Good idea, Donna!
M.

I have a few pieces already, short pieces under 2K words about being a mom to a special needs kiddo, but haven't tried to sell them seriously other then to Cup of Comfort and Chicken Soup for the Soul. I really need to focus on Jackie this summer so this bike couldn't have come at a better time.

When he's back in school I'll try again to see about writing, though I just don't think I could even if I tried. I did a short piece this Sunday for the Flash Fiction Challenge that they do on the writing board I go to. You guys might like it:

The Memory

"So you know what today is." Mother said casually but I drew a blank.

"Uh, no, what is it?" I asked confused and lost in my own head trying to pin down what made today special.

"It was your stepfather's birthday, he'd have been 88 today." She said with the same casual tone, as if we were talking about the weather.

"Oh, wow, I totally forgot Mom, thanks for reminding me," I said feeling majorly guilty over the distant past.

We talked about how much he meant to us and then she hung up the phone to get back to her current life with her new husband. I felt anxiety and emotional turmoil rolling through me like waves of sickness. I started crying. I missed him even though it was over ten years ago he'd passed.

Many memories coursed through my mind, but then one in particular came flooding back. One of him and Mom helping me to recreate a poster of my favorite band onto a sheet to win a contest. We worked so hard together for three days, but our efforts had paid off winning me the dream concert of my life with front row seats and back stage passes.

Dad had messed up on the lead singer's left eye but it was okay, it only served to add character to the portrait. Looking back and thinking about how much I missed him I recognized how much I needed to remember him from back then, when he was still strong and able bodied. The memories of him looking feeble after the stroke were too painful to bear.

To honor him I chose to focus on how he'd been when we'd worked on the banner. That stopped me from feeling guilty for not being able to help stop him from being put into a nursing home, or to be there when he died. The guilt was better now then it was ten years ago, but still it hurt bad just the same. The only difference was now I could see that what mattered was keeping his memory alive in my heart and thoughts. That was how people lived on after death.

Since you all know me and my banner story you can see that this was based on experience, hope you liked this piece.

Pam

The thing is that if you can't sell something right away maybe you can
get it published at least.

Donna

Well that's what I meant, sell it to a publisher.

Yes, Pam, this might be a good avenue.
I think that Donna is suggesting starting out doing free pieces in places that parents of special needs children read -- Donna will correct me if I am not exactly right about this.
M.

Ah, I didn't think of that, good idea!~

Yep that is correct.

To me for you Pam, the thing is to be published. And to write.

So to put things out so others can read is the big thing.

And one of the best things you could do is give some of the help
to a special needs parent like with this tricycle you are getting.

Another in your state would love to hear the story. Not that any
state or parent wouldn't.

Donna

I'll have to look at some of those kind of sites and see what I can do, I already did offer a piece to a autism site and they published it but I can't remember where. LOL! Swiss cheese perimenapause memory of mine....