Genevieve Dawid was born dyslexic and dysphasic and yet still have become an author.
At school her spelling was so poor that she was told not to participate in English classes. Therefore she believed that she would never be able to write.
Genevieve comments, "I left school not knowing where a comma went, let alone being able to spell. In greeting cards I simply put my name, fearing that a written sentiment may contain spelling mistakes. I had someone else type letters on my behalf and totally avoided having to write."
However, when she moved into further education at the age of 16, teachers diagnosed her as dyslexic; within weeks and with extra tuition she started to write far better, and found herself enjoying it.
Learning to use a computer also changed her writing for good, as it had the added benefit of a Spell Checker.
Genevieve goes on to say ... "When I started to write more as I got older, it was suggested that my life story and experience in personal development should be published; I was petrified."
After a serious illness came the perfect opportunity to create her long awaited book. It was without doubt the hardest thing she had ever done, but she was determined that she would write all the words herself, and not have it ghost written.
Daily, she spent hours writing, and in just a month had the bones of a book. She then sent it to an editor for appraisal, direction and corrections before finally turning it into a book. (Most authors use editors before submitting a manuscript to a publisher.) The whole process took nine months.
Eventually, her part biography and self help book, 'The Achiever's Journey' was published in 2007; one of her greatest achievements. Now she has the writing bug! She regularly writes articles and editorials
Recently she took a world cruise and kept a daily diary, - which went out weekly via e-mail to family and friends. A wonderful record of a very special time in her life.
What writing has made Genevieve realise is the extent to which our society has snobbish values about writing. "It is not how you write, but what you write."
Everyone should write a memoir. For example writing your thoughts on your wedding day, after giving birth, or other memorable life experiences.
"When my Father was dying of cancer he started to write about his life. I longed for him to be able to record all of his experiences. Sadly, he only wrote a fraction of it, but I treasure to this day the bit he did accomplish. However, there is so much I wish I could ask, and can't. Now I'm older I want to know more."
Whatever memories or knowledge you may have, write them down. Her grandfather was a brilliant gardener, but unfortunately none of his tips were passed on.
"I have a wonderful son who is also very dyslexic. I treasure every word that he writes; most spelling mistakes are still readable, such as 'shud' for 'should'. Every day I encounter others from the same generation, or who like me, were overlooked or not accepted, for not meeting the standards set for writing. Worse still, I see children leaving school today without basic writing skills. "
Putting pen to paper regularly has made Genevieve more confident with her writing. If you want to improve your English, by all means look to get assistance through additional education.
If you don't want, or are not in the position to gain further education, then still write. Just write in your own style; it doesn't have to be perfect. You could also choose to use a dictaphone and have someone type it for you. Then again you could record memoirs or information on a video recorder. Or type straight onto the computer.
Remember, what ever you write, you will without doubt benefit another, please loved ones, as well as providing an historical record.
About the Author
Genevieve Dawid is a published author of the self help book The Achievers Journey. She is a highly successful consultant, lecturer, and mentor, for both individuals and corporations. |
