The next time you think you’re just too busy or overburdened to get to work on your novel or screenplay, take a minute to consider Susan Spencer-Wendel.
She was 44 years old in 2011 when she was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). She decided to do lots of things on her bucket list one of which was writing a book that might inspire others and would remind her family and friends of her when she is gone.
The book is 89,000 words long.
She wrote it on her iPhone.
She did it using only her right thumb.
I know hearing about somebody else’s difficulties doesn’t make yours any less troublesome, but what her story demonstrates is that it’s all about priorities.
Susan Spencer-Wendel really wanted to write that book, so she did. It's called Until I Say Good-bye.
If you really want to write your book or your screenplay, you will.
If this inspires you to get writing, it’ll be proof that she achieved what she set out to do.
(This item is also in my Brainstorm ebulletin this month, but I think it's worth featuring in both places. You can read more about Susan Spencer-Wendel here. There’s also a link to the 6-minute NPR story there.)