I got this email today and I have to share it with you. It doesn’t need anymore introduction - it speaks for itself. It’s a lot longer than the usual post but I couldn’t bear to edit it - it’s too good a story.

Dear Rosalind,

I had to tell you, I think I’m finally finding my direction! And definitely much of the credit goes to you and your book, Women, Work and Autoimmune Disease, Keep Working, Girlfriend! (ed. note: Sandy read this while it was still being edited - the book isn’t out yet!)

In your book, you really stressed the value of having your own business. When I was reading that, I was like “Oh, but I don’t know how to do that! That’s kind of beyond me!” But then I was also like “Me? I could do that?” I think something has been percolating inside of me. I believe I can do that. And I have a plan. And I’m starting to implement it.

I am going to combine my ability to write with my knowledge of disabilities and create a business as a freelance writer specializing in disability topics and also offering myself as a disability consultant. With having a disability myself and having a college degree in special education, I believe I’m qualified. And I surely can write. And the money is in nonfiction. And all of this can be done at home on my computer and with my telephone.

Here’s how I’ve started. After having the umteenth million incident in which I’m out in my community and an able-bodied person does something that again shows that they just don’t get it, I called my friend, Anne, to complain. But then it dawned on me, we complain to each other, but who is educating the able-bodied? Then I realized, I could do that.

I had in mind a column. I started by submitting my first column as a letter-to-the-editor to my local newspaper, the Summit Daily. Right off, with the first one, they offered me the column. So I now have a column in my local paper called Disability 101. It runs twice a month. Of course, I’m getting no money at this point, but I now can say that I’m a published writer. I’ve had six in so far. I am currently making preparations to submit to a larger Denver paper, the Rocky Mountain News.

So, I’ve been reading and studying about how to establish a freelance writing business. It’s not all that new because of my experiences with fiction. However, nonfiction is a much more profitable business. But I still have a lot to learn. But I’m starting.

I haven’t quit my day job yet, but I’m on my path. So, if you are interested, below is a link to my most recent column which is out on-line today (print version tomorrow). This one is entitled “Not everyone who uses a wheelchair is paraplegic”.

So, I am so excited about my new direction and I just wanted to thank you for all of your help! You helped get me out of a very deep, dark rut and helped me to believe in myself and I would really like to thank you for that.

And thank you so much for your book, Keep Working, Girlfriend! Your book really helped me to start believing in the possibilities. Congratulations on the successful beginnings for your book! It’s exciting to watch your progress with it!

Take care,
Sandy Lahmann

Sandy graciously allowed me to post this. Thanks, Sandy, for your kind words and sharing your success. We’re rooting for you… and everyone else out there on this journey.

Do you have a story - success or otherwise you want to share?
Rosalind

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