Monday, September 04, 2006

SOME OPPORTUNITIES COME ONCE IN A LIFETIME

BY TARYN SIMPSON

Every once in awhile, you’ll hear a story that is so intriguing and inspirational, that you have to know more. How did this person get to this lofty plain of perspective? These questions and more consumed me when I came across one young man’s story. He pitched his story to me and I was instantly hooked. Granted, writers are in the business because we need to make money in order to earn a living. Good writers will write for the love of telling a story too. And, sometimes that means taking on a project for the love of our craft. In other words, zero compensation!

Such is the story of Jason Walker. He is a 29 year old man that has been afflicted with Duchenne’s Disease since he was 6 years old. This particular disease attacks male children only and is considered the most serious illness within the Muscular Dystrophy disease. The sobering fact is that the oldest known survivor of this disease lived to be 30 years old. As you can see, Mr. Walker is in the evening of his life where most men his age are basking in the full sun of the day.

When I asked Jason what he wanted to convey through this book, he simply stated that he wanted to inspire others that may be going through a difficult time in life, and that there IS a light at the end of the tunnel. This comes from a man who is a quadriplegic, operates his specially equipped wheelchair with his tongue and has a voice activated computer. So, by interviewing him and going over drafts of the book via the power of the internet and other technology, he is about to become a co-author.

For one of the most inspirational stories you’ll ever want to read, be sure to look for “Missing My Body” by Jason Walker as told to Taryn Simpson. You’ll get an eye opening view of what it’s like to be a quadriplegic, and discover what it’s like to miss your body.

Taryn Simpson is a member of the Write On! Creative Writing Services team and owner of Simpson E-Publishing. Taryn has written two screenplays, three books and is about to have her fictional thriller, “Glittering Secrets” converted to an independent film. Her other screenplay, “Conversations with Pearl” garnered attention from the Project Greenlight critics and was featured at the Southern Festival of Books in 2002. Taryn's company, Simpson - E Publishing has expanded to include digital photography, virtual assistant and other writing services.

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