Today, Yvonne Perry will share some background for her fascinating and very educational book about stem cell research. Does the subject confuse you? Then you need to read her book. Its hard to make an educated decision about such an important topic without the starting with the facts...
1 - How did you get interested in the topic that's featured in your book?
There are two people who influenced me to write RIGHT TO RECOVER Winning the Political and Religious Wars over Stem Cell Research in America.
I met Reverend Dan Bloodworth in 2005 and immediately became intrigued by his enthusiasm regarding stem cell research. Dan's All-American athlete son, Brian, suffered a spinal cord injury when he was hit by lightning in 1987. Motivated by his desire to find a treatment that would allow his son to communicate and become mobile again, Dan has devoted 16 years of his life to learn everything he could about stem cell research and share that information with anyone willing to listen.
While working with Michael Davis on his book, FROM TRAGEDY TO TRIUMPH: A Personal Story about Living with Quadriplegia, I became keenly aware of, and very interested in, the healing potential that blastocyst (also known as embryonic) stem cell research offers victims of spinal cord injury, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, cancer, renal failure, paralysis, heart disease, and many other illnesses.
2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?
I enjoy doing research on just about any topic. I'm an encyclopedia junkie! I've written more than a dozen books and over 100 articles so writing is my background. I operate a freelance writing and editing services from my home. When the topic of stem cell research kept coming up for me, I naturally started researching. The next thing I knew I had gathered enough information to write a book, so I found a publisher, pitched my idea to her and started the manuscript.
3 - What advice would you give to someone who is interested in your topic? By all means, read my book, but also do some research on your own. Talk to the people in this field, and interview those who are doing the work.
4 - What do you see as the benefit to participating in groups and organizations? My first thought would be networking opportunities and the chance for personal and business growth. What are your reasons?
The benefits of being involved in groups are tremendous. Networking is a big part of my day. I am affiliated with about a six online groups for writing and marketing. We learn a lot from one another. We share information, give one another encouragement and helpful feedback. Not a day goes by that I don't correspond with someone in one of these groups. If I know someone who needs a service another person offers, I am going to refer them to someone in my network. It's a win-win for everyone involved. Some of my best friends are online acquaintances that I have never met in person.
5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose? Someone who is on the fence regarding blastocystic (embryonic) stem cell research would be able to create their own informed opinion about the research after reading my book.
6 - What do you think ignites a person's creativity? I think we all have a muse or creative spirit inside us. The creativity can come any time or any place, like in the middle of the night. Then, there are times when I have to write something by a certain date and the inspiration is not there and I'm not really interested in doing the project. That when I have to make the effort and start a project anyway, and trust that the inspiration will follow. It usually does.
7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing? Procrastination and low self-esteem are the two biggest reasons people do not follow their hearts. If you do not have confidence that you are a good writer, you may not even try. But, trying is part of the process even if you are not good at it. You can always take writing courses. The more we write, the more we improve our writing skills. The more we improve, the more confidence we gain.
8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that? Writing for the fun of writing is the best remedy. When you can write without fear of being judged or feeling like your writing isn't good enough, you will find it a healing process. Enjoy each step you take no matter where you are on the journey.
9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else? That's different for each person. Some are motivated by money and fame. My definition of success is balance. If I enjoy what I do and make enough money to live comfortably, I am successful.
10 - Who is the “perfect” person to read your book? A person who can appreciate the amount of research time and effort that went into it! I would love to have each member of Congress read my book.
11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us? I want to thank you for allowing me to be on your blog. You are doing a great job and I've enjoyed sharing with you.
4 comments:
I have enjoyed Yvonne's work for several years. I am a big supporter of what she stands for: Unity.
She has helped so many people find the tools to get their lives functioning in a positive way. She is a gift that keeps on giving and I appreciate all her energy.
Yvonne has helped me remember that we are all connected in a web of love. Yvonne is a whole part of the whole of love.
Hal
I totally disagree with Yvonne as to who should read this book. Everyone should buy and read this book! We will all go through or have loved ones go through dire medical problems that CAN BE CURED in the near future by stem cell therapy. Why is public opinion so fanatical?? Because Joan and John Q. Public don't know the facts. Because emotionalism allows ourselves and people we love to perish prematurely. I am a diabetic, my mother died from complications with this same disease. She was 67. Yvonne has tackled an emotional controversy and made logical sense of it. Can you afford not to read it? Think about it the next time you or a relative is diagnosed with a fatal disease that could be cured in the near future but will not be because of politics. Are you mad enough yet? Go buy the book and then make your voice heard!
-Nick Oliva
Hal, thank you for your loving comments. If anyone is all about unity and love it is YOU! I highly recommend Hal's poetry Short Sleeves (http://www.shortsleeves.net) for anyone who wants word pictures of what unity and love look like!
Thank you, Nick, for that powerful comment.
I went to a stem cell symposium sponsored by the Parkinson's Foundation at Loew's Vanderbilt Hotel on Saturday. Mary Parker with the John Edwards presidental campaign was there and she made a profound comment. She said, "There is an easy answer to your question about when life begins. The answer is 'It doesn't matter!'" Eyebrows went up all over the audience as she continued, "When does life begin? is not the question being asked by supporters of blastocystic (embryonic) stem cell research. Their question is: Are these cells trash or are they research material?"
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