If you’re like some caregivers, you’ll exclaim, “YES!” Some of us have witnessed COVID firsthand or watched helplessly as we’ve lost loved ones. We feel unsettled. We’re unsure of how upcoming policy changes will affect us. We hope our nation will heal the wounds of divisiveness. Beyond the uncertain times we live in right now, caregiving must go on. “YES INDEED!”
Do you have a story to tell?
Even with the overlap of our shared caregiving experiences, we are unique in how we navigate the many twists and turns of our journeys. Some caregivers are eager to share the paths they take or, in my case, are persuaded by others to write about them.
Toward the end of the last century (1990s), I wrote one of the first handful of books on caregiving for people with dementia. (Back then we labeled most dementia diagnoses, Alzheimer’s.) The question my father asked repeatedly (written in quotes due to the incorrect grammar) and the title of my book, “Where’s my shoes?” My Father’s Walk through Alzheimer’s was translated in different languages and sold internationally. In the last two decades, I’ve written four more books, including a completely revised second edition, pictured here.
Much has changed over the years—better delineation of the causes of dementia, more caregiving resources, and diverse tools to share our ideas.
Nine books and over a thousand articles later, people still ask me for advice regarding writing and publishing.
This month, I am finalizing updates on three articles that lay the caregiver-book-writing foundation.
It’s been over 40 years since I wrote my first lengthy manuscript—my Master’s thesis. I never considered myself a writer. I was much better at speaking. Even my teachers thought so—they’d send me home with report cards with three words: talks too much. Over the years, I honed my writing skills, including two bestsellers.
I continue to learn and share what I know in this ever-changing marketplace.
We live with plenty of opportunities to reflect on our own experiences and help others by sharing our stories.
How can your caregiving journey help others?
My first piece of advice to you is to really do your research. Dig deep into what has already been written. As an author, a publisher, and a book reviewer, I choke when I read an author’s prefatory or introductory remarks that no one else had written about the subject. This is rarely true and a sure sign the person did not do enough research.
Want to know a secret?
Writing is only five percent of the effort. This is hard to digest. The truth is, it’s takes another 150% effort to get your message out to the masses. Exactly! The numbers add up to over 100% effort to be successful.
Still want to write?
Next week, you’ll be able to read the first of three articles on writing and sharing your story.
How does one know if they have something unique enough to be interesting to others?
Cheryl, this is the reason why we advise researching what others have done. The more familiar you are with what’s out there, the easier you can fill a need of what’s missing from your unique perspective.
In this piece, the paragraph under “How can your caregiving journey help others?” provides some information.
The 2nd article among the three steps (following this article) will address research.
If you want to be sure you don’t miss the series, here’s the first of the three parts: https://thecaregiversvoice.comtips-caregivers/i-write-your-caregiving-book-overview/
I’m interested in learning more. You have my email to send a reminder of your articles. Thanks!
Dawn
Dawn, thank you for your interest. I look forward to learning more about the stories you will tell.
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I recommend clicking on the orange RSS feed button, which will be the fastest notification when an article is published – about once a week. The RSS feed button is the orange button at the top of the floating buttons along the right side of TheCaregiversVoice.com pages.
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I will also send you an email with this information.
Brenda Avadian