Book on living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Today we welcome Jason Walker to our writing blog. Jason is an Duchenne muscular dystrophy survivor with incredible faith, character and determination that far exceed his years.

In my author interview with Jason, we are discussing his book MISSING MY BODY, which was ghostwritten by Taryn Simpson. Taryn is a member of the Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services team. This is Mr.Walker’s first novel and he hopes to inspire others facing similar difficulties.

YVONNE: please give us the basic story line so we’ll know what your book is about.
JASON: Missing My Body is the name of the book. It's about a young man living with a disease called Duchenne muscular dystrophy and what it's like for him to live everyday life with the constant worrying and daily struggles. Different situations arise from day to day and this book shows what a basic day is like for me. Other people take these things for granted. Also, it’s about the accomplishments I've been able to achieve and the hard times I've been through; the difficult obstacles of medical procedures. I also let the reader in on what Duchene muscular dystrophy is.

YVONNE: Is this the first book you have written?
JASON: Yes, first time ever thought of doing so.

YVONNE: How long did it take to write this book?
JASON: I would say I think six months probably. It's hard to always think that far back with everything that goes on in my life.

YVONNE: How did you publish your book?
JASON: I was looking online one day for someone that could help write my book because I had no clue of what I was doing or who I could get to help me with this idea of writing a book. All I knew is that I wanted to write a book of some sort and I came across the name of Mrs. Perry who directed me to a Web site of a ghostwriter Taryn Simpson who could possibly be able to help me do this idea of mine. Well Taryn Simpson agreed to do it after we decided how to go about it.

YVONNE: Did you work with an agent? If so, how did you find the agent?
JASON: No agent involved.

YVONNE: Where is your book(s) available? Do you have a Web site or blog where we can learn more about you or your book?
JASON: My book is currently available online at (http://www.lulu.com/content/1019489) Barnes and Noble.com and will be available on Amazon.com. Unfortunately I do not have a Web site or blog where you can learn more about me or my book.

YVONNE: As far as marketing, do you do more online publicity or print/radio/TV promotion?
JASON: Aside from where you're able to buy it I am currently working on trying to promote it more where I can. It only has been marketed through my local town newspaper and during a segment of the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon and two local television stations did interviews.

YVONNE: Have you hired a publicist to help promote this book? Have you worked with a publicist on any of your books?
JASON: No I have not hired a publicist just basically word-of-mouth and when I have been able to do.

YVONNE: Any other comments or things you would like for us to know?
JASON: I would just like people to come away from reading this book with a different perspective of life and just how precious it is. Life is a constant struggle and we all go through it but there is always there one person next to you that has bigger problems than you and far more serious things to worry about. I'm hoping my memoir can be an inspiration for those who choose to buy it and read it.

YVONNE: Thank you for giving us the opportunity to get to know you and learn about your book. I wish you well.
JASON: You are welcome and I hope you enjoy my memoir.