, I am Glenda Watson Hyatt from Surrey, British Columbia, on the westcoast of Canada. I’m married to a wonderful, supportive man Darrell. Faith is my four-legged feline baby. I am forty and am excited to have reached that milestone.

I have been self-employed for eight years; initially, it was out of necessity because job prospects for someone with a significant physical disability weren’t plentiful. I began my business Soaring Eagle Communications as a web accessibility specialist and several interesting projects in the field but the work was sporadic. Right now the Eagle is undergoing a transition and finding a new direction. I am seeing new opportunities everywhere and I sense the Eagle will soon catch an updraft and soar to heights unimaginable.

Despite my cerebral palsy, I have lived a fairly full life. I focus on what I can do and what I do have; so many have much less than I do. I believe in possibility thinking and making things happen for myself. I am in a point in my life where life is good and I truly believe the future is mine.

Thank you, Glenda! You are awesome! See you tomorrow. I can’t wait to hear more.

–ME “Liz” Strauss

Related
A 4-Part Series: An Interview with the Amazing Glenda Watson.Hyatt

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A 4-Part Series: An Interview with the Amazing Glenda Watson.Hyatt

Filed Under Interviews, Successful Blog | 11 Comments

Glenda Watson Hyatt’s Virtual Book Tour

I'll Do It Myself Book Cover

Wendy Piersall wrote to me that I must meet this amazing woman, Glenda Watson Hyatt. Wendy was about to interview Glenda for eMoms at Home as part of Glenda’s Virtual Book Tour for her new book, I’ll Do It Myself.

Glenda’s new book I’ll Do It Myself chronicles her story of growing up with cerebral palsy. This beautiful, bright woman with the engaging smile and intelligent eyes was a pleasure to interview, and I missed her when it was over.

You really must meet her.

I’ll be sharing Glenda this week in a four-part conversation.

Monday, February 26 — Who iis this author and why is she smiling? 13.1 Meet Glenda Watson Hyatt

Tuesday, February 27 — What surprises happened while writing the book? 13.2 Glenda Watson Hyatt, published author

Wednesday, February 28 – How did Glenda learn to be a writer and find her wonderful writing voice? 13.3 Glenda Watson Hyatt, Learning to Write

Thursday, March 1 — What message would this author like to give the world? 13.4 Glenda Watson Hyatt, the person I met

Thanks, Glenda! It was wonderful that you let it be such a two-way conversation. I hope you really will come to Chicago so that we can meet person to person.

–ME “Liz” Strauss

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