“Do you speak into your computer?” This question is frequently asked when learning I’m a blind writer. Writing without sight is different from writing with a visual impairment, and different from my sighted counterparts.
Attending a Christian writers’ conference recently, I was reminded of some of these differences. . Then, I was invited to speak to a group of retired teachers in May. Preparing for this, allowed me to recall even more differences of how I write without sight.
Before reading my unique challenges facing me as a blind author, let me remind you that we’re all different, no matter what. If we’re human, we all live with something, so read this for entertainment, and to be educated. No pity please.
At Meetings and Conferences. . .
* unable to follow power point presentations
* handouts aren’t handy, especially if they have fill-in-the-blanks
(once home, I am able to scan documents)
* unable to type notes on tablets, laptops, or other devices
(this would be possible with much learning, and practice)
* no browsing of books for sale – can’t enjoy successes of my friends, nor purchase books to teach
writing
* I must memorize what classes I want to attend, instead of reading conference schedules, or pestering my colleagues
* networking is almost nill due to limited mobility
* unable to participate in writing exercises
Writing. . .
* have limited reading (the #1 method of learning to write)
* few resource books, or classes are available
* I use special keyboard commands to replace the mouse
* I don’t utilize a desk, or special area to write, since all I need is my keyboard and headphones
* I rely completely on memory, or imagination, to write. No visual inspirational prompts, ways to organize, in front of me, in a writing area
* research and referencing is quite limited, although Alexa helps
* anything with images or fonts isn’t part of my world, leaving me totally dependent on others
* everything I type is left justified, single-spaced, with double-spacing in between paragraphs (it’s the only way I can identify where my new paragraphs begin)
* I rely on others to center, make bold, italicize, etc. my work
Editing. . .
* getting critiqued at Christian Writers Fellowship’s monthly meeting isn’t an option, as members write suggestions on copies, which isn’t scannable. One author offered to type the combined suggestions and email them, but has since passed away.
* I belong to the most patient online editing group in the world. They send me their manuscripts in emails when I can’t open attachments. They allow me to do more content editing, than punctuation and grammar. I can catch those mistakes, but can’t always remember to type it.
* my online editing group members make their suggestions in parentheses where they want changes to be made
* I’m unable to read comments made in margins sent in Word by other authors. (screen readers focus on main content only) Therefore, edits sent by my writing coach using tracker, must be read aloud to me.
* Personal editing is time-consuming. Listening to my screen reader, I hear typos, as well as what doesn’t flow. Special keyboard commands are then used to search line by line, word by word, and letter by letter, so I can delete mistakes.
Publishing and Marketing. . .
* researching publishers is limited. My inability to look at samples is a big hindrance. Never seen a query letter either.
* mailing print submissions means finding a friend, or relative
* my screen reader doesn’t alert me where my pages divide, and other details necessary for formatting criteria for submissions
* commenting on other blogs is highly recommended to network, but rarely works for me. Special filters, and old browsers supporting my screen reader creates different interaction when viewing many websites, than my sighted counterparts.
* I’m not capable of operating my blog – my husband finds images, edits, and posts mine from emails. The rest is hired.
* my Facebook uses a different interface, making it hard for the sighted to teach me how to do certain tasks. Posting pictures is impossible. Another task for hire.
* I’m dependent on others for transportation to speaking engagements, or book launches, plus more
* the exclusion to the visual world impacts social media heavily, book cover design, and much more
whatever challenges you’re facing today, remember these 3 things:
1. Don’t focus on the challenge, but rather, focus on the parts you can do.
2. God equips those He calls (Col. 3:21)
3. God makes a way, when there seems to be no way. All things are possible with Him (Phil. 4:19)
QUESTION: What things makes it hard for you to persevere? Do you believe perseverance can be developed? In what ways? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Thank you for sharing this post, and reading others. Be blessed.
© 2018, Jena Fellers. All rights reserved.
Jena – when you mentioned you must rely entirely on memory or imagination to write – I thought what a blessing that is. Your creativity comes directly from the Holy Spirit whispering through you, so you don’t have to deal with any self-sufficient pride. I feel so honored to know you. As for perseverance, I have learned to do one day at a time and to focus on Ps 43:5 “Hope in God for I will YET praise Him.” Living in the Yet.
Hi Rebecca. Thanks for the compliment, and the helpful verse. The downside to relying on memory is when your brain is cluttered, memories can sometimes be as suppressed as someone with amnesia. However, you’re right on relying on the Holy Spirit. Visual prompts are helpful, but can also distract.