Writing

HOW I WRITE

From what you may have gathered so far; yes, I can’t move at all. So, then how do I use a computer or type? Well, I use this thing called SmartNav (Google it if you like), and it enables me to move the ‘mouse’ via a censor on my head. Essentially, I just move my head (and the ‘mouse’ moves)… I hover over an item for a couple of secs… and ‘click’ – just like magic.

However, when it comes to typing, it’s a pretty slow process. I use the same hover and click system (I just mentioned) with a stock standard Windows on-screen keyboard – yep and that’s one letter at a time (predictive text just distracts me). So, for example, it takes me about one and a half hours to write one A4 page.

Lucky I enjoy writing.

And just to clarify things a little further, this same process is how I do everything online. Website design, social media posts, basically live in an online world.

WHAT IS IT?

For years now I’ve had this line in my head, “a voice for those who are suffering.” Now, admittedly, this line does relate directly to my own personal experience, however, to go deeper, what this made me realise is that writing is a voice in and of itself. And for those who can talk, it’s very much a second voice.

But there’s something special about writing, it’s like this textual voice has a life all of its own. It can be funny or informative, direct or obscure, but what I find especially cool is that words have this rather strange in-built longevity to them. And nah, this isn’t about re-reading a social media post a few days later, this is more like publish a book and one day your great, great granddaughter might be reading it.

Writing has a truly unique and diverse spectrum of benefits.

For example, one way I use writing is as a healing tool. Then, another is to straight-up document my journey, then another is to let people know how I’m feeling. A creative outlet, a tool to communicate with others; no wonder I often find myself saying that writing is life.

What does amaze me about this special writer’s voice thing though, I believe that many, many people are underutilising this simple gift. Too many people are focused on consumption, maybe even on crafting fleeting fast-fashion type content, not a hearty meal. And honestly, this is what a short time writing every now and then practice can create – additional substance and fulfilment. That second voice.

Which, this is where The Quadriplegic Writer comes into it, we want you to find and harness your unique writer’s voice. Be direct obscure. We all have something important to say. Yep, tell your story with pride and passion; words have power.

So, whether it be through our online courses (coming soon), or interacting within our online support group (coming soon), or learning as you watch my personal writing journey unfold on social media; what we hope is that you learn some tools and experiment with them bravely. It’s not even important for you to share your ramblings publicly, instead, what is important is that you find your own unique style and prose. This is what will give you the greatest satisfaction, plus I’m certain that this is what your great, great granddaughter will want to hear.

Your essence captured on the page, it truly is possible.

So, storytelling secrets, journaling, persuasive writing, even exploring the art of copywriting; we aim to please. But more importantly, we aim to be useful. For this gift that gives us so much pleasure and meaning, in sharing this and the relevant skill-sets, to help grow your second voice, this is where amazing-ness and smileyface-ness reside. Write on, right on.

WRITING AS A HEALING TOOL

Writing is a powerful tool that can help us to process and heal from emotional pain. Whether it’s journaling, creative writing or writing letters to ourselves or others, putting our thoughts and feelings down on paper can provide us with a sense of clarity, release, and empowerment. It can also help us tap into our creativity and imagination.

I’ve been doing this for many years now. My writing adventures started out with the sole purpose of documenting my bucket list, but as time passed, and as I was growing fonder of the writing process itself, my content began to organically evolve into documenting my life and health struggles as well. Initially this was to help people to understand what I was going through.

As more time passed, another evolution occurred. I began writing about my feelings and emotions, only this wasn’t to help others understand, this was for me. This was so that I could try to make sense of the heavy weight that disability had thrown on my shoulders, you could even say it was a release, plus it helped me to process the losses. Which, in turn, this also helped me to fill some of the voids (definitely not all).

Still, in short, writing has become like a best friend to me. It’s dependable, cathartic it can even be exciting and fun. It is a space where I can be totally honest, plus it eliminates a lot of my loneliness – it’s a safe and non-judgmental space to explore. Also. I can track my progress and see how far I’ve come in my healing journey. Then, if I choose to share my ramblings, it instantly gives me a voice.