Introducing Myself and My Book
Hello, and welcome. I set up this blog in early December of 2008 primarily to promote my first memoir. The date is set years ahead so that this entry will always be first. My clever friend Sarah did that with hers and I thought it was a great idea.
My first book, "Carmella's Quest: Taking on College Sight Unseen," was released in early 2009 and is published by Red Letter Press.
http://RedLetterPress.GooglePages.com
The book is about my first year of college at a small Baptist school (North Greenville) located in the upstate of SC. The story takes place in late 1994 and early 1995. In this reader-friendly and simple story, I recount my experience of leaving home for the first time, friendships, academic challenges, romances, and the life lessons I learned during that very important year. To read excerpts, press releases, and other information about Carmella's Quest, click here
http://www.livejournal.com/tools/memories.bml?user=carmellasquest&keyword=%2A&filter=all
What makes this book different from other college memoirs is that I also describe unique situations that arose for me as someone who was legally blind but not totaly blind. Some of my choices around that issue will be frowned upon by members of the blind community. I am prepared for that. I do things differently now, but am honest about where I was in my own acceptance of the "blindness thing" at the time. Another aspect of this story that may set it apart for many readers is that the book does not include offensive language, or descriptions of wild college parties or other content that might concern parents or offend some readers. I just wasn't into that stuff and being at a Christian college meant such things weren't so much a part of the culture there. I'm sure I'll take some teasing from family members just based on what I was willing to share about my dating life, simply because I had one and said so. I'd give it a PG rating if it were a movie, I think. It has a few "questionable" or "edgy" segments .
I enjoyed writing this book, believe there is enough diversity of experience to keep readers engaged, and am excited to be able to share it and to see where it takes me. It can be ordered through the publisher or through Amazon.com. For autographed copies, indicate that when you send a check ($14.95 + $2.00 for shipping) and Bob will let me know. If you are blind and want or need an electronic copy emailed to you, as well, please include a note letting us know that and I'll forward one to the email address provided in that note. If you ordered from Amazon and want an electronic copy, simply forward your order confirmation email to me and I'll email you an electronic copy of CQ.
Through this blog, I'll also share some of the other pieces I've written, books I have enjoyed, other writing related stuff, current happenings in my life, and my thoughts on other topics. I'll also do some singing, as that is another way I express feelings and creativity.
So, who am I? I ask myself that a lot so let's just stick to facts here. I'm originally from a small town near Augusta, GA. I have been legally blind since birth due to complications related to prematurity. I live and work in the Columbia, SC, area. I am passionate about my career as a Professional Counselor and Marriage and Family Therapist. I have two undergraduate degrees (North Greenville College and Columbia Bible College/Columbia International University) and a graduate degree from the University of South Carolina. I am passionate about truth, relationships, and writing.
Living in a world set up to accomodate those who can see is not always easy, especially since life still offers a range of other difficult experiences that have to be dealt with on top of the "blindness thing." I strive to live a life of independence, authenticity, and integrity and am sustained by faith in God, my family and friends, and my wonderful guide dog, Maggie. One of my favorite things, as I say on the Dedication page of CQ, is being an aunt to my sister's three great kids. Spirituality and a sense of humor that can tend towards sarcasm and edginess also help a lot. Despite life's challenges, I consider myself very blessed.
I hope you enjoy this blog. Check in often. I can be contacted at
CarmellasQuest@hotmail.com